Seahawks may be undersized, but they’re used to it

Peninsula football team looks to make a strong run in the SPSL 3A

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Peninsula High School football team has been chanting “Sumner” during its huddles already this fall.

The Sumner Spartans happen to be Peninsula’s first opponent of the season, which begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Roy Anderson Field.

The Seahawks entered the Class 3A South Puget Sound League last year with high expectations even though they had been competing in a combined 3A/2A Olympic League.

Some thought they would sink among a host of tougher opponents. Instead, the Seahawks rose to the occasion, finishing second behind Lakes at 7-3 overall. Peninsula advanced to a state preliminary round playoff game before it was eliminated by Mount Si.

Seahawks head coach Ross Filkins said that loss has left a bitter taste in their mouths.

“They’re hungry,” Filkins said. “Last year we didn’t hit our ceiling, and that’s what we are trying to do this year.”

The Seahawks graduated three highly skilled offensive players. Brandon James led the SPSL 3A Division with 21 touchdowns and had a breakout performance against Bonney Lake, when he ran for more than 200 yards and scored three times. Running back JD Devega and wide receiver Jacob Pasion were two others who made a strong impact last year, and starting safety Tony Lewis arguably had the biggest impact on defense.

Still, Peninsula returns many seniors with varsity experience.

“Because we have so many guys back, we’re just adding on to this point,” Filkins said.

Seahawks senior quarterback JR Grosshans will be calling many of the plays from the huddle and the line of scrimmage this year. Against Sumner last year, he went 10-for-16 passing for 280 yards and three touchdowns.

“I like having the fate of the game in my hands,” Grosshans said. “I’m really comfortable calling the plays at the line.”

Peninsula may be undersized, but the Seahawks plan to use speed, agility and heart to overcome it.

“We can’t do anything about how tall we are or anything like that,” Filkins said. “But what we can do is go out there and work hard. We have a very strong, athletic and quick team. We have guys who don’t look the part but play well.”

Peninsula defensive end Christian Doucett led the SPSL 3A Division in tackles for loss last year, and he said he’s not worried about size.

“We’re definitely the fastest, so we’ll get off the ball quick,” Doucett said.

Peninsula senior safety Geoff Grant said they’ve heard all the talk about their size before. But the Seahawks want to prove it doesn’t matter.

“We have a lot of returning players this year,” Grant said. “We’re developing every day. I’m really excited for the season.”

Peninsula defensive end and offensive tackle Jason Carlstrom said he’s ready for the season opener.

“Last year people didn’t expect us to give much of a showing,” he said. “Now they know we’re going to give them problems.”

Peninsula Seahawks

Coach: Ross Filkins

High school alma mater: Wilson

College: Washington State University

Record last season: 7-3 overall, 7-3 Class 3A South Puget Sound League

Offensive coordinator/formation: Steve Levenseller/multi-pro

Defensive coordinator/formation: Joel Epstein/4-4

Returning starters: Six on offense, six on defense

Key losses: Brandon James, Jacob Pasion, John Breskovich and Tony Lewis.

Team strengths: Experience, team unity and stable coaching staff.

Key returners

Darrian Creamer, 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, sr., LB/RB, SPSL MVP on defense and special teams.

Christian Doucett, 6-1, 220, sr., DE/OL, SPSL 3A record 12 tackles for loss, first-team all-league DL.

Jason Carlstrom, 5-11, 210, sr., OL/DL, second team all-league.

Geoffrey Grant, 6-2, 180, sr., DB/WR, second team all-league.

JR Grosshans, 6-4, 190, sr., QB, Oregon State University Camp MVP.

Johnny Johnson, 5-8, 170, sr., WR/DB, 4.51 40-yard dash.

Al Rasmussen, 5-11, 195, sr., RB/LB, top returning tackler.

Chris Mose, 6-1, 250, sr., DL/OL, three-year starter.

Peninsula football schedule

Date Opponent Time

Sept. 4 vs. Sumner 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Lakes 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Auburn Mountainview 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 vs. Clover Park 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 at Gig Harbor 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Bonney Lake 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 at White River 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 vs. Enumclaw 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Franklin Pierce 7 p.m.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.