Cheney Blackhawks: 2019 Washington high school 2A football preview

Here's an inside look at the 2A Cheney Blackhawks. Links: Cheney team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 6-4 in 2A Great Northern League (fourth

Here's an inside look at the 2A Cheney Blackhawks.

Links: Cheney team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

6-4 in 2A Great Northern League (fourth place)

COACHING RESUME

Bobby Byrd, sixth season

24-23 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 6.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

TE Kolby Holt, 6-4, 240, sr.

QB Alex Long, 6-0, 215, sr.

OL Shane Moore, 5-9, 175, sr.

OL Caleb Stehr, 6-0, 250, sr.

OL Vincent Terrile, 6-0, 235, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

LB Tayvin Ewen, 6-2, 190, sr.

DB Trevor Rains, 6-0, 160, sr.

LB Ben McGourin, 6-2, 220, jr.

DL James Whitely, 6-2. 215, jr.

DB Cole Williams, 5-10, 170, jr.

THREE TO SEE

Koby Holt, tight end

Team’s top receiving target will also do dirty work in trenches

Alex Long, quarterback

If defenses crowd the box, this second-year starter will go deep

Ben McGourin, linebacker

Much like Montana-bound brother (Jacob), he’s a complete defender

OUTLOOK

After winning just two games in the two seasons leading up to last year, the Blackhawks posted a winning record, beating a 1A powerhouse (Colville) and losing to GNL champion West Valley of Spokane on the final play.

Needless to say, Cheney is expected to remain in the playoff hunt in 2019.

The Blackhawks should be able to grind out long drives with a big, experienced offensive line paving the way for McGourin, who isn’t afraid to get the tough yards inside.

That all should set up Long’s effectiveness as a play-action passer and bulldozing short-yardage runner. 

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: at Colville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Rogers of Spokanel, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Shadle Park, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 27: Cashmere, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: at Cascade of Leavenworth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: at East Valley of Spokane, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: at West Valley of Spokane, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1: Pullman, 7 p.m.