Accountability is a mantra of the Eastlake Wolves football program.
Eastlake head coach Don Bartel, who is one of the most disciplined head coaches in the state, preached accountability at all levels for every single individual in the football program. That dedication has paid off in years past. The Wolves finished the 2017 season with an overall record of 6-3.
“At the end of the day, we just have to focus on the idea of taking care of our teammates, doing the things that are difficult and giving it all we got. If we do all of those things, we’ll be just fine. I think they’ve (players) bought into that idea but we’ll see when things get tough. That is when we’ll find out,” Bartel said.
While the Wolves graduated a plethora of talented players from last year’s team, the cupboard is far from bare. Throughout the spring and summer months, Jackson Proctor and Grady Robinson have battled for the starting quarterback spot. As of the second practice of the 2018 season on Aug. 16, Bartel and the coaching staff had yet to decide on a starter for the season opener against Monroe on Aug. 31.
“I don’t know if I would say it has been decided yet,” Bartel said of the starting quarterback position. “I know that both of those guys have grown a ton and it has been huge for us. There was moments in team camp where it was real truth telling. It is always nice to have an opponent give you feedback. We were pleasantly surprised with things both of these guys did over the summer. Either way, whoever gets it (starting spot), we are better off now than we were in the spring, which is really nice.”
The Wolves offensive and defensive lines are in great shape. Bartel said linemen Sam Marks, William Woodgate, Cameron Lynch and Zach Kennedy will anchor those units. Eastlake running back Garrett Carney and receiver/defensive back Nate Sutter are two of Eastlake’s top skill players.
EASTLAKE
Schedule
Aug. 31 MONROE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 at Union (McKenzie Stadium) 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Mount Si
Oct. 5 SKYLINE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.
Eastlake Wolves head football coach Don Bartel will be in his sixth season as head coach this fall. Shaun Scott/staff photo
