2015 Prep Football: Centralia

The Tigers’ spread option offense relied heavily on three ball-carriers last season — speedy Gavin Kerner, effective Jacob Monohon and bruising fullback Javon Brager.

All three, coincidentally, have graduated — not that Centralia coach Matt Whitmire, entering his third season, is worried.

“So many people have questions about whether or not we can replace those skill kids from last year,” Whitmire said. “I think what we lose in terms of our skill kids, we probably make up for in terms of physicality.”

That’s been the crux of Whitmire’s tenure in the program: Get kids in the weight room over the summer so they’ll be able to handle life in the Evergreen 2A Conference in the fall.

The training builds durability and physicality, which, in the long run, can help counter any deficiencies as far as depth is concerned.

“The kids have either bought in, or they’re not out (for football),” Whitmire said. “We had a fairly good season last year, but you still need to have that breakout year. We haven’t had that yet.”

The Tigers’ spread-option offense won’t look much different, from a philosophical standpoint. Joey Aliff and Joe Finch split time under center last season; Aliff, a junior, will be the starting quarterback this year.

“If we can get him some protection, he’s going to be a lot of fun to watch,” Whitmire said.

Finch, meanwhile, has been learning five different positions during preseason camp: offensive line, tight end, fullback, slot receiver and backup quarterback.

“He’s our Jim Thorpe right now,” Whitmire joked.

Nolan Wasson, a 6-foot-2 senior, returns at wide receiver, where he made a splash in his first year of prep football last year.

“Coming back, he has a chance to be one of the top two, if not the best, receiver in the league,” Whitmire said.

Brayden Andrews is the only additional returning starter and should be a reliable anchor for the Tigers’ front line. Tyler Ferrians moves from running back to the offensive line, where he’ll be joined by Garrett Hicks, Mateo Ayala and Meridian, Idaho transfer Cole Adams.

The fullback position — key in the Tigers’ offense — is an open competition between Nat Lopez and Dylan Ferrians.

“One of them’s more of a slasher, with Nat, and he has some returning varsity experience,” Whitmire said. “Where Dylan is the plowhorse with speed. He just looks to run over people. Both of them will see time early, during the first two weeks.”

Jordan Thomas, a speedy sophomore, will run out of the slot and has the chance to be a big part of the offense, Whitmire added.

“The thing is, what we like about our system, is it’s plug and play,” Whitmire said. “Graduation happens, just like any other program, so you have to learn to live with it and replace kids.”

Andrews returns at nose guard on the defensive line, with 6-foot-6, 340-pound Nick Edwards and Mario Mungui expected to start at the tackle positions.

Finch and Derek Baumel will start at outside linebacker, while Dylan and Tyler Ferrians, Lopez and Garrett Vandelaarschott are all competing for the inside linebacker positions.

The strength of the defense, however, will be in the secondary.

Aliff and Wasson return, while Nathan Yahn moves from linebacker to corner and Thomas and Riley Christensen will compete for the final spot in the defensive backfield.

“It’s not just athletic. It’s fairly deep, too,” Whitmire said.