Central Valley Bears: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Central Valley Bears football team. Links: Central Valley team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 6-4 in 4A

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Central Valley Bears football team.

Links: Central Valley team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

6-4 in 4A Greater Spokane League (fourth place)

COACHING RESUME

Ryan Butner, fourth season

23-9 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 8. Defense - 3.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

OL Brad Fillis, 6-4, 250, sr.

QB Matt Gabbert, 6-5, 225, sr.

OL Preston Grote, 6-4, 250, sr.

RB Ryan Harper, 5-10, 190, sr.

WR Cameron Sheley, 5-10, 170, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB Chad Carlson, 5-8, 165, sr.

DL Tate Cornell, 6-0, 250, sr.

DL Preston Grote, 6-4, 250, sr.

DB Ryan Harper, 5-10, 190, sr.

DL/LB Kody Vaughn, 6-1, 215, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Tate Cornell, defensive lineman

Strength of Bears’ line in middle, and all-league nose tackle expected to plug inside run

Matt Gabbert, quarterback

First cousin of NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert throws high-heat fastballs for passes

Ryan Harper, running back

With two all-GSL tailbacks graduated, Harper expected to shoulder rushing attack

OUTLOOK

Butner knows he has the league’s most powerful pocket passer in Gabbert, who might end up becoming an all-state candidate if the Bears’ offense lives up to its lofty billing.

Last season’s passing attack was hindered by a group of first-year wide receivers who have shown great improvement this offseason, led by Sheley.

If their talented-but-inexperienced, sophomore-heavy defensive backfield comes together quickly, Central Valley could be in position to win its first league title since 2017.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 7: at Bellevue, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14: Garfield, 1 p.m.

Sept 20: at Ferris, 8 p.m.

Sept 27: at Lewis and Clark, 5 p.m.

Oct. 4: Coeur d’Alene (ID), 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Mount Spokane, 5 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Mead, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25: Gonzaga Prep, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: University, 7 p.m.