PUSHING FORWARD: Warriors continue to build in 2017

WASILLA — Last season, the Wasilla Warriors finished with a losing record and suffered a lopsided loss to Bartlett in the large-schools quarterfinals.

But second-year head coach Will Stout and the Warriors are focusing on the positives seen in 2016. Wasilla improved from 0-8 in 2015 to 2-6 last season, and had the opportunity to get a taste of the postseason. As the Warriors prepare for the 2017 season, that is what the team is focusing on, Stout said.

“The kids were excited (about the playoffs). We were able to get everyone in on our sideline in that postseason game, they all had a little experience and they’re hungry for more,” Stout said during his team’s practice Wednesday afternoon.

Now, the Warriors want to build on that, Stout said.

“The expectations are a lot higher this year than they were last year,” Stout said.

Wasilla has about 80 players in the program this year, 25 are seniors.

“We’ve got a good core group of guys coming back,” Stout said. “We’ve had a good offseason.”

Stout said the Warriors participated in a couple of offseason camps this year, and he’s seen a lot of improvement. The Warriors will continue with the systems installed during his first year as head coach, including Wasilla’s version of the double-wing offense. But this year, Wasilla will be able to expand the gameplan.

“Year 1, taste of the offense. Year 2, we’re going to see a few more sets than we had,” Stout said.

Senior Aeron Milliron will lead the Wasilla offense from the quarterback position. Milliron, a third-year starter, has played a variety of positions, on both sides of the ball, during his varsity career, but will play strictly behind center this season. Milliron is also a talented defender, but Stout said the Warriors want to keep Milliron healthy and allow him to focus on being the team’s everyday quarterback.

“We’ll be able to open a few things up with our playbook, more creative things than we were able to do last year,” Stout said.

The 6-foot-3 Milliron has been known for his all-around athletic ability throughout his career, but the senior’s leadership abilities also stand out, Stout said.

“The kids all look up to him, respect him,” Stout said.

Milliron, a running back last season, led the Warriors with 592 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.

Stout said the Warriors are also excited about the group of athletes the Warriors can use in the backfield. That group includes senior Sean McDermott, senior Zach Shogren and junior Jordan Quenga.

“Definitely quite a few options,” Stout said.

Those backs will run behind an experienced offensive line. Stout said, including the tight end, six of Wasilla’s top 7 linemen are seniors.

“The offensive line is looking good,” Stout said.

The group includes seniors Micheal Evans, Thomas Rivera and Arron Martinez, and Jonathon Miller. Wasilla also added senior TJ Laumatia, who played at Redington last season. Laumatia was named the Peninsula Conference Lineman of the Year as a junior.

“TJ is a great kid, has a great attitude. He’s always positive. He’s a great person first of all,” Stout said. “He’ll make an impact.”

The Warriors also have senior Reilly Devine, a WHS basketball standout, who will play tight end and defensive end.

On defense, Stout said the Warriors have a sophomore, Sawyer Drumm, who has stepped up to play a big role at linebacker. Showgren and Nate Sturgeon are also at linebacker spots. Laumatia, Martinez and Devine should also start on defense. Stout also noted senior defensive lineman Emmett Millhouse.

The Warriors open the 2017 season Saturday at 4 p.m. at Bartlett.

“It’s always tough to start out with Bartlett,” Stout said. “We know what Bartlett is going to do. They’re going to come out and they’re going to run it.”

Wasilla makes its 2017 home debut Aug. 18 against Eagle River. It’s the first of three straight games at home, with North Pole and West Valley make the trip from the Interior in third and fourth week of the season. The second half of the season includes road games at Colony, Lathrop and Palmer. The Warriors host Chugiak during the seventh week of the season.

*** Editor’s note: This is the fifth piece of a five-part series previewing the seasons of the local prep football programs. For more on the Houston Hawks, Redington Huskies, Palmer Moose and Colony Knights, see frontiersman.com/sports.