Kentwood Football

Post Game Thoughts: After the game we had a lot to celebrate. We were able to defeat Kentlake as well as all the Kent Schools for the third straight year. We won the French Claude Trophy for the third straight year. We were able to do it with a lot of players not playing who were trying to get better. Demetrius Bronson and Jesse Merryman nearly combine for 300 yards rushing. The defense was force to play against a style of offense that Kentlake as shown on tape and we had at least 5 games on them. We are also headed into the 8th straight year of elimination rounds of the playoffs and Kentwood in it anniversary year has had 25 years of winning seasons.

The game started off with both teams feeling each other out. Kentlake avoided a safety by the slightest of margins when Kolten Sisson and Andre Hughes hit the fullback on the one inch and I mean one inch yard line. The next play the center would snap the ball over the punters head. We would be up 2 – 0. A few minutes later we would drive down and score on a 3 yard run by Jesse Merryman who would end up with 101 yards on his final regular season game for the Conks. Then the Falcons would go to their bag of tricks. The defense would play well but KL would find the end zone on a busted call and coverage by the defense. 12-7. We would respond with an outstanding 26 yard run by Merryman again in the second quarter followed by another bad snap and safety by the Kentlake Punting team. In the third quarter Luke Angevine would throw a spectacular pass to Danny Kondikoff for a 45 yard strike to finish the Conk’s scoring. With the score 25-7 Kentlake again would keep fighting and find another busted coverage that would result in a touchdown. To give them credit we were not ready for what they came out in. But I was really pleased with how the defense responded. Several times in the fourth quarter Kentlake had the ball inside the 20 yard line and could not find the end zone. The communication on defense was outstanding and we were able to overcome a solid effort by Kentlake as well as the officials on the night. In rivalry games like this you have to be satisfied with a win. There were a lot of teams this year that did not get through games like this one.

Players of the Game Offense: Demetrius Bronson - Jesse Merryman / Matt Cleveland
Defense: Chance Matsuoka / Tyler Weinbrecht / Kolten Sisson
Special Teams: Brandon Cottingham

Week 10 Preview: The 2006 State qualifer game will be against the Oak Harbor Wildcats. They are coached by Dave Ward (16th year), 87-58 2005: 10-2, 7-1. This year they are loaded with 11 returning starters (6 offense, 5 defense) back from a 2nd round exit from last years tournament. They are anchored by OT/DT Will Hunter, 6-5, 310, Sr.; QB/DB Marshall Lobbestael, 6-3, 205, Sr.; RB/DB Brendan Kays 6-2, 185, Sr.; RB/DB Jeff LaMont 6-0 180, Sr.; OL/LB Joe Raymond 5-9, 190, Jr. Other key returners include: RB/LB Chris Valencia, 5-9, 183, Jr.; RB/LB Josh Grinstead, 5-9, 170, Sr. Also making an impact are TE/DE Jake Rouser, 6-3, 210, Jr.; WR/DB Rodrick Rumble, 6-2, 190, Jr. This year’s outlook suggests that the Wildcates with Lobbestael starting his third season at QB and with Hunter a force on both sides of ball, Wildcats could end up in Tacoma for state-title game.
After rolling to an 8-1 record there are a lot of high hopes in Oak Harbor. Their QB is ranked 4th in the state in passing and they have a stable of excellent receivers. They are averaging large number on offense against everyone they play so we will have to anticipate the fact that they will move the ball. Our goal is to limit them once they get inside the 2o and to not let them have the big play. Their running back is an outstanding athlete and really balances out their offense well. On defense their lineman and linebackers do a really nice job of rallying to the football. They have several players that rotate in and they are coming off a big win in a playoff situation last week vs. Cascade. IT will be a tremendous task to upset the number #1 seed out of Wesco North. We have been working hard and with the extra days we feel the boys understand what they need to do. So, we are excited to be in the playoffs representing the great playoff tradition of the Conks and we hope that you will come and support us even if the game is in Mount Vernon. We also want to wish all the teams from the SPSL all the luck and good fortune that we can.

Future Conks: The Junior Varsity (8-0) would finish off their perfect season with a win over the Kentlake Falcons 21-7. It was another solid performance by the defense and a time consuming offense that would combine for the win. Jordan Boston would play a solid game running the option and Justin Brendegard would shine throwing the ball. His night would be highlighted by a 60+ yard reception by Brad Duncan over the middle in the third quarter. The pass would lead to a score that would put the game out of reach 21-6. Chandler gray would did a great job returning punts and Luke Angevine would carry most of the running duties to help seal the deal. It was especially gratifying after suffering a loss to the Falcons last year. Congratulations to the coaching staff Melvin Wells, Seth Garrison, Jeff Moore, and Ed Kramer on a great season and to the players for achieving their goals and rebounding from a 4-5 campaign in 2005.

Players of the Game: Josh Loveland / Jordan Boston

The Freshman Team (5-1) rebounded from a tough loss last week to Kentridge. The team really committed themselves to finish the season as they started. The offense would score on the third play from scrimmage and would not let up. There were several players that did an outstanding job. Head Coach John Anderson said “It was definitely a team effort and team victory”. On defense Taylor Hughes had a standout performance along with Jacob Dela Cruz. The growth of the players this year has been outstanding as well as their level of commitment. They boys have adjusted well to the “Kentwood Way” and had set themselves up for future success in the coming years. We are especially proud of the class in which they played and the commitment we have seen from the team in the classroom. We know they will be getting into other sports soon and we look forward to watching them compete. Again Congratulations to John Anderson, Justin Buckner, Jaason Wisor and Bill Ogle and the boys on an oustanding season. Next year will be here before you know it.

KW Sched Scores
KW 12 TAH 0
KW 48 BEAMER 12
KW 33 KM 8
KW 44 JEF 12
KW 44 FW 14
KW 22 KR 34
KW 49 KL 7


Assistant Spotlight: Coach Jeff Moore who is in his third year for the Kentwood Varsity Squad works with the offensive line and the defensive line. He also focuses on the deep snappers. Coach Moore is in his second go around with the Conquerors. He coaches for three years in the 90's. He left Kentwood and coached for three years with the Kent Meridian Royals under Coach Clancy who is the current head coach at Auburn Mountain View High School. Coach Moore has also worked for a number of years with the Kent Knights program and has a close relationship with a number of boys that played in that organization. Did you know that Coach Moore is related to Mike Karney the current starting Fullback for the New Orleans Saints and who played for the Kentwood Conquerors 1997-1999.