FOOTBALL 2001

Steve Bloom/The Olympian
North Thurston got a pleasant surprise when it learned that quarterback Frank Duran was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the WIAA. Duran will lead an explosive but young offense this season.

Norman

Wade

Rams ready for repeat run

Inexperienced offensive line will be tested

ERIC D. WILLIAMS, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- North Thurston running back Alex Pittelkau and his Rams cohorts experienced a little heartache at the end of November last season.

After making a postseason run in the 3A state playoffs, North Thurston bowed out in the semifinals against eventual-champion Skyline.

The loss left a bad taste in Pittelkau's mouth.

"Obviously I was disappointed," said Pittelkau, who rushed for a mind-numbing 2,055 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, earning all-state honors.

"Everybody that plays wants to win a state championship. We had our chance last year, but if we are going to try and do it again this season we need to come together as a team. If everybody works hard, we should do pretty good."

Pittelkau worked to get stronger in the offseason, but still maintains his quickness, consistently running 4.5 in the 40-yard-dash.

"He looks great," coach Rocky Patchin said. "He worked hard in the offseason and got stronger and faster. When you have someone of that caliber kids look to him for leadership. Alex is not a real rah-rah guy. He's softspoken, but he leads by example."

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound running back might have to shoulder more of the load this season, with only seven of 22 starters returning.

North Thurston will sport a youthful lineup, but with Pittelkau, senior quarterback Frank Duran and wide receiver Zack Fluke back, they still have some offensive punch.

"We have a lot of unknowns," Patchin said. "On paper some people may rate us at the top, but that's because we have Pittelkau and Fluke back. Basically on paper a lot of teams look better than us."

Patchin's main task is molding an inexperienced offensive line into a cohesive unit that can open holes for Pittelkau and protect Duran. Patchin also needs Duran, a fifth-year senior and the oldest player on the team, to step up and take on a leadership role.

"The quarterback stereotype is that of a leader, so that's what I need to do," Duran said. "I got so much experience last year and I think that gives me some credibility. Hopefully I can really show what I can do and we'll throw a lot more then we did last year."

Patchin said the Rams should have a more balanced attack this season. To that end, expect Duran and Fluke to hook up more this season.

Fluke said he'd like to break North Thurston's single-season reception mark of 55, held by current wide receivers' coach Jason Williams and Jake Kirkwood, who plays at Southern Oregon. Fluke worked out with both this summer.

"That would be nice," Fluke said. "I know Pitt's going to get the ball a lot, but it would be nice to throw the ball around a little more and have some fun."

Patchin has a lot of holes to fill on defense, with just lineman Brent Murphy and Jason Norman and defensive back Fluke returning.

Even though they're young, expect North Thurston's tradition to carry them through this season.

"Basically we have a big target on our back," Duran said. "Everybody's going to be gunning for us -- especially those teams we blew out last year."

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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North Thurston Rams

- COACH: Rocky Patchin (10th year).

- 2000 RECORD: 12-2; lost in semifinals of 3A state playoffs.

- RETURNING STARTERS: 4/3.

- OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SET: Single back; 4-4

- KEY RETURNERS: Frank Duran, QB, sr., 6-1, 180; Alex Pittelkau, RB, sr.; 5-10, 175; Zack Fluke, WR/DB, sr.; 6-1, 175; Evan Zander, TE/DE, sr.; 6-5, 230; Jason Norman, OL/DL, sr.; 5-9, 180; Jeff Wade, LB/TE, sr., 6-1, 175; Dustin Ibarra, RB/LB, sr., 6-0, 175.

- STRENGTHS: With Pittelkau, Duran and Fluke back, Rams should put points on the board. Last year's semifinal run will give them confidence.

- WEAKNESSES: Inexperience. With no returners on offensive line and only three back on defense, Rams will have to work the kinks out early in season.

- WHAT TO EXPECT: North Thurston's season hinges on how quickly younger players develop. Patchin would like offense to be more balanced, throwing on 1st and 2nd downs.

Schedule

Fri., Sept. 7 at Black Hills

Sat., Sept. 15 at Lakes*

Fri., Sept. 21 TIMBERLINE

Fri., Sept. 28 at Chehalis

Thu., Oct. 4 TUMWATER

Fri., Oct. 12 at Yelm

Fri., Oct. 19 RIVER RIDGE

Fri., Oct. 26 at Aberdeen

Thu., Nov. 1 CENTRALIA

*non-league

Home games in CAPITALS.

All games at 7 p.m.