FOOTBALL 2001

Olympian file photo
Gary Gagnon enters his second season at the helm of Yelm with the coaching challenge of preparing his team for a move to the Pac-9 after 16 years in the Pierce County League.

Jody Miller

Locke

Center

Justin Miller

Tornados blow into Pac-9 with high hopes

The unknown could help Yelm in its new league

ERIC D. WILLIAMS, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

YELM -- The red and black is back.

After a 16-year hiatus, the Yelm High football team returns to the field against South Sound opponents -- instead of playing Pierce County teams -- and will try to establish itself as a force in the rugged Pacific-9 League.

"I know it's a tough league," said senior running back-defensive back Justin Center.

"Other than that I don't really know too much about the league coming in. But they don't know much about us, either. So maybe that will work to our advantage."

Yelm head coach Gary Gagnon still has some homework to do before the Tornados' non-league home opener tonight against Elma.

However, Gagnon likes his team's chances in the balanced Pac-9.

"It's going to be different because I don't know the league very well," Gagnon said.

"In the PCL the top four teams were really good, and we were fortunate enough to finish fifth (actually tied for third).

"But the Pac-9 is different. It's balanced all the way through. Year in and year out somebody from that league is always in the semifinals in terms of state."

Gagnon has some major holes to fill with just seven of 22 starters returning for the Tornados.

Defensive lineman Justin Miller and Josh Locke, both all-PCL selections, will head Yelm's scrappy defense upfront.

Also back is hard-hitting linebacker Jacob Bechtel, who plays fullback on offense, and defensive back Center.

"It's going to be a situation where some of the young kids have to step up," the second-year coach said.

Yelm lost only 10 seniors from last year's team.

However, most of those players the Tornados graduated were all solid athletes, including two-way all-area lineman Jim Mills, quarterback-defensive back Jarod Matthews and leading receiver Seth Cloran.

Replacing Mathews at quarterback is junior Jody Miller. And at running back Gagnon will have a host of candidates to choose from, including Miller and juniors Terry Jewell and Adam Zahn.

Senior Pat Thomas is the Tornados' top receiving threat on the outside.

Locke said senior leadership should be a strength of the Tornados this season.

"We've got a real strong senior class coming back," Locke said. "We're all pretty experienced and we expect to have a good season. It's our final year and we want to make a name for ourselves."

Bechtel appreciated having Gagnon back -- the first time Yelm had a returning coach in three years.

"We've had three different coaches in three seasons, so it was nice to come back this year and not have to learn a new offense," Bechtel said. "It's just way easier. Coach Gagnon's a good guy. We all like him. And he runs a very business-like practice."

Only time will tell how the Tornados fare in their new home.

One thing is certain -- the Tornados won't lose for a lack of effort.

"We have some young kids that will play hard and with a lot of enthusiasm," Gagnon said.

"Maybe it will work to our advantage because we haven't seen them and they haven't seen us. I don't know."

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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Yelm Tornados

- COACH: Gary Gagnon (2nd year).

- 2000 RECORD: 6-3. (Yelm won two games by forfeit).

- RETURNING STARTERS: 3/4.

- OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SET: Multiple; 4-4.

- KEY RETURNERS: Justin Miller, FB/DT, sr., 6-3, 225; Jacob Bechtel, RB/LB, sr., 5-6, 170; Justin Center, RB/DB, Sr., 6-1, 170; Josh Locke, OL/DL, Sr., 6-2, 260; Ryan Bourgeois, OL/DL, jr., 6-0, 250; Beau Cohen, C, jr., 5-10, 240; Pat Thomas WR/DB, sr., 5-10, 170; Terry Jewell, RB/LB, jr., 5-10, 180; Adam Zahn, RB/LB, jr., 5-10, 190.

- STRENGTHS: Gagnon returns a good group of seniors and a strong defensive line bolstered by all-PCL performers Josh Locke and Justin Miller. Teams won't know much about Yelm's offensive and defensive schemes early on.

- WEAKNESSES: Lost 10 seniors last year, all good athletes. Looking for big-play threat on offense.

- WHAT TO EXPECT: If Yelm's young talent blossoms and the defense keeps them in games, the Tornados have a chance to surprise opponents.

Schedule

Fri., Sept. 7 ELMA*

Fri., Sept. 14 RIVER RIDGE

Fri., Sept. 21 at Aberdeen

Fri., Sept. 28 CENTRALIA

Fri., Oct. 5 at Black Hills

Fri., Oct. 12 N. THURSTON

Thu., Oct. 18 at Timberline

Fri., Oct. 26 CHEHALIS

Thu., Nov. 1 at Tumwater

*non-league

Home games in CAPITALS.

All games at 7 p.m.