There’s big, and then there’s Camas big.
When you look at the Papermakers’ offensive line, what stands out? Experience and depth? How about size and athleticism?
Starting center Tai Tumanuvao isn’t fazed by larger linemen at college team camps or showcase events. He’s accustomed to it at Camas.
“You don’t feel small,” he said, “because we practice next to 6-6 and 6-4 all the time.”
Tumanuvao is talking about senior tackles Caadyn Stephen (6-6, 285 pounds) and Rush Reimer (6-5, 285). As a whole, the offensive line averages 6-2 and 280 pounds.
This article is part of The Columbian's High School Fall Sports 2019 special section, published in print on Sept. 1. View it online.
Four of Camas’ five linemen are returning starters, including left guard Tristan Souza (6-2, 280) as a three-year starter. He started at left tackle his sophomore year and will start his second season at left guard.
He’s been part of an annual progression that he hopes turns into a new level this season: dominance. Josue Espinoza (6-2, 260), the expected starter at right guard, gained a lot of experience in 2018, and another multi-position lineman, Tyler Criddle is 6-0, 240 pounds.
“I feel like the past two years,” Souza said, “we’ve been a good O-line. … I take a huge accomplishment in how close we are and how we’ve grown together over the past four years.”
Coach Jon Eagle compares this offensive line to another — the 2016 state championship team with a pair of future FBS or FCS linemen.
Souza takes great pride how the offensive line is an integral part of every offensive play from keeping the quarterback up right to clearing lanes for ball carriers. The Papermakers relied heavily on its run game from Jacques Badaloto-Birdsell and now-graduated Shane Jamison in its 36-35 state preliminary round loss to Bothell last season, rushing the ball 56 times.
Their success, like team success, starts up front.
“Everybody knows their assignment and trusts each other to do their job,” Souza said.
Added Tamanuvao: “You’re fighting every single day together, and you want to put through it with everyone next to you. You have the same goal in sight.”
3 things to know
— Camas’ starting offensive line averages 6-2, 280 pounds.
— Last season’s 5-5 record marked the first time in eight seasons Papermakers didn’t reach state.
— Five of team’s opponents reached the postseason in 2018.
