Graham-Kapowsin's poised for a big season. After a trip to state semifinals last year they return a veteran core, along with some young big recruits.
Graham Kapowsin, which went 11-2 last season, lost to Chiawana 28-12 in semifinals. The trip to the final four was a school-best finish, which the squad has used as motivation in summer training sessions and camps.
"We're amped up," said Graham-Kapowsin cornerback Aaron Wright. "We definitely have that memory of that Chiawana game, but I think this year we're going to come out and explode."
Graham-Kapowsin's offensive line is one component that will come out strong, returning four starting offensive linemen. The only newcomer is junior center Ian Kurle, the son of head coach Eric Kurle.
Offensive tackle Foster Sarell is leading the charge. Sarell, who's one of the top offensive tackles in the nation, has offers from more than 10 schools, including Alabama, Arizona, USC, and UCLA. The junior took an unofficial visit to Stanford last week, but still has five more schools to see before cutting down his list.
Also coming back is senior tackle Elijah Lugo, who was an all-league first-teamer last year, and DeAndre Houston. Lugo shattered his wrist before the beginning of last season, and has been working on regaining upper and lower body strength during his recovery.
The Eagles lost running back Shannon Edwards, who rushed for 2,245 yards and 30 touchdowns, to graduation. A talented group of backs will fill in for Edwards, including senior Kobe Meriweather, who hopes to rush for more yards than Edwards. Sophomores Villami Hansen and Micah Smith will also contribute to the running game.
"We got a lot of good running backs who can fill in for what we need," Sarell said. "There are so many different spots in the running game that we need, and they can all do one of those things.
On the defensive side of the ball, watch out for returning senior Trae Hawthorne and junior Jeremy Thesenvitz, who were also selected to all-league teams last season. Cornerback Aaron Wright, who was the SPSL 4A South Defensive Back of the Year last season, is also coming back and looking to contribute at running back and receiver as well.
The team is bringing up two young quarterbacks to replace Trevor Asbjornsen, and expect a balanced attack in the air and on the ground. Junior quarterback Gage Hansen returns. Freshman Dylan Morris has already gotten some attention, being invited to the Northwest 9 quarterback camp this summer.
"He has a strong arm," said Meriweather of Morris. "When he launches it, he launches it. For how young he is, he's pretty mature."
With young talent combined with an experienced core, expect Graham-Kapowsin to yet again be a playoff contender.
