QUARTERBACKS BEWARE

Starting quarterbacks will have to keep one eye on the line of scrimmage when they play Timberline and Eagle this season.

That’s because the top two sack leaders from a year ago are back for another season at their respective schools.

Eagle defensive lineman Corey Nielson recorded a 5A Southern Idaho Conference-best nine sacks during the 2011 regular season, accounting for 56 lost yards. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior has caught the attention of college coaches.

“There is no doubt he has a gift for rushing the passer,” Eagle coach Paul Peterson said. “... For most offensive tackles, he’s just too quick and too fast and too long for them.”

After focusing on defense in 2011, Nielson will also start at offensive tackle for the Mustangs this season.

At Timberline, 6-5, 225-pound junior defensive end Don Hill is just getting started. Hill finished second in the conference last season with seven sacks for a loss of 59 yards. Third-year Timberline coach Kirk Copeland said college coaches are inquiring about the hard-hitter.

“Quarterbacks are definitely going to be aware of his presence,” Copeland said. “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s athletic and he has a passionate desire to get to the quarterback.”

RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS

OFFENSE

POS. (team) NAME YR. SCHOOL

RB (1st) TJ Clarke Sr. Capital

QB (2nd) Makena Simis Sr. Capital

RB (2nd) Hunter Kenyon Sr. Borah

OL (2nd) Mason Hampton Sr. Meridian

QB (HM) Kai Turner Jr. Mountain View

QB (HM) Tanner Gustavsen Sr. Boise

WR (HM) Collin Sale Sr. Mountain View

WR (HM) Josh Buss Jr. Mountain View

WR (HM) Jacob Foley Jr. Capital

OL (HM) BJ Verduzco Sr. Vallivue

DEFENSE

POS. (team) NAME YR. SCHOOL

LB (1st) Lane Chadwick Sr. Mountain View

LB (2nd) Jack Tate Sr. Timberline

DB (2nd) Kellen Copeland Sr. Timberline

DL (HM) Don Hill Jr. Timberline

DL (HM) Jaren Kahoiwai Sr. Capital*

DL (HM) Corey Nielson Sr. Eagle

LB (HM) Dallas Wallace Sr. Vallivue

LB (HM) Brett Walton Sr. Boise

P (HM) Sean Davis Sr. Vallivue

* Kahoiwai played for Boise last season

RETURNING ALL-IDAHO PLAYERS

DEFENSE

POS. (team) NAME YR. SCHOOL

LB (2nd) Lane Chadwick Sr. Mountain View

2011 REGULAR-SEASON LEADERS

PASSING

Tanner Mangum, Eagle, 199-of-295, 2,882 yards, 26 TDs, 9 int

Tanner Gustavsen, Boise*, 152-of-342, 1,895 yards, 11 TDs, 17 int

RUSHING

Mike Burk, Vallivue, 204 carries, 1,386 yards, 12 TDs

TJ Clarke, Capital*, 222 carries, 1,338 yards, 7 TDs

RECEIVING

Parker Garner, Vallivue, 28 rec., 761 yards, 8 TDs

Austin Diffey, Eagle*, 17 rec., 507 yards, 5 TDs

INTERCEPTIONS

D.J. Dean, Eagle, 6

Beau White, Mtn. View*, 5

SACKS

Corey Nielson, Eagle* ,9

* Top returning player in 2012

Note: Stats do not include playoffs