A Week of Transition and Tenacity
The Greater Spokane League’s third day of play brings together four high school programs each confronting a distinct set of obstacles as they jockey for position early in the season.
Ferris, coming off a period marked by just a single league victory in three seasons, is pinning its hopes on incremental improvement. The program’s coaching staff believes that steady gains will not only lift the team’s standing but also bolster the league’s overall competitiveness.
At Saxons, first‑year head coach Billy Newman, a former Washington State Cougars defender, is adjusting to the rigors of high school sidelines. Newman notes that academic schedules and extracurricular commitments have made player retention a persistent challenge.
Shadle Park’s veteran coach Jim Mace highlighted the resilience of his squad after several members were displaced by recent wildfires. He described practice as a stabilizing force, while also celebrating an unusually large freshman class that includes several varsity linemen preparing for depth.
East Valley, returning to competition after a hiatus, is led by Adam Fisher, now in his fourth year of a second stint with the program. Fisher emphasizes the need for a roster fully committed to the playoff vision, warning that size alone will not suffice without unity and clear expectations.
The coach of Ferris added that elevating the team’s performance could have ripple effects across the league, potentially raising the standard of play for all participants.
Beyond individual narratives, the upcoming matchups promise to test each program’s adaptability. Whether it is Ferris seeking its first win in years, Saxons navigating a new coaching era, Shadle Park managing injury concerns, or East Valley chasing a playoff berth, the outcomes will reverberate through the league’s standings and future scheduling.