WHS Bulldogs in the hunt to return to state football playoffs
By Herb Swett
Correspondent, The Sun
Football practice is at too early a stage in Willamina for coach Tim France to know who will start at which positions, but he already can point to several “impact players.”
The Bulldogs finished 5-2 in the West Valley League and 7-2 overall last year before losing to Gold Beach in the first round of post-season play.
Lost to graduation after the 2009 season are BJ Wilson, JJ Flynn, Derek Littlejohn, Devin Cavan, Chris Orozco and Byron Villalobos.
Those almost certain to start this year include five seniors. Kenna Cumberland is expected to be a running back and linebacker, Thomas Gallagher to see some time at quarterback and be a linebacker, Cody Heidt and Sean Michaels to play on the offensive and defensive lines, and Andy Zimbrick to be a receiver and defensive back.
Brady Bruckner, a junior, and Edwin Villalobos, a sophomore, are likely to be receivers, running backs and defensive backs
More players usually turn out as pre-season practice progresses, and France expects the squad to number in the 30s. Several are expected to come from last year’s very successful JV team, but the coach notes, “The varsity plays at a different level.”
Looking at the rest of the League, France expects Dayton and Amity to be, as usual, “very, very good.” He sees Sheridan as having “a lot of talent” and says Horizon Christian, despite last year’s losing record, “could be right in the hunt.”
The Bulldogs will continue with multiple fronts on the offense. The defense will have a four-man front.
France again will be his own defensive coordinator, with the rest of last year’s staff returning. Ike Ellis will be the defensive coordinator, Scott Nelson will coach the offensive and defensive lines, and Barry Wilson will coach the offensive and defensive backs. BJ Wilson, now a student at Chemeketa Community College, which does not play football, will be a volunteer, helping where needed.
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