Chiawana football may look different this season, but head coach Scott Bond doesn’t want them to play any differently.
At 4-1 overall right now, Chiawana has already shown it can continue playing good football despite losing several key athletes from last year’s squad. Now, the Riverhawks are relying on a mix of returning players and young talent to fill those holes while continuing to play the physical style that has shaped their team.
“It’s always hard to replace those guys that graduate, but that’s what high school football is all about. You’ve got to find the next ones and try to get them ready to go,” said Bond on The Sports Council.
One player Bond won’t have to worry about replacing is Cooper Cissne.
The junior running back, who leads the 3A/4A Mid-Columbia Conference in rushing yards, has returned as one of Chiawana’s established players and continues to set the tone with the way he plays. His approach is simple: “110 percent every rep.”
That standard has also carried over to younger players.
Freshman Grady Vander Pol has already earned a significant role on the offensive line, and Bond said the right tackle has held his own against strong competition.
“That’s an exciting thing to have a freshman, a 14-year-old, going up and playing one of the top teams in the state and holding his own,” said Bond.
Cissne isn’t the only one setting that example. For the Riverhawks, the expectation is that players are ready to contribute whether they are returning starters or freshmen getting their first opportunity to play under the stadium lights.
“I think Cooper set the tone of it doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior, you can still show up and play,” said Bond.
For Chiawana, being ready to play starts long before Friday night. The preparation starts in the weight room during the winter and carries into practices and games, where players are expected to be ready to step in and do their job when their name is called.
That preparation has helped shape the physical style the Riverhawks have continued to lean on this season. They want to run the ball, pressure teams on defense and make games uncomfortable for their opponents.
“It’s smashmouth. We’re going to run at you on offense, and defense we’re going to pressure you and smack you in the mouth,” said Bond.
That physicality carries over into practice, where Chiawana uses a period called a “thud.” Players are expected to play physically without taking every rep all the way to the ground.
“Practice like you play,” said Bond.
The same willingness to play has been important throughout the roster as Chiawana works through the changes from last season. Cissne and Vander Pol aren’t the only players stepping into bigger roles this season. Emmett Osterdock has added strength after committing to the weight room, while Cole Hultgrenn has taken over a larger leadership role at linebacker. Isaiah Delgado moved from right tackle to center, and JJ Brooks has stepped in on the offensive line when needed.
With so many players taking on new roles, Chiawana has had to find ways to replace experience while continuing to build depth. So far, the Riverhawks have done enough to put themselves at 4-1, but Bond knows the challenge only gets tougher as the season moves along.
After nearly 30 years of coaching experience, he has learned not to look too far ahead. Each week brings a new opponent and another chance for the younger players to prove themselves.
“High school football is week to week,” said Bond.
This Friday night, the Riverhawks will look to keep that momentum going as they take on Kamiakin at home.