TENINO — When kickoff takes place in Week 1 against rival Rainier, it’ll officially mark two decades of being a coach for Tenino’s Darren Tinnerstet.
And he’s had to learn new tricks in year four running the Beavers’ program. They have just 35 guys out this season – 29 of them showed up to Saturday’s morning practice – one year after stunning Cascade Christian in the Class 1A Round of 24.
Barring a late surge, they won’t have a JV or ‘C’ team this season.
“It has been kind of unique, but we’re conscious of it and design our drills to keep it as competitive as possible,” Tinnerstet said. “We’re telling our young guys that you’re getting reps against the older guys. It is a challenge, but they’ve accepted it.”
He’s not allowing the excuses to start before the first game of the season. What Tenino does have back is a group of seniors that’s been with Tinnerstet since the beginning and have fortified the trust in one another.
“All of us have been through a lot, but the coaches came in and stepped up for us,” senior linebacker/running back Parker Minerich said. “Not just in football, but in life.”
Here are three takeaways from the first padded practice of the season for the Beavers, which went just under two hours.
Offensive line continuity
A common theme throughout SW Washington this fall is how many programs believe their OL is going to be a strength. Tenino joins the club with all five starters back, captained by senior left tackle Jeremiah McKague.
Sawyer Noonan, a three-year starter at right tackle, and a pair of sophomores that were thrusted into the lineup Lucien McKendall and Isaiah Stanberry return as well.
“It all comes down to summer weights and that was a really big deal,” McKague said. “As the leader, I like to emphasize that bond we have.”
New QB taking over
Mason Metcalf is now at running back and expected to complement Minerich. Handing the ball to those two will be sophomore Evan Morey, who was the backup last year.
In Saturday’s practice, he sailed a couple throws on hitch routes, but flashed some good throws during team offense and poise in the pocket. Metcalf sung Morey’s praises after practice.
“Evan is going to be good this year and running back fits where I should be,” Metcalf said.
Defensive coordinator change not an issue
J.D. Johnson retired after last season, which created a massive void at DC. In comes former Shelton DC David Gray, whom Tinnerstet said runs a similar scheme to Johnson.
Yet what Gray has been pleasantly surprised by, per Tinnerstet, is the detailed questions guys are asking him. The foundation was clearly laid by Johnson and now Gray and the guys back aim to maintain the standard.
“We got the base down and Coach Gray is just extending our knowledge,” Minerich said.
