High school footballstarting this Friday

The Wahkiakum Mule football team travels to Naselle Friday for the KM Football Trophy Game and the start of the 2009 high school season. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Comets, a state playoff semifinalist, host the Mules in a non-league game.

"It should be a good one," Mule Coach Eric Hansen commented this week. "They've got a lot of size, speed and skill."

Austin Burkhalter returns for his fourth year as Comet quarterback. Running the ball will be Alan Erickson, Logan Scrabeck and Nate Carlson. Target for Burkhalter passes include tight ends Leonel Mendoza and Marcos Herrera, and wide receivers include Jesus Martinez and John Hines.

The Comets hope to compete with South Bend, Willapa Valley, Northwest Christian and North Beach for the Pacific League title and playoff berths. Jeff Eaton is in his 14th year as head coach.

The Mules, meanwhile, have many shoes to replace from last year's team.

Bryce McClain and Zack Schneider return to the backfield. New starters include quarterback Brandon Fudge and running back Joel Nicolazzi. Jordan Fritsch is working at tight end, and Zach Pierce is filling the wideout position.

On the offensive line are tackles Phillip Doumit and Taylor Russell, guards Mitch Moonen and Ty Bain, and center Michael Paulsen. Only Moonen and Bain were starters last year.

"We have some good speed and quickness," Hansen said, "but we're small on the line.

"Defensively, we'll be fast; we'll have good pursuit and attack the offense."

The Mules hope to compete with Adna, Napavine, Toutle Lake, Mossyrock and Pe Ell for playoff spots.

"It's a very tough league, top to bottom," Hansen said. "Our schedule is pretty brutal with several teams, including the defending state champions, that were in the playoffs last year."