Pleasant Hill/Western Wolves hold camp this past week
Wolves hoping to head hunt for a WIVC championship
by Leah Guthrie
July 27, 2009
The Pleasant Hill/Western Wolves held their summer football camp this past week, July 23-25 on the practice field in Pleasant Hill. Approximately 25 athletes attended the camp each night. PHHS superintendent and assistant football coach Ron Edwards said, "Things went very well. The kids and coaching staff were very excited with the gains that were made during the week and it was great to get together and work as a team."
This year's team brings with it some experience from its seniors. Quarterback Dylan McKinnon and receiver, Evan Borrowman, have been playing catch for many years and their chemistry will certainly be a solid offensive attack for the Wolves. Noah Gregurich, another senior, proved himself on the field last year. He brings height and quickness to the team and will likely be a go-to-man for McKinnon. Jacob Garrison is sure to be a force for this year's team. Garrison has been putting in a lot of time in and out of the weight room and has proven that he has the determination and the tenacity to make him a force to reckon with. Big John Webster will add some bulk to the team as he puts his 6'4", three year starting experience to use as a guard/tackle. Jake Yanczer's pure athleticism will benefit the team as he can run or catch the ball. Look for him to do some great things, as well, as he turns up the razzle dazzle for the Blue and Gold.
Western seniors are adding some major punch to this year's team and Wolves fans are looking forward to cheering them on. Keaton Baker gained some ball running experience last year filling the void of Adam Gunterman. Baker has gotten stronger and more confident and will likely be used as a work horse for the Wolves. Another senior that will be packing a punch is Cole Ruble. Ruble has a knack for finding the man with the ball and making him pay. Look for some hitting action out of him as he fires up the Wolves and the fans with his "never say die" attitude. Jayson Carlton is a another three year starter who will likely see a lot of playing time as a tight-end and fullback. Carlton will be muscling his way through the defense to gain Wolves yardage.
Brian Black, a junior, will be back this year, using his speed to hustle and bustle his way down the field. If he breaks away, we should be looking for massive yardage and a likely Wolves touchdown. Another junior, Cody Clendenny has moved to the line this year as he takes his "take him out" football mentally to a new level. Look for some hard hitting action from this guy too! Devin Campbell is back this year as a center for the Wolves. Campbell missed his sophomore year due to an injury but his size will be an asset to the line this season. "Corey Graham is probably one of the strongest kids on the team pound for pound," said head Coach Mike Giles. Graham, a track stand out in discus, is sure to be an important part of the Wolves puzzle this season. Other juniors making progress this season are Jonah McConnel who Coach Giles said has shown some great gain in the weightroom and has been working hard this year. Patrick Smith will see action on the offensive line this season, as well.
The sophomore class has several talented athletes that are sure to be gaining playing time throughout the season. Matt Gunterman will be a back-up varsity quarterback and will be heading up the JV Wolves this season. Lucas Whitaker will see time as a defensive end and according to Coach Giles, "He looked good at this year's camp." Giles also stated, "Avery Gregurich looked really good at our 7 on 7 and he will likely be an assets as an outside receiver opposite Evan Borrowman." Kolton Latham, a sophomore, will also be an asset to the team.
The freshman class has brought some size to the team, but will need to gain more experience to be an asset on the varsity level. It is likely we will see some of them in and out of the varsity games this year. "Braden Damon and Aaron Rodhouse have worked very hard in the weightroom and on the field," said Giles. Hunter Turner has been another freshman who is lifting weights to tone up and add size to the line. Other freshman who have shown interest in the game this season are Austin Wilfong and Austin Bachelor. Bachelor went to the 7 on 7 camp with the Wolves this summer and also adds size to the line.
"We're setting our sites to work hard and have a good season," commented Coach Giles. "One of our goals is to bring the bucket back to Pike County! We have had a great camp and the 'camp defense' was 110% better than what I saw last year. We are looking for great gains and to use them to our advantage."
The Wolves only have four home games this season, so be sure to stop by Harris Franklin field and support them as we hope to experience a play-off berth this season. For a complete schedule of Wolves games and times see the button link to the right of this story.
