Photo By Mike Turner - #80 Zach Johnson
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Coeur d'Alene
2. Post Falls
3. Lake City
4. Lewiston
Written by: Brandon Baney
A year ago, the Lake City football team's plans went out the window when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Because neighboring Washington state didn't play football until the spring, the Timberwolves were left scrambling to fill several holes in their schedule.
Ultimately, Lake City had to play everyone in the Inland Empire League twice. The first matchup with each team was considered non-conference, while the second contest counted towards the official IEL standings.
Lake City went 0-4 against Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, but what really wrecked their playoff chances were two narrow setbacks in early September. The Timberwolves lost in a shootout to Lewiston 58-50, followed by another close loss to Sandpoint in a defensive affair 20-15.
Lake City ended the season with a 36-12 win over Lewiston, but it was too late. The Timberwolves just missed out on a playoff bid after finishing 3-6.
A lot of the players from that 3-6 squad are back in 2021, and the fire has been rekindled to avoid a similar fate this year.
Although graduation losses were low, their impact will be felt. Gone is quarterback Chris Irvin, who broke most of the single-season and career passing records at Lake City. Also departed are All-State linebacker Dante Hardin, and All-Conference performers Matthew Whitcomb and Logan Parson and wide receiver and offensive line, respectively.
However, 4th year head coach Brian Fulp feels good about his team's chances in 2021. "Our incoming junior class is very talented and many individuals will be huge contributors," Fulp said. "I think we will have a greater impact in the league outcome this year."
That loaded junior class starts with 6-5 wide receiver Zach Johnson. He turned heads as a sophomore last year, when he caught 41 passes for 754 yards and 8 touchdowns. He already has offers from the University of Idaho and Montana State University, and is also an acclaimed basketball player.
Lake City isn't just a one-man show, though. A strong stable of offensive linemen has coach Fulp excited. The group includes seniors Xavier Johnson, Corbin Palaniuk and Camdyn Martindale, along with juniors Alex Green and Austin Manke. That group will be tasked with creating holes for new running back Eric Bumbaugh. "We need to improve in the overall run game," Fulp said. "Last year we struggled to have a successful running attack."
On the defensive side of the ball, Lake City is flush with playmakers on the back end. "We have many talented individuals who are ball hawks," Fulp said. "We will play fast and physical."
Free safety Josiah Weaver was an All-IEL selection a year ago, and is flanked by senior Andrew Garafalo and junior Brodie Beebe at cornerback.
The linebackers are anchored by senior Bridger Stephens in the middle, and juniors Wayne Queen and Ben Lowman on the outside. Offensive linemen Johnson, Palaniuk and Martindale could all see time on the defensive line as well.
Lake City's schedule this year begins with a road trip to Lakeland, followed by consecutive games against Battle Ground and Moses Lake from Washington. The Timberwolves will wrap up non-conference play against Moscow and Sandpoint before diving into IEL play. Their annual crosstown game against Coeur d'Alene is on October 8th. They will then host Lewiston before traveling to Post Falls for the regular season finale on October 22nd.