The scheduled game for March 25th between the Shockers and the Columbia River Coyotes has been cancelled. The Coyotes, members of the Oregon Football League (OFL) were informed of a change to the 2006 season schedule, and due to the entrance of a new team in Salem, OR the OFL season had to be started a week early causing the conflict with the Shockers non-conference opponent. Team management has not decided on whether to try to fill the opening in the schedule or maintain the current one. Much of that decision hinges on the possibility of further changes to the PNFC schedule at the Jan 7th meeting. Former OFL champ and longtime league members, the Eugene Dragons have withdrawn from the OFL and are a possible petitioner to the PNFC for immediate membership. The PNFC had stated that no teams would be allowed to join the league after the original cutoff date, however special consideration may be granted to the Dragons considering the success of their leadership in organizing and maintaining a quality program. The Dragons are 15-12 in their 3-seasons of OFL play including the 2004 championship season (9-1). If they do end up in the PNFC it is likely the Shockers would face them twice each season as members of the PNFC South division along with the Pierce County Knights and Bothell Bulldogs.

The Minor League Football News released it's 9th Annual "Best Of" Awards, and for 2005 the South Sound Shockers were named the Best New Independent Team of the Year - Western Region". The award came as a surprise to Shockers officials on Saturday. "We weren't aware we had been nominated for any year-end awards, but we are proud of our South Sound athletes for going out each week and playing hard and representing our community with class and dignity". The Shockers are gearing up for the 2006 season with practices starting on Jan 7th. There won't be a repeat of the award in 2006, since the Shockers will neither be new nor independent. The Pacific Northwest Football Conference kicks off play in April and the Shockers will be vying for the 1st PNFC title and a shot at the Far West Football Association championship.

All-American fullback Kevin Brophy and All-Star veteran Linebacker Mark Meadows helped lead the Minor League Football News All-Stars to a 26-21 victory in the MLFN Hall of Fame Game at Dixie College, UT. Brophy led all rushers until taking a vicious hit and leaving with a concussion after a 14-yard rumble. Meadows was in on 7 tackles including 2 for loss and batted a pass, as the linebackers held the WWL All-Stars rushing game in check and harassed 3 quarterbacks out of their game plans. Shockers Head Coach Stephen Matychowiak was inducted into the Minor League Football Hall of Fame on Thursday Dec. 8th. 

Nineteen South Sound Select Futbol athletes attended speed training hosted by members of the South Sound Shockers football program Tuesday evening. The athletes ranging in age from 10-14, both boys and girls spent an hour going through drills alongside members of the football team directed by Stephen Matychowiak and Mark Meadows. The athletes worked proper running form, speed enhancement techniques, and footwork drills as coaches and parents looked on. The sessions being run at South Sound Stadium in Lacey, were set up in large part by Melanie Proctor, a parent who first brought her boys out to work with the Shockers on a Thursday night back in September. The football players were conducting the workouts to keep themselves in shape and as therapy for others returning from injury. After some initial questions from onlookers of the sessions, Matychowiak and Meadows decided to open the workouts up to any athletes of any age at no charge. Other parents and coaches began to see the improvements the athletes were making on the soccer field, and the sessions have been growing steadily each week. The Shockers will host another session on Tuesday Dec. 13th after they return from an All-Star game in Utah.

South Sound Shockers football coach Stephen Matychowiak will be inducted into the Minor League Football Hall of Fame in Mesquite, Nevada on Thursday December 8th. The ceremony and banquet will be held at the Oasis Casino and Resort where the Hall of Fame calls its’ permanent home. Matychowiak will join an elite group of Washington athletes and football legends including former Tumwater area athlete Rob Diebold. Diebold attended Walla Walla JC and played football professionally in Finland and New Zealand before playing and coaching in Florida. He was turned onto the minor leagues by Matychowiak after his college career ended. Teams in New Zealand still battle for Diebold’s Championship Ring from his days in the South Florida minor leagues. The winner each year takes home the ring until the next season. Matychowiak started his career as a middle linebacker at Capital High School before playing for the Olympic College Rangers. Following his college days, “Maty” found his way to the minor leagues where he was a part of the undefeated Auburn Panthers who still hold a minor league record for consecutive victories (54) and one National Championship. He has been a player and/or coach for 20-years and has passed up opportunities to coach at the high school level on numerous occasions. “I have a passion for this level of ball and it’s where I want to coach” stated Matychowiak. Stephen will be presented his plaque at the ceremony by his father Richard. Other Washingtonians in the Hall of Fame include: Pacific Northwest Football Conference (PNFC) Commissioner Richard Fleck, PNFC Secretary Dick Seuss, PNFC President Guy Gabriel, Eastside Hawk Greg Kinunnen, Northwest Avalanche Head Coach Dan Poasa, and Dr. Randall Dreesen (Lynnwood).

