WR looking to bounce back 2014 campaign | 2015 Football Previews

Last year’s campaign may have brought disappointing results, but success is still fresh in the memory of the White River High football program – and it’s a return to the top of the standing that this year’s Hornet crew will be focusing on.

September 1, 2015 3:24 pm
Defensive returnees for White River include Tommy Peltram (15) and Jake Rundhaug (54).
Defensive returnees for White River include Tommy Peltram (15) and Jake Rundhaug (54).

Last year’s campaign may have brought disappointing results, but success is still fresh in the memory of the White River High football program – and it’s a return to the top of the standing that this year’s Hornet crew will be focusing on.

The 2014 season saw White River finish 1-6 in South Puget Sound League 2A play and, thanks to a rousing victory in a “week 10” contest, end the season with an overall mark of 3-7. But the skimpy win total was something new in the recent tenure of coach Joe Sprouse; his 2013 club made the state playoffs and advanced to the 2A’s Elite Eight while the 2011 squad captured a league championship.

This time around, Sprouse – a White River alum now in his sixth season at the Hornet helm – will see a mix of veterans and newcomers taking the varsity field. Among the eight starters lost to graduation were a small band who picked up all-league honors, but the Hornets will field some returnees with impressive credentials.

Key players on this year’s edition of the White River Hornets include Justin Tidwell, who will start at running back and safety, and linebacker Jake Rundhaug, who returns after being an honorable mention pick last year at linebacker.

Tidwell played a serious role in last year’s season finale, throwing a touchdown pass, catching a scoring pass and running for a TD. Sprouse anticipates he will play a key role in the Hornets’ run-first offense this time around. Andrew Northam is a stalwart on the defensive side, Ryan Lusk appears solid on the offensive line, and Marcus Henke is back at wide receiver and safety. Newcomer Tyler Meadows has garnered attention catching the ball.

Who might be throwing passing has been an early-season question mark. Sprouse said he has three strong candidates and was waiting until mid-week to name a starter.

Sprouse said the Hornets will stick with his philosophy of ball control and winning the time-of-possession battle. His clubs will never be a wide-open, fast-moving operation.

White River opens the season in now-traditional fashion, hosting neighboring Enumclaw in the annual “Battle of the Bridge.” Game time is 7 p.m. at historic Sheets Field in downtown Buckley; it’s the only home game not played on the White River High campus.