Prairie football: Falcons hope new-look offense leads to big things this season

After coaching high-school football for 33 years, an “old dude” as Kevin Baker calls himself, Prairie’s head coach still embraces change when needed.

Even if that means demoting himself as offensive coordinator in favor of what he hopes will be a win-win all around for the Prairie Falcons. An offense kids will be excited about, fans are excited to watch, and a program that plans to play a more exciting style of football.

“I’m smart enough to know when it’s time to change,” Baker said, “and it’s time to change.”

That change is a new offense. Gone is the flexbone option in favor of the spread. Baker is handing the keys to the offense to new coordinator Mike Peck, who while new to Prairie, isn’t new to Clark County. He spent the past seven years as Battle Ground’s offensive coordinator.

His success with the Tigers has Falcons players pumped for what they can accomplish.

“I love the spread,” said senior Aaron Brumley. “Everybody is coming out with the mindset to learn everything.”

And they’re learning everything on the fly.

It’s part of a change the Falcons are embracing, but another change they want to instill begins with changing outside perception.

On players’ minds this fall is getting past the hurdle of what they describe as being labeled as “the same ‘ol Prairie” — a team that opposing teams can push over and expect a victory every time they face the Falcons.

But there are a few tricks up their sleeves, and perhaps, a few surprises that lay in wait.

Because change is good, senior Carson Slagle said.

“We’re not doing anything we did last year,” he added.

Coming off a 2-7 campaign, Baker said what drives this year’s team is its unity, and a core that’s hungry to elevate the program to new heights.

And that starts with a new-look offense.

“Mike can help us break through that wall,” Baker said. “Kids have confidence in him because of what he’s done elsewhere.”

2016 Record: 2-7, 2-3. Tied for third in 3A GSHL

Best State Finish: Quarterfinals in 1985, 1986 and 1989

Projected Starters

Returning All-League selections in bold

QB Jayson Maddux 6-0 175 Jr.
RB Aaron Brumley 5-10 195 Sr.
RB Carson Slagle 5-11 205 Sr.
WR Nolan Mickenham 6-4 180 Jr.
WR Iszaiah Ward 5-8 165 Sr.
WR Logan Reed 6-4 195 Sr.
OL Austin Craft 5-8 190 Sr.
OL Aiden Solberg 5-11 180 Sr.
OL Christian Cha 5-8 220 Sr.
OL Max Valarde 5-8 250 Jr.
OL Tim Banaszek 5-9 225 Soph.
* * *
DL Connor Rogers 5-11 205 Jr.
DL Ken Miller 6-1 240 Jr.
DL Austin Craft 5-8 190 Sr.
DL Trievion Douglass 5-11 205 Jr.
LB Aaron Brumley 5-10 195 Sr.
LB Carson Slagle 5-11 205 Sr.
LB Aiden Solberg 5-11 180 Sr.
DB Jake Bobst 5-8 140 Sr.
DB Nolan Mickenham 6-4 180 Jr.
DB Zack Wright 5-11 175 Jr.
DB Iszaiah Ward 5-8 165 Soph.
Coach: Kevin Baker (third year)

Schedule

Home games at District Stadium
League games in bold
Sept. 1, Heritage 7 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Hockinson 7 p.m.
Sept. 15, Black Hills 7 p.m.
Sept. 22, at Battle Ground 7 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Evergreen 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 6, Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m.
Oct. 13, at Kelso 7 p.m.
Oct. 20, Mountain View 7 p.m.
Oct. 27, at Fort Vancouver 7 p.m.