West Valley (Yakima) Rams: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 West Valley Rams football team. Links: West Valley team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 4-5 in Columbia

Here is an inside look at the 2019 West Valley Rams football team.

Links: West Valley team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

4-5 in Columbia Basin/Big Nine (fourth place)

COACHING RESUME

Dan Eyman, fifth season

20-20 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 3.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

WR Drew Johnson, 6-1, 170, so.

QB Issac Madrigal, 6-2, 180, so.

OL Grant Pickett, 6-0, 235, sr.

WR Jack Van De Brake, 5-11, 170, sr.

WR Caleb Woodcock, 6-1, 185, jr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

LB Jordan Bickler, 6-2, 230, jr.

DL Robert Carrasco, 6-2, 285, sr.

LB Devin Duthie, 6-0, 225, jr.

DL J.P. Leahy, 6-2, 205, jr.

DB Jack Van De Brake, 5-11, 170, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Jordan Bickler, linebacker

Intelligent run-game hunter knows when to pick his spots, and where to end up

Isaac Madrigal, quarterback

Took over late last season as ninth grader, and posted No. 2 passer rating in league

Jack Van De Brake, wide receiver

Retuning all-CBBN first teamer is an open-field nightmare for defenders to corral

OUTLOOK

Eyman is an Eastern Washington coaching staple, having led four programs, including his alma mater since 2015.

And when the longtime coach says his young offense will be tough to stop, it is a safe bet it will be.

Last season, the Rams weren’t too shabby, either, leading the league in yards per play (6.2) -- despite utilizing two quarterbacks.

Eyman eventually turned to Madrigal in the final half of the season, and he responded by leading the Rams to three consecutive wins in October. He is an accurate passer, which bodes will for the explosive Van De Brake, who will turn any jump ball into a catch with his hops and strong hands.

With wave of young talent coming, Eyman said he might be a year away from contending for the CBBN crown.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept. 5: at Kamiakin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Prosser, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Camas, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Sunnyside, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Eastmont, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: Wenatchee, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Moses Lake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24: at Davis, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: Eisenhower, 7 p.m.