The Nestucca High Bobcats are setting their sights on a return to the state playoffs as they kick off the OSAA Class 2A 2024 football season. Last year, the team fell short of their playoff goal, finishing with a 4-5 overall record and 4-3 in Special District 1, placing fourth in the league.
Coach Jeff Schiewe and Assistant Coach Tevin Gianella led the team through the first day of practice on Monday. Despite a challenging season last year, the Bobcats are optimistic about the upcoming season. They graduated only four seniors, leaving ten experienced seniors on the roster.
“We hope to make it back to the state playoffs this year,” said Schiewe, who led the Bobcats to the playoffs in 2022. “We faced a lot of injuries last year, especially on the offensive line. We have significant potential this year, and if we can stay healthy, good things should come our way. We’ve been working with these seniors for five years, and we’re expecting positive results from them because of our strong history together.”
The Bobcats ended the 2023 season with a strong finish, winning their final two SD1 games against the Sheridan High Spartans and the Neah-Kah-Nie High Pirates. Despite the late-season success, it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot.
This year, Nestucca will lean on senior quarterback Nolen Hurliman, running backs Zak Chatelain and Draven Marsh, and junior receiver Eli Love to drive their offense.
“Our team is more experienced this year, which should give us an edge in most of our games,” Schiewe noted. “We’re excited for the season and hope to surpass last year’s performance. We believe we can be top contenders for the league title.”
The Gaston High Greyhounds, who finished 7-0 in SD1 and 7-3 overall last year, are anticipated to be a leading team again. The Clatskanie High Tigers (6-1 SD1, 6-4 overall) and the Knappa High Loggers (5-2 SD1, 5-4 overall) are also expected to be strong competitors.
Key players on both the offensive and defensive lines include seniors Gus Venti, Zach Porter, Jack Manning, and Emmett Clark. Juniors Nick Samek, Sarge Samek, Tyler Ricks, and Zeth Chapin will also play crucial roles.
The Bobcats will start their season with a jamboree on August 30 at Nestucca High School. Their regular season begins on September 5 with an away game against the Gervais High Cougars, who were state quarterfinalists last year. Nestucca lost to the Cougars 42-0 in their season opener last year. The Bobcats will begin their six-game SD1 schedule on September 20 against the Neah-Kah-Nie High Pirates in Rockaway.
