Rebuilding Warriors

In his first season as head coach of the Wasilla Warrior football program, Joe Gardner's goal in the first week of practice has been to build team unity.

And to bring his team closer together, Gardner took his coaching staff and squad to Anderson -- a town just south of Fairbanks with a beautiful football field but no football team -- for the first three days of practice.

"We're molding as a team," Gardner said. "The trip did a lot."

Gardner and his coaches are stressing a number of areas as the Warriors attempt to rebound from a 2003 season in which the varsity club finished 1-7. In addition to team unity, Gardner has stressed the need for being physically ready, since he was hired during the early off season.

"We're looking good after the first week of practice," Gardner said. "Physically we are looking really good."

Gardner said he has about 90 players in the program this year. The group includes a 13-member senior class and a talented batch of juniors. Gardner said he expects his club to not only have senior leadership, but leadership from his junior class also.

Among the group of seniors expected to be team leaders are Matt Crane, Travis Erickson and Robbie Champion.

Crane, a threat at wide receiver last year, will also be a leader on a strong defense this season, according to Gardner. Crane is expected to start at the weak-side linebacker spot.

With players still battling for starting spots at the skill positions, Gardner said defense will definitely be the Warriors' strength -- especially early. Gardner said Crane will lead a strong group of linebackers that also includes Zack Bennett, Arlin Welch and James Elkins.

Arguably the Warriors' biggest void on both sides of the ball is the loss of Jed Wade to graduation. Wade, a four-time state champion in wrestling, excelled at fullback on offense and as an undersized nose guard on defense. The Warriors hope that another standout wrestler can take on Wade's role on defense. Trevor Pempek, who transferred from Palmer High School after his sophomore season, could be the Warriors' starter at nose guard once the season starts.

"He's a strong kid," Garnder said. "We are not necessarily looking for bigger."

Gardner said that another Warrior wrestler, Cesar Berrera, has also played well at the position as an undersized, but very quick, nose guard.

Though the Warriors lost Jed, Wasilla has another Wade to fall back on, on offense. Jake Wade, a starter at tailback last season, will return after a breakout sophomore campaign. Wade is one of seven runners Gardner said could see time in the Warrior backfield and could see time at either tailback or fullback.

The Warriors have a pair of juniors battling for the quarterback position. Bennett and Pasha Angel are both in the running for the starting

spot.

Gardner said Bennett could be the best all-around athlete on his team, and could be very valuable at other positions on offense, including wide receiver. Angel, Gardner said, has a strong arm and has developed a great understanding of the Warrior system.

Lining up in front of either Angel or Bennett will be a young group of promising offensive linemen, according to Gardner.

"They're green, but a great group," Gardner said. "They could flourish this year, or next year."

Gardner cited Aaron Miller as a center that could anchor the Warrior offensive line of the future.

Overall, Gardner said he is happy with the progress of the Warriors and sees the team rebounding from a tough 2003 season.