The Coupeville Wolves fielded a young football team in 2010, and the 2011 version will also lack for upperclassmen.
Only seven senior lettermen return, but coach Jay Silver has several talented players from the class to build around.
Among those returning are two all-league, first-team selections, seniors Mitch Pelroy and Dalton Engle.
Pelroy was honored for his kick return efforts and Engle as a linebacker.
Pelroy scored 11 touchdowns in 2010, three on kickoff returns. He also caught 43 passes for 776 yards.
Engle, a three-year starter, led the team in tackles with 69 and was second in rushing with 276 yards. He also caught 22 passes for 136 yards.
Fellow seniors safety Zac Forland and receiver Brant Bodamer earned honorable mention honors last year.
Bodamer caught 44 passes for 422 yards in 2010; however he may be the one throwing the passes this year.
He and sophomore letterman Jake Tumblin are battling for the starting QB spot.
Silver is concerned about the lack of experience at quarterback; neither Bodamer or Tumblin has thrown a pass in a varsity game.
Silver said, “If we can stay healthy and find a QB that can manage the game without turning the ball over, we should be able to compete in our league.”
Other key returning players, according to Silver, are junior wide receiver/linebacker Luke Pelant and junior lineman Caleb Valko.
Key newcomers are senior lineman Mason Kuykendall, sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Wade Schaef and sophomore lineman Anthony Maggio.
Other returning lettermen are seniors Daniel Saunders, Dylan Warren and Chris Bitting; juniors Riley Boyd, Danny Savalza and Kole Kellison; and sophomores Brett Arnold and Nick Streubal.
Silver said, “We have much more size up front than we did last year so that should help the run game a little. We are very good at the skill positions on both sides of the ball. Our team speed is improved from last year.” Lack of depth is a concern.
Silver said, “We will be more competitive then we were last year and we will play more consistently…we will be more disciplined and mentally tough.” Those qualities, he said, should help the team give up fewer big plays, eliminate mistakes and close out close games — all problems in 2010.
Coupeville finished winless in league play in 2010, 2-8 overall. It opens 2011 at Port Townsend Friday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m., then hosts King’s Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
