Gridiron Preview: Marysville wants to repeat in GEL

A single carry was all it took to show that Marysville High's Cole Hannum is ready for the upcoming season.

After attending a camp at the University of Oregon last month, Hannum returned home and joined his teammates just in time for the final day of a four-day football camp at Yuba City High.

Then, in his first carry of the afternoon against East Nicolaus, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior standout took a handoff, juked the Spartans' defensive end, bulled over their safety and sprinted to the goal line for a 60-yard touchdown run.

It was dazzling play — and the whole camp stopped to take notice.

"It kinda had a little buzz to it," Marysville coach Cullen Meyer said. "Everybody was like, 'Where's he been?'"

When it was all settled, Hannum handled the ball just five times that day — and three of those went for long touchdowns.

Fans can expect a lot of that at War Memorial Stadium this season, where the Indians will be out to defend their Golden Empire League title by playing the kind of hard-nosed, smash-mouth football that has become their trademark during Meyer's four-year tenure as head coach.

And while Hannum will no doubt lead the way, the Indians will be out to prove that they're more than just a one-trick pony.

"I think we're comparable to last year's team, but this year we're more senior-dominant," Meyer said. "We're low on numbers and low on depth, but I'm happy with the first stringers we've got."

Of course, any conversation about the Indians has to start with Hannum, who busted onto the scene as a sophomore last season and became a force on both sides of the ball. Although he split carries with senior Michael Barabin in the backfield, he still managed to rumble his way for 1,259 yards and nine touchdowns.

Now he's back — and he's bigger, stronger and faster.

"He's a rare breed that has great speed and quickness, and the size to run you over," Meyer said. "As a defender, it's got to be tough. You don't know if he's going to juke you or truck you."

Hannum averaged just 13 carries per game a year ago, but the touches are sure to rise this season with the loss of Barabin and his 1,365 yards and 13 scores. In fact, the team feels that a 2,000-yard season could be within reach.

"The team goal is to win league and my personal goal is to get 2,000 yards," Hannum said. "I've got 700 more to go."

Joining Hannum in the backfield will be senior Jake Thome, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. The two will share the load and should give the Indians another solid one-two punch carrying the ball.

"Jake isn't as much of a bruiser as Cole, but he's not a finesse runner either. He'll put his head down and run into you if he has to," Meyer said. "We have two standout backs, so if there's one thing we don't have a shortage of, it's running backs."

Taking over the quarterback duties will be senior Shaine Pinney, who sat out all of last season after starting on the junior varsity level.

"He was the quarterback for the JV team that won the GEL championship two years ago, so he's got some experience," Meyer said. "We're going to air it out more, but he's a dual threat who can run the ball, too."

Leading the way up front will be an experienced offensive line that will start five seniors. Dominic Labarbra (6-0, 280) will play center, Jose Murillo (5-10, 230) and Jordan Littlefield (5-8, 165) will man the guard positions, and Anthony Velasquez (5-11, 240) and Victor Murillo (6-0, 260) will start at tackle.

Another senior, Mac Asurmendi (6-0, 190), will line up at tight end.

"We're looking good. I think it's going to be a successful season," Pinney said. "We're low on numbers, but we'll make up for that on talent."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Indians will rely on a solid linebacking corps consisting of Hannum, Thome, Asurmendi, Brandon Sexton and Justin Nygard, who was an all-league selection a year ago.

Labarbra will play nose guard and Velasquez will play defensive tackle, while the secondary is still wide open, Meyer said.

Add it up, and the Indians look to be the frontrunner in the GEL once again.

"The senior class hasn't lost a league game yet," said Meyer, who pointed out that the current group ran the table in the GEL both as sophomores and as juniors. "That's something they're hanging their hats on and want to leave with.

"Winning league is always the number one goal, but after beating Bear River in the playoffs last year, they're not just happy getting into the postseason," Meyer said.

And while a lot of the focus will be on Hannum this year, he's quick to point out that football is — and always will be — the ultimate team game.

"Everyone says it's just going to be me," Hannum said, "but there's a lot of people on the team that will contribute."

TWO-MINUTE DRILL

Name: Cole Hannum

Position: Running back/linebacker

Year: Junior

Age: 16

Last year's stats: 1,259 yards rushing, nine touchdowns, 104 tackles, two interceptions (one TD), two fumble recoveries

Where were you born? Lincoln

What are your plans after high school? I'm trying to get a scholarship. I want to go to college and get a degree in sports medicine.

Why do you play football? I've loved it since I was I was a little kid.

What is your favorite football team? The Atlanta Falcons

What is your favorite football moment? Winning the league championship last year.

Why did you pick No. 8? I usually wear No. 44, but it wasn't available. No. 8 was something no one really had before.

Do you have a pregame ritual? I get suited up earlier than everybody else and try to get focused.

What's your favorite hobby outside of football? Hunting

What is your favorite subject in school? Least? My favorite is math. My least favorite is English.

Who are your favorite pro athletes? Adrian Peterson and Clay Matthews Jr.

What is your favorite TV show? "Two and a Half Men"

What is your favorite movie? "The Replacements"

What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

What kind of deoderant do you use? Speed Stick

What is your favorite food? That's a tough one. I like pretty much everything. If I had to choose, it'd probably be steak.

Whom do you admire most? My sister. She went into the Army and is in Afghanistan now.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? An iron worker like my dad.

If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for? No injuries.