ARLINGTON — One upside to low turnout? Lots of playing time.

Low enrollment numbers for Highland Christian’s school year have trickled down to the tiny school’s eight-man football team, which turned out 11 players. It’s not a situation unique to Highland Christian, which competes in the state’s smallest 1B division.

“(Athletic Director) Anthony Favors went to a meeting of ADs. Lopez Island has 11,” said head coach Pete Miller, the program’s third coach in as many years.

The team has transferred out more than one player who might have been a starter and lost some versatile, athletic players like Jeff Kelly and Caleb Brown to graduation.

But that’s all of the worst news. There’s still plenty of good news. For one, the season will go on.

For another, the team has some experienced defenders coming back in a league known for being friendly toward the offense. Those include Nels Knutson, Calvin Wold, Steven Myers and all-conference defensive end Danny Jahraus. The latter produced 12 sacks and 28 quarterback hurries last year.

On the other side of the ball, Randy Teal and Ryan Anaya to fill in for departed quarterback Vince Kurtzenacker. Teal caught some passes from Kurtznacker for touchdowns last year and will continue to split time at wide receiver when he’s not behind center, Miller said.

“I think without a doubt, Randy Teal is going to be a big player,” he added. “He caught several touchdown catches including some in key games.”

However, with different guys on the field for Miller, he’ll be making some adjustments. With a lot of athletic players on last year’s team, his defense backs played a lot of man-to-man defense. This year they’ll play more zone defense.

“This team is hustling,” Miller added. “When you’re playing with 10-12 guys, you’re on the field a lot.”

After playing at a neutral site in Kittitas the year before, Highland Christian will get a rematch against St. John-Endicott visiting the Spokane-area school for their first game of the season Sept. 5.

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