`D' IS BILLIES' BEST BET.

Byline: Adam Jude The Register-Guard

PLEASANT HILL - A third head coach in three years. A new system. A freshman quarterback.

All that, combined with another challenging Sky-Em League schedule, makes moving out of the bottom half of the league standings a daunting task for Pleasant Hill.

But for junior Cody Bagwell, the constant changes only serve as added incentive.

"We just lost another coach, you know, and we're kind of used to it," he said. "It's a real tough transition for the whole team, but we got a lot of good, young players coming up, and we should be good. ... We take (the changes) as more motivation and run with it."

If the Billies are going to be a force this season, Bagwell will have to be at the forefront of a turnaround from last year's 2-7 tumble.

In the offseason, Bagwell gained 26 pounds during weight-room workouts, and he returns to the most complete and experienced unit for the Billies, joining senior linebackers Blake Haskins and Brogan Cramer.

"Our defense is the heart and soul of our team," Bagwell said.

First-year coach Drew Carter and defensive coordinator Mike Proulx agree.

"They're a really good group of guys to have," Proulx said of the linebackers. "They're going to be the guys that put us on their backs."

Cramer, a 5-10, 215-pound three-year starter, said he was pleased by the team's work ethic during the opening practices.

"These are the best daily doubles we've had yet," he said. "We haven't had a winning season since I've been in high school, so I'm hoping this will be the first. It's going to take a lot of dedication and hard work."

Proulx, a former all-state linebacker at Sheldon, liked the combination of his two biggest play-makers.

"Brogan has the most speed ... and he knows the defense and knows how to react," Proulx said. "Brogan is the cornerstone of the defense at middle linebacker."

Defensive tackle Darrell Fairbanks is the leader up front, teaming with junior end Aaron Nelson and newcomers Joe Vassallo and Tyler Spooner.

"I've seen so much improvement since last year," Bagwell said. "The coaches keep us up and keep us going and want us to fight for more."

Question marks litter the rest of the field for the Billies, especially on offense.

Carter is installing new wrinkles into the spread offense that Pleasant Hill put in last season, when the Billies averaged 16.5 points per game, second-worst in the league.

The learning curve becomes even greater with a freshman, Derek Smith, at quarterback.

"It's not an ideal situation, but it's the hand we're dealt. We'll do best we can with what we got," said Carter, who went through the same scenario two years ago at Oakridge with then-freshman Jake Boyd. In their second season together, Carter and Boyd led Oakridge to the playoffs.

Carter also tutored the likes of Alex Brink, Corey Moran and Alex Besaw at Sheldon. Smith could be destined for similar success.

Bagwell liked the potential he saw early in Smith, the son of school athletic director Steve Smith.

"He's a freshman, but he's going to be good," Bagwell said. "He's smart and he has the athleticism to do it."

Aiding Smith's transition is a veteran offensive line and an experienced receiving corps that includes Haskins, Aaron Nelson and juniors Scott Deletis and Zack Nelson. Bagwell, like his defensive duties, will be expected to be a top offensive threat at running back; he's also the backup QB.

"The kids have responded to the new staff, and I love the connection," Carter said. "We want to build a foundation and lay the groundwork for years to come here. ... But we'll take it one step at a time."

2-7, sixth place in league at

1-5, missed playoffs.

Brogan Cramer: Three-year starting senior OL/MLB the veteran leader on defense.

Lewis Laney: Senior returns as two-way starter on line; will be key in protecting young QB.

Blake Haskins: Senior WR/LB part of experienced linebacking corps.

Cody Bagwell: A two-way starter in '06, junior RB/LB added 26 pounds during offseason workouts. Also backup QB.

Aaron Nelson: Junior WR/DE a quick, versatile athlete; placed fifth in state in sprint hurdles during track season.

Scott Deletis: Senior will be top receiving threat in spread offense.

Darrell Fairbanks: Imposing at 6-2, 260, junior tackle a returning two-way starter.

Zack Nelson: Junior WR/DB expected to contribute in first varsity season.

Joe Vassallo: Junior OL/DL joins both lines.

Tyler Spooner: Junior another new addition to lines.

Derek Smith: Freshman steps in as starting QB; praised for good arm and athleticism.

Drew Carter takes over as head coach after spending the previous two seasons at Oakridge. ... Carter previously was an assistant at Sheldon, learning the spread offense from Marty Johnson. ... Carter's assistants are Sheldon graduates Mike Proulx, the defensive coordinator, Keith Best, Dustin Hinkle and Andrew Crippen. ... Senior Joey White, the starting QB last year, did not return to the team; he will instead focus on basketball.

0

Passes attempted at the high school level by Pleasant Hill's starting QB, freshman Derek Smith, heading into the season.

3

Head coaches in the past three seasons for the Billies. Drew Carter hopes to bring stability to the program.

16.5

Points per game scored by Pleasant Hill's offense

in 2006, second-worst

in the Sky-Em.

26

Pounds of weight gained by junior linebacker/running back Cody Bagwell, a returning two-way starter.

Drew Carter

Season: Third overall,

first at Pleasant Hill

Overall record: 11-8

Record at school: 0-0

Playoff record: 0-1

Notable: Carter is the head coach after serving in the same role at Oakridge for the past two seasons. He had two winning seasons at Oakridge, reaching the playoffs in '06. He previously served as an assistant coach at Sheldon, and was on staff during the Irish's 2002 state title.

CARTER SAYS:

"There are a lot of positives here. The kids are working hard, and they want to rebuild the strong tradition. That's my job, to help that move forward."

Transition. With a third coach in three years, the impetus for the Billies is to adjust to the new coach's expectations quickly and smoothly.

Fresh QB. Freshman Derek Smith is being thrust into the most important position on the field. How soon he adapts to the job may indicate how soon the Billies can expect a turnaround.

Spread the wealth. Coach Drew Carter's slick spread offense should put Smith in a position to succeed. A good offensive line will be expected to provide time for Smith, and junior RB Cody Bagwell and junior WR Scott Deletis will be expected to take pressure off the young QB.

Stability is the No. 1 priority for Pleasant Hill. With a third coach in three years, the Billies need to quickly adapt to Drew Carter's version of the spread offense if they are to have any success this season. The learning curve is even steeper with freshman Derek Smith at quarterback.

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 31 Sutherlin L, 41-7

Sept. 7 at Illinois Valley 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Creswell 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Cascade 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 Elmira 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Cottage Grove 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Junction City 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Marist 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 La Pine 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Sisters 7 p.m.