LWHS football preview | Kangs football works toward future with youth

By Matt Phelps • September 11, 2009 1:47 pm
Members of the Lake Washington football team plan out their strategy during a time out. The Kangs lost to Mercer Island 14-7 despite shutting down the Islanders’ high-powered offense.
Members of the Lake Washington football team plan out their strategy during a time out. The Kangs lost to Mercer Island 14-7 despite shutting down the Islanders’ high-powered offense.

The Lake Washington High School football player and coaches are hoping to turn things around this season after a 1-8 season in 2008. But a strong line-backing core and defensive line could begin a turnaround for the program in 2009.

“All of the games (are important),” said Lake Washington head coach Ray Roberts, who took over two years ago. “They each represent a chance to get better and to improve our program.”

The Kangs began the regular season with a 14-7 loss against Mercer Island Friday. The Islanders struck first with a seven-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter. But Lake Washington tied the game during the fourth quarter on an Alex Donnelly three-yard run for a touchdown.

Mercer Island would score one more time to win the game in regulation. Despite the final score, the Lake Washington defense and line-backing core did a good job of slowing down the high-powered offense of the Islanders.

Kangs junior Alex Donnelly is one of those linebackers. The combination of talent, work ethic and youth gives coaches hope for the future of the team.

“Alex was honorable mention all KingCo 4A outside linebacker last year as a sophomore,” said Roberts. “He is a hard worker, great athlete and a great leader.”

Donnelly will also play running back on offense.

Lake Washington senior Shane Bergeron and senior Tarik Camp help complete an imposing set of linebackers that will give the defense strength.

“Shane has steadily improved since last year and he’s a smart player,” said Roberts. “Tarik is just coming into his own. He’s raw but talented and fast.”

Camp is also a wide receiver for the team.

The defensive and offensive lines will be anchored by defensive end senior Brian Sinclair.

“Brian is a steady performer and expects a lot of himself,” said Roberts.

“Right now our defensive line and linebackers are the strength,” said Roberts. “We are going to rely on them to keep us in ball games and give us a chance to win in the end.”

The team will have depth but Roberts said that they are young.

“We will have some sophomores playing key roles for us,” said Roberts. “Their ability to mature quickly is key to our success.”

The team’s offense may struggle to score this season but Roberts thinks they are heading in the right direction.

“(We need to improve) on a weekly basis,” said Roberts. “Compete and learn how to win, which includes preparation, academics and community responsibilities.”