MARYSVILLE – Much like the construction on the road outside of the school, the Marysville Pilchuck offense is undergoing some renovations as well.
With quarterback Jake Luton graduated and playing at the University of Idaho, the Tomahawks – who have long been a run-first offense – are hoping to continue a passing game with junior quarterback Erik Lind.
“Right now, Erik Lind seems to be the guy,” said Marysville Pilchuck coach Brandon Carson. “He’s had a pretty good summer. He was our JV quarterback last year. He’s worked really hard. You can’t replace a guy like Jake. We’re going to have to do some different things, offensively, to make up for the yardage.”
One benefit for Lind and the Tomahawks is what will return to Marysville. Along with All-Area running back Austin Joyner, Marysville Pilchuck returns a few players with experience on the offensive line, a rarity for the Tomahawks.
“We’ve always kind of reloaded at that position from year to year,” Carson said. “We have a handful of guys that got a lot of playing time, as juniors, up front. Typically, that doesn’t happen around here. So we’re going to ask those guys to step up. It’s going to be a fight for those offensive line positions.”
One more constant is Marysville Pilchuck’s goal for the year: to make it back to the postseason. The Tomahawks have reached the state playoffs for two consecutive seasons.
“We have playoff expectations here, which I’m sure a lot of teams do,” Carson said. “But it’s how you go about your business getting there.”
Head coach: Brandon Carson (8th season)
Key returners: Austin Joyner, RB/DB, sr.; Nic Alonso, DB, sr.; Drew Hatch, LB, sr.; Killian Page RB/LB, sr.; Corbin Ferry, OL, jr.; Bryce Vitcovich DL; Hunter Trueax, RB, sr.
Coach’s quote: “We’ve got some talented guys but you can’t just show up on Friday nights and expect to win because you’ve got some good guys around you. You’ve got to prepare to be successful. So we’re preparing the best we can to be ready for game No. 1.”
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