Deep, swift Lions ready to spread the wealth | Prep football kickoff ’15

Plenty of speed to burn, targets to choose from and a quick trigger to make it all go.

Plenty of speed to burn, targets to choose from and a quick trigger to make it all go.

Defenses, meet Auburn Mountainview’s explosive, spread offense.

Such a no-huddle, up-tempo attack has the Lions poised, loaded and ready to survive the rugged South Puget Sound League 3A race and make a deep run in the state playoffs this season.

The Lions face high expectations, and they say bring it on.

“We put those expectations on ourselves. We always expect to be at our best,” said Gresch Jensen, the Lions’ standout senior quarterback. “But really, we’re focused on each game. Every game is a championship game for us.

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“We’re focused on Foss.”

Auburn Mountainview, coming off a 9-2 season, opens the new season at home against the Falcons in a nonleague game Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Auburn Memorial Stadium.

The lofty preseason media attention and No. 3 state ranking are nice, but the Lions refuse to get caught up in all the hype. Coach Jared Gervais is making sure his team isn’t distracted.

“1-0 … that’s their motto,” Gervais said of perhaps the best team he’s fielded in his five seasons at the school. “Each day we want to get better. Our goal is to win the game and then worry about whatever’s next. They’re very focused on beating Foss. That’s all that matters to them right now.”

The Lions should be primed at the pump. The offense runs on high RPMs, spreading the ball to any number of players, extending the field, stretching defenses.

The receivers, in particular, are experienced, swift playmakers. In fact, eight receivers on the varsity roster have 11.8-second, 100-meter speed or better, Gervais said.

It’s a relay track team in pads.

“It’s the most crazy receiving group ever,” Gervais said.

Gavin Robertson, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound, three-star recruit, who has verbally committed to the University of Arizona, is back, having led the Lions with 44 catches for 588 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Also returning are seniors Ryan Lacey, Ki’Jan Weisinger and Vaughn Daggs, who combined for 97 receptions last season. Daggs, a state-class sprinter, is receiving attention from Division I programs.

“It’s unreal,” Robertson said of the unit. “We’re quick, fast, everybody can jump. We can do everything.”

Daggs’ twin brother, Victor, has emerged as a solid receiver. Bitner Wilson, Elijah Johnson, Corey Barnes, Campbell Friend and Talan Alfrey each bring something different to the offense.

“Just give our athletes the ball in space and let them make their plays,” said Jensen, who has committed to Montana.

Jensen is the distributor. A year ago, he threw for more than 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns. The dual-threat quarterback also ran for a team-high 649 yards and nine touchdowns.

The 6-foor-2, 205 pound Jensen was named All-SPSL 3A on both sides of the ball last season – first-team quarterback and second-team defensive back.

Jensen anticipates an even bigger season this go around, his third as a starter for the Lions.

“Last year we were kind of an under-the-radar type of team. We surprised a lot of people,” Jensen said. “This year we have a lot of expectations coming back. We put it on ourselves. This is one of our better teams.”

A team motivated by the sting of a season-ending loss.

Shadle Park of Spokane beat Auburn Mountainview 41-22 in a first-round state playoff last November.

“The loss left a bad taste in their mouths,” Gervais said.

Behind Jensen and a fast supporting cast, the Lions are equipped to achieve greater things this fall.

Caleb Arciaga, Andre’ Pellow, Antonio Corea and Justin Mills will provide the muscle up front.

“They’re an awesome group of kids to coach. They really fun,” Gervais said. “Last year was pretty special, but these guys have a chance to build on that and be a little bit better.”

Elsewhere

Auburn opens the season at storied Husky Stadium on Saturday. The Trojans face Mountain View of Vancouver at 4 p.m., the third of four games that day in the Emerald City Kickoff Classic presented by the Army National Guard. Auburn is making its first ECKC appearance since 2006 when it beat Moses Lake 20-14 in overtime. “From a player’s perspective you’re playing on a big stage and you always want to go out and present your best when you’re in front of a huge crowd,” said Auburn coach Gordon Elliott, who enters his 14th season with the Trojans. … Auburn, coming off a 6-4 season, returns four starters on offense and four on defense. Demetreus Taua, a 6-foot, 285-pound senior, anchors the line. Running back Kevin Clay and wideouts Caden Borden and Tyler Pray will lead the attack. …

Auburn Riverside opens against Marysville-Getchell at Quil Ceda Stadium in Marsyville, at 7 p.m. Friday. … The Ravens look to bounce back from a one-win season a year ago. … Sophomore southpaw quarterback Tiano Malietufa will lead a spread option attack. Odarious Shaw, Dennis Beard and Darrien Rivera will be among Malietufa’s primary targets.

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PHOTO BELOW: The Lions have plenty of weapons and good hands people, including, front row, from left: Ki ‘Jan Weisinger; Bitner Wilson; Elijah Johnson; Corey Barnes; and Campbell Friend; back row, Victor Daggs; Gavin Robertson; Vaughn Daggs; Gresch Jensen; Ryan Lacey and Talan Alfrey. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter