Oak Harbor, Coupeville take to fields Friday

Published 6:00 am Thursday, September 1, 2005

There might be a week before it’s time to hit the books, but the Oak Harbor and Coupeville high school football teams prepare to do some hitting of a different kind on Friday.

As part of a night that features 71 high school football games around the state, both local teams get to begin their 2005 campaigns on their home fields.

OHHS vs. sehome

The Wildcats, who finished 6-4 last season and a district loss shy of a third straight trip to state, kick off their season at 7:30 p.m. against 3A Sehome.

Friday’s game marks a rematch of last season’s opener, which saw Oak Harbor lose a heartbreaker, 28-27, on the road.

“It was a close game, back and forth,” OHHS head coach Dave Ward recalled.

Ward expects to see the same this time around and knows it will be key to slow the running game of Sehome.

“We think they’re going to run the ball pretty well,” he said. “Their quarterback (TJ Swedelius) is probably their best runner.”

Although the Wildcats allowed some big yards on the ground in last season’s loss, they also missed two point after touchdown kicks. Ward said the kicking game is still something they are trying to shore up this season.

With a very small group of seniors on the roster, Friday’s non-league contest provides a chance for sophomores and juniors to get used to playing under the lights.

“We’re looking forward to it so we can see some of the younger players step it up,” Ward said.

Although there are a few question marks with younger players, the Wildcats do return several athletes to key positions — most notably junior quarterback Marshall Lobbestael and senior running back Gabe Vest. Other key returning starters include: Cameron Kays, Sean O’Brien, Will Hunter, Matt Davison, Matt Johnston, Jeff LaMont and Chris Valencia.

For those who can’t make it out to Memorial Field, Friday’s game can be heard locally on KWDB 1110 AM.

CHS vs. Blaine

Coupeville, which finished 2-8 last season, begins the 2005 season at 6 p.m., Friday night at Mickey Clark Field against 2A Blaine.

This is a rematch of last season’s opening game that saw the Borderites take a commanding victory, 33-15, on their home field.

Blaine used a one-two punch of quarterback Doug Goldsby and wide receiver Joey Paciorek to blow past the Wolves. The duo hooked up for over 200 yards passing and three touchdowns.

They won’t have the same luxury this season, however, as Goldsby graduated and Paciorek has moved to quarterback.

“I think they’re going to throw the ball still,” CHS coach Ron Bagby said.

Coupeville also committed several mistakes by turning the ball over and dropping passes.

With several experienced returners at skill postions, Bagby expects a different outcome this time around.

“I’ve been watching tape from last year’s game,” he said. “I just look at how we played against them and I’ve just got to believe we’ll do better.”

The Wolves return senior Mike Bagby to quarterback where he will start his third straight year for the varsity team.

They also bring back leading rusher and tackler J.J. Marti.

Other key returners include: Bryan Sherman, Robert Sadesky, Ryan Hickman, Jake D’Allesandro Trevor Tucker, Casey Larson and Tony Prosser.