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Roseburg head coach Thurman Bell begins his 38th season with a road game against Gresham on Friday.
Roseburg High football coach Thurman Bell normally isn’t enthused about playing a game during “Zero Week,” preferring additional practice time for his players.
But after nearly two weeks of daily doubles, the 65-year-old Bell — on the eve of his 38th season opener at Roseburg — is eager to see the Indians in game action.
Roseburg opens the 2008 season on the road Friday night, facing Gresham in a non-conference contest. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (KSKR-AM, 1490).
“You want to see what the kids are like under fire,” said Bell, who ranks third on the all-time Oregon prep list with 284 wins. “You never know until it’s live. I’m glad we’re playing an early game ... I think we got a big jump on things (from the summer workouts).
“Are we going to be sharp? I doubt it. Will we make mistakes? Yes. But will we be ready to play? I think so. The kids are looking forward to a game.”
Gresham, guided by Mike Allison, has high hopes in the Mt. Hood Conference after losing to Lake Oswego in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs and finishing 4-6 overall last year. The Gophers return 17 starters, including senior quarterback Mickey Inns (6-foot-3, 195 pounds).
“Other than their quarterback and receivers, I don’t know much about them,” Bell said. “Their quarterback is their best athlete and they seem pretty physical, and have a lot of experience. I think they’ll throw the kitchen sink at us and do a lot of things.”
Other top returnees for the Gophers include tackle Zeke McGraw (6-3, 270), a second-team all-conference selection, and wideouts Keith Richardson (6-3, 210) and Brannon Dooly (5-10, 170).
“They run multiple sets (offensively) and are unpredictable,” Bell said. “We have to be prepared to adjust for what they show us.”
Senior Nolan McGinnis (5-11, 185) will make his first varsity start at quarterback for the Indians and Bell added junior Thaddeus Davis (5-10, 150) will likely see some playing time. McGinnis, a wide receiver last year, is a first-team all-league cornerback on defense and will start on both sides of the ball.
“Nolan has done an excellent job,” Bell said. “He’s a tough kid and loves football. He gives us another running threat.”
Bell feels the Tribe has quality running backs in senior Joe Hennricks (6-0, 195), and juniors Derek Priestley (6-1, 190), Josh Weaver (5-11, 178) and Lucas Corder (6-2, 195). Seniors Jordan Guthrie (6-2, 250) and Seth Melvin (6-0, 232) are returning starters on the offensive line, and Bell has been pleased with the improvement of senior tackle Brandon Galvez (5-8, 248) and junior tackle Jesse Archambault (6-3, 205).
The Indians should be solid in the kicking game, as senior punter Dakota Cavens (6-3, 180) and junior Lucas Walker (5-7, 157) both return. They were first-team all-league picks last year.
Senior wide receiver/free safety Matt Thomson, a two-way starter, will not play Friday after injuring a knee in last Saturday’s scrimmage.
In other games Friday involving Southwest Conference teams, Grants Pass hosts Hood River Valley, defending state champion Sheldon visits Churchill and West Salem travels to South Medford. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the state in one preseason poll.
• You can reach Sports Editor Tom Eggers at 957-4220 or by e-mail at teggers@nrtoday.com
But after nearly two weeks of daily doubles, the 65-year-old Bell — on the eve of his 38th season opener at Roseburg — is eager to see the Indians in game action.
Roseburg opens the 2008 season on the road Friday night, facing Gresham in a non-conference contest. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (KSKR-AM, 1490).
“You want to see what the kids are like under fire,” said Bell, who ranks third on the all-time Oregon prep list with 284 wins. “You never know until it’s live. I’m glad we’re playing an early game ... I think we got a big jump on things (from the summer workouts).
“Are we going to be sharp? I doubt it. Will we make mistakes? Yes. But will we be ready to play? I think so. The kids are looking forward to a game.”
Gresham, guided by Mike Allison, has high hopes in the Mt. Hood Conference after losing to Lake Oswego in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs and finishing 4-6 overall last year. The Gophers return 17 starters, including senior quarterback Mickey Inns (6-foot-3, 195 pounds).
“Other than their quarterback and receivers, I don’t know much about them,” Bell said. “Their quarterback is their best athlete and they seem pretty physical, and have a lot of experience. I think they’ll throw the kitchen sink at us and do a lot of things.”
Other top returnees for the Gophers include tackle Zeke McGraw (6-3, 270), a second-team all-conference selection, and wideouts Keith Richardson (6-3, 210) and Brannon Dooly (5-10, 170).
“They run multiple sets (offensively) and are unpredictable,” Bell said. “We have to be prepared to adjust for what they show us.”
Senior Nolan McGinnis (5-11, 185) will make his first varsity start at quarterback for the Indians and Bell added junior Thaddeus Davis (5-10, 150) will likely see some playing time. McGinnis, a wide receiver last year, is a first-team all-league cornerback on defense and will start on both sides of the ball.
“Nolan has done an excellent job,” Bell said. “He’s a tough kid and loves football. He gives us another running threat.”
Bell feels the Tribe has quality running backs in senior Joe Hennricks (6-0, 195), and juniors Derek Priestley (6-1, 190), Josh Weaver (5-11, 178) and Lucas Corder (6-2, 195). Seniors Jordan Guthrie (6-2, 250) and Seth Melvin (6-0, 232) are returning starters on the offensive line, and Bell has been pleased with the improvement of senior tackle Brandon Galvez (5-8, 248) and junior tackle Jesse Archambault (6-3, 205).
The Indians should be solid in the kicking game, as senior punter Dakota Cavens (6-3, 180) and junior Lucas Walker (5-7, 157) both return. They were first-team all-league picks last year.
Senior wide receiver/free safety Matt Thomson, a two-way starter, will not play Friday after injuring a knee in last Saturday’s scrimmage.
In other games Friday involving Southwest Conference teams, Grants Pass hosts Hood River Valley, defending state champion Sheldon visits Churchill and West Salem travels to South Medford. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the state in one preseason poll.
• You can reach Sports Editor Tom Eggers at 957-4220 or by e-mail at teggers@nrtoday.com
