POULSBO — The 32-year NK football coaching reign of Jerry Parrish may be over, as well as the three-year era of far-flinging quarterback Jared Prince and a talented pass offense.

But not everything is different on the 2005 Viking football team.

Though there are many new faces — among them new head coach Steve Frease, quarterback Paul Stock and a large up-and-coming sophomore and junior class — the old guard of coaching and the traditional “wing T” offense remains.

Frease has opted to stick with that offense, one Parrish made famous in his four decades of coaching and that relies heavily on the run game. But that doesn’t mean fans should expect to see a conservative approach every play, Frease said, stating it will depend on his players’ abilities.

“We’ll do what our players allow us to do,” he said. “If it was up to me, we’d throw 25 times a game. But we have to be able to block, throw and catch well to do that.”

The other tradition that remains is a highly experienced coaching staff, the majority of which strode the sidelines with Parrish last season. Those coaches are giving Frease a chance to watch the team from a bird’s eye view, a sense of the squad’s overall direction.

“If a practice is well-planned, I can step back and watch the coaches coach,” he said.

Wasser Schmitt will return as offensive coordinator, a job he held under Parrish a year ago. Virg Taylor, who has coached at North Kitsap since 1964, will return to coach the lines. Jeff Weible, an NKHS graduate, is defensive coordinator. Dave Snyder, the former defensive coordinator, is handling special teams. Clary Carlsen, who coaches in each season, including as pitching coach in baseball, is handling the receivers and the passing game. Volunteer coach Roy Swift is coaching the running and defensive backs. Juan Haley is coaching the linebackers. To round it out, Mike Giersch, also an NKHS grad, is coaching the tight and defensive ends.

The football position is a far cry from the baseball coaching he headed at NK for more than a decade, Frease said, as the mental preparation he must instill in his players is much different.

“In baseball, you want your players to relax,” Frease said. “But football is a game of concentrated emotion.”

Frease said his biggest concern is the offensive and defensive lines, but he added he’s been surprised by the size and speed of both at the start of practices.

“If the line carries through, we’ll be alright,” Frease said. “I think we’re gonna surprise some people this year.”

Many of the players mentioned that what the team lacks in size, it makes up for in cohesiveness.

“There’s no single people standing out,” said senior Danny Glushko. “But we’re a united team this year.”

At quarterback, there’s no doubt Stock indeed has big shoes to fill. But he said he wants to go in his own direction, not measure everything up to Prince.

“I am following one of the greatest quarterbacks to come through North,” Stock said, “But I’m following my own path, not his.”

Stock has also earned the accolades of his coach.

“Paul has worked really hard all summer to become a better passer,” Frease said. “He’s got a good work ethic and fire in his belly.”

Behind Stock, Frease mentioned there will be, “a stable full of running backs,” including seniors Jerrell Smith, Ryan Anderson and Ray Spears, and many more talented upcoming juniors and sophomores.

Competition is still fierce at the wide receiver positions, and Frease said he’ll be testing the waters by using different combinations.

Frease said that a primary goal as a first year coach is simply to get everyone to mesh, something that’s been accomplished.

“We’re at a point where we’re on the same page and learning everyone’s idiosyncrasies,” Frease said.