Dogs show quiet confidence on gridiron

Whitefish wants to prove last season’s run to the quarterfinals wasn’t just a flash in the pan. The Bulldogs enter the year quietly confident in building upon the program’s recent emergence as a football threat in the Northwest A.

“Absolutely we’re looking to build on last season,” said Whitefish head football coach Chad Ross. Whitefish finished the 2013 season 8-3 overall and second in the conference.

Nearly 50 players turned out for the first week of two-a-day practices, including eight seniors.

Ross says a troop of strong and athletic juniors could terrorize the league this season — a group he refers to as the fab five.

“This junior class is so strong,” Ross said.

The fab five will be led by third year starting quarterback Luke May. May finished his sophomore season with 1,562 yards passing and 11 touchdown throws. He also rushed for 717 yards and nine scores.

Ross expects May will continue to find ways to move the chains with his cannon arm and powerful legs, while also improving his decision making.

“His athleticism has been there,” Ross said. “His field vision should increase exponentially this season, too.”

May will have a legion of big targets to throw to in senior Jack Streibich, and juniors Jed Nagler and Luke Cardon. All are over 6 feet and clock a sub 5 second 40-yard dash. Other targets will be Levi Burt and Brian FauntLeRoy.

Ross says the Dogs front line is as big as its been in years.

“We’ve had more guys in the weight room than ever,” Ross said.

Whitefish will look to run a spread offense, while the big offensive line gives May a chance to make plays.

“The ball will be in Luke’s hands every play,” Ross said. “He will make decisions on whether to run or throw.”

Chris Park and FauntLeRoy will attack from the backfield.

The Dogs defensive secondary remains an unknown with the loss of last season’s senior leaders in Sean Foley, Walter Holiday and Dave Rizzolo.

“We’re just untested,” Ross said. “We’re replacing those studs. Who can we find to step in and play to that level?”

Locker room leadership will come from seniors Michael Voisin and Streibich, who were selected as pre-season captains.

“They’re doing a great job,” Ross said. “The team chemistry feels really good right now.”

The Northwest A appears to be loaded with talent. Columbia Falls enters the season as the favorite, while Polson is poised to rebound from a disappointing 2013 season.

Still, Ross says Whitefish will be in the mix.

“Whitefish will compete for it,” the coach said with confidence.