For a league that arguably has been one of the state’s elite in recent seasons, there are plenty of positives for gearing up to face playoff-caliber teams each week.
“They bring out the best in you as a staff,” fourth-year Union coach Rory Rosenbach said. “It’s fun when you play teams you have to get to know; they’re going to have something for you.”
Rosenbach should know. During Union’s run to an undefeated 2018 Class 4A championship season, six wins came by seven or fewer points, including a six-point victory over Skyview and edging Camas by a touchdown. Games like that helped the Titans in their run to their first state title.
Since 2016, teams from the 4A GSHL are 14-5 in the postseason, including two state championships.
This article is part of The Columbian's High School Fall Sports 2019 special section, published in print on Sept. 1. View it online.
Don’t expect much of a dropoff — or much separation between these three teams — this fall.
Union might have graduated 14 all-league honorees from its state title team, but the Titans hope to ride the wave of momentum created from 2018 and a stout defense behind seven returning starters.
Camas’ offensive line is the largest in Clark County behind 6-foot-6 Caadyn Stephen at left tackle and 6-foot-4 right tackle Rush Reimer (Montana State commit). Four of their five offensive linemen are returning starters.
Skyview might be thin up front, but have a core nucleus of seniors and depth at skill position players. Running back Jalynnee McGee is the team’s most experienced starter — one of nine returning all-leaguers — along with quarterback Yaro Duvalko, a Utah State commit.
Dennis Moody takes over at Heritage with new offensive and defensive schemes, new numbers and a new outlook. Sophomore quarterback Nikki Scott returns after an early-season knee injury ended his freshman season in Week 2.
Coach Mike Kesler praises the senior leadership of his Battle Ground squad, looking to make strides off its 3-6 season in 2018. Player turnout is the highest it has been in Kesler’s three-year tenure.
PROJECTED FINISH
Camas
Hearty offensive line could pave way for Papermakers to do big things this season.
Union
Defending state champs have a lot left in the tank from a 2018 undefeated season.
Skyview
Second time in three seasons Storm have this much experience on both sides of ball.
Heritage
New coach Dennis Moody, senior class poised to get program in right direction.
Battle Ground
Tigers hope Year 3 under coach Mike Kesler leads to more league wins.
Biggest games
Oct. 10 — Battle Ground at Heritage, 7 p.m. McKenzie Stadium
Oct. 11 — Skyview at Union, 7 p.m., McKenzie Stadium
Oct. 24 — Camas at Skyview, 7 p.m. Kiggins Bowl
Nov. 1 — Union at Camas, 7 p.m., Doc Harris Stadium
