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 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.