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Arlington's Swiss Knife of a player Jake Parduhn is a returning second team all league QB - but this year he'll play RB/WR. Photo Courtesy of Rob Carlson/SportsMediaNorthwest
Everybody's got one: an opinion. And if you're sharing opinions on high school football, it is a pre-requisite that you publish an all conference team before the season even starts. How silly of an exercise is this? Last year's unanimously selected first team receivers Colton Tupen and Trevor Riecks weren't on anybody's preseason ballots. That said, it's still fun to take a look around the conference and project who the top players will be. So, take it with a grain of salt and feel free to add your own opinions via the comment.
2009 Wesco 4A North Preseason All Pigskin Team
First Team
QB Andy Smith Arlington
Somehow managed to displace Jake Parduhn at QB – despite the fact that Parduhn ended up a second team all league selection…passed for three TD’s and 322 in season-ending Stilly Cup loss to Stanwood…will have plenty of targets in the Arlington spread.
WR Connor Varnell Arlington
Second in Wesco with 9 TD receptions last season…averaged 14.5 yards per catch on 28 receptions.
WR Chameron Lackey LS
Saw limited action at receiver last season, due to duties as backup QB and RB, not to mention starting free safety and punt returner. Switched from QB to WR because Lake Coach Tom Tri covets his hands for the slot position in the Viking spread...a tri-captain for the Vikes…Averaged 7.8 yards-per-carry rushing and over 12 yards per reception.
WR Brandon Preslar LS
Talented junior showed his mettle in spelling All Wesco standout Colton Tupen last year…snared two TD’s in limited action, but will move into a starting role and will have plenty of balls thrown his way in the high powered Viking attack…averaged over 20 yards per catch in limited action…A safe pick to establish all Viking career and perhaps season receiving marks by the time he is done.
TE John Shell Arlington
Big, fast senior led Arlington in receiving yards last season with 502…added 4 TDs as well.
RB Brad Gee Stanwood
Bruising senior established himself after a midseason transfer from Archbishop Murphy…led Stanwood to a Stilly Cup win with 233 yards rushing at Arlington…rushed for 791 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards-per-carry. Listed at an NFL-like 6’1, 215.
RB Austin Denton M-P
One of the top players in the state, Denton rushed for over 1500 yards and 18 TD’s in 2008 while helping M-P to an undefeated regular season record…may have a tough time duplicating these numbers, as M-P returns just two other offensive starters.
OL Brennan Steinbaugh M-P
Two-way beast is almost as good on offense as he is at terrifying QB’s on defense
OL Jesse Porter LS
Joined the 2008 Viking squad midseason and was an immediate starter at left tackle and defensive end…one of the strongest players around, squats over 500 pounds but is extremely agile…listed at 6’2 240.
OL Alex Hatley Stanwood
This 280-pound beast is on the fast track to Saturdays. Leads the way for Brad Gee, able pass protector.
OL Michael Randall Stanwood
Another stout lineman returning off an honorable-mention all league performance.
OL Keith Wigney Snohomish
If Ohio State is Linebacker U, then perhaps Snohomish is Lineman High. Wigney is the top Panther returner in the trenches.
P Kale Schmidt Stanwood
Schmidt is the returning All Wesco punter.
All Purpose/ATH Jake Parduhn Arlington
Notched All Wesco honors at QB last season, and easily could’ve earned similar honors at DB and kick returner. This year, the Eagles will use Parduhn in a slotback role where they can best utilize his open field running talents.
Second Team
QB James Jordan Oak Harbor
WR Rashad Smith Oak Harbor
WR Dylan Lindberg Arlington (Soph)
WR Tyler Reside LS
RB Jake Parduhn
RB Duke Dolphin
TE Zach Johnson Stanwood
OL Ryan Landen Stanwood
OL Tyler Zimmerman Snohomish
OL Alex Martin Monroe
OL Jordan Eckstom LS
OL Alex Moon LS
P Duke Dolphin LS
PR Donovan Hunt OH