Head Coach Stephen Matychowiak will be inducted into Minor League Football’s Hall of Fame on Thursday, and on Saturday he will be on the sidelines to watch three of his South Sound Shockers take part in the annual Hall Of Fame Game played at Dixie College in St. George, Utah. Second-Team All-American Guard Jeff Cole, Second-Team All-American Fullback Kevin Brophy and Volcano Bowl and Team USA veteran Strong Safety Mark Meadows will play for the Minor League Football News All-Stars coached by the CFL’s Richard Wade of the Ottawa Renegades and Team USA coach Rudy Wyland. Cole led the Shockers in pancake blocks (putting your opponent on his back) in 2005 paving the way for Kevin Brophy, the Shockers leading fullback on the season. Meadows returns to the field following knee surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered late in 2004. The 35-year old safety played for USA coach Rudy Wyland in a 61-0 rout of the Italian National team in Rome in 2003, and in a victory in the Volcano Bowl coached by Wade over the Hawaiian Warriors in Honolulu. Offensive Tackle Justin Shumate, a 1st Team selection had to pull out of the game due to personal reasons.

The South Sound Shockers and the South Sound Select Futbol clubs have teamed up to train the Capital City's stars of tomorrow. Headed by Melanie Proctor, a parent with the soccer organization, both boys and girls have been training with Shocker Head Football Coach Stephen Matychowiak and some of his players from the adult amateur team. The soccer athletes who range in age from 10-13 come together with Shockers athletes who range in age from 18-35, to perfrom form running, stretching, speed and quickness techniques, as well as conditioning for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Coach Matychowiak, who during a three year period trained Capital High athletes on a one-on-one basis, is known as a quality and motivated teacher. Demanding at times, the work and effort put forth by his athletes has paid off. Three of those athletes have received athletic scholarship offers as high school seniors in 2005. Surrounded by quality assistants, "Maty" draws help in running the speed camps from assistant Shocker coaches like Capt. Thomas Love, an army ranger stationed at Ft Lewis, and former powerlifter from Shelton, and Mark Meadows who has a degree in fitness & nutrition and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer. All work together to run the athletes through specific drills to develop quick footwork for change of direction, and emphasis on "form before speed" through "the ladder" and cone drills. "The younger athletes (even 19-year old Shocker football players!) want to get out there and go at top speed during every drill, which can still improve them 25-50%, but once you get them to slow down and concentrate on their form and develop muscle-memory, we can see 200% or more improvement in speed and coordination in a very short period of time" -Mark Meadows, Shocker player and one of Maty's speed camp assistants. As the workouts expand, and more of the younger athletes get involved, the Shockers hope to find a permanent location where training can take place year-round and begin to include other athletes like volleyball (Shocker defensive back Rico Rough is ranked 10th in the Northwest in men's volleyball), baseball and softball, basketball, and any athlete who needs quick feet and change of direction capabilities. All can benefit from speed and quickness training, and the Shockers plan to offer these services to our area youth as part of our "Give Back" program.

It rained during the entire 2 hour workout. The mud grabbed cleats and sent some of the best stumbling and skidding across the Nisqually grass. But spirits remained high without a complaint heard from any players about the conditions. "This IS football weather!" This is football before domed stadiums and artificial turf. This is the great equalizer...speed means little in the mud if you can't control it. This is where raw athletic ability shines through and Shocker prospects took full advantage of the opportunity to show the coaching staff what they brought to the table. Arthur Sanchez, a defensive back from Glendale Junior College in Arizona commented: "I'm just not used to it being this cold." I guess that could technically be considered a complaint, but the youngster didn't let it dampen his tryout as he locked down receivers during one-on-one drills.

The coaching staff praised the skills and talents of a few of the prospects including Sanchez, and David Coumbs, a 6'3 250 lb DE from Eastern Washington. Other standouts included Mark Larson (FS, Univ. Puget Sound), Ryan Kalalua (CB, Univ of Puget Sound), Eric "Lucky" Webster (DE, Rock City College, IL), and veteran wide receiver Anthony Vinson. The 6'4" Vinson looks to be the leader of the 2006 edition of the Shocker receiving corps. Darryl Streets took strides in his quest to unseat QB John Stewart, as the QB's dueled in the rain during 7-on-7 drills. The usual suspects were there as Jeff Cole, Justin Shumate, Mark Meadows, and Kevin Brophy began fine tuning for their all-star appearances in December in Mesquite, Nevada. All-Americans Rico Rough, Eric Goodman, and 2005 Ironman Ronnie Knighton returned to lead the defense. Plenty of new faces have joined the Shocker ranks, and more evaluations will be made before the PNFC conference opener on April 1, 2006. But signs look good for a Shocker run for the title and a berth in the FWFA tournament.

