Huskies on the hunt

When first-year coach Ryan Reynolds was asked to describe what Sutter High football is all about in just three words, the longtime defensive coordinator wasted little time coming up with the answer.

Without batting an eye, three traits immediately came to the surface — tradition, work-ethic and pride.

With an impressive run of 25 consecutive wins against Northern Section competition and back-to-back Division II crowns, it's easy to see the Huskies have the first one in check.

"There's an established tradition here. Football obviously means something to this school and the community," Reynolds said. "Anybody who has ever been a part of this program understands that. The tradition runs deep."

For the Huskies, playoffs are pretty much expected. The real season officially kicks off tonight when they welcome in a very strong Central Valley squad into Wayne Gadberry Field with the winner advancing to next week's title game.

One thing is for sure, it's going to be a hard-hitting affair. "Central Valley is a good football team. They have a lot of talent," Reynolds said. "They were one of the favorites coming into this season."

With the bulls-eye on their backs, it's been a roller coaster ride for the Huskies in 2009.

As expected, the defense has been dominant. But on the offensive side of the ball, Sutter just may be playing its best at the right time.

It all starts with quarterback Grant Campbell.

During Sutter's five nonleague games, Campbell threw six interceptions and no TDs. But in five Butte View League contests, it's been the opposite, with seven touchdown tosses and just one pick.

Campbell has also been exceptional running the option, with six rushing scores to his credit. His athleticism has been a perfect compliment to the Huskies' thunder-and-lightning attack of big 6-foot, 240-pound fullback Ryan Cargill (627 yards six TDs) and speedy 160-pound Justin Gildemeister (721 yards, three TDs) out of the backfield.

The offense is clicking, but what Sutter truly does best is get after it defensively.

With safety Leszek Ratajczak, defensive ends Austin Morehead and Isaiah Bohmann, and linebackers Justin Taylor, Brannon Caughlin and Nick Hecker, Sutter comes in allowing just 10 points allowed per game.

They will need to be at their best against a powerful Eagles' offense that averages 35 points and 283 yards on the ground.

"They have been missing one of the best offensive players in the section, but from what I hear he'll be ready," Reynolds said.

The back he referred to is Colton Silveria, who has averaged 12.33 yards per carry and has 12 TDs in just six games.

Add to that CJ Valdiva's 959 yards and 11 scores, and quarterback Brandon Piercy's 13 TD passes and the Huskies will be in for a fight.

"They're evenly balanced and have that three-pronged attack, which makes it tough," Reynolds said. "They have a seasoned quarterback and like to throw the ball in the red zone, whereas a lot of the teams we played didn't have that tendency."