Wolves to contend with Bropleh-maker

As D.J. Sigurdson continues to prepare his South Kitsap High School football team for Bremerton Friday at 7 p.m., the fiery coach is preaching one main objective to his players: Keep Bremerton’s athletes from making big plays.

The Bremerton Knights are coming off a 24-14 loss to Skyview of Vancouver, Wash., but the team’s athleticism shone brightly and will look to cause SK fits, much like last year when Bremerton reeled off 36 points in a narrow 45-36 loss.

Gone from that team are senior leaders Joe Bollinger, Kellen Alley and Reggie Williams.

But the Wolves will be forced to contend with senior tailback and middle linebacker Tieba Bropleh.

Bropleh, a first-team all-defense selection last year, rushed for 137 yards on nine carries last week.

Sigurdson said Bropleh is Bremerton’s centerpiece this year.

“He’s a great football player,” Sigurdson said. “He was one of their best football players when he was sophomore. He’s a tremendous athlete obviously, but he really loves to win.”

Bropleh’s only taste of success against SK came last spring when the Knights defeated the Wolves in a track and field dual meet.

Besides Bropleh, Sigurdson said there are four other superb athletes who have the ability to make big plays.

Anthony Ragsdale (SE/DB), Aubrey Neal (QB/DB), and Justin Robinette (RB/LB) are the key players in the triple option offense they run.

“I feel there are five guys that are fast enough to make big plays,” Sigurdson said. “Their defense is not going to give up too many long runs.”

Sigurdson said he’s implemented minor adjustments to his run defense after watching Snohomish rack up 230 yards rushing.

“We need to have (our defense) play within themselves and be consistent,” Sigurdson said. “Their line is going to be bigger than us but I’d take our line. We’re making little adjustments in our technique such as blocking protection and stance. Our run defense will improve.”

While work is being done on the SK defensive line, Sigurdson said one of the keys to stuffing Bremerton’s running game is the linebacking corps.

“The linebackers have to be active,” Sigurdson said. “If they’re not active than we’ll have problems.”

Bremerton’s offensive line is anchored by lone returning starter Jake Dodge (6-1, 220 pounds).

Joining Dodge are seniors Alex Pfeifer (6-3, 250) and Matt Stacey (6-2, 200), and juniors Darrell Langdon (6-0, 240) and Mark Williams (5-10, 200).

The defensive line is led by senior Josh Schmidt, whose 6-2 frame carries 330 pounds.

Another notable player is tight end/defensive end Noah Garguile.

The senior played at 185 pounds last year but now tips the scales at better than 215.

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