Cauy Weaver

The Grant Union Prospector football team is geared up with 12 seniors this year, with high hopes for a successful season.

“I’m happy to have 12 seniors out,” said receiver Zack Deiter. “We’re finally the top dogs.”

Quarterback Wade Reimers said he’s also impressed with this year’s team.

“I’m glad to be with the guys I’m with out here,” he said. “We finally have some size on the line.”

Grant Union’s first game will be away at Athena at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, against the Weston-McEwen TigerScots.

Their first home game of the season will be against Heppner at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

There are 30 on this year’s varsity and junior varsity teams, including two juniors, five sophomores and 12 freshmen.

“We have 12 seniors, and 10 are returning starters on each side of the ball,” said head coach Jason Miller.

This is Miller’s 10th season coaching the Prospectors, ninth as head coach, with 20 years overall coaching experience.

He said having enough players for a junior varsity schedule is important for the overall program.

Andy Lusco is the varsity defensive coordinator, Tucker Wright is the junior varsity coach and Casey Hallgarth is the junior high coach, with assistance from Ray Wenger. All the coaches assist each other.

Miller said his team is working to improve upon last year’s record. He said some positives he’s seeing on the field include a tough offensive line and some good speed.

“We just need to stay healthy,” he said.

“They’re working really hard, they’re committed and have good discipline,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun this year.”

Last season ended at the quarterfinals, when Heppner stopped the Prospectors.

This year, Grant Union will face Enterprise, Imbler and Union in the Wapiti League.

“They’ll all present different challenges for league, and we’ll do our best to stay competitive,” Miller said.

The senior members of the team include Deiter, Reimers, Elijah Humbird, Toby Boatwright, Hadley Boethin, Ty McDaniel, Dillon Maley, Collin Harvey, Cameron Hallgarth, Duane Stokes, Cauy Weaver and Eli Carniglia.

“I definitely like the numbers,” Humbird said. “I’m pretty happy with my team right now. We have a stellar line group. I think if everyone stays healthy, we have a good chance of going to state.”

Maley said he also thinks they’ll have a run at state this year.

Harvey said the team, which has a lot of experienced players, works well together and works hard in practice.

“I’m looking forward to this year,” said Cameron Hallgarth. “I’m excited to run behind the line we have and to be with such a strong team.”

McDaniel said he’s glad he made the decision to return for his senior year.

“I hope we get the community out to watch,” he said. “With this team, I think we’ll have a pretty good season.”

2017 Grant Union football schedule

Sept. 1: Grant Union @ Weston-McEwen in Athena, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: Grant Union vs. Heppner, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: Grant Union @ Stanfield, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: Grant Union vs. Burns, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: Grant Union @ Culver, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: Grant Union vs. Imbler, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: Grant Union vs. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27: Grant Union @ Union, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4: First round state playoffs at Grant Union, 1 p.m.

Nov. 11: Quarterfinals playoffs

Nov. 18: Semifinals

Nov. 25: State championship