Bulldog gridders wrap-up solid run in tough NE league

Special award winners for varsity at the football banquet were, from the left, Dane Hall, Blake Bodey, Ben Ahmann, Brett Kuncaid, Leo Huels and Chris Jones.

Speaking to parents and players at the season football dessert last Thursday, Colfax Coach Mike Morgan noted the Bulldog football campaign had another frustrating finish when they again failed to make the state playoff round after again being stopped by Asotin in the crossover round.

Morgan pointed to the strong competition and noted the lone Colfax losses during the campaign went to a team which was stopped in the state quarterfinals, a team which advanced to the state semis, and a team which was stopped in the state title game Saturday.

He said the Bulldogs this year really gave everything to the campaign, and it was frustrating to see them fall short of being rewarded for their efforts.

Leo Huels, senior foreign exchange student form Germany, was one of two players to receive the most improved player award. Coach Morgan said Huels never ceased asking about American football with an extremely positive and pleasant attitude.

Senior quarterback Brett Kincaid was named for the other most improved honor. Morgan credited Kincaid with making progress through the season and launching his best game on the last round of the year, the tugged playoff battle at Asotin.

Line Coach Craig Culbertson presented the inspirational award to Dane Hall and Blake Bodey. Culbertson said Hall and Bodey were the best players he has had at linebacker over the 40 years he has been connected with the program. Dane Hall was also selected for the most valuable teammate award and the coaches award.

Caden Brown was named winner of the scholastic award.

Captain’s awards went to Ben Ahmann, Chris Jones, Kincaid and Dane Hall.

In presenting letter awards to seniors, Morgan noted Dane Hall and Tucker Gleason have been nominated to play in the all-state game by other coaches in the league. Actual selection of all-state teams will be done next year.

Other seniors on the team were Kincaid, quarterback; Ben Ahmann, running back; Riley Wuestenay, line; Dylan Nails, center; Jones, running back; Derrick Ward, wide receiver and defensive back; Huels, line, and Zack Jarosch, wide receiver and defensive back.

Defensive Coach Jason Cooper presented letter awards to Huel, Ward, Jarosh, Dakota Hall, Nick Klaveano, Kincaid, Ben Ahmann and Gabe Ahmann.

Coach Culbertson presented letter awards to Bodey, Dane Hall, and Jones. He noted Hall was named to the NE first team as linebacker and the second team at offensive line, Bodey was named to second team positions.

Line Coach Mark Brown presented letters to Mason Miller, Huels, Nails, Wuestenay, Gleason, and Augie Leinweber who was named NE first team on offensive and defensive lines.

Jayvee Coach Todd Kinley started off his segment of the program by crediting players with recruiting new players to fill out the roster for the campaign.

Junior varsity certificates went to Mark Morgan, Layne Gingrich, Gunnar Aune, Garrett Korsland, Anthony Becker, Issac Andersoon, Wyatt Armstrong, Carsten Miller, Caden Brown, Dustyn Broeckel, John Nelson. Colby Slate, Hunter Claassen, Gavin Hammer, Brayden Rodgers, Jacob Brown, and James Gilchrist.

Hammer, Rodgers, Brown and Gilchrist also received varsity awards.

Special award for jayvee players went to Gingrich, most improved; Becker and Aune, inspirational; J. Brown, most valuable teammate and Claassen, scout team leader of the year.

Senior cheerleaders on the team this year included Sara Whelchel, Sadie Thompson and Hailey Aase. Other members of the cheer squad were Kari Largent, Hayden Fulfs, Mackenna Roberts, and Miya Ensley.