Profile: Wapato Wolves football

Coach: Orson Christensen (2nd year, 1-9).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: 2000.

Home field: Dan Doornink Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold)

OFFENSE POS YR HT WT

Anthony Alvarado QB Jr. 6-2 160

Ricardo Rodriguez FB Sr. 5-5 185

Eric Solorio TB Sr. 5-9 211

Juan Melgoza TE Jr. 5-11 185

Noe Guerrero RT So. 6-0 220

Arturo Guerrero RG Sr. 6-0 228

Michael Hernandez C So. 6-0 234

Noe Mendez LG Sr. 5-10 210

Andrew Schibig RT So. 6-1 180

Garrett Jacob WR Jr. 5-6 128

Gibby Patterson WR Sr. 6-0 135

Ayrik Miranda K So. 5-10 154

DEFENSE POS YR HT WT

Andrew Schibig NG So. 6-1 180

Arturo Guerrero DT Sr. 6-0 228

Noe Mendez DT Sr. 5-10 210

Eric Solorio OLB Sr. 5-9 211

Nelson Rojas OLB So. 6-0 240

Ricardo Rodriguez MLB Sr. 5-5 185

Matt Maes MLB Sr. 5-7 180

Garrett Jacob CB Jr. 5-6 128

Alfredo Hernandez CB Sr. 5-8 160

Martin Valdez S Sr. 6-0 175

Ayrik Miranda S So. 5-10 154

Juan Melgoza P Jr. 5-11 185

Others to watch: OT Nelson Rojas, Soph. (6-0, 240).

Quick hits

Alvarado emerged as the starter after a tight battle for the starting quarterback spot.

* Christensen, 73, has coached at the high school and college levels for nearly 50 years -- including 10 seasons for Eastern Oregon University.

Outlook

The Wolves could use a bit of good fortune after losing three running backs over the summer -- one to a broken leg, another to a transfer and the last when a heart issue led to a failed physical.

"Consequently, we have no running backs. We've had to use two fullbacks and a wide receiver there," Christensen said.

As a result, Christensen will use a "committee" approach to the starting tailback spot, but it looks as though Solorio will likely get the lions share of the touches to start.

Rodriguez, a two-way starter for the last two seasons, will continue to anchor the team's hopes. He'll have a lot on his plate this year with a young lineup around him.

But there is promise with a solid core of WRs and an aggressive group of linebackers. Guerrero will anchor the defensive line.

This story was originally published August 31, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Profile: Wapato Wolves football ."