This past week your CVCS Chargers football team competed at the Boise State University Team Camp. Entering the week short on some key players, there was a feeling of uncertainty about how the team would perform at camp. Those feelings were very fleeting as the Chargers went on to win the Group B Tournament Saturday Night on The Blue.
With Obi Gee on some well-deserved college visits and Brady Frame out recovering from offseason surgery, there were some questions as to who would step up and fill the void left by these excellent player’s absences. That question was quickly put to rest with the emergence of several new leaders willing to shoulder the load.
Garrett Kranz(2020) shouldered much of the load on offense and defense. His tough running and solid tackling and nose for interceptions allowed the Chargers to play loose and confident. Kranz will fill a key leadership-by-example role this fall.
The emergence of Dawson Lee(2021) as a rugged two-way lineman reassured the Charger faithful that the losses suffered to graduation would be but a fleeting good memory. Throw in the solid play of Milton Miller(2020) and Eli Fehringer(2020) and the line quickly proved they can both protect the passer and create openings for the runners.
Carter Fortin(2022) stepped in at quarterback and executed well, hitting open receivers and working on learning the QB running game. Once Fortin completely grasps the offense, he’ll become an all conference player with his combination of size and strength.
. Perhaps the surprise of camp was Lakota Steele(2022) bursting onto the scene with amazing catches and great route running. Pairing him opposite of Frame in the fall will force defenses to defend two dynamic pass catchers. Throw in Gee and Kranz and opposing defensive coaches will have many sleepless nights in preparing for the Chargers.
Near and dear to this Junior High coach’s heart was the way Sam Sherman(2023) stepped into a starting tackle role and proved the belonged playing with the big boys. Sherman is going to be joined by a host of fellow freshmen contributing in the near future to Charger football.
The Chargers entered the Group B Tourney as one of the potential favorites. Eastside Catholic, a well known program from the Seattle area, brought a very good Junior Varsity group to the Camp. There were a couple of varsity teams from Oregon that also were very worthy opponents . LaPine, Oregon won the Big Man Challenge the night before(your Chargers took third place), so they had a veteran group of strong linemen leading the way.
The Chargers battled through West Valley, Washington’s JV team, Spanish Springs, Nevada’s JV team, and faced LaPine in the final. Entering the championship match, CVCS had allowed only one touchdown in the tournament. That wouldn’t change as the Chargers used an opportunistic offense and stingy defense to grind out a 12-0 win over LaPine.
Expectations are great for the 2019 Cole Valley Christian Chargers football season. The return of some great players and the incorporation of some new ones makes Charger football a must watch. Gentlemen, it’s certainly not too late to get on board with the Chargers football team. Contact Coach Jackson or Coach Reece with your questions. Go Chargers!