No. 6 Lyle-Wishram Cougars: 2019 Washington high school 1B football preview

The Lyle/Wishram Cougars are ranked No. 6 in Scorebook Live Washington's preseason 1B football Top 10. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Cougars. More: 1B

The Lyle/Wishram Cougars are ranked No. 6 in Scorebook Live Washington's preseason 1B football Top 10. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Cougars.

More: 1B preseason Top 10 + team previews

2018 IN REVIEW

Lyle/Wishram went 7-4 overall as an independent 1B team in 2018. The Cougars lost to Naselle 68-38 in the 1B state quarterfinals.

COACHING RESUME

Antoine Montoya, 6th year at Lyle/Wishram

Overall record: 29-21

Coordinators: Offense - Antoine Montoya; Defense - David Barthelow 

Base schemes: Offense - Hybrid (Spread/I-form/split back), Defense - 3-3-2.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5; Defense - 5.

TOP RETURNERS

WR/DB Zander Tally 5-9, 170, Jr. 

RB/ LB Aaron Smith 5-6, 145, Soph.

TE/DE Tyler Kroeskop 6-2, 205, Soph.

OL/LB Braedon Hovinghoff 6-1, 215, Sr.

WR/DB Robbie Dorr 6-1, 170, Jr.

THREE TO SEE

RB/LB Brandon Montoya, 5-8 185, Sr.

Montoya rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season and north of 2,700 all-purpose yards as a junior. He’s a multiple-2B state champion track athlete and accounted for 45 touchdowns last season — 42 on offense and three kick returns. Montoya was named the MVP running back of Eastern Washington’s camp this summer. The Eagles football program offered him a 50 percent scholarship.

WR/DB Zander Tally 5-9, 170, Jr. 

Tally, a transfer from The Dalles (Ore.), is a do-it-all receiver who has speed, strength and most importantly, per coach Antoine Montoya, has a good attitude and is extremely coachable. 

TE/DE Tyler Kroeskop 6-2, 205, Soph.

A big-hitting, powerful tight end and defensive back, Kroskop is the Cougars’ physical presence and among the top blockers on the team. The sophomore should have a big role on both sides of the ball beyond the upcoming season.

OUTLOOK

Lyle/Wishram returns 10 starters, highlighted by running back Brandon Montoya, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season. The team beat Entiat in the regional round last season and lost in the first round of the 1B playoffs to Naselle. Now it enters its second season as an independent 1B team after opting down from 2B just for football, and will play five home games this season as opposed to two last year. The Cougars offensive line struggled at times last season, but depth up front should be a strength this season. With Montoya in the backfield, the Cougars are entertaining a spread offense and wildcat packages. But this year, perception is different for the running back. “Everyone knows who he is,” coach Antoine Montoya said. “Everyone respects him.”

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept. 6, 7 p.m.: Perrydale

Sept. 13, 7 p.m.: @ St. John/Endicott

Sept. 20, 7 p.m.: @ Touchet

Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: Sunnyside Christian

Oct. 4, 7 p.m.: @ Desales

Oct. 11, 3 p.m.: Yakima Tribal

Oct. 18, 7 p.m.: @ Colton

Oct. 25, 5 p.m.: @ Dufur

Nov. 1, 7 p.m.: Tekoa-Rosalia

Nov. 8, 7 p.m.: Pomeroy

*home games in bold