Prairie rushing attack has Falcons off to fast start

“Our goal is a league title before we think anything more,” Goodpaster said.

That in itself is a big change. Competitive in recent years, Prairie has not been regarded as a threat to win the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League. Now, two weeks before the start of league play, people are taking notice.

It was not just for beating two Class 4A programs, it was the way the Falcons beat them: Old school. We’re running. Try to stop us.

“A program like this — and that’s why I love it here — it’s a challenge,” Hyde said, referring to having to make adjustments depending on the ability of each year’s team.

“When we had the Fab Four receivers, we spread the field and threw it all over,” Hyde said. “This is a pretty good group with talented running backs, a talented line, and a great tight end. We don’t have to throw 50 times.”

Goodpaster, now measuring 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, played fullback in youth football, where safety rules meant he was too big to get any carries. He did rush the ball in middle school.

His first varsity high school rushing attempts, though, were in the Skyview game. He would get the ball 22 times in his 173-yard effort.

“It was great. Everyone did their part to help me to do good things,” Goodpaster said. “The blocking was great. Huge holes for me to run through.”

Hamiel spent his first two years in high school trying to be a quarterback. Not a starter, he spent a lot of time on the sideline last season. But Prairie put Hamiel in at running back in a junior varsity game.

“That settled that,” Hyde said.

“I’m happy with the change,” Hamiel said. “I just want to help the team out.”

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this one-two punch is the lack of experience. Sure, this been a fine start but Hyde expects more and more from them.

“Once they learn how to be running backs, they’re going to be a very good tandem back there,” Hyde said.

The backs agree.

“As the season goes on, we’ll get more mature about the game and learn more about it,” Hamiel said.

“All you can do is work harder to be more successful,” Goodpaster added.

Hyde said Hamiel passes the “look test,” meaning he just looks like an athlete, a football player. Goodpaster, the coach said, passes the “bully test,” a tough player who will not shy away from contact.

“It’s a breath of fresh air with these guys,” Hyde said. “Other teams have years of film on us, and that doesn’t work anymore.”

Hyde also does not mind giving away a secret. He could see one or two other running backs having 100-yard games this season. Ronnie Evenden and Jordan Marti have the potential, as well.

See? A lot has changed with Prairie football.

Just look at the standings.