No doubt about it, Falcon football captured the attention of the entire South Whidbey community last year, and no one expects 2008 to be any different.

When you go from a losing season to a winning season in two years, good things happen.

In 2005, the South Whidbey football team had a perfect record — they lost every game.

The next year they won three.

And in 2007 the team went 9-2 and Falcon head coach Mark Hodson was named Coach of the Year by his Cascade Conference peers.

One result was a record 67 players showing up for practice on the first day, infused with a desire to win and the skills to make it happen.

And, based on the team’s 40-0 shutout of Cedar Park Christian on Friday, the chance of a great season is more than realistic.

The Falcons credit some practical preparations by the coaching staff: spring football, summer camp at the University of Washington and seven-on-seven drills.

Hodson is assisted by special teams coach Andy Davis, defensive coordinator Damian Greene, linebacker coach Bruce Knight, running back coach Rob Anderson and defensive coaches Don Elliot and Leo Langer.

“There’s no doubt I couldn’t get the job done without them,” Hodson said.

Junior Hunter Rawls will be this year’s quarterback.

“He’s a great competitor and athlete, and a great leader on the field,” Hodson said.

Others cited as key to this year’s hopes —”These are the names you’ll hear all season,” Hodson noted — are wide receivers Nick Tenuta and Luke Hodson, middle linebacker Trapper Rawls and tailback Henry “The Hank” Mead.

Last year’s defensive most valuable player, David Monell, is back as well.

“I’ve been refining my skills so I can get to the ball faster and carry out a blitz if it’s called for,” Monell said. “We all want to go farther into the playoffs this year.”

Earlier in the summer, Hodson admitted that linebackers were going to be a real concern.

But on the first day of practice, a couple of kids from California marched onto the field with their father.

“He said, ‘We just moved here and

I wondered if my boys could play some football,’” Hodson recalled. “Jake and Dillon are both over 6 feet. It made my day.”

Dillon Parrick noted the differences between there and here.

“Every school uses different techniques on defense and offense, so it’s taking some time to get up to speed,” he said. “Here, the coach has us doing weight training that helps the lower body, where the hitting power comes from.”

As for the opposition, Hodson said Archbishop Murphy will be the toughest nut to crack.

“They have a new coach, Dave Ward from last year’s state champion Oak Harbor team, and he knows what he’s about on a football field,” Hodson said.

The coach added that since Cedarcrest didn’t lose anyone from their league-leading squad, the Falcons will be fighting the Wildcats and Red Wolves for the top three spots.

Last year, the team ended their winning season with a 41-0 playoff loss at Lynden, where the Lions specialized in a first class pass attack and a solid, impenetrable line.

Lakewood’s head coach Dan Teeter isn’t taking the Falcons for granted.

“South Whidbey will be a fun team to watch,” Teeter said. “They developed a lot of confidence with their tremendous season. They return their defensive MVP David Monell, likely the most disruptive force in the league. I’m anxious to see who steps in to replace the strong senior class that graduated last year.

“I’m sure they will play their usual style of hard-nosed football, and I know that Coach Hodson will get the most out of them,” he added.

In Sultan, coach Michael McMahon recalled that though his Turks led at the half, the Falcons stormed out and won the game.

“I know they lost some key players to graduation, but I don’t see them taking a step back,” McMahon said. “They have a solid coaching staff and talented players.”

Meanwhile, at Coupeville, coach Ron Bagby knows what to expect.

“We have eight kids each on offense and defense who’ve never played in a varsity game,” he said. “I know Mark’s team will be loaded, but we play later in the season so we have a chance to be competitive.”

The players themselves are concentrating on being prepared for anything.

“I’ve been refining the fundamentals; I already know how to run fast,” said wide receiver Chandler Thompson.

A member of South Whidbey’s relay track team, Thompson feels he has an edge. “I can use my speed to the team’s advantage,” he said.

Tight end Tyler “Chuck” Norris said the season is moving along great. “Playing varsity is a huge difference in terms of speed and contact on the line.”

Tailback Austin Bennett agreed, but added that discipline has a role, too.

“Our coaching staff knows what they’re talking about,” Bennett said. “A disciplined team is more aligned and focused on the goal we all have — victory.”

Hodson said that fans need to remember that his team is made up of players raised on Tiger football and the successful Cougar program at Langley Middle School.

“These are the kids we’ve raised in our small community; it’s fair to say the state of the program at South Whidbey is all good.”