The South Sound Shockers adult amateur football program held a defensive mini-camp with 33 athletes eager to get a jump towards winning starting spots on the 2006 squad. The players went through a series of chalk board sessions to introduce the defensive schemes prior to walk thru's. They then lined up to go half speed with all 11 defenders running their assignments. These introductory sessions were followed by a warm up session and individual skills work as the coaches split the team by position. To end the 3-hour workout, Coach Matychowiak gave the prospects a taste of what conditioning drills are like with the Shockers. "We don't want them to mistake us for a sandlot game. If you come out to be a Shocker you will work hard and be in the best condition to play football and win games in the fourth quarter. I don't think we will have to cut too many players, because those who aren't willing to work hard to be the best will cut themselves early on." (Coach Matychowiak & Coach Love commenting on the sprints ran after practices).

Pleased, but not satisfied with the 3-3 finish, the Shockers were honored for their efforts as the Minor League Football News selected its West Region All-America Team. The Shockers placed 7 members of its inaugural team on that list:
1st Team
Offensive Tackle, Justin Shumate
Defensive Tackle, Joel Shumate
2nd Team
Offensive Guard, Jeff Cole
Fullback, Kevin Brophy
3rd Team
Cornerback, Rico Rough
Place Kicker, Nathan Turner
Honorable Mention
Safety, Eric Goodman

The South Sound Shockers football team, coming off a successful inaugural exhibition season in which they went 3-3, are on the road to adding to an already talented coaching staff. Stepping down to an advisory role, 2005 Head Coach Terry Dion will be spending more time at the high school level developing line players for Olympia’s Capital High School. Elevated to Head Coach is 20-year vet and recent nominee for the Minor League Football Hall of Fame, Stephen “Maty” Matychowiak. After serving as last season’s defensive coordinator, Maty will take over the head position, a role he has aspired for since ending his playing days. Coach Maty retains the services of Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Lonnie Meredith, Offensive Line Coach Randy Worrell and elevated Tom Love to Defensive Coordinator. Adding to that staff will be Defensive Line Coach Tim Williams formerly of Tenino and receivers coach George Goss. The addition of these two experienced coaches will give the Shockers one of the most football savvy staffs in the nation going into PNFC play in April 2006. The Shockers expect to add one or two more assistants before tryouts and official practices begin this winter. 17 Shocker athletes took part in the Thurston County Relay for Life on June 24th & 25th at Timberline High School. The players and coaches alternated walking/running on the Timberline track for 24 hours while raising money for cancer research. Players also spent time throwing passes to kids attending the event with their parents. During the event a full size “throwback style” New England Patriots football helmet was raffled off for $1 per ticket with all proceeds going to the Relay. This will be an annual event for the South Sound amateur football team and the SSSAA is making arrangements for the 2006 event to be headlined by members of the Seattle Seahawks.

The South Sound Shockers defense closed out it's inaugural season much the same way it opened the season; by pitching 3 quarters of shut out football. The Shockers won 16-0 to open the season, however against the Renton Ravens, 3 quarters wasn't enough to overcome the 13 points spotted to the Ravens in the first 14 minutes. The Ravens scored on a 69-yard bomb early in the first, then followed a Shocker turnover with a 10-yard TD scamper. After that, it was all defense, including a dramatic 4th quarter goal line stand by South Sound. Six interceptions doomed each Shocker threat which had scoring opportunities from the opening drive on. A blocked FG halted the Shockers first drive, and after a blistering 80-yard punt return by Marco Donald, the Shockers could not convert the first and goal opportunity to end their final drive. The Ravens ran out the clock and escaped with the victory and the shut-out. Safety Eric Goodman ignited the crowd with massive hits during the game, and The Shumate brothers (Justin and Joel) led the defensive line combining for 16 stops, 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Justin added a blocked PAT while also anchoring an offensive line that blocked for Joel on 10 carries. RB Jerome Christian average 4.4 yards per carry on 13 attempts to lead the rushing stats. The defense did a tremendous job, but the offense came up just short in interim Head Coach Lonnie Meredith's first bid at a victory. Terry Dion had prior family engagements that kept him from coaching the final game. The Shockers finished 3-3 on the season and are feeling good about the 2006 season which will be the first year of the Pacific Northwest Football Conference. "We were never out of any of the final three games. Although the Raiders final score wouldn't indicate it, the Raiders 26-23 lead in the 4th quarter was a sign that the Shockers battled to the end. Only the 2nd Okanogan game did the Shockers get out-muscled, and even in that game we held a 17-14 lead in the 2nd half. But, 19 turnovers in those three games... not many teams can compete under those circumstances, let alone still be in a position to win those games. We have built a tremendous foundation and with the addition of 3-4 key players, we will have the workings of a powerhouse team." Notes from Coach Matychowiak, Coach Meredith and Mark Meadows.

