Shelton Highclimbers: 2019 Washington high school 3A football preview

Here is an inside look at the Shelton Highclimbers 2019 football team. Links: Shelton team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 2-8 in 3A SSC (seventh

Here is an inside look at the Shelton Highclimbers 2019 football team.

Links: Shelton team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

2-8 in 3A SSC (seventh place)

COACHING RESUME

Mike Speaks, second season

2-8 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 5.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

RB Gavin Gould, 5-10, 170, jr.

WR Charlie Hurt, 6-0, 170, sr.

WR Zack Jonker, 6-2, 185, sr.

OL Kyle McGregor, 6-3. 235, jr.

RB Donovan Wood-Ricker, 6-2, 170, jr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DL/LB Sebastian Engel, 6-3, 245, jr.

DB Zack Jonker, 6-2, 185, sr.

DB Christian Lopez, 6-0, 175, jr.

LB Nick Morales, 5-9, 200, sr.

DB Donovan Wood-Ricker, 6-2, 170, jr.

THREE TO SEE

Gavin Gould, running back

Popular breakout candidate has had fantastic spring, summer camps

Zac Jonker, wide receiver

Once this three-sport standout gets his hands on the football, it's on

Kyle McGregor, offensive lineman

Pushed around as a ninth grader, third-year starting left tackle now sturdy

OUTLOOK

A 1989 Highclimbers graduate, Speaks played for Jack Stark, a longtime coach who demanded excellence and commitment.

And that is the ultimate step Speaks wants to take leading his alma mater.

He's not utilizing the same yesteryear power-running schemes, instead trying to get his smaller-side athletes in space in the spread offense -- but still with the intent to first run the football.

Gould is a hard runner who appears to lead the tailback committee. Wood-Ricker will also get his fair share of carries, hopefully taking some of the pressure off first-year quarterback Daniel Lopez, who played wide receiver last season.

Speaks' junior-heavy squad might win a few more games, but the Highclimbers likely won't contend for a playoff spot until next season -- when they open up the new Stark Field.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: at North Mason, 6 p.m.

Sept. 13: Montesano, 7 p.m.

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

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

Oct. 4: Central Kitsap, 4:45 p.m.

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

Oct. 18: Gig Harbor, 7 p.m.

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

Nov. 1: North Thurston, 7 p.m.