No. 2 Kalama Chinooks: 2019 Washington high school 2B football preview

The Kalama Chinooks are ranked No. 2 in Scorebook Live Washington's preseason 2B football Top 10. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Chinooks. Links: Kalama team

The Kalama Chinooks are ranked No. 2 in Scorebook Live Washington's preseason 2B football Top 10. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Chinooks.

Links: Kalama team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

12-2 in 2B Pacific River (first place); beat Napavine for 2B title

COACHING RESUME

Sean McDonald, fifth season

Overall record: 42-8

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 7. Defense - 7.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

QB Jackson Esary, 6-2, 190, so.

RB Eli Haynes, 5-10, 190, sr.

OL Sutton Moon, 5-11, 215, sr.

RB Brady O’Neil, 5-11, 200, so.

WR Brennon Vance, 6-0, 175, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB Nate Anderson, 6-1, 170, jr.

DB Eli Haynes, 5-10, 190, sr.

LB Sutton Moon, 5-11, 215, sr.

LB Brady Spiess, 6-2, 200, sr.

DB Brennon Vance, 6-0, 175, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Jackson Esary, quarterback

Has a lot to learn, but size (6-2) and athleticism are intriguing

Sutton Moon, linebacker

Elite defender is also Chinooks’ center -- and state wrestling champion

Brennan Vance, wide receiver

All-state pass catcher is constant big-hitting play waiting to happen 

OUTLOOK

The obvious question for the two-time defending 2B state champions is how they replace reigning 2B state player of the year Alex Dyer, who posted back-to-back passing seasons of 3,100 yards and nearly 50 touchdowns.

Jackson Esary, a slot receiver last season, wasn’t the first choice- - but is the guy now. The good thing for the first-year starter is that coach McDonald’s schemes are passer-friendly, even if that means Kalama will have to rein in its deep-throwing tendency.

Of course, Brennan Vance’s ball-hawking versatility should be a young quarterback’s best friend, and the Chinooks have both top backfield rushing options (Brady O’Neil, Eli Haynes) back.

In short, Kalama is certainly a threat to become the first school to win three consecutive 2B titles since DeSales (1997-99).

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: Woodland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: at Napavine, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Adna, 7 p.m.

Sept 27: at La Center, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Winlock, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Toledo, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Mossyrock, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Wahkiakum, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: Toutle Lake, 7 p.m.