The big-school football coaches from Clark County who are still coaching this mid-November have big-time respect for each other.
Skyview got a good look at both Camas and Union, defeating the Papermakers in Week 4 in a non-league game, then defeating the Titans in Week 9 for the 4A Greater St. Helens League title. Skyview coach Steve Kizer was impressed.
On the Camas Papermakers: “They are a talented football team capable of beating anyone at any level. They’ve got one of the best wide receivers we’ve seen, one of the best running backs we’ve seen, and they are solid on the line. They could win it.”
On the Union Titans: “They are the most physical team. The just pound it and keep going. They’re a good team.”
Kizer also said that coaching is more in play during the playoffs, when teams are on more equal terms.
“They’re two of the best coaches in the state, and it just shows,” Kizer said of Camas’ Jon Eagle and Union’s Cale Piland.
Those coaches also have opinions.
Cale Piland on the Skyview Storm: “A great football team that has virtually no weakness. It’s going to take a very, very good defense to prevent them from running the ball. Their offensive line is as good, collectively, as I’ve seen. You put (running back) Parker Henry back there, it’s tough. Then you complement that with what they can do on the perimeter.”
Cale Piland on the Camas Papermakers: (The teams scrimmaged each other in the spring.) “We were impressed with their defensive front. Physical kids and rally good athletes. They make it difficult for teams to move the ball.”
Jon Eagle on the Skyview Storm: “Exceptional line play, both sides of the ball. A balanced offense and a strong defense.”
Jon Eagle on the Union Titans: “I know they’re playing great defense. Anybody that beats Kentlake (on its home field), that’s pretty good. All they did was walk up to that league champion and beat them going away. It was almost like ho-hum. Are you kidding me?”
