For Washougal, a new year means a new look.
What’s supposed to happen when your main source of offense graduates?
In the Panthers’ case, you go back to the drawing board. That’s what head coach Dave Hajek is doing as the Panthers try to replace prolific rusher Kade Coons, who logged 1,104 yards and 13 touchdowns last season (third best in the county), and led the Panthers to a 5-0 start, their best in years.
Hajek admits they’ll be young, but believes the Panthers will be fine. He took account of the young, promising weapons Washougal has coming in on the perimeter, and adjusted the offense accordingly.
“We’re going to try and change up our identity a little bit, we’re not going to be that I-formation and run-it people,” Hajek said. “We’re going to spread people out, run a lot more zone, throw the ball more, a lot more than we did the last couple of years.”
With junior and converted wide receiver Dalton Payne at quarterback, the Panthers plan to utilize his arm — and every receiver.
Jakob Davis, who had 156 yards and two receiving touchdowns last season at tight end, will play wide receiver, and juniors such as receiver Julien Jones will be hoisted into a larger role.
Replacing Coons? That will take place by committee. Brevan Bea, a junior who earned second team all-league honors despite missing most of last season with a broken leg, will take reps at running back, as will a pair of sophomores, Gavin Multer and Peter Boyland.
While the Panthers aren’t senior-heavy, Hajek says there is a lot to like about his junior class. Going into the 2017 season, seniors Coons and Ryan Stevens set the tone with their work ethic in the weight room and at practice.
This season, Hajek says, the junior class as a whole is stepping up.
“If we stay healthy, I think we’re going to be OK,” Hajek said.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
— RB/LB Brevan Bea missed most last season with broken leg
— Panthers started 5-0 last season
— Jakob Davis will be Payne’s primary target
2017 season: 6-4, 4-2 tied for second in league. Reached first round of state.
Schedule
Home games at Washougal High School
League games in bold
Aug. 31 at Hudson’s Bay 8 p.m.
Sept. 7 Prairie 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 Woodland 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 W.F. West 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Ridgefield 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Columbia River 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Mark Morris 8 p.m.
Oct. 19 Hockinson 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 at R.A. Long 7 p.m.