PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Senior-heavy Sequim looking to contend

SEQUIM — Sequim’s football fortunes will depend heavily on a 12-deep senior class, a group that displayed leadership abilities while soldering through an offseason full of change.

Former head coach Erik Wiker stepped down from the job last spring after compiling a school-record 123 wins in 20 seasons, with the initial intent to be in the stands and not on the sidelines this fall. New Sequim head coach and athletic director Ian Henley was able to coax Wiker onto his coaching staff.

“When coach [Erik] Wiker thought he was going to fully retire during the spring, the kids took things over,” Henley said. “They were doing skill drills on their own, organizing their running and lifting. And that’s not something you will usually find, when kids aren’t held to a standard they’ll [slack off].

“Charlie [Grider] and Simon [Skribner] and Zeke [Schmadeke] and Paul Burrows with the offensive line guys,they all really organized a number of activities and had parents help set up skill camps before I got hired. That was pretty neat to see. And I think we have a chance to be a surprise team in our league because of our senior leadership.”

The Wolves have had practice turn out range from 45 to 56 players before school started Wednesday.

Sequim will use variations of the Pistol formation on offense, with the quarterback closer to the center than on a traditional shotgun snap and the running back positioned behind the QB to build up speed. The Pistol blends the run and pass, providing for a number of tight-end heavy and wide receiver-heavy sets.

Senior Zeke Schmadeke, a pitcher on Sequim’s state baseball team last spring, is expected to start at quarterback with freshman Kaden Miller also getting some time.

“The kids respond to him really well as a leader,” Henley said of Schmadeke. “He can use that athletic ability that he showcased last year as a wide reciever. He works hard at his craft and he’s getting better at making reads and seeing the field. He’s got a good arm and he’s learning the difference between throwing a baseball and a football.”

Miller led Sequim Middle School to a 6-0 record last fall.

“He’s got that prototypical QB height at over 6-feet tall,” Henley said. “He does a pretty good job of seeing the field as a freshman. He has to learn the system coming in, but there’s a great opportunity for him to get some experience. He’s going to be good for us for a long time.”

Junior Liam Wiker returns to anchor the backfield, while Henley expects Tommy Reandeau and Myles Taylor to be in the mix for carries. Wiker also will play linebacker and handle punting duties.

Senior Charlie Grider, junior transfer Malachi Hampton, Adrian Aragon, Patrick Elias and Andrew Keeler will the main receivers and tight ends in the offense.

Olympic transfer

Hampton caught a 26-yard touchdown pass against Sequim last fall.

“He will play wide receiver and cornerback for us,” Henley said. “He’s an athletic kid who will play basketball and run track. He’s been with us since the end of school, so he participated over the summer.”

Silas Salanoa, a transfer from American Samoa and younger brother of area youth football coach Sam Salanoa, is planning to join the team upon WIAA approval.

Junior Joseph Henninger will handle kicking duties, replacing graduated older brother Jack, now at the University of Mary.

“The kids call him Little Jack which I’m not sure he appreciates,” Henley said. “But [special teams] coach [Rusty] Buckmaster has said how much Joseph reminds him of Jack, especially as a kicker.”

Henley said his best 11 players will see the field — with a few caveats.

“We do have enough depth that we will be able to rotate guys and not experience a ton of drop off between our top 11 guys and our subs,” Henley said.

Week one opponent Forks has been at the top of Henley’s preparation.

“The kids are hungry to learn, to work to get better everyday and to be good,” Henley said.

Sequim Wolves

• Head coach: Ian Henley, first season.

• 2023 record: 2-7 overall, 2-5 and sixth in Olympic League.

• Key returners: Nehemiah Guzman (OL/DL, Sr.); Liam Wiker (RB/LB/P, Jr.); Patrick Elias (WR/DB, Jr.); Zeke Schmadeke (QB/DB, Sr.); Andrew Keeler (TE/LB, Jr.); Simon Skribner (WR/LB/DB, Jr.) Charlie Grider (WR/DB, Sr.); Adrian Aragon (WR/DB, Jr.); Myles Taylor (RB/WR/DB, So.).

• Newcomers: Malachi Hampton (WR/DB/KR, Jr.); Aron Goldbeck (RB/LB, So.) Kaden Miller (QB, Fr.)

• Strengths: Largest senior class (12) in years. Line play expected to be team’s highlight with four seniors and one junior starting on both sides of the football.

• Areas to improve: Neither QB candidate has started at the position at the varsity level. Keeping Schmadeke or Miller upright will be of utmost concern.

• Outlook: A district playoff berth isn’t out of the question for experienced Sequim.

• Schedule: Sept. 6: Forks, 7 p.m.; Sept. 13: Franklin Pierce, 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 20: at Elma, 7 p.m.; Sept. 27: Port Angeles, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4: at Bremerton, 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 10: Sequim at North Kitsap, 7 p.m.; Oct. 18: Olympic, 7 p.m.; Oct. 26: Bainbridge, 7 p.m.

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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@peninsuladailynews.com.