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closeBlaine coach Jay Dodd is entering the season with a basic plan: keep it simple. With just five returning starters and a roster filled with younger players it was an easy decision to make.
It all adds up to Blaine running a smaller playbook, sticking to the basics, and reinforcing the fundamentals this season in an attempt to get back to the postseason.
“We just have to continue to coach the little things,” Dodd said. “We’re keeping our playbook very small because we have so many new bodies and so many new Friday night players. We’re just going to keep it simple. That said, our guys are working their butts off. I think they’ll do pretty well this year.”
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Sept. 5, Sands, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12, at Anacortes*, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, Ferndale, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26, Mount Baker*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3, at Lynden*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10, at Squalicum (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Burlington-Edison*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23, at Sehome (at Civic Stadium)*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30, Bellingham*, 7 p.m.
*NWC 2A game
Such is the expectation in Blaine, where even with an offensive line that will likely be filled out by juniors, there is enough talent on the roster for the Borderites to be considered a playoff contender after reaching the opening round of state last season.
Leading the way on offense will be a pair of returning starters in running back Casey McCabe and quarterback Daniel Gorze. McCabe brings a nice blend of speed and power and after rushing for 875 yards has to be considered one of the top returning backs in the league. Also expected to add some punch is junior running back Caleb Stathem. Another potentially explosive player is wide receiver Jacob Rogers.
Defensively, Darrell Price has a chance to be a difference-maker playing at either a defensive end spot or at linebacker. He could also see some time as a blocking back on offense.
“As a team we’ve really worked hard in the weight room this offseason,” Dodd said “We’ve had a good summer, we had a good summer camp, and I think the kids will be ready. Slowly, but surely we’ll be ready.”
Three keys
1. The offensive line must mesh quickly
The sooner Blaine’s offensive line can come together as a unit the better off the Borderites will be. Blaine likely will start a group of juniors with very little varsity experience, and much will be asked of them. The Borderites like to run, and to do that well they’ll need a good line.
2. Put together long drives
Blaine has plenty of players with big-play potential on offense, but the longer the Borderites can possess the ball the better off they will be. It’s hard to imagine this team winning too many high-scoring shootouts.
3. Find a new leader
Whenever a team graduates a large group of seniors at least some of the heart and soul of a team goes with it. The Borderites will need to have a few new players step up when the going gets tough.
Big Game
Vs. Mount Baker
Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.
Blaine lost to Mount Baker 8-6 in a slugfest last season. It was a game the Borderites would have liked to have had another shot at.
Three Players to Watch
Casey McCabe, Sr., RB/DB
McCabe was a dynamo last season, a runner with enough speed to break a long run and enough power to get the tough yards. He’ll be a workhorse for the Borderites this season.
Daniel Gorze, Sr., QB
Gorze helped make Blaine multidimensional on offense with his ability to pass. The Borderites were 5-1 last season when he threw at least one touchdown and 1-3 when he threw at least one interception.
Jacob Rogers, Sr., WR/DB
Rogers will be a big target in the Borderites’ offense and an even bigger presence at cornerback this season. He’s 6-foot-2 with long arms and good speed.
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