Gonzaga Prep Bullpups: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Gonzaga Prep Bullpups football team. Links: Gonzaga Prep team page | 2019 schedule | Roster 2018 IN REVIEW 9-3 in 4A Greater

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Gonzaga Prep Bullpups football team.

Links: Gonzaga Prep team page | 2019 schedule | Roster

2018 IN REVIEW

9-3 in 4A Greater Spokane League (first place); lost to Woodinville in 4A quarterfinals

COACHING RESUME

Dave McKenna, 12th season

94-28 record

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 3. Defense - 3.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

QB Jacob Keyes, 5-11, 190, sr.

RB Cayden Kerr, 5-11, 175, sr.

OL Ian Keno, 6-3, 260, sr.

RB Jaden Ortega, 6-1, 185, jr.

OL Trevor Riordan, 6-0, 275, sr.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB Brendan Kelly, 6-0, 155, jr.

LB Daniel Mckiernan, 6-1, 175, jr.

LB Zane Melzer, 6-3, 215, sr.

DB Jack Schmidt, 5-11, 175, sr.

DL Austin Reed, 6-2, 215, sr.

THREE TO SEE

Jacob Keyes, quarterback

Undisputed starter has keen sense - and also has written two published books

Zane Melzer, linebacker

After two injury-riddled seasons, ex-tailback will just play on defense

Austin Reed, defensive lineman

For Bullpups to have good year, this pass rusher must repeat 2018 effort

OUTLOOK

All 11 of the Bullpups’ all-league players last season were seniors, which is a reason why many think they are in for a down year.

McKenna admits the roster numbers are down, and the next wave of talent is in a big sophomore class.

But even though Keyes isn’t as good of an athlete as graduated GSL player of the year Connor Halonen, he should be fine managing the team’s triple-option offense -- with Ortega as the primary ball carrier running behind three returning linemen (Keno, Riordan, Liam Arnold).

If defense-only Melzer gives that unit the juice McKenna thinks he will by just limiting him to one side of the ball, the Bullpups aren’t going away this season - and beyond.

2019 SCHEDULE

Sept 6: Coeur d’Alene (ID), 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: at St. Ignatius (CA), 3 p.m.

Sept. 20: University, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: Shadle Park, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Mead, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17: Ferris, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25: at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31: Lewis and Clark, 7 p.m.