Onalaska coach Mazen Saade knows the challenges that lie ahead for his Loggers this fall.
Even with all 22 starters from last season’s team returning, he emphasized the importance of chasing improvement, especially given the state of their league.
“Nothing is given in this state or in this league, and especially not in our league,” Saade said.
With Adna, Toledo, Kalama, a non-league matchup against Napavine and other tough opponents on the schedule, the Loggers will have their hands full every week this season.
The Loggers themselves will be no pushover, however, as they have been to each of the last three state tournaments, including a state title run in 2019.
The goal this season, though challenging, will be to make it back to the top tier of contenders at the 2B level.
“We have a lot of work to do and a long way to go to get there,” Saade said of the Loggers’ chances of contending. “Hopefully these guys have what it takes. I think they do have what it takes to improve.”
Among the returners are eighth Central 2B League South first-teamers from a year ago, including running back Rodrigo Rodriguez.
Last season, Rodriguez ran for more than 1,100 yards and was a playmaker on special teams, returning three kickoff returns for touchdowns. Headlining the offensive line are Rylan McGraw and Jeff Lines, both of whom earned first-team honors last fall.
McGraw will also be a factor on the defensive side of the ball, as will Cooper Lawrence and Kayden Mozingo.
As a unit, the defense is hoping to build off the back half of last season. After a 1-4 start last season, the Logger defense allowed 16.8 points per game over the next six games. The Loggers, on the strength of the defense, won five of those six en route to the state quarterfinals.
“We have to be physical and smart at the same time,” Saade said. “For us to have some success this year, we’re gonna have to be defensively sound. Our kids are gonna have to play defense, and they're gonna have to pick up things, go in a hurry, and learn.”
And while the task may be daunting, Saade can’t wait to see how his group stacks up with the competition.
“We’re excited for this season,” he said. “We’re excited to see if we have grown up.”