The Willamette Valley Raiders capitalized on every Shocker miscue Saturday to take a lopsided victory over South Sound, 60-23. A tighter game than the final score indicated, the Raiders jumped out early 20-0 on big plays in their first ever meeting. Defensive adjustments and the Shocker offense getting back on track brought the game to within 3 midway through the third quarter. Leading 26-23, the Raiders found themselves in unfamiliar territory with the Shockers driving for a go ahead score when a series of fortunate bounces came their way. QB John Stewart connected with TE Anthony Ward for what looked to be a touchdown, but a hustle play by a Raider defender stripped the ball and the score away. The Raiders recovered at the one. Later in the quarter with the Shockers on the Raider 3 yard line, Stewart was tackled from behind, and according to the officials, lost the ball before his knees went down. The Raiders picked up the fumble and raced 94 yards for a score. Still battling in the fourth quarter, the Shockers were again driving the field when Stewart optioned to Josh Weathersman who mishandled the pitch. One miraculous bounce later, and another Raider defender found himself racing for the endzone untouched. The Raiders offense would kick in two more scores late in the game as the Shocker defense gambled to make something happen, but just missed allowing receivers to get behind the defender. Fullback Kevin Brophy scored twice for the Shockers, including a powerful break away run in the second quarter that brought South Sound back into the ball game trailing 20-10. Next up for the Shockers is a June 4th home date with NWFL regular Renton Ravens. The Ravens scored a shutout Saturday against the Benton County Rattlers in non-conference play. Kickoff for the Shocker-Raven matchup is 1:30 PM at Tumwater District Stadium.

Tight End Alex “A-Train” Lewis, got the chance on May 7th to return to his roots and play in the MLFN All-Star game in Detroit, Michigan in front of his home town. Lewis, son of former NFL running back Danny Lewis grew up in Detroit and later played for the University of Wisconsin. Alex and the Stars won 14-6 in a tight game all the way down to the end.

The rematch was tight as expected, but turnovers and penalties became the deciding factors as the Okanogan Commandos stopped the South Sound Shockers win streak at 3 and came away with a win Saturday at home to avenge a loss to the Shockers in their last meeting 23-20 on April 16th. Trailing 14-10 at halftime, the Shockers came out for the second-half looking to open up the game as it had in the past two. QB Ken Ponder, starting for the first time wrote himself into the Shockers record books by unleashing a 95-yard scoring strike to receiver Jameson Gstohl who outraced the final defender to put South Sound up 17-14. However, seven turnovers in the game were cashed in by Okanogan for 3 second half scores to give the Commados the convincing win. A rallying attempt in the 4th quarter was thwarted with the Commandos up 21-17 and the Shockers driving when Ponder hit tight-end Alex Lewis for a big 3rd down gain inside Okanogan territory. Inexplicably, the officials deemed Lewis an ineligible receiver because he had played offensive tackle for a previous series due to an injury to lineman Chris Ridley. Although Lewis wears #45, an eligible receiver number, the officials upheld the penalty which carried a loss-of-down and the Shockers were forced to punt. Ironman Ronnie Knighton again keyed the Shockers running game scoring his third touchdown, while starting at cornerback on defense as well.

