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The Spotlight, August 30, 2013
Fall Sports Preview
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By JOHN WILLIAM HOWARD
The Spotlight
If the turnout so far is any sign
of things ahead, the St. Helens
football program may have a bet-
ter season in store than in years
past. Jared Phillips, who is in his
first year as head football coach at
St. Helens High School, was reluc-
tant to give up too much of his sys-
tem the Lions will be employing
this year. However, Phillips said
they will look to be a balanced
team with athletes on both sides
of the ball, and try to be successful
in establishing their will in what-
ever situation.
“There’s an old saying, ‘do what
you want, when you want to do
it,’” said Phillips, who was an as-
sistant with last year’s squad.
The Lions have lost a number of
players from the offensive line, but
they return several important of-
fensive players along with a host
of new running backs and slot re-
ceivers. Among the biggest return-
ing names is Corey West, an all-
league tight end, whose 6-4, 205
pound frame and talent spell big
things for him in 2013.
Gage Bumgardner will return to
lead the team at quarterback for a
second season. Last fall was his
first as the team’s starting quar-
terback, a move he made with
short notice after Dallas Thomp-
son left the team. Phillips said he
has seen ‘greatly improved’ arm
strength from Bumgardner, and
he was rounding into an intelli-
gent, athletic quarterback with a
good capability to read the de-
fense. At 6-3, 180 pounds, Bum-
gardner is one of the tallest and
most athletic players on the team,
and Phillips said his ability to
make throws is exciting.
Also returning for the Lions is
Bryce Bumgardner, the brother of
Gage, who is a tall, fast receiver
with good hands and an ability to
bring down passes other receivers
might have trouble with. Justin
Holgerson Jr. has the best hands
of anyone on the team, ‘like glue’
according to Phillips.
Phillips also mentioned running
backs Brennan Norton and Devon
Jewett, both seniors, who will
make a difference in the backfield,
but also said there were too many
important pieces for him to name
them all.
The offensive line could feature
as many as two sophomores, with
the loss of last year’s experienced
GAGE BUMGARDNER
St. Helens Quarterback
New coach, new offense could bode
well for St. Helens High football team
Lions a bit enigmatic
about new system, but
have high expectations
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JARED PHILLIPS
St. Helens Football Coach
See LION FOOTBALL, Page B8
SPOTLIGHT PHOTO: JOHN HOWARD
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