Renton Head Coach Donald Ponds knew his off season work was going to be tough to grow his football program in numbers. He went to Dimmitt Middle School twice to bring awareness of the football program, but he also brought the awareness within the school.
His efforts resulted in nearly 50 players turning out for the 2012 season; although it caused another issue. Not enough helmets. But Pond's concedes, "Its a good problem to have."
Dassaun Sauls will quarterback his second season and expect Ernie Davis to breakout in the running back position. Last year he was in the shadow of Anthony Gold (23 touchdowns and 1078 total offense). Micah Prescott and Zachary Walther led the front line protection for Sauls and Davis.
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Head Coach - Donald Ponds, third season 5-13 overall
Last year - 3-3 league, 4-6 overall and lost to Port Angeles in district playoffs
Find out what's happening in Rentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Key players - Dassaun Sauls, Uriel Gonzalez, Micah Prescott, Zachary Walther, Ernie Davis
Strength - Renton turned out nearly 50 players (triple the size of last year's team). Sauls will quarterback his second year and expect Davis to breakout running. The Indian's linemen are led behind Prescott and Walther. Gonzalez is able to kick field goals from 45+ in needed points.
Weakness - Although this season brought a higher players turnout, experience is needed to boost the Indian line on both sides of the ball.
Preseason Maxpreps ranking - 37th in 2A, 166th in the entire state and 7935 nationally.
Big Game - Hazen and Lindbergh (the battle for the all-city championship trophy, October 5)
Schedule (*All City, **Non-League)
August 31 - at Olympic**, 5 p.m.
September 7 - at Decatur** (Federal Way Stadium), 7 p.m.
September 14 - vs Foster, 7 p.m.
September 22 - at Lakeside**, 2 p.m.
September 28 - vs Highline, 5 p.m.
October 5 - vs Lindbergh*, 7 p.m.
October 13 - at Kennedy (Highline Stadium), 1:30 p.m.
October 19 - vs Evergreen, 7 p.m. (Homecoming)
October 26 - at Hazen** (Renton Stadium), 7 p.m.
You can follow Renton football all season on Patch as well as the Patch's facebook and twitter pages.
