KingCo 4A team capsules

* Returning starters

CROWN DIVISION

Ballard Beavers

Location: Ballard

Coach: John Bowers (2nd year), 1-8

2008: 1-8, 0-5

Key returners: RB/DB Matt Law-Phipps*, 5-11, 180, Sr.; OL/DL Garrett Brenden*, 6-1, 220, Sr.; QB/LB Gardar Olafsson, 5-0, 180, Sr.; WR/DB Taylor Schwartzenberger, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OL/DL C.J. Edlred, 6-1, 190, Sr.

Impact newcomers: LB/RB Blake Sechler, 5-11, 180, So.; RB/DB Jesse Scott, 5-9, 170, So.; RB/LB Stu Thomas, 6-0, 180, Fr.; RB/LB Justin Simon, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Outlook: Circle Roosevelt on the schedule. The Roughriders are threatening to overtake Ballard, which went to the 2007 state tournament and the 2004 state championship game, as the city's top Class 4A team.

Bothell Cougars

Location: Bothell

Coach: Tom Bainter (10th year), 83-22 record

2008: 8-4 overall, 5-0 league

Key returners: QB Mitchell Muller*, 6-1, 180, Sr.; TE/DE Michael Hartvigson*, 6-6, 240, Sr.; TE/DE Evan Hudson*, 6-5, 240, Sr.; OL/DL Zach Cooper*, 6-2, 245, Sr.; RB/DB Colby Burk*, 5-10, 175, Sr.; LB/FB Jake Arzola*, 5-11, 185, Sr.

Impact newcomers: OL/DL Colin Porter, 6-4, 300, Sr.; DB/WR Adam Bose, 5-11, 170, Sr.; RB/DB Luke Proulx, 5-11, 175, Jr.; QB/DB/WR Kyle McAllister, 5-10, 175, Sr.

Outlook: After years of winning with Lilliputian front sevens, this year's Cougars boast perhaps the best trio of big men in the state in Hudson and Husky recruits Porter and Hartvigson. Bothell begins the season as the favorite to win the KingCo Crown again, and if they advance to the league championship game, it would be at Pop Keeney this time.

Inglemoor Vikings

Location: Kenmore

Coach: Frank Naish (31st year), 171-118

2008: 6-4, 3-2

Key returners: WR/DB Craig Jacobson*, 5-9, 170, Sr.; RB/LB Lance Larsen*, 5-10, 180, Sr.; OL/DL Travis Bogard*, 6-4, 275, Sr.; RB/FS Marc Dickerson*, 5-10, 180, Sr.; OL/DL Jake Lowe*, 5-10, 170, Sr.; QB Jerry Molina*, 5-10, 170, Jr.

Impact newcomers: QB Derek Wagner, 5-9, 180, Sr.; RB Robert Youch, 5-9, 170, Sr.; OL/LB Ty Duringer, 5-11, 200, Sr.; RB Colin Hamilton, 5-10, 170, Sr.; OL/DL Rapati Tusi, 6-1, 300, Sr.; RB Gunnar Milburn, 5-8, 170, Sr.; QB Mitch Gunsalus, 5-10, 170, Jr.; WR Peter Meisui, 6-3, 175, Jr.

Outlook: The Vikings introduce a number of new faces and will need to replace quality players at QB and LB. Inglemoor finds itself in a similar position: needing to find a way to beat Woodinville and Bothell to win its league. They haven't beaten either since 2000, the last year Naish won the KingCo 4A.

Lake Washington Kangaroos

Location: Kirkland

Coach: Ray Roberts (2nd year), 1-8

2008: 1-8, 1-4

Key returners: RB/LB Alex Donnally, 6-0, 190, Jr.; OL/DL Brian Sinclair, 6-3, 260, Sr.; OL/LB Shane Bergeron, 6-2, 206, Sr.; OL/DL Phil Gray, 6-0, 215, Sr.; LB/WR/FS Tarik Camp, 6-3, 185, Sr.; FS/WR Joe Pitzler, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB Roberts Reyes, 6-1, 180, Jr.; RB/DB Max Simpkins, 5-11, 180, Jr.; DB Marc Wythes, 6-0, 180, Jr.

Outlook: After picking up their first win in two years last season, the Kangs hope this season brings a return to competitiveness. After all, it was only three years ago that Lake Washington made the playoffs.

Roosevelt Roughriders

Location: Seattle

Coach: Jeff Ware (seventh year), 18-36

2008: 5-4, 2-3

Key returners: WR/DB Andrew Johnson*, 5-11, 170, Sr.; WR/DB Nick Drummond*, 5-11, 165, Sr.; OT/DE Brian Hustchison*, 6-5, 200, Jr.; OG/DT John Michael Verrall*, 5-11, 235, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB Peter Ianelli, 5-11, 180, Jr.; OT/DT Conor Leeds, 6-2, 260, Jr.; FB/LB Hunter Stephan, 5-11, 235, Jr.

Outlook: For two consecutive seasons, the 'Riders have been one win from the state playoffs. After losing several important skill players, Roosevelt will likely have to pull of an upset or two to earn another chance to play for that elusive state bid.

