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Sports

Hazen Eyeing Fast Start Behind Wing-T Offense

The Highlanders open the season at CenturyLink Field, and hope the finish it at the Tacoma Dome.

Hazen Highlanders

Head coach: Drew Oliver, third season

2010 record: 4-2 league, 6-3 overall; lost to Franklin 28-13 in 3A preliminary playoffs

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Last state playoff berth: 1993, lost to Gig Harbor in 3A quarterfinals

Players to watch: RB/LB Eric Jacobs, Sr.; RB/LB Tray Brown, Sr.; RB/DB Cody Taylor, Sr.; OL/DE Jesus Lara, Sr.; TE/DE Cody Moorhead, Jr.; OL/DL Tyler Wicks, Jr.; QB Tony Nipert, Jr.; QB/S Kyle Nelson, Jr.; OL/LB Drew Kelly, Jr.

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The Highlanders make a trip to CenturyLink Field for the first time; however it's not the first time Hazen has played in a big venue. Twenty years ago this fall, Hazen advanced all the way to the 3A semifinals in the Tacoma Dome against O’Dea (and lost, 42-10). Hazen’s wing-T offense and front line could help the Highlanders lead the league in rushing and scoring. Look for Moorhead to make a big impact, along with Nipert at quarterback.

Big-game ticket: Early games against Kennedy (Sept. 17) and Lindbergh (Sept. 23) give the Highlanders a great chance to get past the preliminary round. A bye on Oct. 20 is a good time to rest for the homecoming game against Renton.

Schedule

Sept. 3 vs. Blaine (at CenturyLink Field), 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 9 vs. Cedarcrest, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 vs. Kennedy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Lindbergh, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Evergreen (Highline Stadium), 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Highline (Highline Stadium), 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 vs. Foster, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 BYE

Oct. 28 vs. Renton (Homecoming) 7 p.m.

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