Bulldog football seniors finish up with 46-4 mark

Colfax football players marked the last chapter of the 2011 season last Thursday when they honored nine seniors and presented letters and special awards. The banquet marked the end of an 11-1 run which wasn’t anticipated at the start of the season.

Coming off two successive trips to he state title game in Tacoma, Coach Mike Morgan said he would have questioned anyone at the start of the season if they predicted his squad would finish like they did.

The Bulldogs again swept league play and advanced through state elimination games until they were stopped by Waitsburg/Prescott in the semi-final round at Pasco.

Coach Morgan noted this year’s seniors over their four years played on teams that compiled a 46-4 record.

Justin Berarducci, who moved into the QB position for his senior year, received the coaches’ award and the most valuable teammate award. Senior end Jay Hart was voted by team members for the most improved award, and senior lineman Brent Conrad received the inspirational award. Junior John Mellor earned the scholastic award with a 3.94 grade average. Alvin Li and Sam Thompson, also seniors, Berarducci and Conrad received captains awards.

Other seniors at the head table were Derick Goodwin, Kyle Miller, Jake Altieri and Jaime Bledsoe,

Captains named for next year are Mellor, Daython Maltone, Cole Neu, Brady Ellis and Cole Klaveano.

Assistant coaches presented team letters with Jason Cooper presenting letters to defensive backs Hart, Berarducci, Li, Thompson, Ellis, Bryce Kramlich and Kellen McNannay.

Coach Craig Culberton presented awards to linebackers Jake Altieri, Mellor, Cole Klaveano and Levi Hardy.

Coach Mark Brown presented awards to linemen Skylar Simonson, Judd Thompson, Neu, Maltone, Arron Arneson, Miller, Goodwin, Bledsoe and Conrad.

Senior cheerleaders Reagan Lowe and Abby Muir led a list of awardees. Other cheerleaders in the lineup were Paige Mackleit, Rachel Napier, Lindsay Webber, Brooklyn Schmidt, Jacee Thomspon and Jolee Aeschliman.

Jayvee coaches presented special awards to Cody Gronning, most improved; Austin Getz, inspirational; Austin Corean, most valuable, and Josh Brown and Andrew Becker, scout team awards.

Coach Cooper noted highlights of the season were the win over Lakeside and a 6-0 decision after a boxing match with LRS.

Jayvee awards went to Ray Compson, Evan Lord, Brendan Lord, Andrew Becker, Josh Brown, Ben Stueckle, Bo Claassen, Brandon Arneson, Austin Corean, Hollis Higgingon, Calum Larkin, Eli Erickson, Dylan Heiser, Garrett Burke, Mark Webber, Brian Stueckle, Dylan Hall and Austin Getz.

Statistician Brady Cornelius and ball boy Caleb Brown were also recognized.