Woodinville Falcons

Location: Woodinville

Coach: Wayne Maxwell (fifth year), 42-17

2008: 9-2, 3-1

Key returners: OL/DL Maxx Forde*, 6-4, 250, Sr.; WR/DB Trevor Kelly*, 6-0, 185, Sr.; OL/DL Erik Reiner*, 6-0, 240, Sr.; OL/DL Austin Carter*, 5-10, 225, Sr.; RB/LB Anders Fornelius, 5-10, 195, Sr.; WR/DB Jake Dammrose, 5-9, 175, Sr.; WR/DB Christian Sylvester, 5-11, 165, Sr.; OL/DL Faris Habib, 5-10, 225, Sr.; OL/DL Rick Hickman, 6-0, 200, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB/DB Joe Ip, 5-9, 180, Jr.; QB/DB Brett Arrivey, 6-1, 180, So.; RB/DB Dan Clark, 5-9, 160, Jr.; OL/DL Sawyer Whalen, 6-4, 215, So.

Outlook: Woodinville consistently has one of the state's top defenses, and with Forde as an anchor, this year should be no different. How the offense develops could determine whether the Falcons are ready to compete for the division title. To do that, they will likely have to beat Northshore rival Bothell for the first time since 2005.

CREST DIVISION

Eastlake Wolves

Location: Sammamish

Coach: Gene Dales (fourth year), 27-7

2008: 6-4, 3-2

Key returners: QB/FS Kelby McCorkle*, 6-1, 195, Sr.; TE/FB/LB Austin Reifeis*, 6-3, 228, Sr.; OG/LB Alex Boyce*, 5-10, 206, Sr.; HB/DE Cam Hunt*, 6-0, 204, Sr.; OL/DL Dan Preston*, 6-1, 250, Sr.; TE/DE Mike Maguire, 6-4, 223, Sr.; WR Sam Olmstead, 6-0, 160, Sr.; TE/LB Matt Uhlar, 6-4, 208, Jr.; OT/DL Alex Smith, 6-1, 253, Sr.; OL/DL Viril Bishel, 6-1, 240, Sr.

Impact newcomers: WR/DB Robert Sharps, 6-0, 180, Jr.; WR/DB Kyle Lappano, 5-10, 175, Jr.; RB/LB Sam Gillis, 5-9, 185, Jr.; RB/DB Trent Butler, 5-6, 170, Sr.; OC/DL Gino Bresolin, 6-1, 225, So.

Outlook: The Wolves are expected to be one of the contenders for one of KingCo's four berths to the preliminary round, down from six a year ago. McCorkle saw plenty of time at quarterback last year, and Reifeis was a first-team all-league selection at tight end. Hunt, when healthy, is one of the area's better running backs.

Garfield Bulldogs

Location: Seattle

Coach: Anthony Allen (fourth year), 2-25

2008: 0-9, 0-5

Key returners: QB Sean Foster*, 6-3, 190, Sr.; RB/LB Valentino Coleman*, 6-3, 260, Jr.; OT/DT John Trupin*, 6-3, 250, So.; RB/CB T'Andre Jones*, 5-6, 160, Sr.; S/WR Des'Jaun Newton*, 6-2, 180, Sr.

Impact newcomers: WR/S Tony Wroten, 6-5, 200, Jr.; OT/DT Universal Allah, 6-1, 270, Jr.; TE/DE Dae'Shon Hall, 6-5, 190.

Outlook: Garfield faces perhaps the toughest league schedule of anyone in the state, with Skyline, Issaquah and Eastlake looming. But at least the Bulldogs will have an experienced QB in Foster, and how Wroten — one of the country's top basketball prospects — develops as a receiver should be interesting.

Issaquah Eagles

Location: Issaquah

Coach: Chris Bennett (2nd year), 11-3

2008: 11-3, 4-1, state runner-up

Key returners: RB/DB Grant Gellatly*, 5-10, 185, Sr.; OL/DL Daniel Fleishman*, 6-6, 285, Sr.; OL/DL Greg Finch*, 5-10, 275, Sr.; OL/DL Phillip Hamilton*, 6-3, 250, Sr.; WR/DB Evan Peterson*, 6-1, 170, Jr.; WR/DB Taylor Wyman*, 5-10, 180, Jr.; RB/LB Nik Landdeck*, 6-2, 195, Jr.; K/WR/LB Gavin Schumaker*, 5-11, 175, Jr.; WR/DB Mitchell Bair, 6-0, 170, Sr.; OL/DL Jay Deines, 6-4, 230, Jr.; WR/DB Adam Dondoyano, 5-10, 160, Jr.

Impact newcomers: QB Ryan Bergman, 6-2, 170, Sr.; OL/DL Jacob Everson, 6-3, 280, Sr.; TE/DL Eric Lemke, 6-4, 230, So.; RB/LB Austin Richert, 6-2, 190, So.; RB/DB Blake Miller, 5-10, 150, So.; WR/DB Mike Huynh, 6-3, 185, Sr.

