SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles are preparing to come back into this season after ending last year with a 5-4 record and being two points away from making the state playoffs. 

“(We) had a couple of costly fumbles in a couple of different games,” said Eagles Head Coach Garrett Devine. “We were right there, but the top three from our league go to state and we ended up fourth.” 

During the offseason, the Eagles graduated eight seniors, but Devine said this season has quite a few promising players, including seniors Logan Northup, Abram Cox and Francisco Ortega.  

Devine said Northup will be playing quarterback this year. He had to fill in the position in week 10 last season after the starting quarterback broke his thumb. Northup scored 70 points that game and has consistently proved himself as a top player for the team. 

“He’s just really shifty, really good with the ball in his hands,” said Devine. “We went to camp at Montana Tech this summer and he really shined out there on both sides of the ball.” 

Cox was a first-team all-leaguer for the offensive and defensive lines last season. Devine said Cox acts as an anchor for the team and is really looking forward to seeing what he can do, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

Devine said that Cox is also looking around at different colleges to sign with following his senior season. 

Cox said his main goal is for the team to make the playoffs and get to the state tournament this year. He said he is pretty confident in the strength of the defense this season and that this will be a key factor in helping them win more games this season. 

“(We’re) just becoming better teammates,” said Cox. “Getting to know each other and (building) chemistry.” 

Ortega is a former lineman who shifted to being a tight end last season and has found great success in that position, said Devine. During training camp this summer, he has only continued to show growth in that position. 

In preparation for the upcoming season, Ortega said he is working on his defensive strategies and trying to get used to any new positions that he will need to be prepared for this season. He also said he would like to score a few touchdowns during his senior season and help the team as much as possible as they try to make a run at the state tournament. 

“Just going to have a fun season with the guys,” he said. “It’s our last year and we’re going to make it count.” 

The Eagles are taking extra care on defense with the help of Defensive Coordinator Jake Laird. Devine said that Laird has been spending the offseason making schematic changes for the defense that will fit the players better. 

“(We) focus on not giving up big explosive plays and trying to keep everything in front of us,” he said. “We have a lot of speed this year so we’re looking to capitalize on that.”  

Offensively, the Eagles are putting their focus on just avoiding turnovers this season. Taking care of the football on offense is what will push the team further into the postseason this year, said Devine. 

“It’s offensively focusing on ball security and focusing on doing the little things right,” he said. 

He said with the team they’ve built this year and the work they have done in the off-season, the Eagles can become league champs and have a real opportunity to make a run for the state tournament. 

“There’s always challenges but I really believe that we have the group to overcome anything right now,” said Devine. “I’ve got a lot of faith in our kids.” 

The Eagles’ first game of the season will be on the road against Wallace High School in Wallace, Idaho, at 7 p.m. Sept. 5. 

    Francisco Ortega practices tackling with his teammates during practice. Ortega will be playing as a tight end this season and said he wants to help his team be as successful as possible this year.
  

    An Eagles player prepares to make a catch during a wide receiver drill at practice. Head Coach Garrett Devine said the team is working to make the state tournament after coming up two points short last season.
  

    A Soap Lake Eagle hops in the air to complete a catch during practice. Coach Devine said the focus on offense this season will be to have better control of the ball.
  

    Two Eagles players face each other in a drill involving moving around a defender and keeping up with a receiver during practice. The Eagles’ defensive goal this season is to avoid allowing any big plays to happen.
  

    Eagles quarterback Logan Northup prepares to throw to an open receiver while practicing different plays. Devine said that Northup is a player that poses a real threat on both sides of the ball but has really shined as their quarterback.
  

    Soap Lake graduate Robby Fisher (3) extends toward the goal line for a touchdown during a game against Wellpinit last season.
  

    Soap Lake quarterback Jairo Lopez carries the ball during a league game against MLCA/CCS fall 2023.