Atascadero football opens camp, eyes PAC-7 title

Posted: Aug 15, 2011 6:15 PM by AndrewMasuda
Updated: Aug 15, 2011 11:51 PM

The Greyhounds are off and running as they prepare for the 2011 season and their first league title in three years. Atascadero High football opened camp on Monday morning.

"I think we're looking better than last year. We've got a lot of returning seniors on offense and some returning seniors on defense and hopefully we'll be good," said senior running back/linebacker Davis Cracknell, who racked up 82 tackles and 6 sacks in 2010.

The Hounds are coming off a 9-3 season and their sixth straight playoff appearance. Atascadero lost stars Eli Jackson (121 tackles), Weston Walker, Spencer Ruggles (7 sacks), Troy Norris (8 interceptions), Tanner Thompson (1,433 rushing yards) and Jesse Whitten (1,455 passing yards) to graduation.

Head coach Vic Cooper says he has strong nucleus returning in 2011 that includes talented linebackers, an experienced offensive line and tailback Deonte Barnes, who rushed for 645 yards last fall. "Every year you're going to have spots to fill in. But we feel like the core guys that are have coming back are going to be good leaders and help the younger guys step up," said coach Cooper.

"Basically we've just got a lot of country boys, really strong in the weight room and try to play some football so we should be strong on the line," added senior Adam Woodhull, a running back and linebacker, who compiled 56 tackles and 3.5 sacks last fall.

Another key returner for the Hounds is senior wide receiver Logan Sprouse, who racked up 410 receiving yards last fall, 5 TD catches and 4 interceptions.

The Hounds open the season September 2 at home against Salinas.

Fri.9/2 vs Salinas, 7:30 pm
Fri.9/9 @ Clovis, 7:30 pm
Fri.9/16 @ Independence, 7:30 pm
Fri.9/23 vs Seaside, 7:30 pm
Fri.9/30 vs Arroyo Grande, 7 pm
Fri. 10/7 @ Righetti, 7 pm
Fri.10/14 BYE
Fri.10/21 @ St. Joseph, 7 pm
Fri.10/28 vs San Luis Obispo, 7 pm
Fri.11/4 vs Pioneer Valley, 7 pm
Fri.11/11 @ Paso Robles, 7 pm