The capital city’s South Sound Shockers moved to 3-0 on the season with a 27-9 win over the Northwest Avalanche at Tumwater District Stadium on Saturday. In doing so the Minor League Football News (www.minorleaguefootballnews.com) moved the Shockers up two spots in its Far West Region rankings. For the third straight game a Shocker defender earned player of the week regional honors. Defensive Tackle Richie Siolo signed a week ago from College of the Redwoods, made an immediate impact with 13 tackles, a sack, three tackles-for-loss, and quarterback pressure to earn the award. He joins teammates Kelly Time and Chris Ward as 2005 players’ of the week. Defensive back and tailback Ronnie Knighton has been a 2-time Ironman of the Week award winner, and Center Jonathan McNally earned offensive lineman of the week after a 23-20 win in week two over the Okanogan Commandos. South Sound departs on a 2-game road trip on Saturday for the return match-up with Okanogan in Omak, Washington, followed by a trip to Portland, Oregon to take on the Oregon Thunderbolts. South Sound will be without the services of key players QB John Stewart, tackle David Lobe, corner Joe Lee, LB Kelly Time and DE Junior Molia due to injury and family commitments as they head for Omak The Shockers are also in the midst of fundraising for the Thurston County Relay for Life. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can contact the Shockers through the webpage: (www.shockersfootball.org).

The South Sound Shockers debuted at home to an estimated crowd of 300 fans at Tumwater Stadium overcoming a 9-0 deficit to win 27-9 to move to 3-0. The win also took Head Coach Terry Dion to 18-0 on his career as an adult amateur coach dating back to a Coach of the Year award in 1986. The Shockers started slow giving up a touchdown and a safety to the visiting Avalanche, before QB John Stewart and the offensive line took charge of the game in the final moments of the 2nd quarter. A long drive capped by a 36 yard Jameson Gstohl TD reception from Stewart brought the Shockers to within 3, and Joe Lee’s INT on the final play nearly gave South Sound another TD before he was tackled inside the Avalanche 15 yard line as time expired. Stewart would connect later with Anthony Ward for a Shocker TD and added a rushing TD of his own. Special teams capped the scoring when a blocked punt was recovered in the end zone for another Shocker score. Stewart formerly of Bethel College in Kansas finished with 213 yards passing on the day and 3 total TD’s. The Shockers travel to Omak, WA for a rematch with the Okanogan Commandos. The Shockers won that match-up a week ago 23-20 in Oakville. They return to Tumwater Stadium to take on the Willamette Valley Raiders on May 14th for a 3:00 PM showdown with one of the best teams from the NWFL. Prior to the game, the Shockers received accolades from the Minor League Football News. The Shockers were ranked #10 going into today’s game. The MLFN also selected Far West Player of the Week for April 16th, tabbing Shockers Jonathan McNally at offensive line, Kelly Time at linebacker, and for the second week in a row, Ronnie Knighton was Ironman of the Week.

The South Sound Shockers staved off a comeback bid by the Okanogan Commandos to move to 2-0. Before the game began the Shockers were honored for their efforts in the community and their support of our armed forces by being given the Commander’s Coin For Excellence. The coin was presented to Shockers Board Member Mark Meadows on behalf of the Commander of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Lewis. In game action, last weeks Minor League Football News Ironman of the Week, Ronnie Knighton scored his first of two rushing touchdowns on the day to give the Shockers a 6-0 lead. Falling behind 13-6 to the Commandos as receivers slipped in behind the defense, the Shockers came back on the leg of Nathan Turner as he split the uprights to bring South Sound back to 13-9. A turnover would lead to a John Stewart QB sneak, and Knighton would score again to give the Shockers a 23-13 lead deep in the third quarter. The Commandos battled back with a long drive and touchdown on a reverse to close the gap to 23-20. The fourth quarter see-sawed back and forth highlighted by some massive hits by both defenses. Linebacker Kelly Time lowered the final boom on an Okanogan receiver with seconds remaining to force a long field goal that fell just short. The Shockers ran out the clock to maintain the margin of victory. Next up for South Sound is a 1:30 kickoff at Tumwater High School Saturday April 23rd versus the Northwest (Bellingham) Avalanche of the Northwest Football League.

After a season opening 16-0 victory and one week away from a date in Oakville versus the Okanogan Commandos, the South Sound Shockers shook up the roster with the dismissal of 6 players. The teams’ Unity Council, made up strictly of players, met and voted to dismiss the players following various violations of team guidelines. The openings on the roster were partially filled on Tuesday with the addition of former Timberline backs Daniel Rough and David Jolla brought in to shore up a running game hit by one of the dismissals and an injury to former Youngstown State tailback Jerome Christian. Christian suffered a hamstring injury in the Shockers opener. Also added was utility player Fereti “Fred” Konelio, the 19-year old brother to starting defensive tackle Les Konelio. Born and schooled in American Samoa, the younger Konelio will be worked in at linebacker and tailback. The additions at tailback should allow last weeks Far West Iron-Man Ronnie Knighton to spend more time on defense. Knighton rushed the ball 11 times while pulling double-duty in the opener. The Shockers kickoff at 3:00 PM at Oakville High School April 16th

