Redmond ready to run past opponents, notch some wins | Prep football preview

Published 10:55 am Friday, September 4, 2015

Alex Catanzaro was mild-mannered, but sported a dead serious look on his face when he described what it will take for the Redmond High football team to win this season.

The Mustangs are bent on outhitting and outhustling their 4A Kingco opponents and playing mentally tough for all four quarters.

“If we do that every single game, no one can beat us,” said the senior co-captain, who will man the center and nose guard positions.

Catanzaro said the players and coaches truly believe that philosophy this season, which begins at 7 p.m. tonight with a home game against Newport.

Under the helm of head coach Jason Rimkus, the Mustangs finished 5-5 his first year and 1-8 last season. The Redmond crew feels the third time’s a charm to really make an impact on the gridiron.

“I think we’re a confident group, we’re gonna be fast and we’re gonna be physical, a lot of guys are eager to get after it,” Catanzaro said. “People just wanna win. You can tell more people show up every day in the weight room. We’re competitive with each other and that’s gonna translate to the field.”

Added Luke Kennedy, a junior co-captain who plays inside linebacker and offensive lineman: “I think more than anything, I wanna see a change in the Redmond community’s mindset on football. I want to prove ourselves, which we haven’t in the past couple years. I’m hoping that we can really physically beat up on teams and execute to a much higher level than we have in the past, and we can show that we can play 4A Kingco football just as well as the next team.”

Senior quarterback and co-captain Nick Swanson will lead the way, followed by a host of top returners, including fellow co-captains Gerald Wright (senior wide receiver/cornerback) and Corey Chandler (senior wide receiver/safety).

Other talented returners include seniors Ty Allen (wide receiver/cornerback), Parker Narloch (wide receiver/cornerback), Joe Becker (wide receiver/safety), Aleck Byrnes (running back/linebacker), Logan Little (offensive and defensive lineman) and Kyle Burgmeier (offensive and defensive lineman). Representing the junior class are Brad Baker (running back/safety), Cameron Boone (running back/inside linebacker) and Tyler Ross (offensive and defensive lineman).

Coach Rimkus said the Mustangs have a new offensive scheme in place where every play has a run or pass option, and Swanson will decide what transpires when the ball is snapped. Rimkus said the goal on offense is to arrive at third down and manageable, with about four yards to reach another set of downs. Defensively, the Mustangs want to play tight and not allow any big plays.

Rimkus said it was a tough season in 2014, but they’re hoping to reap the rewards this year.

“I think the biggest difference, honestly, is the kids. I’ve made a big push on the power and the responsibility of the senior class,” he said, adding that the coaches will guide the players, but he wants the Mustangs to take more ownership of the squad this time out.

Playing 4A Kingco football is a bonus, as well, the coach said. “I’ve always wanted to be in this league because you get to play the best every week. It’s such a strong league and it’s so fun.”

Wright says the Mustangs are strong physically and mentally, and he’s proud to be one of the captains this season. He can’t wait to see what the Mustangs can accomplish on the field.

“I take every play like it’s my last play. You never know when you have another chance,” said Wright, who noted that his dad and former college baseball player, Gerald Sr., has provided inspiration over the years. “He’s always taught me, don’t let people get in your head. It’s always gonna be rough, you just gotta drive through it and come out.”

As for Swanson, who stands 6-foot-3 in the pocket, he’s been trying to grow as a person and leader since last season and is raring to go this year. The right-hander noted that his role model is former University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker, who had a passion for the game that was infectious. Redmond’s coaches have also pushed Swanson to raise his level of play and set high standards for himself.

Thinking team-first, Swanson said the Mustangs are on the right track to tackle 4A Kingco football.

“I think we’re far above where we were this time last season with reps and the accountability we have for each player stepping up in their role,” said Swanson, noting that speed and efficiency are keys to success.

Rimkus said Swanson has done a stellar job of preparing himself for this season through workouts and setting up summer leagues and camps. The coach feels the players trust Swanson to make the right decisions come game time.

While the Mustangs are looking forward to tacking on some wins this season, Catanzaro wants this year to be just the start of Redmond building a legacy of success.

And the players are fired up to make it happen, starting tonight.

“People aren’t OK with being second string, people wanna step up and they wanna be that guy on the field on Friday nights. It’s awesome,” Catanzaro said.

This year, 90 players attended team camp, a huge step up from the 60 guys who turned out three years ago. Rimkus likes who he sees playing in the green-and-gold uniforms and enjoys being a part of the Redmond football community, which has supported him from day one.

“The kids are enjoying it, the program is growing, and so whether we win or lose, there’s so many other ways you can measure success — although this year I’d like to win,” Rimkus said. “We don’t feel the defeat from the kids. They keep wanting to go and keep fighting, so you’ve gotta keep going.”

PHOTO: Quarterback Nick Swanson takes a snap last Friday. Courtesy of Marc LaPierre