Outlook: The Eagles were one drive short of stunning Skyline in last year's state championship game, and they return plenty of talent, led by Gellatly, an all-state running back. The injuries that hampered Issaquah near the end of the regular season in 2008 helped give many of that team's returning players more experience. Skyline again stands in the way of a division title.

Newport Knights

Location: Bellevue

Coach: Mike Miller (fifth year), 26-23

2008: 4-5, 2-3

Key returners: OL/LB Alex Kairis*, 6-0, 215, Sr.; QB/LB Ross Quarre*, 6-0, 195, Sr.; WR/DB Kevin Martin*, 6-0, 175, Jr.; RB/LB Louis Jachim*, 6-0, 200, Jr.; OL/DL Patrick Taiwo*, 6-2, 210, Jr.; TE/LB Matt Carnahan-Murray*, 6-0, 185, Jr.; OL/LB James Burch*, 6-0, 185, Jr.

Impact newcomers: RB/DB James Dupar, 5-10, 175, Jr.; RB/DB Tyler Wright, 5-9, 180, So.; RB/LB Nick Clifford, 6-0, 195, Jr.; QB/DB Lee Stoops, 6-1, 180, Jr.; RB/DB Daniel Altchech, 5-9, 170, Jr.; OL/DL Joe Givens, 6-5, 195, Jr.; OL/DL Dyland Look, 6-0, 210, Sr.; OL/DL Derek Greif, 6-2, 215, Sr.; OL/DL Nick Eisenhauer, 6-3, 185, Sr.; RB/LB Doug Sames, 5-11, 200.

Outlook: There's no secret in Newport's approach: the Knights like to run, and run a lot. They have an experienced backfield, but Newport will go up against some of the top lines in the state in Skyline, Eastlake and Issaquah.

Redmond Mustangs

Location: Redmond

Coach: Mike Pluschke (fifth year), 18-18

2008: 2-7, 1-4

Key returners: OL/DL Tyler Black, 6-3, 185, Sr.; OL/LB T.J. Long, 6-2, 185, Sr.; QB/S Michael Conforto*, 6-2, 190, Jr.; RB/D Cole Hardwick, 5-10, 175, Sr.; OL/DL Cameron Floan, 6-5, 205, Sr.; OL/DL Travis Tobin, 6-2, 185, Sr.; WR/DB Tyler Coffman, 6-2, 185, Sr.; WR/QB/DB/K Andrew Rohrback, 6-2, 180, Sr.; RB/DB Clement Signoretty, 6-2, 180, Sr.; WR/DB Cody Klepinger, 5-9, 165, Jr.

Impact newcomers: WR/LB Nikolaj La Cour, 6-3, 185, So.; OL/DL Brian Cox, 6-2, 225, So.; RB/LB Troy Thomas, 5-10, 165, Jr.; OL/DL Cantrell Moseid, 6-2, 205, So.; TE/DL Gabe Wiulliams, 6-3, 180, So.; RB/LB Michael Bradley, 5-10, 180, Jr.; RB/DL Bill Del Torro, 5-11, 195, Jr.

Outlook: After a year at running back, talented junior Michael Conforto (also a baseball star) moves to quarterback behind a completely new offensive line. He will face at least three of the best defenses in the state in Bothell, Skyline and Issaquah. The opening trip to 2A juggernaut Prosser should reveal how competitive the Mustangs can be in their league.

Skyline Spartans

Location: Sammamish

Coach: Mat Taylor (2nd year), 14-0

2008: 14-0, 5-0, Class 4A state champions

Key returners: QB Jake Heaps*, 6-2, 205, Sr.; WR Kasen Williams*, 6-2, 200, Jr.; OT/DL Jase Butorac*, 6-4, 280, Sr.; LB Anthony DeMatteo*, 6-0, 200, Sr.; TE/OLB Cooper Pelluer*, 6-4, 225, Sr.; OLB Tommy Aarts*, 6-0, 190, Sr.; RB Nick Washburn*, 5-10, 185, Sr.; S Peter Kim*, 5-10, 185, Sr.; OL/DL Jack Carlson, 6-3, 245, Sr.; OL/DL Evan Day*, 6-3, 250, Sr.; K/P Sean Penberthy, 6-0, 175, Sr.; OL/DL Michael Stead*, 6-5, 260, Sr.

Impact newcomers: TE/DE Connor Cree, 6-5, 210, Jr.; WR/DB Miles Edwards, 6-2, 200, Sr.; RB/S Evan Zeger, 6-2, 190, Jr.; WR/DB Michael Ford, 5-9, 170, Jr.; RB/LB Kai Jandoc, 5-9, 170, Jr.; WR/DB Alex Carey, 6-0, 180, Jr.; WR/DB Jordan Simone, 6-0, 170, Jr.; WR/D Teran Togia, 5-11, 170, Jr.; WR Connor Brandt, 5-11, 170, Sr.; WR/DB Tait Stephens, 6-2, 195, Sr.; OL/DL Matt Trueblood, 6-1, 250, Sr.

Outlook: Don't count on a letdown from the team that has won 28 straight games and back-to-back state championships. With the state's top QB, its top wide receiver and perhaps its deepest program, the Spartans have everything it takes to win again.

Tom Wyrwich