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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 9, 2016)
Page 2B SPORTS East Oregonian Friday, December 9, 2016 NFL Seattle turns to unknown backup with Thomas out By TIM BOOTH Associated Press RENTON, Wash. — Steven Terrell is about to lose whatever anonymity he had. Since arriving in Seattle before the 2014 season, Terrell has led a fairly quiet and inconspicuous life as a backup safety and key special teams contributor for the Seahawks. He has done his job well, but maybe not to the point where it’s noticed when he is on the field. That’s about to change in a hurry, with Terrell stepping in as the starting free safety after former All-Pro Earl Thomas broke his lower left leg. “He’s got it,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s looked really good when he’s played, so hopefully he’ll just continue to get better and more confident and flow with the guys better as we stay together out there.” The expectation is Terrell will be out there for the final Terrell four games of the regular season and however far Seattle can advance in the postseason. Short of stepping in for Russell Wilson or maybe Richard Sherman, there may not be a more difficult player on Seattle’s roster to replace than Thomas, who was injured in the first half of last Sunday’s win over Carolina. Thomas’ combination of speed, skill and experience as the anchor in the back of Seattle’s defensive scheme makes it tough for anyone to repli- cate. “Just his natural ability. He’s just one of those players that comes along once in however many years,” Terrell said. “He just has a knack, a natural knack and he just has it. He’s really instinctual and has a great feel for everything.” Part of the unknown with Terrell is simply having not gotten much of an opportunity. That’s the price of playing behind Thomas, who until two weeks ago had played every game of his professional career. Terrell signed with Seattle at the start of training camp in 2014 and found a home after spending his first season in the NFL bouncing around between Jacksonville and Houston. Finding stability meant giving up the chance to be a regular contributor on defense. Terrell wasn’t going to beat out Thomas for a starting role, so he made special teams his opportunity to shine. During the 2015 season, Terrell appeared in 12 games but recorded just one tackle. While his playing time was limited, Terrell was continuing to learn from Thomas. “He kind of teaches in his own way,” Terrell said. “For TIGERS: Stanfield working on just six practices Continued from 1B after re-aggravating a right foot injury that he first suffered in last weekend’s game against Sherman. Also standing out for Stanfield offensively was Jose Garcia with 15 points and Brody Woods with 12 points. WORKING OUT THE KINKS Thursday’s game was another learning opportunity for much of Stanfield’s roster. The team has only had roughly six complete practices now nearly three weeks into the season, according to Sperr, as the bulk of the Tigers’ players are still just 12 days removed from playing in the 2A state championship for football. “They still need more prac- tice, more reps,” Sperr said. “It’s a new system and we have things to get through. We had to watch film for an hour-and- a-half and could only practice for 30 minutes yesterday (Wednesday) because of the football awards.” But even with the lack of reps, Sperr said he is very pleased with the effort that each and every one of those Staff photo by E.J. Harris Stanfield’s Thyler Monkus splits Grant Union defenders Duane Stokes and Cauy Weaver (10) in the Tigers’ 78-60 win against Prospectors on Thursday in Umatilla. players have brought to the floor so far. “The intensity level has been way up, it’s been through the roof and that’s what we need,” he said. “We knew that this is what we can bring, now the execution and skill level will come with time and practice. But the energy is there and they keep bringing good efforts and I’m happy as a clam and hopefully they keep doing it.” UP NEXT Stanfield moves into the winner’s bracket of the Columbia River Clash and will take on league-rival Pilot Rock Saturday at Umatilla High School. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. ——— SHS 16 28 11 23 — 78 GU 12 17 15 16 — 60 STANFIELD — D. Grogan 17, R. Bailey 16, J. Garcia 15, B. Woods 12, J. Galarza 7, E. Angel 5, T. Flores 3, T. Monkus 2, J. Galarza 7, Tony Flores 3, E. Angel 5, T. Monkus 2, GRANT UNION — K. Shelly 12, D. Stokes 11, T. McDaniel 8, C. Deiter 8, C. Weaver 8, T. Elliott 6, Z. Deiter 5, B. Copenhaver 2. 3-pointers — SHS 10, GHS 2. Free throws — SHS 12-25, GU 14-19. Fouls — SHS 19, GU 19. The Rockets will play Stanfield today, weather permitting, at 5 p.m. Arling- ton’s match-up was not known at press time. ——— PR 7 13 6 19 — 45 AHS 13 3 8 7 — 31 PILOT ROCK — B. Pierce 16, D. Hasher 12, C. Weinke 12, T. Denny 4, B. Postma 1, L. Thieme, R. Lankford. ARLINGTON — A. Valdez 8, B. Evans 8, W. Goad 7, J. McAninch 4, B. Troutman 3, T. Longacre. 