The Pe Ell-Willapa Valley football team has had a tumultuous past couple of seasons.
After barely missing out on a state berth in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, pushing the season all the way to the spring. The Titans won just one game that spring, but rebounded to win six games last year.
Finally, in 2022, the Titans feel like they’re bringing enough back to make some noise in the 2B ranks.
“We were young the last few years,” senior Wil Clements said. “It finally feels good to be the big dogs.”
And with just about every key contributor coming back — aside from the large losses at quarterback in Tyler Adkins and on the line in Kaden Ritzman — PWV could have the squad to earn that elusive state berth.
Despite the raised expectations that come with an older group, the mindset week-to-week will be the same, whether in Menlo or Pe Ell.
“We have nothing to lose,” Clements said. “We go out, hit hard, and expect to win.”
Pushed by a small taste of success last season, being just two wins away from the state playoffs and giving 2B quarterfinal participant Toledo a run for its money in the district crossover round, PWV is looking to do even more damage in 2022.
Led by Clements, Kolton and Derek Fluke, Garrett Keaton, and more, the Titans will hit the ground running with a Week 1 matchup against 1A quarterfinalist Tenino before a Week 2 matchup with rival Adna.
“It leaves them hungry,” coach Josh Fluke said. “They’re excited to get back in that position and win and keep going.”
