The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Wahkiakum Mules and other high school football teams start their seasons this Friday Night.

The Mules will jump right into Central League play and host the Mossyrock Vikings.

Mule Coach Eric Hansen expects a hard fought game.

"They have the same staff as last year, and they only graduated five players," he said. "They'll be improved.

"Our league is tough. It will be a war every Friday night."

Hansen thinks Adna, Napavine and Morton/White Pass are the three favorites for the top spots in the league. Napavine returns their big offiensive line; Morton/White Pass has speed and skill, and Adna has a good program.

"They all have over 40 kids turning out," Hansen said.

The Pe Ell Trojans return most of their team from last year, he said, and Onalaska has dropped down from Class1A and could field a good squad.

The Mules, he added, are the smallest Class 2B school in the area. Two foreign exchange students joined the squad Tuesday and brought the total turnout to 29, he said.

While the Mule squad isn't large in number, the players do have skill and experience. Returning starters include Lars Blix, a four-year starter at quarterback, running backs Kohl Bergseng, Steven Doumit and Austin Good, receiver/defensive back Travis Wegdahl, and linemen Nathan Cothren, Bubba Calvert, Shane Souvenir and Dylan Hansen. Juniors Brandon Burdick, Trystan Mendez, Seth Doumit, Mason Mackey, and Zach Calvert will get lots of playing time. Three new faces, Mitchell Dault, Adam Vasion and Peter Weiler are doing well and will see action. There are some sophomores like Alex Johnson and Ethan Cothren who will earn some playing time.

"We have a lot of players who can move around to different positions," Hansen said. "That will help us."

Game time is 7 p.m. The Mules will continue Central League play at Winlock on September 7.