Jacob Hansen will be following in the footsteps of Orcas football greats when he plays in the East–West All Star football game in Yakima on June 25.
Hansen started at linebacker as a freshman. It was his first experience playing organized football. He was added to the offensive team halfway through his sophomore year at running back.
“I always thought I just wanted to run the ball but found out I really loved playing defense,” said Hansen, now a senior.
His first two seasons with the Vikings were rough going for the team. The Vikings went 1-9 when he was a freshman. Progress came slow but something good was building. When he was a sophomore the team started 1-7 but had improved to 3-7 by the end of the season.
“Going into my junior year the team was built around a solid senior class who had a great work ethic,” Hansen said.
The 2009 Vikings went undefeated in league but a disappointing loss in the first round of the playoffs left a bitter taste in Hansen’s mouth.
“I had no idea going into Camp Rilea last summer if we were gonna get blown out of the water or not,” he said. “We were replacing a lot of guys who graduated. We did really well at camp but I still wasn’t sure. When we won the Island Cup against Friday Harbor early on I knew we had a shot to go a long way.”
Nothing came very easy for the young Viking squad in 2010, but they were finding ways to win each game.
“After a bitter loss to league rival Tacoma Baptist every game was a playoff game for us,” Head Coach Scott Harris said. “Jacob and the seniors provided physical and emotional leadership that the team drew on more and more as the season progressed.”
Winning the first playoff game in his career against a fourth ranked Morton-White Pass team led to a rematch in the state quarterfinals with the only team that had beaten the Vikings. Tacoma Baptist battled back to tie the game at 14-14 with just a few minutes left, but the Vikings had the ball starting deep in their own territory.
“I’ll never forget the intensity in the huddle in that final drive against Tacoma Baptist,” Hansen said. “Our preparation was so important. Leading up to the game we had a great week of practice.”
The Vikings stunned the favored Crusaders with a last minute touchdown and the team was on its way to the state semi-finals in the Tacoma Dome.
“Playing in the Tacoma Dome was the best way to go out senior year,” Hansen said. “We came up a little short but I felt good about all the years of hard work and dedication. It was all worth it and now I get to go play in the All Star game. I’m so stoked. I owe so much to my teammates and the coaching staff. Without them I wouldn’t have all these great memories. It’s such an honor to represent my team.”
Some of the past Vikings who have played in the all star game include Kyle Hoffman, Hunter Easterling, Tristan Savell, Tyler Nigretto, Jordan Gage, Bobby Curtis, Matt Stolmeier, Kawika McGuire, Shea Sasan, Peter Rutledge, Charlie Rueb and Mike Dameron.
Hansen is one of 38 students selected for the West squad, which encompasses players from 2A, 2B and 1A, 1B leagues.
Harris says he “can’t wait” to support Hansen at the game.
“This is a huge honor and very difficult to attain,” he said. “His time on Orcas, the football camps and the playoff run has established Jacob as a quality, hard-nosed player. I couldn’t be more proud that he will represent our school. It is a great opportunity to show his stuff on a larger stage.”
Hansen will be attending Western Oregon University and has been invited to a football recruit day in February.
All star game
Start at 1 p.m. on June 25, Zaepfel Stadium, 702 N 40th Ave., Yakima.
