Fort Vancouver’s non-league schedule is a coach’s nightmare. Sixth-year coach James Ensley prefers it that way.
The Trappers opened with 4A Battle Ground and perennial 2A contender Mark Morris. They continue with Union, a 4A title contender, Skyview and 3A Capital.
“Our non-league is not fun,” Ensley said. “But if we ever want to get to that level, we have to play those schools to see how they do it.”
Teams like Mark Morris show what a disciplined defense can do to a free-wheeling offense like Fort Vancouver’s. Union and Skyview are consistent contenders and have cultures that get the best out of their players. Battle Ground boasts one of the top players in the state.