PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEWS ’09: Kentlake putting it all on the line

Everything is being put on the line for the Kentlake High football team this fall.

Figuratively and literally.

And if you’re in the Kentlake camp these days, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially considering the size and strength the Falcons possess.

“I think as our line goes, we go,” 6-foot-4, 265-pound center Mike Holzberger said. “We’re looking huge all the way across.”

As Kentlake braces to open the season at 7 p.m. on Friday at French Field against Kentridge, the Falcons are banking on that veteran line to pave the way to success — and in the process, end a rough patch that has been the last five seasons for the Falcons.

Since advancing to state in 2003 and winning a share of the South Puget Sound League North Division title, Kentlake has fallen on hard times, compiling an overall record of 14-36 during that span.

The Falcons have been on the cusp of the playoffs in each of the last two years, but haven’t been able to get to get over the hump, primarily due to an offense that hasn’t been able to come together. Last season, that offense sputtered to a 16.3 points-per-game average and scored 13 or fewer points in six of the team’s 10 games.

That all changes this season, Holzberger insists.

“We have a new mindset that we’re going to go out and win this year,” the beefy three-year starter said. “We’re not going to be the Kentlake team of old.”

That begins with the Falcons’ powerful offensive line, led by Holzberger, Tyler Jewett (6-4/240), Taylor Guiberson (6-1/230), Jesse Salazar (6-1/225) and Jesse Giloman (5-8/230).

The Kentlake linemen put in the time during the offseason going to camps and have come together during preseason practice to form what should be one of the SPSL North’s most cohesive and veteran-laden groups.

It gives fourth-year coach Mike Shepard reason for optimism despite the fact that the Falcons graduated much of its backfield from a year ago.

“I like our kids and I like our chances,” Shepard said. “The nice thing is there’s continuity. They know our offense, they know our blocking schemes and they know how to get it done. And they all know two or three positions, which makes them interchangeable.”

That’s not all, as they have a running back in Latrel Dukes, a Georgia native who transferred to the school this summer. Dukes possesses the ability to be a game changer. Shepard envisions the 5-10, 205-pound sophomore making an instant impact this fall.

“He’s got the potential to be the best running back we’ve had in five years,” Shepard said. “The kid is the best football player to come through Kentlake since Shane Simmons. He’s that good.”

Adding to the backfield mix will be Tyler Wright, one of the school’s top all-around athletes.

Now, it’s a matter of finding the holes created by Kentlake’s big line. And, of course, creating the holes in the Falcons’ multiple set spread offense, which relies heavily upon misdirection and several ball carriers.

“We’re pulling people all over the place, we’re motioning every which way,” Holzberger said. “Nobody is going to know where the ball is going.”

KENTLAKE FALCONS: AT A GLANCE

• Coach: Mike Shepard, fourth year, 10-20 overall record.

• Last year: 4-5 in league, 4-6 overall. Kentlake missed the postseason by one win.

• Type of offense: Multiple set spread.

• Top returners (offense): Tyler Wright, senior, WR/RB, 5-10/180; Tyler Jewett, junior, OL, 6-4/240; Taylor Guiberson, senior, OL, 6-1/230; Mike Holzberger, senior, OL, 6-4/265; Jesse Salazar, senior, OL, 6-1/225; Jesse Giloman, senior, OL, 5-8/230.

• Type of defense: 3-4.

• Top returners (defense): Tyler Mortenson, senior, LB, 6-0/190; Giordan Smith, senior, DB, 5-8/150; Mike Holzberger, senior, DL, 6-4/265; Jesse Salazar, senior, LB, 6-1/225.

• Impact newcomers: Austin Pernell, sophomore, WR/strong safety, 5-10/175; Zac Cowan, sophomore, DT, 6-1/190; Mike Salazar, senior, WR, 6-2/190; Latrel Dukes, sophomore, RB, 5-10/205.

• Outlook: The Falcons graduated quarterback Lewi Larson and its backfield of Tayler Angevine and Travis Felchlin, but return its entire offensive line and have plenty of size to move the chains. Kentlake hasn’t made the playoffs since 2003 and has posted a 14-36 record over the last five years. But there’s a different feel around this year’s squad. Much of the optimism stems from the team’s beefy offensive line, led by three-year starter Mike Holzberger, who should join the SPSL North’s elite class this season. Kentlake expects to receive an offensive boost from transfer running back Latrel Dukes, a Georgia native whom Shepard believes can make an impact right away. A 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore, Dukes has the ability to be a game changer if the line can create enough openings. On defense, Kentlake’s bread-and-butter the last several years, the Falcons return enough key veterans to keep the team in virtually any game. With three teams from the North advancing to the postseason, the Falcons should find themselves alive for a berth late into the season. It’s all a matter of being able to pull out the close games.

• Key game: Week 7, Saturday, Oct. 17 vs. Tahoma. After opening last season 3-0, the Falcons dropped four straight, culminating in a 9-7 loss to the Bears that put a serious dent in KL’s playoff hopes. If Kentlake is going to find its way back to the playoffs, it will need a win in this Week 7 showdown at French Field.