The South Sound Shockers era began with a 16-0 victory over the Oregon Football League’s Umpqua Valley Knights. Played in the rain and wind in southern Oregon, the Shockers used a stingy defense to shut down the Knights and score 2 touchdowns as the offense struggled for consistency in the first ever game for the Olympia-based team. Linebacker Chris Ward, a former Marine and Fife graduate was the game MVP with a 4th quarter 22-yard interception return for a score, 9 tackles, 1 for loss, 2 forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a quarterback pressure. Close behind in the voting were safety and former UPS Logger Eric Goodman who earlier in the first half returned a 40-yard INT return for a score, 7 tackles, 1 for loss, 1 QB pressure, and linebacker Kelly Time (Tacoma) who led the team with 14 total tackles including one for loss. Defensive back and running back Ronnie Knighton was “Iron-Man” of the game. Knighton another former Marine and California native, started at both positions rushing 11 times, returning 1 punt, recording 5 tackles and an INT on the final play of the game. Knighton was on the field for over 85 of the 100 plays throughout the game. Special Teams player of the game was kicker/punter Nathan Turner from Ft. Lewis, who recorded a 33-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter and came up a yard short on a 51-yard attempt in the 4th. Turner averaged 41.4 yds on 5 punts including a long of 63. Two of his four kickoffs were downed inside the 20 and one for a touchback. Next up for the Shockers is an April 16th date with the Okanogan Commados.

The South Sound Shockers have rounded out their inaugural roster with a couple of bright additions going into this Saturday and the first-ever game for Olympia’s new football franchise. Head Coach Terry Dion was happy to introduce kicker Nathan Turner, and American Samoa born Les Konelio to their new teammates. Turner, stationed at Fort Lewis and back from Iraq, is a dangerous weapon for the Shockers, owning a career best 53-yard field goal. The Texas native is also known for booming kickoffs which are generally not returnable. And speaking of booming, the 6’ 2” 300-pound Konelio nicknamed “Kilo” will anchor a stout offensive line from the guard position. Kilo is a 22-year old big body that can play both sides of the ball. The Shockers will have four captains with one extra “rewarded” each week determined by effort and performance. Jameson Gstohl, at receiver, Ronnie Knighton, at defensive back, Justin Shumate, at offensive line, Chris Ward at linebacker and this weeks “Reward Captain” is Time Time, a 19-year old defensive tackle who worked his way into the starting lineup who according to coaches, has put forth “amazing progress” in the 2 months he has worked with the team. “He’s a raw talent with amazing potential”, Coach Stephen Matychowiak boasted of his newest gem. The Shockers travel to Oakland, Oregon on Saturday to take on the Umpqua Valley Knights of the Oregon Football League in the season opener for both teams.