3-pointers — PR 1; AHS 3. Free throws — PR 10-18; AHS 6-12. Fouls — PR 13; AHS 18. Fouled out — B. Evans (AHS). UMATILLA 59, MAC-HI 50 — At Umatilla, Kaden Webb scored 22 points to lead the Umatilla Vikings to a win over the Mac-Hi Pioneers in the Columbia River Clash tournament on Thursday night at Umatilla High School. “He (Kaden) did a good job of setting the tempo and taking care of the ball tonight,” Umatilla coach Derek Lete said. “He didn’t force things too much which was good to see. He’s been a leader this season for us, leading by his play and verbally on the court.” The Vikings (2-1) led by just four at halftime, but hit some key shots down the stretch and went 14-19 from the free throw line to help seal the victory. Behind Webb, Sebastian Garcia had a good game for Umatilla with 16 points and Justin Maret added eight. For Mac-Hi (2-2) three players finished in double figures as Miguel Garcia, Michael Armenta and Alec Earls each scored 10 points in the game. Both teams continue tournament play today with Umatilla facing Union at 8:30 p.m. and Mac-Hi taking on Echo at 1:30 p.m. — both games at Umatilla High School. ——— M-H 10 8 16 16 — 50 UHS 8 14 20 17 — 59 MAC-HI — M. Garcia 10, M. Armenta 10, A. Earls 10, A. Martinez 8, A. Delgado 5, A. Pio 4, A. Ruiz 3. UMATILLA — K. Webb 22, S. Garcia 16, J. Maret 8, S. Cranston 5, T. Morris 3, M. Garcilazo 3, S. Miller 2. 3-pointers — M-H 4, UHS 7. Free throws — M-H 8-15, UHS 14-19. Fouls — M-H 16, UHS 14. GIRLS BASKETBALL PILOT ROCK 58, ARLINGTON 39 — At Umatilla, the Pilot Rock Rockets started off the Columbia River Clash with a solid non-league win over Arlington on Thursday at Umatilla High School. “We started a little slow, but we were able to play big today,” Pilot Rock coach Butch Wilson said. “We had the size advantage and we posted up down low a lot, got a lot of offensive rebounds.” Kayla Deist gave a solid effort for Pilot Rock (4-0) with 13 points and seven rebounds, and Grace Austin pitched in 10 points and six rebounds off the bench. For Arlington (2-2), Megan Hauner led with 16 points and Joely Patnode had nine. Pilot Rock continues tournament action today with a game against Grant Union at 3:30 p.m. while Arlington will likely take on Stanfield with the time TBD. ——— PR 14 16 16 12 — 58 AHS 8 8 7 16 — 39 PILOT ROCK — K. Deist 13, G. Austin 10, B. Roe 9, R. Willingham 9, S. Weinke 8, J. Wilson 5, R. Oates 4. ARLINGTON — M. Hauner 16, J. Patnode 9, E. Kirby 8, S. Collins 4, H. Davidson 2. 3-pointers — PR 3, AHS 4. Free throws — PR 7-13, AHS 5-18. Fouls — PR 16, AHS 11. UMATILLA 30, MAC-HI 29 — At Umatilla, the Umatilla Vikings erased a three-point deficit with 25 seconds left to pull out the one-point win over Mac-Hi at the Columbia River Clash tournament at Umatilla High School on Thursday night. The Pioneers (1-3) led 29-26 as the clock was winding down, but the Vikings (2-1) defense put enough pressure on Mac-Hi to force a few Pioneer turnovers and the Vikings were able to cash in for the win. Aleesha Watson was the game’s high scorer with 14 points for Umatilla and Charlene Alvarez added 11 points. Sydney Richwine led Mac-Hi with another double- double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Mac-Hi continues tourna- ment play today against Union at Noon and Umatilla takes on Echo with the time TBD. ——— M-H 13 5 6 5 — 29 UHS 7 7 4 12 — 30 MAC-HI — S. Richwine 12, B. Jones 6, M. Yensen 5, S. Earls 4, M. Martinez 1, B. Hernandez 1, C. Flores, C. Holford. UMATILLA — A. Watson 14, C. Alvarez 11, K. Lorence 3, C. Macias 2, L. Jurnot, J. Ortega, A. Maldonado, N. Soto. 3-pointers — M-H 1, UHS 1. Free throws — M-H 5-10, UHS 7-15. Fouls — M-H 11, UHS 14. TAGGART: Promises fast, tough and exciting offense Continued from 1B has hired from outside the school since 1976. The Ducks’ previous three coaches — Mike Bellotti, Chip Kelly and Helfrich — were assistants who were promoted. “Good coaches fit just about anywhere and Willie has proven that the past couple of years,” Stanford coach David Shaw said. Harbaugh said on Twitter: “From the newest Duck fan, Congrats to (at)CoachTaggart & The U of Oregon! From Manatee to Eugene, I’ve always been your fan! Happy for you!” Taggart was 16-20 at Western Kentucky, becoming coach when it was first tran- sitioning to FBS. He went 7-5 in his last two seasons with the Hilltoppers and then moved to USF, not far from where he grew up in Bradenton, Florida. It took two seasons and a change in offensive philosophy from more pro-style, West Coast schemes to a spread, but he now has the 25th-ranked Bulls rolling. They finished second in the American Athletic Conference East Divi- sion to Temple and will play South Carolina on Dec. 29 in the Birmingham Bowl. When asked what his offense would look like at Oregon, Taggart said: “It’ll be fast. It’ll be tough. It’ll be exciting, for sure.” After taking over when Kelly left in 2013, Helfrich went 37-16 in his four seasons. He signed a contract extension in early 2015, and had an $11.6 million buyout. Just two seasons ago, Oregon went to the first College Football Playoff championship game, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. But the Ducks struggled this season with a five-game losing streak — the program’s longest since 1996 — and finished at the bottom of the Pac-12 North with just two conference wins. Taggart leaves USF with four seasons remaining on a five-year, $9 million contract. The deal he received last winter included a provision for a $1.7 million buyout. Oregon President Michael Schill introduced Taggart at the