COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Vikings in the middle of the pack, according to poll

WWU, coming off a 2-8 season, collected 15 points in the poll. The Wildcats were the unanimous pick as the top team in the conference, gathering all five first-place votes to finish with 25 points. Western Oregon had 20 points.

Five points were awarded for a first place vote, four points for a second place vote, and so on.

"Central's the 11th-ranked team in the nation coming into this, so I think you have to pick them as a favorite," WWU coach Robin Ross said. "Western Oregon had a real good season last year and they have a good team coming back, so I can see that."

Dixie State College was selected to finish in fourth place with eight points. Humboldt State was picked to finish fifth with seven points. Central Washington and Western Oregon are the only teams in the conference that finished with a winning record last season.

"We're coming out of the North Central Conference along with Central and the rest are coming in after playing as independents," Ross said. "It should be interesting to see how that plays out."

This season marks the first time since 2005 that the GNAC has included football. Western, Central, WOU and Humboldt State played together in the GNAC for several years before the conference was disbanded two seasons ago.

The two Washington schools joined the North Central Conference as football-only members in 2006, but the conference folded last season. The Lumberjacks and Wolves played as independents last year, while Dixie State recently moved up to Division II from the junior college ranks.

Western won GNAC title in 2001 and 2003. Central won the last championship in 2005.

The Vikings open the season at home against Western Oregon on Sept. 6 at Civic Stadium.

TURF AND CONDITIONING KEEPING VIKINGS HEALTHY

Seven days into fall practice and the Vikings have yet to suffer a real serious injury. Western's offseason conditioning program plays a big role in that, but the new FieldTurf put down on the campus practice field this summer has also been a major factor.

"With the old AstroTurf we would change practice around because there were things we didn't want to do on that field," WWU coach Robin Ross said. "We tried to do our hitting stuff at Civic (Stadium) because we didn't want to see the players' bodies hitting that surface."

The new surface is much softer than the old turf and more forgiving. The old AstroTurf field was so hard two seasons ago, a player separated his shoulder landing on the surface after making a jumping catch. It's an injury that could have been less serious if it had occurred on softer turf.

"For the most part we've been able to avoid the injuries," Ross said. "We have some guys dealing with some muscle stuff like hamstring pulls, and a couple of guys have had headaches which because of concussions we're real cautious of, but it's been pretty good. I think everyone is feeling a lot better on this turf."

SANDUSKY LIKELY FINISHED WITH FOOTBALL

Former Ferndale standout Rocki Sandusky has decided not to turn out for the team this season, Ross said. Sandusky played in seven games last season and started two, but has battled injuries in the past.

He started his college career at the University of Las Vegas, but transferred to WWU without playing a game for the Running Rebels.

"Right now football is not in his life," Ross said. "I had a long talk with him and right now he said it's just not what he wants to do."

FRESHMAN RUNNING BACK MAKING AN IMPACT

Freshman running back Domenique Hill is making a strong case for playing time this season after a good start at fall practice. Hill worked with the first and second units on Tuesday, Aug. 19, while expected starter Randall Eldridge sat out. Hill showed a good burst and pass-blocking skills.

"He's really jumped out on the offensive side," Ross said. "He looks like someone that belongs on this field right now. If he keeps coming like he is, he's somebody that could play right away."

If the freshman from Portland, Ore., can develop into a rushing threat quickly, the Viking will be better off. None of the projected tailbacks on the roster had a carry for WWU last season.

FIRST SCRIMMAGE SET FOR SATURDAY

The Vikings have their first scrimmage of the fall on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Civic Stadium at 7 p.m. Western hasn't run very many live plays in practice up to this point, so it will be an important contest for determining the depth chart before the first game of the season and for checking the progress of the new players on the team.

"We have a lot of new players out here learning a lot of things," Ross said. "Today was one of those days where the players have to push themselves through. But the attitude has been good, the effort has been good, and I think we're more athletic on the field than we have been in the past."

Reach Joe Sunnen at joe.sunnen@bellinghamherald.com or 756-2862.

Recent Stories

• Man charged in Bellingham teen's death to be extradited soon
• Says waterfront plan exploits taxpayers
• Three Ferndale-area residents plead not guilty to animal abuse
• Bellingham charter company adds boat, destinations
• Toys for Tots drive kicks off Saturday in Whatcom County