King’s hopes ‘power of one’ leads to success

By Drew Turner
For The Enterprise

While the King’s Knights football team has struggled to get in the win column the past couple of years, their strong Christian faith and love for one another factor into a relatively high morale level.

The small 1A private school in Shoreline that competes in the larger 2A Cascade Conference, the Knights are in recovery mode after a winless season two years ago.

The “power of one” and “going beyond” are the two main themes of veteran coach Jim Shapiro and his coaching staff entering the 2009 prep gridiron season.

“We went 0-10 two years ago and we’re just building off last year’s good experience,” Shapiro said of the 2008 rebound season of 4-5 in regulation before losing to Lynden Christian.

“We’re trying to build upon the improvement and make the state playoffs this year. The ‘power of one’ and ‘going beyond’ themes reflect that they (the Knights players) believe they can do it together,” Shapiro said.

The 1990 Kings alumnus prepares for his 16th season with the Knights, all but three as the head coach.

The tight knit group freely talks about loving one another and being comfortable enough to joke around and tease the coaches as well as each other.

How will the 2009 season be different than last year’s 4-6 campaign?

“Maturity in the senior class,” Shapiro said. “They are a mature, focused group of kids. One of my key principles is learning to love each other. This year’s seniors are older, stronger and more focused. I think two years ago we took our lumps and some kids were just learning to put their helmets on, but hopefully that will translate into a more mature team.”

Paul Lutgen, a senior linebacker and offensive lineman, was named an Associated Press All-State Linebacker in 2008, and figures to be a key team leader.

Joining Lutgen among Shapiro’s team leaders are junior Thomas Vincent, quarterback, seniors Ryker Young, an offensive and defensive lineman; Nick Swanson, a wide receiver and defensive back; and nose guard Jackson Lilleness.

Swanson, nicknamed “Bernard” due to an apparent likeness to a St. Bernard, said his team goal is to win all of the home games.

“There really isn’t too big of a difference between this year’s squad and last year’s. We are more mature and smarter on the field,” Swanson said.

The affable teen defines the “power of one” theme as having a lot of team chemistry and not bickering at each other.

Lilleness, diagnosed with a concussion during a recent practice, said the bond between all players is stronger than ever.

“I like to use the analogy of looking down the line at the huddle and knowing that they are there for me,” Lilleness said of his teammates. “We have a lot more determination. We don’t use the term captains, but rather leaders and influencers.”

Playing on both sides of the ball and seemingly everywhere the ball may find itself on the field, Young is optimistic about his final season as a Knight.

“We have a veteran offensive line, a returning quarterback, fast receivers and a good group of guys that have stuck with it for the last two to three years. There is a lot of love on this team,” Young said. “Lots of brotherhood, lots of cohesiveness and I think with that comes wins. I am super excited about the coaches and my teammates. Last year our goal was to play .500 ball, but now we want more like a two-thirds winning percentage. I’d be disappointed if we didn’t make state.”

King's Knights

Head coach: Jim Shapiro, 13th season

2008 record: 4-5 during regular season, 4-6 overall. Lost to Lynden Christian in 1A state playoffs

2009 schedule

9/4: @ LaConner, 7 p.m.

9/11: Charles Wright Academy, 7 p.m.

9/18: Coupeville, 7 p.m.

9/25: Lakewood, 7 p.m.

10/2: @ Cedarcrest, 7 p.m.

10/9: South Whidbey, 7 p.m.

10/16: @ Sultan, 7 p.m.

10/23: @ Granite Falls, 7 p.m.

10/30: Archbishop Murphy, 7 p.m.

Players to watch:

Paul Lutgen, sr. nose guard

Ryker Young, sr. offensive and defensive lineman

Nick Swanson, sr. wide receiver and defensive back

Thomas Vincent, jr. quarterback and free safety