PORT ANGELES — A senior-dominated squad with something to prove after a winless 2024 season, the focus for the Port Angeles Roughriders football team is squarely on itself, according to head coach Dustin Clark.
“I haven’t given much thought about it,” Clark said when asked about future Olympic League opponents. “We are taking it one day and one week at a time. But I like where we are at. We are an older and hungrier team than we were last year. For us, it’s just about coming together and winning games. Win early, get some confidence, and see what happens in league.”
Clark and the Roughriders will lean heavily on a pair of first-team All-Olympic League selections.
Hunter Flores, a first-team selection on the offensive and defensive lines, returns with an added focus defensively.
A fourth-year starter, Clark said Flores might be the Olympic League’s best offensive lineman this season.
“Hunter will be the other middle linebacker for us,” Clark said. “He fits in there better than some other guys, but he’ll also play some at defensive end.
Senior Dylan Mann is the other middle linebacker Clark referenced above.
A first-team All-Olympic League choice at linebacker in 2024, Mann will be counted on once again.
“Dylan Mann, he’s been a great leader all summer,” Clark said. “He’ll lead us at middle linebacker and at running back.
“I would say his running style is a bruiser. He’s going to punish you pretty hard and will not shy away from contact.
“He played on the [2023 state] playoff team, played the entire second half of the season at an outside linebacker, so he’s been solid for us for three years.”
Lane Wilson returns as a running back and defensive end.
“He’ll be counted on both sides of the ball,” Clark said.
At quarterback, junior Carson Waddell has been pushing incumbent senior Jude Wallace.
“We will start with Jude Wallace, but Carson has been playing really well,” Clark said.
Seniors Easton Fisher and Ian Smithson will play at wide receiver and defensive back.
“Easton has been dialed in all summer,” Clark said. “He’s dealing with a little bit of a knee issue, but should be good to go Friday. And Ian Smithson, he’ll be a dude for us.”
Junior tight end Henry Zelenka will start the season with an injury, but he is expected to contribute.
“Henry hurt his hip, but he will be a big part of what we do this year at defensive end and tight end,” Clark said.
Senior Tucker Swain is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play at the other tight end spot and at outside linebacker.
Clark said the team will start a pair of sophomores along the offensive line in Rodolfo Armenta-Gomez and Michael Wilhelm.
Michael Kidos, another sophomore transfer from Texas with good size at 290 pounds, also will play along the lines.
“He’s probably 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds,” Clark said. “He’ll be a challenge.”
Junior Quinn Messersmith will play guard and defensive tackle for the Riders.
Clark said the freshman class has been looking good.
“There will be some kids that will earn some time over the next few months,” Clark said.
Overall, Clark wants to see his team stay connected this season.
“For us, its hard to say as far as throwing or running,” Clark said. “But they are playing hard for each other right now, and if we maintain that level, we will be all right.”
The Roughriders begin their season at 7 p.m. Friday, hosting Mount Baker, looking for revenge against a team that beat them 49-22 last year.
Port Angeles Roughriders
• Coach: Dustin Clark (fifth season, 16-32 record)
• Last Season: 0-9.
• Key returners: Hunter Flores, Sr.,OL/DL; Dylan Mann, Sr., LB/RB; River Flores, Sr.; OL/DL; Oliver Martinez Sr., WR/DB/PK; Ian Smithson, Sr., WR/DB; Easton Fisher, Sr., WR/DB; Tucker Swain, Sr., TE/LB; Jude Wallace, Sr., QB/DB; Lane Wilson, Sr., RB/DB; Quinn Messersmith, Jr., OL/DL; Henry Zelenka, Jr., OL/DL.
• Newcomers: Michael Kodis, Soph., OL/DL; Rodolfo Armenta-Gomez, Soph., OL/DL; Michael Wilhelm, Soph., OL/DL.
• Strengths: Clark believes the defense will lead the team.
• Outlook: A senior-dominated team will be motivated to snap the team’s 10-game losing streak and enjoy some success this fall.
• Schedule: Mount Baker, 7 p.m., Sept. 5; Forks, 7 p.m., Sept. 13; at North Mason, 7 p.m. Sept. 19; Sequim, 7 p.m., Sept. 26; North Kitsap, 7 p.m., Oct. 3; at Bainbridge, 7 p.m., Oct. 10; at Squalicum, 7 p.m., Oct. 18; Bremerton, 7 p.m. Oct. 24; at Olympic, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 30.
