Raiders elected to All-League

The Central Washington B football league nominated their “All-League” players last week, with 14 Lake Roosevelt Raiders making the cut, including eight first-team selections, five second-team selections, and one honorable mention.

The coaches in the league nominate players and vote, but can’t vote for the players on their own team.

Sophomore Steven Flowers was awarded both All-League Defensive Player of the Year, as well as All-League First Team Quarterback. Flowers had 120 tackles for the season on defense, as well as 32 touchdowns, 1,267 passing yards and 1,348 rushing yards as quarterback, with an 8.5-yard rushing average.

“I know he has huge goals and dreams, and with his work ethic I know he will accomplish them,” said his coach, Loren Endsley. “He has grown already so much as a player and a leader as only a sophomore; it is exciting to see how far he will go.”

Senior Nathaniel Hall was elected to First Team as both a running back and as a defensive back. Between running, receiving, and returning, Hall had 783 yards for the season. On defense, Hall made 47 tackles, including 10 for loss of yardage, one sack, and three interceptions.

“Nathaniel was the emotional and mental leader of our team,” Endsley said. “Hall is a ferocious hitter, and, as a running back, never went down easily.” Hall was also invited to the East-West 2A, 1A & B All-Star game to be held June 24, 2017.

At 6-5 and 220 pounds, junior lineman Elijah Harris was also elected to the first team for both offense and defense. Harris finished the season with 47 tackles, including 20 for loss, 10 sacks, four fumble recoveries and two blocked punts on defense, and zero sacks allowed on the offensive line.

“Frequently, Harris forced offenses to double and triple team him,” Endsley noted. “He was one of our consistent leaders. At offensive line, he was a force protecting our QB as well as opening up huge lanes for our running backs.”

Sophomore Tony Nichols was elected to First Team as a linebacker as well as Second Team as a wide receiver. On defense, he finished the season with 88 tackles, including 10 for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. On offense, he had a total of 908 yards and six touchdowns, including 452 rushing yards with a 7.3-yard rushing average.

“Tony is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around,” Endsley commented. “He is never satisfied and constantly working to improve. He has a very bright future at Lake Roosevelt.”

Senior Tyrell Kiser was elected to First Team offense as a wide receiver, and Second Team defense as a cornerback. At wide receiver, Kiser had 545 yards on 25 receptions and five touchdowns, a reception average of 21.8 yards. He also had 157 return yards on five returns, including a return for a touchdown.

“Tyrell had a great season for us,” Endsley said. “He was a deep threat that consistently stepped up and made huge catches when we needed it most. At defensive back, he was a lockdown corner.”

Senior Angelo Clark was elected to Second Team as an offensive lineman with zero sacks allowed. “Angelo was the glue to our rushing attack,” said Endsley. “Angelo is a great leader for our team. He doesn’t speak up much, but when he does, people listen.”

Senior Matthew Tillman was elected to Second Team as center with zero sacks allowed. “Playing the center position is key because he is the guy that has to understand and read the defenses,” Endsley said. “Tillman went against guys that were much, much bigger than him, and still was able to do his job and be one of our most consistent blockers.”

Senior Darian Lindsey was elected to Second Team as defensive lineman with 42 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and eight sacks for the season.

“In one word, Darian is explosive,” Endsley said. “Our defensive line was very destructive this year, creating havoc in the backfields of our opponents, and Darian played a key role in that.”

Sophomore Kolby Picard received an honorable mention as defensive back. Picard finished the season with 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

“Kolby is one of our captains,” said Endsley. “He has one of the best competitive edges that I have been around. Never satisfied, Kolby works hard in everything he does.”

“The great thing looking forward is that their is a lot of youth in our selections,” Endsley noted. “All of these guys worked extremely hard for this recognition.”