2023 Program Preview: The Dalles
We are getting closer to the start of the high school football season in Oregon, which means it is time to look at the football programs around the state. Oregon high school football is in a fantastic place, and I…
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Continue ReadingWe are getting closer to the start of the high school football season in Oregon, which means it is time to look at the football programs around the state. Oregon high school football is in a fantastic place, and I could not be more excited to help educate our readers on the programs they will be watching on Friday nights. The team next up is The Dalles High School.
Coach Marc Schilling is heading into his second season as the Riverhawks head coach. The Riverhawks hope to improve on a far-from-ideal season last year, as their final record ended up being 1-7, with them having to forfeit their last two games of the season due to injuries and low numbers.
After a rough year, Coach Schilling is keeping his goals simple and realistic. In an email responding to his goals for the year, Coach Schilling said, “Build this program back up. Finish the season, win some games, and have a positive experience. If we find ourselves with a shot at a playoff spot, we would point to the hard work we have put in thus far in the offseason…”
Coach Schilling also mentioned the importance of their underclassmen, saying, “We are infused with youth and need to keep those two classes together and locked in. Likely will start 12 underclassmen when we hit camp…” The 20 incoming freshmen and the 16 sophomores will be vital in rebuilding the program, and many of them will be getting a shot on varsity this year, as the Riverhawks only have seven juniors and six seniors.
The Riverhawks did not have any player win an all-league award last season, but they have some returning talent. Here are some upperclassmen Coach Schilling expects to be his top players:
Andre Niko
Andre Niko
Andre is an impressive player who is listed at 6’4 and 215 pounds. Coach Schilling said Andre is a utility player on offense and plays defensive back on defense. In other words, he is one of the best athletes on the team, and they want to give Andre the ball as much as possible. Although he is new to the game and a bit raw, Coach Schilling said he is big and powerful with great ball skills. Andre should have an impressive season for the Riverhawks.
Connor Sam
Connor Sam
Connor plays center and middle linebacker for the Riverhawks. Unfortunately, the rest of the guys on this list don’t have any film visible, but I will give you Coach Schilling’s thoughts on each of them. For Connor, Coach Schilling describes him as a smart and physical player, and he will need to have a great season if the Riverhawks are going to succeed.
Merik Peacock
Merik Peacock
Merik is an offensive lineman and an outside linebacker for The Dalles. Coach Schillings says Merik is a “physical player up front and in the trenches.” Merik will be an essential player for the Riverhawks this year.
Emerson Traub
Emerson Traub
The Riverhawks quaterback is the junior lefty Emerson Traub. Coach Schilling describes Emerson as a big arm quarterback who is smart and is developing well. I am excited to see Emerson play this year.
Trace Larsen
Trace Larsen
Trace is a player Coach Schilling is quite excited about. Trace plays both offensive line and outside linebacker for The Dalles. Coach Schillings said Trace has “(The) best lineman footwork we have seen in a while…” He said he is “more athletic/technique than power” and could be a tight end in a different system. I am excited to see if Trace can build on his technique and obtain the strength and size necessary to play the offensive line.
Nolan Cates
Nolan Cates
Nolan plays slot wide receiver and defensive back for the Riverhawks. Nolan led the team in interception last season, and Coach Schillings says he is an “athletic player with good range.” Let’s hope Nolan can improve on an impressive sophomore season.
The Dalles may have a long road ahead of them to get to a place of contending for a 4A state title, but there are reasons to be excited about the upcoming season as the young talent the Riverhawks have should continue to develop.