White River Hornets: 2019 Washington high school 2A football preview

Here's an inside look at the 2A White River Hornets. Links: White River team page | 2019 schedule 2018 IN REVIEW 6-5 in 2A SPSL Mountain (second place); lost to

Here's an inside look at the 2A White River Hornets.

Links: White River team page | 2019 schedule

2018 IN REVIEW

6-5 in 2A SPSL Mountain (second place); lost to Washington in 2A districts

COACHING RESUME

Kenny Pirone, first season

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 5.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

WR Isaac Morris, 5-11, 160, sr.

RB Payne Plaster, 5-9, 170, so.

TE Jay Selander, 5-10, 170, jr.

OL Derrick Sonognini, 6-2, 255, sr.

QB T.J. Stroschein, 6-3, 185, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DL Josiah Broeck, sr.

LB Payne Plaster, 5-9, 170, so.

LB Jay Selander, 5-10, 170, jr.

DB Hunter Smith, 5-5, 160, sr.

DL Derrick Sonognini, 6-2, 255, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Derrick Sonoginini, offensive lineman

Former running back loves to get to second level and do damage

Hunter Smith, defensive back

All-2A SPSL first-team hybrid safety makes calls -- then finds football

T.J. Stroschein, quarterback

Preference is to stand tall in pocket and pick defenses apart

OUTLOOK

Pirone served three seasons as defensive coordinator under one of the most respected coaches in Washington -- Jeff Zenisek, who left last spring to take over at Ellensburg.

He knows if a good model is in place, don’t change it.

By and large, Pirone won’t -- except one tweak to the offense. It will add an extra dimension to the big-armed Stroschein, the team’s third-year starting quarterback. The senior will have a read-run option in the spread attack.

Two-way workhorse Jack Ervien is gone, and the Hornets’ rushing attack will go more by committee this season with Plaster, Smith and Caden Roehr.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: Enumclaw, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Lindbergh, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Cascade Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Franklin Pierce, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Clover Park, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11: Orting, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: at Fife, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Foster, 7 p.m.