O#'s W#'s First Name Last Name Position Height Weight Age School or Previous Team 0 0 Nathan Turner PK 5' 9" 180 28 US ARMY/Midland College (TX) 1 1 Tremaine Lee WR/DB 5' 10" 200 24 Tacoma, WA 2 2 David Hernandez WR 5' 10" 150 19 Glendale, AZ (Glendale HS) 5 5 John Stewart QB 5' 8" 175 27 Bethel College (KS) 6 6 Jameson Gstohl WR 6' 4" 190 21 Lacey, WA (Timberline HS) 8 8 Ken Ponder QB 6' 4" 220 26 Tacoma, WA (Lincoln, HS) 9 9 Anthony Ward WR 6' 3" 205 27 Washington Cavaliers 11 11 Ricky Gomez QB 5' 11" 180 18 Tumwater, WA (Capital HS) 14 14 Joe Lee DB 5' 10" 205 24 Tumwater, WA (Black Hills, HS) 15 15 Eric Goodman S 6' 0" 195 26 Puget Sound University 17 17 Chris Schenk PK/TE 6' 0" 205 25 Bossier City, LA (Bossier HS) 19 19 Ben Fajarar DB 5' 9" 190 18 Guam 20 20 Jerome Christian RB 6' 1" 225 32 Youngstown State University (OH) 21 21 Kevin Brophy FB 5' 11" 220 21 Mossyrock, WA (Mossyrock HS) 23 23 Terry Zeller DB 5' 10" 210 29 Pierce County Bengals 24 24 Anthony Vinson WR 6' 2" 190 25 Phoenix, AZ (Camelback, HS) 27 27 Donald Marco DB 5' 10" 185 28 Troy State University 28 28 Marc Fabregas DB 6' 0" 160 19 Olympia, WA (North Thurston, HS) 30 30 Marvin Jones RB 5' 10" 180 25 Washington Cavaliers 32 32 Rico Rough CB 5' 9" 175 25 Olympia, WA 33 33 Josh Weathersman FB 5' 7" 185 27 Kenai, AK (Kenai HS) 34 34 Ronnie Knighton S/LB 6' 0" 210 25 Mt San Jacinto CC (Hemet, CA) 35 35 Dennis Hallman LB 5' 10" 205 29 Olympia, WA 36 36 Dominic Clary DB 5' 9" 165 21 Auburn, WA (Auburn SR HS) 40 40 Time Time DT 6' 0" 240 19 Centralia, WA (Maple Lane HS) 41 41 Kelly Time LB 5' 11" 225 24 Tacoma, WA 44 44 Jeff Cole TE/OL 6' 0" 230 25 Lacey, WA 45 45 Alex Lewis OL/TE 6' 3" 260 39 University of Wisconsin 46 46 Mark Meadows S/LB 6' 2" 205 34 Peru State College (NE) 47 47 Trevor Michealis FB 5' 8" 200 29 Lynnwood, WA (Lynnwood, HS) 48 48 Roy Evans LB 6' 1" 235 23 Merced Junior College (CA) 50 50 Chris Ridley OL 5' 10" 230 24 Olympia, WA 52 52 Brandon Mike LB 5' 10" 235 25 University of North Dakota 55 55 Chris Ward LB 6' 1" 230 28 US MARINE CORPS (Fife, HS) 56 56 Justin Shumate OL 6' 1" 230 22 Eastern Oregon University 63 63 Jonathan McNally OL 6' 0" 270 24 Rochester, WA (Rochester HS) 68 68 Les Konelio OL 6' 2" 270 22 American Samoa (Fagaitua HS) 77 77 Gene DuPrey OL 6' 0" 315 37 Olympia, WA (Timberline HS) 80 80 Marc Foster P 6' 4" 200 32 Yelm, WA (Yelm HS) 83 83 James Torgerson WR 5' 11" 165 27 Lacey, WA (North Thurston HS) 85 85 David Schepers DE 6' 2" 230 21 Olympia, WA 86 86 Jay Thiesse TE 6' 4" 240 27 Olympia, WA 89 89 Mark June WR 5' 11" 160 19 Lacey, WA (North Thurston HS) 90 90 Jason Roose DE 6' 1" 250 24 Aberdeen, WA (Aberdeen HS) 91 91 Austin Heath DE 6' 2" 200 28 Olympia, WA (Capital HS) 93 93 Tyson Throw OL 6' 2" 275 26 Washington Cavaliers 95 95 David Lobe OL 6' 5" 280 24 Olympia, WA (North Thurston, HS) 98 98 Junior Molia LB 6' 1" 255 23 Lakewood, WA (Clover Lake HS) 99 99 John Alberth DT 6' 6" 350 31 Texas A&M University

This is a letter written in response to the Minor League Football News’ announcement of former Capital High standout Stephen Matychowiak being nominated for the Minor League Hall of Fame by Carolina Panther scout Anthony Softli. The Minor League Football News article follows.

Steve Matychowiak

A middle linebacker that haunted the Northwest Minor Professional Football Leagues for several years. I had the opportunity to coach this young man when I held the titles of Defensive coordinator '88 and Head Coach '89 for the Seattle Cavaliers. He went by the nickname of "Maty", but I called him "Hammer".

"He loved the game, he practiced like he played it, hard and intense"!

He had ideal size for the position with quickness, despite having excellent speed he played the game at a high level. Hammer was very smart, instinctive, focused, aggressive and a tough linebacker with a nasty attitude. He was relentless in his play and excelled between the tackles, with second effort to chase and pursue the ball carrier from sideline to sideline. During my Short tenure as a Coach in the Minor Professional ranks, Hammer was the most productive linebacker I coached. Not only did he earn my respect as a person and a player, he earned it from the opposing Offensive Coordinators in the American Football Association (AFA). We played a National (AFA) schedule; we traveled as far east as Racine Wisconsin, as far south as Orange County California and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. After each game I would speak with the opposing coaches and the first thing they would say "Tony, tough defense with great athletes, who is your middle backer?" My reply; Hammer Matychowiak.

