Cedar Park Christian Eagles: 2019 Washington high school 1A football preview

By WILL HOLLAND Here's an inside look at the 1A Cedar Park Christian (Bothell) Eagles . Links: Cedar Park Christian team page | 2019 schedule 2018 IN REVIEW 7-2

By WILL HOLLAND

Here's an inside look at the 1A Cedar Park Christian (Bothell) Eagles .

Links: Cedar Park Christian team page | 2019 schedule

2018 IN REVIEW

7-2 overall record, 5-0 in North Sound League; lost to Mt. Baker in week 10, 49-10

COACHING RESUME

HC: Butch Goncharoff

11-8 record at CPC (3rd season as head coach)

Coordinators: Butch Goncharoff (OC); Tyler Petty (DC).

Base schemes: Wing-T offense, 4-3 defense

RETURNING 

Offense - 7. Defense - 7.

TOP RETURNERS

RB/DB Zach Wilkins, 5-10, 165, Sr.

WR/DB Johny Petrus, 5-9, 160, Jr.

OL/DL Brendon Brown, 5-10, 200, Jr.

LB Matt Gibson, 5-10, 180, Sr.

LB Elijah Brown, 6-1, 190, Jr.

THREE TO SEE

RB/DB Zach Wilkins, 5-10, 165, Sr.

The wing-T tends to accelerate the development of running backs year in and year out, and Wilkins certainly saw some huge development last year. As a junior, Wilkins ran for over 1,200 yards on 168 carries with 15 touchdowns, earning league offensive MVP honors. Look for the Eagles to feed this kid often in 2019.

WR/RB/DB Johny Petrus, 5-9, 160, Jr.

The Eagles will try to get the ball into Petrus’ hands in any way possible this year, as it worked so well last year. He scored touchdowns on the ground, through the air, and in the return game, and was named all-league as a receiver and as a specialist for his efforts. He’s an electric playmaker that will rarely be seen on the sidelines this fall.

OL/DL Brendon Brown, 5-10, 200, Jr.

Brown returns as a valuable piece in Goncharoff’s wing-T, as well as a big-time run-stopper for the Eagles. Another all-league selection on offense as a junior, Brown possesses the physicality to go up against any opponent, regardless of size. 

OUTLOOK

The Eagles made some huge improvements on the field last year, as they were able to finish on top of the North Sound Conference. Ex-Bellevue coach Butch Goncharoff has been the latest installment in turning the program around from a 2-8 record just five years ago. His wing-T offense has proven incredibly effective in maximizing the talent of his powerful offensive linemen and playmaking athletes. Last year, the offense scored an electric 291 points, up over 100 points from 2017’s squad. The defense didn’t look too shabby either, pitching multiple games in which they allowed single-digit figures from opponents. CPC returns 7 all-league selections, but loses two studs in LB Dawson Drews and lineman Epic Csigi. The Eagles come off of their one year probation this season, which was enacted in response to the team’s self-reported recruiting violations. They should be able to reload for what looks to be another big year. 

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept. 6, 7 p.m.: Concrete

Sept. 14, 5:45 p.m.: at Rancho Christian (CA)

Sept. 21, 7 p.m.: Vashon Island

Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: Fort Vancouver

Oct. 4, 7 p.m.: Granite Falls

Oct. 12, 7 p.m.: South Whidbey

Oct. 18, 7 p.m.: at Kings

Oct. 25, 7 p.m.: at Nathan hale

Nov. 1, 7 p.m.: Sultan

*home games in bold