Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014 - Mason County Journal - Page B-3
Varsity schedule:
Aug. 29 -- 6 p.m. jamboree at Tumwater High School
Aug. 30 -- 6 p.m. Red and Black Scrimmage at Highclimber
Stadium
Sept. S -- 7 p.m. vs. North Mason at Highclimber Stadium
Sept. 12 -- 7 p.m. at Sumner
Sept. 19 -- 7 p.m. vs. Foss at Highclimber Stadium
Sept. 26-- 7 p.m. at Lincoln
Oct. 3 -- 7 p.m. vs. Wilson at Highclimber Stadium
Oct. 10 -- 5 p.m. vs. Central Kitsap at Silverdale Stadium at
Olympic High School
Oct. 17 -- 7 p.m. vs. North Thurston at Highclimber Stadium
Oct. 24-- 7 p.m. at Mount Tahoma
Oct. 31 -- 7 p.m. vs. Capital at Ingersoll Stadium
Journal photos by Emily Hanson
Shelton freshman Evan Rhodes, front, and freshman Rigo Lepe approach the blocking sled Monday
afternoon during football practice on the Oakland Bay Junior High School practice field.
17 starters
return to 5/-/5
football team
By EMILY HANSON
emily@masoncounty com
Coming back from
a disappointing 2013
football season, Shelton
head coach Matt Hinkle
has pinpointed what he
believes will determine
the Highclimbers' suc-
cess this fall.
"We still have to sur-
pass that confidence
barrier," Hinkle said
Monday afternoon dur-
ing practice on the Oak-
land Bay Junior High
School practice field.
"We've got a lot of re-
turning experience, but
it's coming off a season
that was tough." "
Shelton finished 2-8
last year in the 3A Nar-
rows League. Hinkle said
the primary problem
last season was that the
Highclimbers didn't do a
good job of having play-
ers step in to fill the roles
vacated by the gradua-
tion of the seniors from
the 2012 season.
With 85 boys on the
roster and 17 returning
starters, that shouldn't
be the case this fall.
Four days into prac-
tice, Hinkle said he's see-
ing athletes with a good
grasp of the multiple set
offense and 4-2 defense
Shelton will run.
"The offseason prep
was good," Hinkle said.
"A lot of kids took advan-
tage of getting into the
weight room, and a lot
competed in other sports,
which helps with foot
agility and things of that
nature."
Among the returning
starters, senior quar-
terback Jake Beck, se-
nior running back Jake
Henry and senior tight
end Brian Nault are ex-
pected to be the driving
forces of Shelton's lead-
ership.
Also returning to the
team are senior defensive
end Tyler Justice, junior
defensive back Michael
Hackler, junior line-
man Michael Huskey,
junior lineman Nathan
Maiava, junior defensive
back Colton Paller, ju-
nior wide receiver Gabe
Reyna, junior linebacker
Tanner Rhodes, junior
linebacker Zane Vander-
wal and junior lineman
Brandon Young.
"I think the experi-
ence factor is big," Hinkle
said. "Comprehensively,
we have more football
quality than last year."
He said getting past
the confidence barrier
will be key for the High-
climbers.
"When it happens is im-
portant. Hopefully, it hap-
pens early," Hinkle said.
Shelton football:
Head coach: Matt Hinkle, 20th year
Assistant coaches: Todd McPhee, James Sobotka, Chris Frazier,
Eric Rehwaldt, Sean Donnelt, Tim Hall, Josh Munro and Mike
Sobotka
Returning senior starters: Jake Beck, Jake Henry, Brian Nault
and Tyler Justice
2013 re(ord: 2-8
Shelton senior quarterback Jake Beck prepares
to throw the ball while running Monday afternoon
during football practice.
The coach said he
wants to see the High-
climbers commit to the
team and gain mental
and physical toughness.
"Success will come if
they do that," he added.
Another key to the of-
fense's success is Beck,
now in his second year as
the starting quarterback.
With the multiple
set offense of throwing
and running, it will be
up to Beck to make the
last-second play decision
based on the defense's
position.
"Beck has the oppor-
tunity to adjust the play
at the line to get out of a
bad play," Hinkle said.
"That trust (with his
team) is there. He was
the guy last year and
battled through. A year
makes a big difference.
You see the big picture
more."
Hinkle said he hopes
not to rely on so many
young athletes as he did
last year but added there
are several up-and-com-
ing players.
for the S ptember 4
Journal will be
Name: Jake Beck
Grade: Senior
Position: Starting quarterback
Years as starter: 2
Stats: 6', 180 lbs.
How have you changed since
last season? "I'm a lot more con-
fident in everything I'm doing, my
arm, my linemen and everything
overall."
How do you think you've im-
proved the most? "My mind and be-
ing able to focus on my job, what I need
to do and to get the job done. I wasn't
able to do that last year, especially at
the beginning of the season."
How do you
think the High-
climbers look so
far? "I think we're
looking really good.
A lot of guys have hit
the weight room and
gotten stronger."
What is one spe-
Beck cific goal you want
the team to accom-
plish? "A goal for this team is to play
to our full potential."
Is there a team to beat in your
mind? "North Mason, week 1. The Ma-
son County Cup is ours."
(Deadline for other issues will still be Mondays at 5:00
p.m.- but the Journal will be closed on Labor Day!)
Mason County
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