Here is The Chronicle’s Preseason Coaches Poll on how they think the Evergreen 1A/2A Division will shake out...
1. Eatonville
The Cruisers are ranked No. 7 in the Tacoma News-Tribune’s preseason poll and start the season with a target on their back after a state semifinal appearance and league title last season. Quarterback Jacob McCormick is back in the mix, though overall league MVP George Tomal (LB/RB) and co-defensive MVPs Justin Kaelin and John Warner have all graduated.
2. Montesano
The Bulldogs, always tough, finished second last year and return standout wide receivers Logan Truax and Kylar Prante, with Jake Herzog taking over at quarterback on a new synthetic playing surface at Rottle Field. Hutton Napier leads a tough defense.
3. Hoquiam
Junior wide receiver and defensive back Jerod Steen leads a Grizzly squad anxious to break into the league’s upper echelon.
4. Tenino
The Beavers return plenty of skill players from team disappointed with the outcome of its 2014 campaign, headlined by running back Thomas Pier and quarterback Calvin Guzman.
5. Rochester
The Warriors have their work cut out for them, as a 2A squad playing in the hybrid league, in order to qualify for a district crossover game, and with few returning starters off of last year’s 2-7 squad.
6. Aberdeen
The Bobcats, in the same boat as Rochester as far as playoffs are concerned, will have plenty of holes to fill — including the loss of Division I prospect Joel Dublanko, a 6-foot-3, 227-pound linebacker who transferred to Florida’s IMG Academy.
7. Elma
Tristan Robinette returns at quarterback for the Eagles, who saw a handful of underclassmen move into key roles due to injuries late in their 4-5 campaign a year ago.
8. Forks
Jack Dahlgren, a two-way all-league lineman, anchors a young Spartan squad.
