Less than two years ago Charlie Edwards was the architect of a stout defense that helped La Conner High School clinch a league football title.

That was during a shortened, conference-only season shifted to the spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These days, Edwards finds himself in his second year as La Conner's head grid coach and back at the drawing board – this time to draft a blueprint for a successful rebuild of a Braves' program. The team suffered nearly a dozen losses to graduation from the NW2B championship run and two more, Jahrel Cayou and Haydin Dinius, from the team's fall 2021 roster.

Jaydin Clark, C.J. Edwards, Kenai Zimmerman, Steven Willcutt, Marlon Edwards, Ivory Damian and state hurdles champ Tommy Murdock form the nucleus of Braves returnees back for pre-season workouts.

Coach Edwards said Damien and Murdock are players who can play any position on the field. Zimmerman and Willcutt appear ticketed for duty in the trenches, where La Conner hopes to neutralize opponents' pass rush while spreading the field with multiple wideouts.

"Our philosophy," Edwards said, "is to use our speed."

Youth will again be served in the persons of fresh prospects Brent Bobb, Chas James and Austin McClure.

Edwards likewise anticipates more players trickling in as their summer jobs and vacations wind down.

Those who do sign up this year will receive more than football instruction from Edwards, who has guided the local youth program here for years, and his two coordinators, Ari Landworth (offense) and Ricky Richards (defense).

Edwards makes it a priority to bring in motivational speakers to address the team. The late University of Washington Husky and Seattle Seahawk star Nesby Glasgow and retired Seahawk Joe Tafoya are just two examples.

"I try to get successful people from all walks of life – not just sports – to talk to the kids about growing," Edwards said. "I want them to realize that they should enjoy every second of high school because in a blink of an eye it's gone."

The upcoming football season is fast approaching. While the Braves face another tough slate – they open at home Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. opposite perennial state 2B powerhouse Morton-White Pass. The La Conner team is blessed with five of seven scheduled playing dates at Whittaker Field, which opened here 50 years ago this fall.

Noted for its splendid views of the snow-capped Cascade Range – most predominantly Mount Baker beyond the north end zone – Whittaker Field was dedicated in 1972 during ceremonies led by then-principal Jim Frey, who had coached the Braves to an undefeated season and fourth place state finish in 1968.

La Conner fans will notice some new touches when they attend home football games and soccer matches. The recently adopted Braves logo, sporting a bright blue thunderbird image, has been added to signage on the scoreboard and west wall of the home stands. Plus new paint has been applied to the visitors' bleachers.

Meanwhile, Edwards and his staff seek help with the program rebuild by reaching out to former players Loran James, Wil James, Aaron Reinstra and others.

The task ahead won't be easy, Edwards concedes. Rivals Friday Harbor and Coupeville have veteran teams.

"Friday Harbor is talented, and we expect them to be strong," said Edwards, "and Coupeville had 10 or 12 juniors who were among their strongest players last year."

The Braves visit Friday Harbor Sept. 16 and the Wolverines Oct. 14. La Conner hosts Coupeville Sept. 30 and travels to central Whidbey Island Oct. 21 for a return match with the Wolves.

Madoc Hiller

GETTING THE LOW-DOWN - Assistant coach Ari Landworth (left) encourages Braves players Marlon Edwards (center) and Brent Bobb (right) during an afternoon workout last Aug. 19.

In addition to Morton-White Pass, La Conner has also committed to non-league games with Forks Sept. 10 and Ilwaco Oct. 27.

Edwards can't wait for the season to kick off.

"Sports," he pointed out, "gives us a platform to enrich young lives."