In my tenth season as Director of College Scouting for the Carolina Panthers, I've had the opportunity to compare a lot of players I played with and Coached at that level (Seattle Cavaliers, Eastside Express, Bellevue Express) and I can honestly say, when in their prime there is a hand full of those players I feel could have played in the National Football League (NFL) and Steve "Hammer" Matychowiak is one of those five players.

I would like to congratulate Steve on his induction to the Minor League Football Hall of Fame it is a recognition and an Honor for a man that truly loved the game.

Anthony R. Softli
Director of College Scouting
CAROLINA PANTHERS
(NFS Executive Committee Member)
(NFL College Advisory Committee Member)

From the Minor League Football News:

STEVE MATYCHOWIAK, Player/Coach Category:
Steve is a resident of Olympia, Washington and has spent his entire career in the Pacific Northwest as a player and coach. He played minor league football for the 1985 Auburn Panthers after a successful Junior College career at Olympic JC. He played middle linebacker three years with the Panthers, and every year they went undefeated and won championships in the Northwest Football League. In 1986 he was 2nd Team All-League and won 1st Team All-League in 1987. He played for the Seattle Cavaliers from 1988 to 89. In 1991 he joined the Pierce County Bengals (Tacoma), and from 1991 to 1994 was NWFL 1st Team All League. He switced to coaching in 1999 with the Bengals as defensive coordinator. His 1999 & 2003 Bengal teams held opponents to 12.8 and 10.7 points per game respectivly. He is now the defensive coordinator of the South Sound (Olympia) Shockers in the new Pacific Northwest Football Conference league which is playing a independent schedule this year in preparation for the PNFC 2006 inaugural season. Steve is married with two children and works in the telecommunications industry.

Legendary Oakland Raider Otis Sistrunk who played defensive line from 1972-1979 with the Bay’s silver and black, has joined the South Sound Shockers adult amateur football team as a defensive assistant. A former minor leaguer who made it to the NFL, Sistrunk will be an invaluable asset to the younger athletes dreaming of a shot at the big-time. Also lending a hand this season is Guy “Tiny” Lee of the Billings Outlaws. Tiny, who won a World Bowl championship with the Barcelona Dragons and was a recent inductee into the Minor League football Hall of Fame will be helping the offensive line. The Shockers kick off the season on March 26th in Oakland, Oregon where they will face the Umpqua Valley Knights.

The Capital City is where the newest American Football Association (AFA) expansion team will be located for the upcoming spring/summer season. The South Sound Shockers, an adult amateur football club will begin play in late March in quest of the 25th Annual Arkush Cup. The Arkush Cup is awarded to the top football team in the country by the AFA based in Sarasota, Florida. The 2004 champion was crowned three weeks ago, after the Eastside Hawks (Everett, WA) owned by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Sam Adams, dismantled the Central Penn Piranha at Disney World in Orlando, Florida 53-28. Over 700 teams across the United States began last seasons’ campaign before the Hawks won the title with a 17-0 record. The Shockers, coached by former Seattle Seahawk and Shelton area athlete Terry Dion, will bring a wealth of knowledge and a coaching staff, which include 20-year veteran Stephen Matychowiak at defensive coordinator, and scheme specialist Leif Haslund. Coach Dion was the 1986 AFA Coach of the Year after leading the Auburn Panthers to a perfect 15-0 season and the national title. Matychowiak was a middle linebacker for Dion on teams that won an AFA record 54 straight games.

Former National Semi-Pro Coach of the Year; Terry Dion, has been selected as the first head coach of the South Sound Shockers football team. South Sound looks to build a lasting foundation of high caliber football highlighted by excellent coaching. The first step towards that goal is the addition of Coach Dion. A former standout at Shelton High where the Highclimbers won a state title in 1974, Dion earned a scholarship to play for the University of Oregon winning two team awards, a selection to play in the 1980 Hula and Japan Bowls for the best collegiate seniors and was drafted 97th overall by the Seahawks in 1980. His semi-pro career involved stops with the Twin City Cougers and a California championship before becoming the defensive coordinator for the Auburn Panthers in 1984. Selected as the Head Coach in 1986, the Panthers went undefeated and won the National Championship and earned Coach of theYear honors. During his three years as the defensive coordinator and Head Coach, the Panthers were 43-0. A minor league record that still stands. Other accomplishments include a defense that allowed only 4.4 points per game, zero rushing touchdowns on the season and 7 consecutive shutouts. Returning to the minor league ranks after working as a teacher and teen coach, Terry looks to bring back winning football to the South Sound area with a core of quality players and a platoon of eager coaches.