North Creek possesses a deep, strong football squad

Following a lengthy practice on a recent Monday, North Creek’s players hit the weight room for an added workout as they prepared for the upcoming season. About five days into practices, spirits were high as the music blared and weights clanked in the packed room.

After notching an overall 5-4 record last season, the Jaguars and head coach Torrey Myers are excited to open their campaign at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 versus Mount Rainier at Pop Keeney Stadium.

Relaxing in the North Creek dance room following training, Myers praised his players’ work ethic and how they’ve improved each season.

“Our playing experience is gonna be huge,” said Myers, adding that the Jaguars will have nine returning starters on both sides of the ball. The team is deep, possesses strength and can get its wheels rolling in all areas of the game.

Three nonleague games lead off the docket, and then come Northshore rivals Bothell (Sept. 27) and Inglemoor (Oct. 3).

“You know KingCo football, there’s no weeks off and every game is competitive, so that’s the biggest challenge,” Myers said.

Junior quarterback Jack Charlton (6-2, 195) returns as the starter and Myers said his signal caller exudes more confidence footwork-wise and that allows him to see the field better. Also a basketball player and track and field competitor, Charlton brings all-around athleticism to the gridiron.

Junior Abe Woodward (6-1, 185) will start at tight end and thrived at the Lakewood seven-versus-seven tournament over the summer. Myers said the competitive Woodward can snag the ball, block well and is in good shape.

Senior running back Izayah Boss (5-7, 170) brings heaps of speed to the Jaguar offense and will receive a wealth of carries this season. He hit the weight room hard in the offseason and is ready for his first year of varsity action at North Creek.

Also new to the Jaguar varsity squad will be Koli Faaiu (6-3, 320), a transfer who starred at Archbishop Murphy and will play left tackle and nose guard. Myers said Faaiu has already received an offer to play at the University of Nevada.

At center, there’s senior three-year returning starter Hithesh Gopal (5-10, 220), a second-team all-4A KingCo Crown selection last season and 3.9 student.

“He makes everything go, he makes all the calls,” Myers said. “He’s one of the stronger kids on our team and he’s worked for every bit of strength he has.”

Senior Nick Mitchell (6-0, 185) is a stellar weapon at defensive end and earned first-team all-4A KingCo Crown honors last year.

NORTH CREEK Schedule

Sept. 7 home vs. Mount Rainier, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)

Sept. 13 home vs. Mt. Tahoma, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)

Sept. 20 at Burlington-Edison, 7 p.m. (BEHS Kirkby Field)

Sept. 27 at Bothell, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)

Oct. 3 home vs. Inglemoor, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)

Oct. 11 at Redmond, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 home vs. Issaquah, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)

Oct. 24 home vs. Woodinville, 7 p.m. (Pop Keeney Stadium)