Lake Washington High possesses a slew of talented returners on offense and defense and they’ll get cracking against powerhouses Steilacoom and Eastlake right out of the gate.
Head coach Andy Arena said the Kangs will have to hold their own in those early games, and then after two more nonleague contests, LW will dig into 2A/3A competition.
The Kangs, who won four of their last five games in 2018 — including a playoff victory and state berth — will have senior quarterback Jakson Voelker (6-1, 175) at the helm. Arena said Voelker looked strong in spring workouts and is ready to take ownership of a new offense, which will feature him running the ball more.
Senior James Gardner (6-0, 190) is a major weapon at running back and he’ll play outside linebacker as well.
“He’s a really good athlete all around. He could play anywhere,” said Arena, noting that Gardner is the Kangs’ backup quarterback, too. “You feel pretty good when you have an athlete like that.”
Two senior stalwarts on the strong offensive line are David Dean (6-3, 280) and Ryan Thomson (6-3, 270). Junior Chris Jahnke (6-4, 270) will also help man the offensive line and defensive line along with Thomson and others.
On the wide-receiver front, there’s senior Evan Liggett (6-2, 175), who Arena said is a “very sure-handed kid who makes plays in space.” Senior Calvin Campbell (5-11, 170) will also be a key player at wide receiver and on defense.
In a recent Reporter story, Thomson said that teamwork will be one of the keys to a successful Kang season.
LAKE WASHINGTON Schedule
Sept. 6 home vs. Steilacoom, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Eastlake, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 home vs. Redmond, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 home vs. Marysville-Pilchuck, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Bellevue, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 home vs. Liberty, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Mercer Island, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 home vs. Interlake, 7 p.m.
Kang linemen get in some hits during practice. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
