“Evergreen is a known brand in the state of Washington, thus, it’s never too far from on-field success. I think continuity has hurt them a bit. They have hired a staff with local ties and some definitive staying power. It might not happen overnight, but great strides will be made this year in restoring the Plainsmen.”
— 4A GSHL coach on the Plainsmen
All high school football programs go through change every year.
Some are small. Some are big.
At Evergreen, there are some big changes, some small changes, but the Plainsmen are optimistic that change is a really good thing.
J.R. Mataia, already considered one of the best defensive linemen in the region, is expected to see a lot of time at offensive line this year. The new coaching staff told him that’s where he was needed.
“At first, I didn’t want to do it. But it’s my senior year. If I want to go out with a bang, I’ve got to do whatever I can to help the team win,” Mataia said.
"Evergreen is a known brand in the state of Washington, thus, it's never too far from on-field success. I think continuity has hurt them a bit. They have hired a staff with local ties and some definitive staying power. It might not happen overnight, but great strides will be made this year in restoring the Plainsmen."
-- 4A GSHL coach on the Plainsmen
“That’s exactly the type of leadership we’re looking for from a senior,” said Terry Hyde, the new head coach. Hyde is the third coach in the past four seasons at Evergreen.
Mataia is the present of the Plainsmen, accepting the fact that change will be positive.
Marquis Sampson and Ray Salanoa, both juniors, represent the present and future.
“I can see this going somewhere,” said Salanoa, a 6-foot-2, 348-pound right tackle and noseguard with a big smile.
He might have even mentioned the ultimate goal, of helping Evergreen make it to December. That seems far-fetched, as the program has nine wins the past three seasons combined, but change brings optimism.
Hyde said Salanoa is so much more than just a big guy.
“The man can run,” Hyde said. “He’s very quick, very agile.”
For sprinter speed, there’s Sampson, a 5-5 wide receiver and defensive back.
“Take care of the seniors and make sure they go out on a good note,” Sampson said of this year’s goal. “I’m not saying it’s all about the seniors, though. We have to build this program, too. As leaders, we have to make sure we get better. I feel we have a bright future. Everyone just has to buy in.”
Sampson said he can take the hits, but more importantly, he can bring the hits. His frame is his secret weapon. Opponents don’t see him as a threat.
“He’s not shy on toughness,” Hyde said. “He’s the epitome of measuring the fight in the dog.”
It is not just these three who will be counted on for the Plainsmen. All of them need to do their part to return Evergreen to relevance on Friday nights.
“It’s about we, not about me,” Hyde said. “We’ve been preaching that since Day One. We’re building a foundation right now. We’re not building the house.”
That is important to Sampson, Salanoa, and Mataia, who all said something has been missing of late.
Sampson was limited to two games last year after breaking his right arm. But he had an interesting perspective.
“Sitting and observing, I feel we didn’t care about each other,” Sampson said. “As players and coaches.”
It should never be about a few players, Salanoa said. It’s about the entire team.
Mataia said last year’s team had all the pieces but things never fit together. No disrespect to the past, he said, but for whatever reason it was not working.
So here come the 2015 Evergreen Plainsmen. It is another transition year. Players and coaches hope this is the last big change in a while — except of course, they would prefer a big change in the standings.
