By WILL HOLLAND
Here’s an inside look at the 1A La Center Wildcats.
Links: La Center team page | 2019 schedule | Roster
2018 IN REVIEW
4-6 overall record, 4-1 in 1A Trico League; lost to Elma in week 10, 33-21
COACHING RESUME
HC: John Lambert
145-70 record (21st season as head coach)
Coordinators: John Lambert (OC); Rick Skinner (DC).
Base schemes: Hybrid pistol spread offense, 3-4 defense
RETURNING
Offense – 8. Defense – 7.
TOP RETURNERS
QB/OLB Tom Lambert, 6-0, 190, Jr.
OT Sam Wilmot, 6-2, 220, Sr.
WR Andrew Scott, 6-2, 170, Sr.
LB Jeremy Humphrey, 5-9, 175, Jr.
DE Sam Kitchel, 5-9, 185, Sr.
THREE TO SEE
QB/OLB Tom Lambert, 6-0, 190, Jr.
A unique two-way combination of quarterback and outside linebacker, Lambert plays with physicality on both sides of the ball. The iron man accounted for 1,550 yards on offense last season, as well as making 34 tackles on defense.
WR Andrew Scott, 6-2, 170, Sr.
Scott possesses a big frame which he uses well to his advantage – in 2018, Scott hauled in 26 receptions for 450 yards and found the endzone four times. He’ll become a primary target for his QB this year.
LB Jeremy Humphrey, 5-9, 175, Jr.
Humphrey is a bit undersized at his position to say the least, but the second year starter plays with the heart of a lion. Last year, Humphrey made 49 tackles, three of which were for a loss, and also brought in an interception.
OUTLOOK
La Center returns 15 of its 22 starters on offense and defense this year, which means that the conceptual aspects of the playbook will be easier to teach for head coach John Lambert. Coming into his 21st season, leading this squad is nothing new. However, coach finds himself this year in a unique position. This will be the second year of coaching his own son, Tom Lambert, who will be the focal point of the offense at quarterback. He’ll have his fair share of help though, including two potential all-league candidates in Sam Wilmot and Mux Muffett on the offensive line. Lambert will likely see action on the other side of the ball as well, where the Wildcats look to be quite strong this year. They finished second in league last year, and are aiming for a league championship this year. Look out for the Cats this season.
2019 SCHEDULE
Sept. 6, 7 p.m.: Ridgefield
Sept. 13, 7p.m.: at Woodland
Sept. 20, 7 p.m.: Hoquiam
Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: Kalama
Oct. 4, 7 p.m.: at King’s Way Christian
Oct. 11, 7 p.m.: Stevenson
Oct. 18: BYE
Oct. 25, 7 p.m.: Columbia (White Salmon)
Nov. 1, 7 p.m.: at Castle Rock
*home games in bold