POULSBO — A team that proved to be on the upswing hopes to stay that way this year.

While the Poulsbo Junior High football team may have fewer players than last year, head coach Dean Maleski said he is excited about the players he does have.

“We’ve got good speed, good size and real hard workers,” Maleski said as the Panthers practiced last week before their first game of the season. “And they love the game. That helps.”

The team has about 24 players, fewer than at the same time last year, and many will be called on to play both ways.

“You’ll see a lot of the same faces on defense you will on offense,” said Maleski, noting that he believes the running attack will benefit from a deep pool of talented backs, including Levi Pixton, Jamaal Smith and Bubby Ditmer.

Maleski’s Panthers work hard to run a wing-T offense similar to that at the high school, and as a result, the guards have to be quick, smart and able to get in front of a play as it develops.

The backs’ effort will be aided by an offensive line that includes center Aaron Salo and lineman Zach Haley, Chris Simei, Josh Holliday and Aaron Melius.

Tight end Eric Hedin will also make a contribution, said Maleski, although Cameron White is likely to see time at that position as well.

Paul Stock will play quarterback, and so far the coaches are pleased with his ability to run the offense.

Steve Frease, who coached at the high school, has been added to the staff as the offensive coordinator; Juan Haley is defensive coordinator. John Waller coaches lineman and defensive.

The team rolled to a good start Thursday with a 38-6 win over Cedar Heights; Poulsbo scored five rushing TDs in the game.

The Panthers will host home games against Marcus Whitman (Oct. 2), Sedgwick (Oct. 16) and Fairview (Nov. 5). The first two games will begin at 3:30 p.m., while the game against Fairview will start at 3 p.m.

Poulsbo will play Kingston at 6 p.m. Oct. 30. The game will be played at North Kitsap High School.By TREVOR PYLE

Staff Writer

POULSBO — A team that proved to be on the upswing hopes to stay that way this year.

While the Poulsbo Junior High football team may have fewer players than last year, head coach Dean Maleski said he is excited about the players he does have.

“We’ve got good speed, good size and real hard workers,” Maleski said as the Panthers practiced last week before their first game of the season. “And they love the game. That helps.”

The team has about 24 players, fewer than at the same time last year, and many will be called on to play both ways.

“You’ll see a lot of the same faces on defense you will on offense,” said Maleski, noting that he believes the running attack will benefit from a deep pool of talented backs, including Levi Pixton, Jamaal Smith and Bubby Ditmer.

Maleski’s Panthers work hard to run a wing-T offense similar to that at the high school, and as a result, the guards have to be quick, smart and able to get in front of a play as it develops.

The backs’ effort will be aided by an offensive line that includes center Aaron Salo and lineman Zach Haley, Chris Simei, Josh Holliday and Aaron Melius.

Tight end Eric Hedin will also make a contribution, said Maleski, although Cameron White is likely to see time at that position as well.

Paul Stock will play quarterback, and so far the coaches are pleased with his ability to run the offense.

Steve Frease, who coached at the high school, has been added to the staff as the offensive coordinator; Juan Haley is defensive coordinator. John Waller coaches lineman and defensive.

The team rolled to a good start Thursday with a 38-6 win over Cedar Heights; Poulsbo scored five rushing TDs in the game.

The Panthers will host home games against Marcus Whitman (Oct. 2), Sedgwick (Oct. 16) and Fairview (Nov. 5). The first two games will begin at 3:30 p.m., while the game against Fairview will start at 3 p.m.

Poulsbo will play Kingston at 6 p.m. Oct. 30. The game will be played at North Kitsap High School.