news conference Thursday. His said his only advice was to “go find a great defensive coordinator.” The Ducks had tried to switch their defense this season, going to a 4-3 scheme under first-year defensive coordinator Brady Hoke. But Oregon finished the regular season ranked 126th out of 128 FBS-level teams for total defense, allowing opponents an average of 528.4 yards per game. Oregon allowed an average of 41.4 points per game, ranked 125th nationally. It was unclear whether Taggart would retain any of Oregon’s staff. For now, Taggart will need to reach out to Oregon’s recruits. Defensive back Deommodore Lenoir and defensive end Langi Tuifua both withdrew verbal commit- ments. Offensive lineman John Vaka tweeted Tuesday he was no longer committed. Taggert quoted one of Jim Harbaugh’s favorite sayings when he said that everyone in his program would “attack with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.” But Taggart also said he’d be his own man. “I’m going to be me,” he said. “I don’t know how to do it any way else.” the field last Sunday after injuring his leg. Terrell knows he likely will be picked on, beginning with Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay this weekend. “I would assume they would,” he said. “This defense, it’s kind of hard to single one person out and try to attack them. We have so many weapons and the way our style of play is, but I assume they will come after me. I don’t really know.” NOTES: To add depth in the secondary, Seattle signed safety Jeron Johnson, who was with the team from 2011-14. ... With FB Will Tukuafu in concussion protocol, the Seahawks also signed former Oakland full- back Marcel Reece. Athlete of the Week Twenty questions with Pendleton’s Kalan McGlothan East Oregonian PREPS: Umatilla girls win nail-biter over Mac-Hi Continued from 1B me, I learn more from him just asking questions, his mindset about things and how he sees certain situations and little things in our position like reading the quarterback, or what is the first thing you do when you watch film. Little things like that, that’s what I’ve gotten the biggest advantage from Earl.” Terrell has gotten more playing time in the past three games at safety than maybe his entire career combined. Terrell stepped in when Thomas suffered a hamstring strain midway through Seat- tle’s win over Philadelphia in Week 12 and played the entire game the following week against Tampa Bay. And he jumped right back into action when Thomas limped off PENDLETON — The Pendleton girls basketball team won both of its games last week by narrow margins, and beat Baker 61-58 and Clarkston (WA) 62-59 to open their season. Junior post Kalan McGlothan had double-doubles to lead both efforts and turned in 28 points, 15 rebounds against Baker and 19 points, 14 rebounds against Clarkston. McGlothan, a three- sport standout at Pendleton in volleyball, basketball and softball, has been chosen as the Athlete of the Week. East Oregonian: Are there any sports you wish could but play but can’t because it’s not offered or conflicts with another season? Kalan McGlothan: I would probably say track. My mom ran track and I’ve just wanted to do it but I’m busy with softball. What is your favorite sport to watch? I watch a lot of college softball or football. If you could attend any sporting event in the world what would it be? Professional football game (Green Bay Packers) or professional basketball game (any game with Stephen Curry). Who is your favorite athlete? LeBron James Do you have any sports superstitions? When we’re getting ready to be announced I always close my eyes and visualize doing really good and us winning. What’s your favorite wintertime activity? I like sledding a lot or just hanging out with my friends at a big bonfire. Do you have any hobbies outside of sports? If I had time I would. Do you know what you’d like to do for a career? I want to major in business. What is your favorite movie? “10 Things I Hate About You” If you could change one thing at your school what would it be? I’d probably say more kids in it, like Hermiston. What’s your favorite place in Oregon? I love Bend, just that area. What’s your favorite part about being a Buckaroo? Just all the support and everyone who’s just there for you, it doesn’t matter what sport. Where is your dream vacation destination? Bora Bora Do you have any pets? Two dogs, a chiweenie and a mastiff/German shepherd. What’s the last show you binge watched? “The Flash” What’s the first job you had? I worked at Prodigal Son, just as a bus girl. What’s your favorite family recipe? My mom makes this really good fettuccine, she makes it for my birthday. Who’s been the largest influence in your athletic career? My mom, definitely. Who’s the person you admire most? Again my mom, definitely. What’s your favorite song at the moment? I think it’d be “Make Me Better” by Fabolous. ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kalan McGlothan Junior Girls Basketball Pendleton McGlothan recorded back- to-back double- doubles with a combined 47 points and 29 rebounds to help Pendleton to a 2-0 start. P ROUDLY S PONSORED B Y : ELMER’S IRRIGATION, INC. “Proudly serving and investing in the future of our communities” Hwy 395 • Hermiston 541-567-5572 Fax: 541-567-8721 Emergency service also available