“We want to win four. Let’s go,” a player shouted.
The Raiders have won three consecutive state championships, but rather than kick back and bask in the program’s comfy standing in Class D, they are focused on No. 4.
The goal is the same, but the 2016 version of Class D title chasers isn’t the same as the previous three.
“We’re a different team. You know, each year we have a different identity,” senior offensive and defensive tackle Adam Mooney said. “Last year we were a little more skill-oriented. This year, I think we’re going to be more ground and pound, whatever we gotta do.”
Last year, Levi Buteau had touchdowns runs of 80 and 57 yards. Quarterback Dalton Therrien had 67- and 64-yard scoring runs, and also TD passes that went for more than 45 yards.
Therrien and Buteau have graduated, and might have taken the big-play offense with them.
“We’re not going to get the 80-yard touchdowns like we did last year,” Mooney said, ”but we’re going to move down the field like we have to.”
Head coach Stacen Doucette said the offense will likely move about 4 yards at a time.
“We’re not flashy,” he said. “We’re just going to move the chains, hopefully, and hopefully get in a lot of one, two, three punt situations on defense.”
Although he’s wearing a green Oregon Ducks T-shirt as he says it, Doucette swears he’s fine with this different, more low-key offensive approach.
“We’re OK. I would like to believe that I’m an Old School coach at times, and first downs are OK,” he said. “You know, I like first downs. So we can handle that.”
Therrien was the constant for Oak Hill’s three straight Class D state championships, starting at quarterback for each team. This year, senior Matthew Strout finally gets his chance at QB.
“Matthew’s done a pretty good job,” Doucette said. “Matthew is a very smart kid, he’s a thinker. His skill set’s very different. He’s a very big kid for the quarterback position, he’s physical, he’s tough to bring down, and we’re going to try to utilize those skills.”
Utilizing specific skills will be crucial for the coaching staff.
“We have a lot of specialists,” he said. “Some kids are good at blocking, some kids are good at running, some are running inside, outside, some are good receivers. And then defense, we got some kids that have specific skills as well.
“I don’t know if we have a lot of kids that are good at everything, so to speak, but everybody’s got roles. So we’re expecting everybody to do their job in helping the team be successful.”
Senior Steven Gilbert said being successful, whatever the fashion, is the focus this season.
“Everybody’s just worried about the outcome,” he said. “Everybody just wants to do as much as they can to help everyone out, and it’s awesome.
“All-around, we’re pretty solid. There’s no standouts, there’s no big hitters, it’s just everybody does their role and we’ll succeed. Just down to the basics.”
However this team compares physically, its dedication seems to be on par with the past champions. Doucette calls it a blue collar team, and on the fourth day of practice, an assistant coach told the players that at that point in the preseason they were the most attentive group since Doucette took over the program five years ago.
“I think that we’re all going to show up and work hard,” Mooney said. “I think that we’re very smart, as a team, we know our plays, we know our playbook. Everyone works hard and we’re not going to take anything for granted this year.”
There is plenty of motivation. The Raiders aren’t the favorites to win their region, let alone a fourth straight state title. Class D South will again be tough, and considering the talent and experience returning to Winthrop/Monmouth and Lisbon, Doucette said Oak Hill is a “middle-of-the-pack team.”
But don’t count out Oak Hill yet. Lisbon coach Dick Mynahan said the Raiders have the most players and the most depth, and should still be a force.
Besides, all the talk of role players and a pedestrian offense might be selling the Raiders short.
“We definitely have some weapons,” Mooney said.
lhorton@sunjournal.com
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