PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Squalicum Storm

Another major reason is that the Storm is moving down a classification this year and will compete at the 2A level. That means more teams in their classification and more postseason berths.

“This will give us a better opportunity to earn a playoff berth,” Richardson said.

Of course no matter what classification the Storm are playing in they’ll still have to get it done on the field. If the offensive line comes together they’ll have a chance.

“We’re not as big as we have been in the past, but we’re faster,” Richardson said. “That’s going to help us out.” Though Squalicum likes to run, they could be more balanced this season than in the past. Zach Victor has improved at quarterback and seniors Brandon Sanford and Paul Smith are capable receivers.

On defense junior Evan Fenton will be patrolling the middle at the inside linebacker spot in the Storm’s new 4-4 defense. He’s a big part of a bright future for the Storm.

“We have a lot of great football players and a lot of great kids out here,” Richardson said. “It’s going to be a fun year.”

Three Players to Watch

Brandon Sanford, Sr., WR/DB

Sanford spent last season at running back and became a third option in the Storm’s run-heavy attack. He has good hands and speed and finished with 245 yards and two touchdowns.

Evan Fenton, Jr., RB/LB

Fenton has the size and the talent to be one of the premier players in the league. He’ll carry the ball this season quite a bit, but it’s on defense that he’ll excel.

Paul Smith, Sr., WR/DB

When Squalicum passed last season it was likely to Smith. He pulled in 19 catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also big enough to block downfield on running plays.

Big Game

Vs. Bellingham

Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

With the Storm moving down to 2A, this game not only counts for bragging rights but for the postseason.

Squalicum Three keys

1. Stay focused early in the season

Squalicum’s mental toughness will be tested in the first half of the season. Four of the Storm’s first five opponents reached the state playoffs last season. If Squalicum can win at least three of those games, the team will be sitting in a good position. If they can’t win a couple, it could be a tough hole to dig out of.

2. Develop an identity

Squalicum has been building toward becoming a state playoff caliber team for quite a while and this might be the season. It will be important for the Storm to figure out just what kind of team they are going to be. Part of that will be having some new leaders step up in place of the departed seniors; the other part will be how the team plays on the field.

3. Play disciplined football

The Storm has good talent and good size this season, but it isn’t big enough or talented enough to win sloppy every week. Squalicum’s offense demands attention to detail that means knowing assignments and limiting turnovers. The Storm probably won’t be able to score enough to play catch-up if turnovers give opponents easy scores.

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