The Democrats are back and once again one of the top teams at the 5a classification level. They come in ranked #5 on the initial NEI Top 10. Coach Anthony Stoudamire likes what he has to work with but will have to make up for a couple key losses on the offensive and defensive line.
Both Alex Mitchell and Elisonoa Aluesi have departed to play Division one football and the line remains a question mark. They also lose key tailback Josh Neal from a year ago, but gain a huge transfer in South Eugene’s Richard Ramsey (5-9 190 RB/S Jr). Ramsey comes in ranked the state’s #2 overall running back and is only a junior. He earned second team all league honors as a sophomore playing down South. He showed off his speed and power on multiple occasions at the highly touted Barton 7 on’s at Oregon State.
The offense will be lead by Junior Deven Jackson (6-1 187 QB Jr.) who has looked good and will get the opportunity to start after backing up Aluesi last season. Jackson has been a camp guru and should continue to get better. You will see three big time targets getting the ball on most occasions.
Deon Guice (6-4 235 TE/DE Sr.) returns after an outstanding all league season where he caught 6 touchdown passes. Deon is the brother of former Central Catholic standout Demetrious Guice. Another Senior that should play a significant role is transfer Ray Burney Jr. (6-0 185 WR/DB Sr.) from Union H.S. in Vancouver. Burney is one of the best route runners in the Pacific Northwest and earned honorable mention all league honors on a team that rarely threw the ball. They will need his senior leadership if they are to succeed.
One other name we will hear a great deal about over the next three seasons will be silky smooth Vontrell Mills (5-9 155 SB/CB So.) who is one of the best players in the state for the class of 2014′. He found the end zone three times as a freshman and will be one of the most dangerous kick and punt returners in Oregon.
The defense will be young and will look to all league linebackers Tony Unga ( 5-11 185 LB Sr.) and Mitchell Todd (5-10 210 LB Sr.) for leadership. Ramsey is good enough to dominate on either side of the ball so look for his defensive presence.
Overall you should see a talented group of kids that will should cruise through the 5A PIL, but will have a tough time beating the likes of Mt.View, Marist, and Corvallis.
