Washougal football: Panthers don’t want to be ‘one-and-done’ after ending playoff drought

Like the ladder that is the recent success of Washougal High School’s football team, the Panthers’ are hopeful the next step is a continuing climb.

First was snapping a nine-year postseason drought by grabbing the No. 3 seed in the 2A Greater St. Helens League, and reaching the state preliminary round in 2016. Yet senior Jackson Lindell doesn’t want to be, in basketball terms, a “one-and-done.”

“We want to go further than that senior class did,” Lindell said.

Then, hopefully, give the underclassmen something to strive for in the future.

“To go further than us,” he said.

But for now, that “one-and-done” Lindell speaks of is playing more football in November.

Washougal lost to eventual state quarterfinalist Tumwater in last season’s Week 10 game. That postseason taste was a great stepping stone. But senior Kade Coons said the Panthers want more than just a single playoff game.

Not only are the Panthers thinking a repeat postseason trip, but multiple playoff games.

That’s a big motivation for 2017.

“We’re definitely feeding off that energy,” he said.

History isn’t on Washougal’s side. The Panthers can’t change the past, but can make their own future.

The program has gone beyond the state preliminary round twice in school history, the last being 1999. While coach Dave Hajek knows his team hasn’t accomplished anything yet, he believes it could be well on its way again because of the Panthers’ blend of talented youth and veteran experience.

“It could be the best team in the past 30 years,” he said, “if not longer.”

That experience Hajek speaks of starts with a senior-laden offensive line. Four of the five have started at least nine career games; Lindell and Aidan Bristol have 15 career starts dating back to their sophomore seasons.

Then there’s players such as quarterback Ryan Stevens, an all-league returnee, and Coons, a two-time all-league player at different positions (receiver and defensive back). He’ll transition to running back in Washougal’s I-formation.

Brevan Bea (linebacker) was one of two freshmen league-wide to earn all-2A GSHL honors last season.

The team tasted success in 2016 going .500 and making the postseason.

Now, said Hajek: “They want to go further.”

2016: 5-5, 4-2. Tied for second in 2A GSHL

Best State Finish: Semifinals in 1974

Projected Starters

Returning All-League selections in bold

QB Ryan Stevens 5-11 185 Sr.
RB Kade Coons 5-9 170 Sr.
RB Nathan Tofell 6-1 180 Sr.
WR Max Churchman 5-7 140 Sr.
WR Jakob Davis 6-2 180 Soph.
TE Grant Lewis 6-0 190 Sr.
OL Ian Harris 6-1 215 Sr.
OL Mason Armstrong 5-11 175 Jr.
OL Jackson Lindell 6-1 240 Sr.
OL Brenden Brock 5-10 180 Soph.
OL Aidan Bristol 6-2 215 Sr.
* * *
DL Blake Webb 5-10 170 Sr.
DL Cole Robb 6-0 220 Sr.
DL Nick Oakes 6-5 215 Sr.
LB Jakob Davis 6-2 180 Soph.
LB Brevan Bea 6-0 175 Soph.
LB Grant Lewis 6-0 190 Sr.
LB Nathan Tofell 6-1 180 Sr.
DB Max Churchman 5-7 140 Sr.
DB Preston Thornton 5-10 165 Jr.
DB Kade Coons 5-9 170 Sr.
DB Ryan Stevens 5-11 185 Sr.
Coach: David Hajek (fourth year)

Schedule

Home games at Fishback Stadium
League games in bold
Sept. 1 at West Seattle 7 p.m.
Sept. 8 Castle Rock 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 Columbia River 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 at Mark Morris 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 at Ridgefield 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 Hockinson 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 at Woodland 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 at R.A. Long 7 p.m.
Oct. 27 Santiam Christian (Ore.) 7 p.m.