(Leader/ QB Jeramy Poyer (6-2 220 Sr. QB) did well at our NEI/Barton Elite Events during the winter and we think he could have a big 2012) |
A 4a team that is consistently better then most is the Fishermen out of Astoria. Head Coach Howard Rub enters his 13th season as one of the most respected and successful head coaches in the northwest, and the 2012 squad looks like they will be tough to beat.
Many of you remember the multi talented Jordan Poyer, now one of the top players in the Pac 12 at Oregon St. Jordan was player of the year in Oregon and helped Astoria to the 2008 State Title. His younger brother Jeramy Poyer (6-2 220 Sr. QB/LB) has had a very productive off season, attending some of our elite events in Portland and doing well.
He has worked hard to get in shape after being lost to injury after week 3 last season. Jeramy is going to do very well for himself, and his family name speaks volumes. We jokingly said that Jordan could basically be the mayor of the town if he wanted.
The first thing you notice about the 4a Astoria team is that they are big…really big for a 4a school. Three senior lineman that will be leading the group are Tony Rudolfi (6-2 265 Sr. OL/DL) ,Levi Anderson (6-5 290 Sr. OL/DL/LB), and first team all league athlete Calvin Bruton (6-0 235 Sr. OL/LB) from last season. All three had very successful 2011 campaigns. Coach Rub says, " we could potentially line up Levi at linebacker, he is that athletic, and our line should definitely be a strength"
Logan Tausch (6-2 215 Jr. OL/DL) and Manny Nelson (6-1 265 So. OL/DL) are two impressive underclassmen that will also play a huge role on the line and give the Fishermen a solid foundation moving forward. A host of these kids will play both ways, expect to see Cole Hatcher (6-4 240 Sr. DL) on the D line as well.
Poyer will have a solid perimeter around him with returning 1st team all league standout Wyatt Wullger (6-0 185 Sr. RB) getting the bulk of the carries, and two play makers at the wide out positions in seniors Josh Ferguson (6-0 170 WR/FS) and Frank Leonardi (6-1 180 WR).
When referencing the season Poyer says, " I want to be the best leader I can on and off the field, and give our team the best chance possible to be successful. Poyer continued, " obviously as a team we would like to win a state title, but our biggest goal is to be the most family oriented team in Astoria’s history…When we finish our last game I want all of us to feel like we did everything we could within our power to win".
Coach Rub echoed some of the same sentiments when speaking about his team, " Im just really proud of the way the kids have conducted themselves, they have embraced their community and just continue to give back…Its really neat to see".
Coach feels good about the upcoming season, but also talks about the overall talent in the conference and tough non league schedule. The Fishermen will play legit non conference opponents to start the season in Gladstone and Newport, and will always battle with Banks and Scappoose within league.
Overall Astoria should be very talented, and more importantly have got outstanding leadership from top to bottom. Its great to see programs that just get it and Astoria is one of them. We are looking forward to visiting the coast, and seeing what the Fishermen have in store for the upcoming 2012 season. They will be a top the 4a polls.
Wyatt Wullger (6-0 185 Sr. RB) returns after a 1st team all league season a year ago
