Arlee football returns a senior-laden team to the gridiron
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ARLEE — With 11 returning lettermen from last year's team that ended a decade-long playoff drought, it would be easy for the Warriors to be setting their sights on success in late October and early November, but their coach hasn't gotten past September.
"Win the first one," Arlee coach Scott Palmer said after practice Wednesday, when asked what the team's goal was this season. "You have to win one game at a time. If you look forward, you tend to lose focus."
The Warriors will bring a senior-laden, experienced squad to the Philipsburg field in their first game Sept. 3. The Warriors lost only two starters to graduation. Dylan Moran, a senior, will be taking snaps under center for the second year. With a year under his belt, Palmer said that Moran, who already make good reads and decisions, has grown as a football player.
Moran will have plenty of options to go to on offense, with the entire backfield returning. Senior Cole Rice and junior Zach Tameler will share time at running back and senior Damon Cordier will be their fullback. Palmer said that Rice is more of a power back and Tameler is more of a finesse runner with the ability to break out in the open. Logan Lefler, a junior, is another threat for the Warriors in the backfield.
The Warrior backs will be running behind a line that returned all but one starter. Seniors Curtis Seidel and Bryce Norling and junior Brady Potts will all be back to punch holes for the Warriors' talented backfield and chase down opposing backs
Eaneas Inmee, another senior, has the tough job of replacing Travis Christopher, a second team all-conference nose guard, but Palmer thinks he's up to the task.
"He's kind of our utility guy. He's a great athlete, so it was just a matter of finding a spot to get him on the field," Palmer said. "I think he's found a home at nose guard," he added.
Senior Kieran Ursua also has some big shoes to fill. Ursua replaces all-conference end Travis Rubel. At 5-foot-11, Ursua is shorter than Rubel, but he has great hands, is a good blocker and so far is "exceeding their expectations."
Dakota Dejarlais, one more returning senior, played at end the past season and is one more threat for the Warriors.
The Warriors are more than just a talented senior class. Palmer said that they have a group of talented underclassmen and have multiple players in every position. He said depth will probably be their greatest strength.
The Warriors will be gunning for Charlo and Drummond, who once again will be the teams to beat in the Western C. Much like Arlee, Noxon finally has a big group of seniors and should be tough this season, Palmer said.
