A change is taking place on the Kentridge High football field this fall.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
And if all goes as planned, it\u2019s going to spark the Chargers into contention for the South Puget Sound League North Division title. Possibly even net the Chargers their first league crown since 2002, when they rolled to an unbeaten 8-0 regular-season record.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Instead of that change taking place on the field, however, it\u2019s happening on the sideline, where longtime coach Marty Osborn is handing over his offensive coordinating duties to assistant Jeff Shumake.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all about putting points on the board, Osborn noted.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe big switch is me stepping away from the play calling role and allowing my assistance to do that,\u201d said Osborn, who is entering his 21st season at the helm of the program. \u201cOur offense has not been as productive as we would have liked the last couple of years. We want to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
During the last three seasons, Kentridge has ranked seventh (2010), sixth (2009) and fifth (2008) in the SPSL North in scoring. Last year, the Chargers opened the season with 6-foot-6 Caleb Smith at quarterback, but switched to Travis McGuire at mid-season. The end result was a 4-5 overall record, a season in which they averaged a healthy 25.4 points per game in league, but were unable to get past North powers Kentwood, Auburn, Kentlake or Tahoma.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Osborn has tried new offenses in recent years, shifted players around, but little has had the kind of impact that\u2019s going to make a difference in the standings.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A new perspective might be exactly what the doctor ordered, though it took a certain level of trust, Osborn admitted.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI really trust the guys I handed it off to,\u201d he said. \u201cUltimately, it\u2019s all about the program being a success. It really is an opportunity for a new creativity offensively. It\u2019s a good opportunity for someone who has a new look on things.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The new-look Chargers will receive their first test \u2014 and a big one at that \u2014 at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, when they play at powerhouse Auburn.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kentridge hasn\u2019t beaten Auburn since 2003, but with a senior-dominated lineup and key players returning across the board, the Chargers expect to challenge the SPSL North heavyweights this fall. Kentridge will follow Auburn up with league-favorite Kentlake on Sept. 9 at French Field.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Starting off with two teams expected to be among the top isn\u2019t a bad thing, Osborn said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe positive is that it really helped motivate us during the offseason,\u201d he said. \u201cWe definitely had a rallying point.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Of course, the Chargers have had plenty of rallying points \u2014 and optimism \u2014 to build upon during the offseason. Part of that optimism stems from how the quarterback situation has simply worked itself out during the offseason. Smith began last year as the quarterback, but gave way at midseason to Travis McGuire. Smith, an Oregon State commit, went on to become an all-league tight end. Meanwhile, McGuire\u2019s quarterbacking duties were short lived as he had to undergo Tommy John surgery in the spring.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As luck would have it, Kentridge quickly found its answer when John Hamilton, a quarterback, along with stepbrother Alex McGuire, a running back, transferred in from Arizona.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Problem solved.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo good kids just kind of fell into our laps,\u201d Osborn laughed. \u201cRandom luck.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Both Hamilton and Alex McGuire expect to be big parts of Kentridge\u2019s offense this fall.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHe came out of nowhere and was the answer to our prayers,\u201d linebacker Jeff Seid said about Hamilton.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Yet, as good as the offense has come along thus far, Kentridge\u2019s bread and butter likely will continue to be its defense. The longtime calling card, Kentridge returns five all-league defensive starters: Seid, Jimmie Davis (DB), Justin Cordova (LB), Carl Samoa (DL) and Jake Zylstra (DB). The combination of Davis and Zylstra on the corners could be the best in the league. In addition, along with being one of the league\u2019s elite tight ends, Smith will be playing on the defensive line, where his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame is certain to cause matchup problems.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motto n defense is hit hard, Gang Green pursuit,\u201d said Seid, who also is a standout wrestler. \u201cWe\u2019re not very selfish defensively, we just go to the ball and get pretty pumped out there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The addition of Smith to the defensive line should pay big dividends, Osborn.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re counting on him being a pretty big force up front,\u201d the coach said. \u201cThe big key, however, is going to be our senior class. We have a talented class. Those kids have really come together.