Kamiakin (2024-25 Record: 8-4 overall; 6-2 MCC)
Team Stats
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Total Offense: 3,162 yds (4th) – 351.3/g
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Scoring: 276 pts – 30.7/g
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Defense Allowed: 2,337 yds (6th) – 259.7/g
Biggest Losses:
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Landon Biglin (OL)
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Baker Mundy (OL/LB)
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Dominic Powell (LB)
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David Kuku (DB) – 29 rec, 257 yds, 6 TD
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Trent Woodhouse (QB) – 1,934 yds, 20 TD
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Sascha Bordasch (K)
Top Returners:
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Michael Kori (WR, So) – 34 rec, 639 yds, 9 TD
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Mason Severson (WR, So) – 26 rec, 456 yds, 3 TD
The names on the roster change every fall, but the standard at Kamiakin never does. Under longtime head coach Scott Biglin, the Braves have become a constant presence in the MCC title chase. Now entering his 17th season, Biglin faces a familiar challenge — replacing a senior core while molding the next wave of talent ready to carry the torch.
That continuity has been a hallmark of Kamiakin football. Year after year, the Braves are in the conversation at the top of the Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC). Last fall, they posted an 8-4 overall record, 6-2 in MCC play, leaning on a balanced offense and a stingy defense.
The Braves’ 2024 campaign begins with both excitement and uncertainty. They must replace a core group of seniors, including quarterback Trent Woodhouse (1,934 yds, 20 TD), defensive back David Kuku (29 rec, 257 yds, 6 TD; now at Washington State), and linemen Landon Biglin and Baker Mundy.
“It’s the ever-changing life of a high school football coach,” Biglin said. “You get guys for four years, then you hope they move on to college and do good things, and then you work with a new batch.”
The most pressing storyline comes under center. The Braves enter fall camp without a proven starter at quarterback, something Biglin, a former quarterback himself, is known for: making the QB1 earn it. Instead, two young players are vying for the role: junior Gavin Conrad and freshman Jagger McEwan.
“Both guys have worked really hard this summer — just about every day we were out there on footwork and reads,” Biglin explained. “It’s a tough position, but they’ve helped each other and are progressing well.”
The Braves also have a dynamic wrinkle in Mike Corey, who will take snaps at quarterback in certain packages. “Mike’s a special player,” Biglin said. “We’ll use him in some situations, and that will put pressure on defenses.”
The backfield returns two familiar names who split carries last season — Corbin Hopwood and Diego Vargas. Hopwood, the power runner, earned a reputation as a punishing downhill back.
“Corbin’s a big bruiser. He goes 100 miles an hour at everything, even dodgeball,” Biglin laughed. “Kids hate playing against him, but we love him because he’s on our team.”
Vargas offers the change of pace, a quick, cerebral runner who can break big plays. “That one-two punch gives us some balance,” Biglin said, “and with mobile quarterbacks, defenses are going to have to respect every option.”
Where Kamiakin has no shortage of confidence is in its receivers. Returning stars Corey (34 rec, 639 yds, 9 TD) and Mason Severson (26 rec, 456 yds, 3 TD) headline the group. Both were standout sophomores last season, and Biglin believes they can be among the best in the state.
“These two are special — they have the talent to be All-State guys,” he said.
Depth comes from a rotation of contributors including Crew Miller, Ty Ferris, Easton Stevens, and promising freshman Noah Starr. The flexibility is what excites Biglin most.
“This group is very smart,” he said. “We’ve got guys who can play multiple positions. That makes us less predictable and gives us the ability to move guys around when we need to.”
While skill players headline the roster, the Braves’ success will also depend on a new-look offensive line. The graduation of long-time starters leaves untested but eager replacements.
“They haven’t had a ton of varsity snaps,” Biglin admitted, “but they’ve done a good job in spring and summer. They’ve built chemistry, and Coach Murbaugh has them bonded through things like ‘Fat Man Mondays’ where they eat together and hang out. They’re a special group — we just need them to keep progressing.”
Defensively, Kamiakin will once again lean on its secondary. Corey isn’t just an offensive weapon — he’s also one of the MCC’s most
respected defensive backs. As a sophomore, teams largely avoided throwing his way, and his reputation is only growing.
“He reminds me a lot of Gabe Tahir, who’s now starting at Idaho State,” Biglin said. “If Mike keeps progressing, the sky’s the limit. And beyond his talent, he’s just a tremendous young man — respectful, team-first, and a leader.”
The future is also bright with freshman Noah Starr, a 4.0 student who has already drawn praise for his work ethic and athleticism. “He could be our next Division I guy after Mike,” Biglin said. “As a freshman, he’s already putting in the weight room work. That’s rare.”
Another emerging player is Ty Ferris, who Biglin calls one of the most respected kids on the team. “He’ll pick up all the garbage after practice, then turn around and try to knock your head off in drills,” he said. “He’s the type of kid you root for.”
As always, the Braves set their sights high, but Biglin emphasizes that their path to success comes one step at a time.
“Our expectation is always to win league,” he said. “That never changes. But our philosophy is ATM — attack the moment. Whether it’s two-a-days, installing plays, or getting ready for Walla Walla, we focus on today. If we didn’t get better today, then we didn’t reach our goal.”