Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Carey
2. Castleford
3. Dietrich
T-4. Hansen
T-4. Camas County
Written by: Will Hoenike
Coming off the program’s first appearance in the postseason in many years, the Hansen Huskies must replace just one senior.
That’s the good news. The less-good news is that one senior, Jonathan Camarillo, was among the state’s most versatile players at the 8-man level. He earned first-team All-Conference honors on offense (quarterback), defense (defensive end), and special teams (punter).
“Jonathan was the only senior on our team last season,” said Jim Rife, the fifth-year head coach. “His leadership will be the hardest thing that we have to replace.”
Fortunately, the Huskies do return the talent that surrounded Camarillo and helped propel Hansen to the 1A Division 2 state playoffs last season, led by the senior WR/DB duo of Tom Gibson and Jacob Pittman. Each earned All-Sawtooth honors last season on opposite sides of the ball – Gibson at wide receiver, Pittman at defensive back. The two teamed with junior WR/DB Elway Pickett to form 3/4 of the school’s 4x100 meter dash state championship group last spring, covering the distance in 45.15 seconds, just ahead of Raft River, Carey, and Prairie. So, not surprisingly, the Huskies hope to use that speed to their advantage since there is the same amount of field as the 11-man game but three less defenders in the 8-man game.
“We have great team speed this season,” Rife said. “We will try to make the opposing defense cover the entire field and spread them out. We need to improve on our control of the line of scrimmage.”
The Huskies do return experience along the offensive and defensive lines in senior Ethan Lietchey and juniors Salvador Camarillo and Ayden Egbert. That group is important on offense, but just as important on defense. The team allowed more than 50 points per game, a number somewhat inflated by surrendering 88 in its season-ending playoff loss to Watersprings, so winning more battles upfront will be key to improved results in 2021.
Sophomore Dominic McFarland will compete for playing time at the linebacker position behind Lietchey, Camarillo, and Egbert. Likewise, Afton Miller and Nic Gill will compete for roles in the secondary and on the edges with Gibson, Pittman, Pickett, and junior Jason Orozco.
On paper, it appears Hansen has the tools to move the ball and score points. The ability to slow the opponent’s offense and get the ball back, especially in 8-man football, is always pivotal. Especially in what has the looks of a tough Sawtooth Conference. Perennial powers Carey and Dietrich will be there, as will an improving Camas County squad and Castleford.
“This conference is loaded with talent,” Rife said. “Not that it would be a surprise to members of the conference but, Castleford is going to be a very good team this season. Coach Lowry has a good group of kids that have a lot of experience.”
Hansen opens the season against rival Murtaugh on August 27 in the annual Wagon Wheel Game.