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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 31, 2019)
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 20 | THE ASTORIAN KNAPPA FOOTBALL READY TO MAKE ANOTHER BIG RUN Coach: Aaron Barendse, 8th year 2018: 8-2 (5-1 NWL) Playoff s: Lost fi rst round state playoff to Glide (42-48, OT) All-league losses: Luke Goozee (RB), Tyler Green (DB), Dominic Rizzo (OL) All-league returners: Jaxson Goodman, Sr. (OL/ DL), Isaac Goozee, Jr. (OL/DL), Devin Hoover, Jr. (WR/DB), Cameron Miethe, Jr. (WR/DB), Kanai Philip, Sr. (WR/DB), Joe Ramvick, Sr. (LB), Kaleb Roe, Sr. (DL), Eli Takalo, Sr. (QB), Spencer Teague, Sr. (LB). Prediction: Doesn’t matter who wins the NWL title — expect both Knappa and Warrenton to make deep runs into the state playoff s. A state championship match between the Loggers and Warriors would be a dream Clatsop Clash. SCHEDULE Sept. 6 at Grant Union 7 p.m. Sept. 13 Toledo 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Taft 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Warrenton 7 p.m. Oct. 4 Vernonia 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Neah-Kah-Nie 7 p.m. Oct. 18 Gaston 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Nestucca 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Portland Christian 7 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2019 Hailey Hoff man/The Astorian Knappa football players train to increase agility with drills. By GARY HENLEY The Astorian T he 2018 season was just “one of those seasons” for the Knappa football team. A great league record for the Loggers — 5-1 — but some late-season inju- ries and their only league loss proved costly. The Neah-Kah-Nie Pirates scored their fi rst win over the Loggers since 2002. It turned out to be Knappa’s only league defeat of the season, but it was enough. The Pirates went on to capture a rare league title, and eventually lost in the state quarterfi nals. This year, a fresh start. And it could be a Clatsop Clash showdown for the NWL title. The Warrenton Warriors are back for their second year at the 2A level, and they’re stocked full of good athletes. Upriver, the Loggers have reloaded, and are ready to take back what’s usually theirs. Knappa has won multiple league titles and missed the state playoffs only once since 2007, advancing to the semifi nals fi ve times. They’re ready to make another deep play- off run in 2019, as all-league players return at 14 positions, including three receivers and three linemen. A baseball injury suffered by senior Eli Takalo last spring has left a question mark at quarterback, but all systems are go every- where else. “We are looking forward to being com- petitive,” said coach Aaron Barendse, enter- ing his eighth year. “We will look a little dif- ferent. Trying to fi gure a few things out with the unfortunate injury to Eli. He was really the heart and soul to the team last year and a huge blessing at QB. He’s been showing up to weights with the guys and came to kids’ camp to help. He’s just a solid guy with great lead- ership skills. He’s a guy I want on my sideline no matter what his role is.” So instead, “We have a few kids that are good enough athletes to fi ll this position. The challenge will be moving parts to fi ll the other spots. Our line should be a strong point. “Jaxson Goodman is an all-state player that’s dominant on both sides of the ball. Isaac Goozee is also an all-state caliber player that will be a handful. Ryson Patterson (sidelined the second half of the season with an injury) will be back and is very talented. “Dillon Anderson is a big boy with a ton of potential. He’s going to be a solid addition. Andrew Pedersen played center and rotated on defense. He’s an undersized line guy that makes up for it with grit and determination. “Kaleb Roe was a big surprise last season. He is very smart and plays tough. He’s a very good D-line guy that will help on ‘O’ as well. “We have some younger kids that will get in the mix to give guys a break here and there. I’m looking forward to seeing our big boys work this year.” The skill position players, meanwhile, “are just that, very skilled,” he said. “We have size, speed and good experience. Kanai Philip is an all-state player that’s probably at the top of the list in the state for 2A receivers. He’s been working his tail off in the weight room. “Cameron Miethe will see a lot of time at running back. He’ll play defensive back and outside backer as well.” Receiver Mason Westerholm “was a fi rst- year player last season. He’s 6-foot-6-plus and has great hands. “Joe Ramvick is a very fast, athletic guy that has an unbelievable motor. Joe is an all- state caliber player on defense as a linebacker. He just fl at fl ys around. “Spencer Teague is an all-league player at middle linebacker and has great hands and speed. Very solid player. Devin Hoover is a long kid with good hands and good speed. He’s a good safety as well as receiver. “Tanner Jackson is just a sophomore, but has put a lot of time in this off season and has shown huge strides. He’ll be in the mixed rotation at receiver as well as defensive back.” Johnny Lenhard “has turned into a big- ger, physical guy. Last year as a freshman he stepped up and played O-line in our playoff game to help the team, as we had four start- ers out with injury. Johnny is a linebacker that loves to be physical.” And “Mark Miller will see some time in multiple roles . Good athlete that has a big upside. We have some younger skill kids that will get into the mix and help us out for sure.”
