2024 Preview: Estacada football’s linebacker trio to lead way

Published 11:57 am Monday, August 26, 2024

Estacada football is ready to take a ‘step upward’ after an early playoffs exit a year ago — continuing to develop the next wave of Rangers gridiron stars.

In many ways, last year was one of building for the program. It was a young team, with a lot of players getting varsity snaps for the first time. And while the team finished second in the Tri-Valley Conference, its 4-6 record (3-2 League) and first-round playoff loss to Seaside left room for improvement.

“It was a learning curve,” coach Andy Mott said. “But now a lot of those players are back and bring experience into the new year.

“I expect them to have confidence and be ready.”

The goals are not only to build and improve each week, but to win the Tri-Valley Conference and make a deep playoff run.

To do it, the Rangers will rely on a tried and true strategy — being physical and tough on both sides of the ball.

Estacada’s bruising offense returns with the spotlight on churning plays on the ground. This season will be running back by committee, due to a bevy of talented ball carriers. The most difficult part will be finding enough touches for them all.

“We have a good stable of backs that are capable of toting the rock along with some key returning linemen,” Mott said.

Senior Elliott Coyle is the leader, not just of those runners, but the whole Rangers squad. He will be a two-way starter at running back and linebacker, and provides another voice to amplify the coaches’ message to his younger teammates.

Defensively the front seven is stout, flanked by some young defensive backs that will get better as the season goes on with a few games under their belts. Alongside Coyle, fellow senior linebackers Lincoln Rathmanner and Jaden Portin round out that intimidating group.

On the line are four experienced seniors — Johnny Cruz, Thomas Seal, Dom Difrancisco and Isaac Church — all of whom will make an impact on both offense and defense.

Aug. 30: at Tillamook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6: vs. Crook County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: vs. Stayton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Scappoose, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: vs. Pendleton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: at The Dalles, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Gladstone, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: vs. Parkrose, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: vs. Molalla, 7 p.m.