PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Mount Baker Mountaineers

JOE SUNNEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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It�s been a few years now since Mount Baker made its last playoff appearance in 2005, but the Mountaineers think there�s a chance they could make a run at the postseason this year.

The Mounties are making a push back to their hard-nosed ways, running harder practices and asking more of their players in the off-season. It�s a return to the old ways after a middle-of-the-pack season.

A major reason for the change is because Mount Baker doesn�t return much in the way of varsity experience. But the coaching staff also thinks this group is good enough to play in November.

Sept. 5, Nooksack Valley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12, at Bellingham (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, Anacortes*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26, at Blaine*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3, at Sehome (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10, at Sedro-Woolley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Lynden*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, at Burlington-Edison*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30, Squalicum*, 7 p.m.
*NWC 2A game

�We have a lot of first-year starters, but I think that they are capable,� Mount Baker coach Ron Lepper said. �Now it�s just a matter of whether or not they can do it and whether they can stay healthy. Now doing that in this league is a big deal, because it�s a pretty tough league, but if we can do it I think we could make a run at the postseason.�

The biggest reason for optimism might be in the Mountaineers backfield, where Chad Cain, David Kashubin, and Gage Robinson will form a strong trio. Even as Mount Baker transitions to a more balanced look on offense with a shotgun, these three will make a difference.

�We�re going to try to spread things out a little bit so defenses will have to be a little more honest this season,� Lepper said.

Brian Marshall steps in at quarterback after serving as a backup last season. He didn�t get much playing time, and had his season shortened by an injury, but is a good athlete. Defensively, Robinson and Kashubin return at linebacker, while Alex Fritz will be strong on the line.

�When I look at this team, I really think we have a chance to do some pretty good things,� Lepper said.

Three Players to Watch

Gage Robinson, Jr., TE/LB

Robinson proved to be a talented target for the Mountaineers to throw to last season, hauling in 21 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns. He also was an honorable mention all-conference pick on defense.

Chad Cain, Sr., RB/LB

Cain was Mount Baker�s second leading rusher last season and usually made the most of his opportunities. He got tougher to bring down as the season went on, rushing for 486 yards.

David Kashubin, Jr., RB/LB

Kashubin is another player that helped make up a strong linebacking corps for Mount Baker last season. He also had a few nice mo-ments carrying the ball and should see more of those this year.

Big Game

Vs. Lynden

Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Mount Baker simply didn�t play well against Lynden last season. The Mountaineers will want to make amends for that.

Three keys

1. Start the season strong

Mount Baker began last year 1-4 and had to fight the rest of the way. That can�t happen again if the Mountaineers are going to reach the playoffs.

2. Dictate the offense

Mount Baker was forced into throwing the ball last season at times when it would have preferred not to. That will change if the Moun-taineers run well.

3. Give the quarterback time

Enough pressure will be on first-year quarterback Brian Marshall without a defense breathing down his neck. The Mountaineers will have to protect him when he drops back.

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Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Mount Baker Mountaineers

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