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 COACH:<\/strong> Marty Osborn, 21st year, 126-75<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 LAST YEAR: <\/strong>4-4 in league (fourth), 4-5 overall<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 TYPE OF OFFENSE:<\/strong> Multiple I, Gun<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 OFFENSIVE RETURNERS (10):<\/strong> TE Caleb Smith, sr., 6-6\/245; FB Jeff Seid, sr., 6-0\/195; WR Kaid Tipton, sr., 6-1\/171; OL Terry Areta, sr., 6-3\/285; WR Reggie Collins, sr., 6-1\/180; RB Justin Cordova, sr., 5-9\/165; RB Alex McKenzie, sr., 5-7\/155; OT Tyler Bailey, jr., 6-4\/301; TE Travis McGuire, jr., 6-1\/200; OC Andrew Weitzel, sr., 5-11\/220.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 TYPE OF DEFENSE:<\/strong> 3-4<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 DEFENSIVE RETURNERS (10):<\/strong> DL Caleb Smith, sr., 6-6\/245; OLB Jeff Seid, sr., 6-0\/195; DB Kaid Tipton, sr., 6-1\/171; FS Jimmie Davis, jr., 5-9\/165; DB Jake Zylstra, sr., 6-2\/185; OLB Reggie Collins, sr., 6-1\/180; DB Justin Cordova, sr., 5-9\/165; OLB Alec McKenzie, sr., 5-7\/155; DL Tyler Bailey, jr., 6-4\/301; OLB Travis McGuire, jr., 6-1\/200.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 TOP NEWCOMERS: <\/strong>QB\/FS John Hamilton, sr., 6-0\/195; RB\/ILB Alex McGuire, sr., 6-2\/195; QB\/ILB Michael Suguro, sr., 5-10\/193; K\/P\/WR Daniel Allen, jr., 5-8\/140; TE\/OLB Austin Berry, jr., 6-1\/185; WR\/DB Kevin Hall, jr., 6-2\/185; WR\/DB Nathan Tabisula, sr., 5-7\/163; OL\/DL Michael Pennington, jr., 5-10\/218; OL\/ILB Riley Poulson, jr., 5-9\/215.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 OUTLOOK: <\/strong>The Chargers have a solid foundation, returning 22 seniors, led by all-league selections Jimmie Davis (DB), Jeff Seid (LB), Caleb Smith (TE), Justin Cordova (LB), Carl Samoa (DL) and Jake Zylstra (DB). Expect the Chargers to once again be near the top of the league in defense. Offense will make or break the Chargers. Kentridge scored 14 or fewer points five times last season, but will have a new perspective in play calling this fall as coach Marty Osborn has handed over offensive coordinating duties to Jeff Shumake. In addition, KR will have a new QB in John Hamilton, an accurate passer who transfered in from Arizona. If the offense can pick up the pace, there\u2019s no reason the Chargers have success.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u2022 KEY GAME:<\/strong> Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. vs. Kentlake. The Chargers figure to be in the playoff hunt all season long and return a bulk of last year\u2019s starters. Traditionally a defensive-minded team, Kentridge will be challenged in this Week 2 game against Kentlake\u2019s high-octane offense. Though a win here isn\u2019t critical, it certainly would cement the Chargers as North Division contenders.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n DATE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 OPPONENT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 LOCATION<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sept. 2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Auburn\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Auburn Memorial<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sept. 9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Kentlake\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 French Field<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sept. 16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kent-Meridian\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 French Field<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sept. 23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A. Riverside\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 French Field<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Sept. 29\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rogers*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sparks Stadium<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Oct. 7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mount Rainier\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mount Rainier<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Oct. 15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Jefferson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 French Field<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Oct. 21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tahoma\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Maxwell Stadium<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Oct. 28\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Kentwood\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 French Field<\/p>\n<\/p>\n All games at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n * Nonleague<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A change is taking place on the Kentridge High football field this fall.<\/p>\n And if all goes as planned, it\u2019s going to spark the Chargers into contention for the South Puget Sound League North Division title. Possibly even net the Chargers their first league crown since 2002, when they rolled to an unbeaten 8-0 regular-season record.<\/p>\n Instead of that change taking place on the field, however, it\u2019s happening on the sideline, where longtime coach Marty Osborn is handing over his offensive coordinating duties to assistant Jeff Shumake.<\/p>\n It\u2019s all about putting points on the board, Osborn noted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":5076,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-9614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9614"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/106"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9614"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9614\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9614"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=9614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}KENTRIDGE SCHEDULE 2011<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n