Tornados test their spring progress at Pacific Lutheran University

Just days after announcing Rex Norris as head football coach, the Yelm High School Tornados traveled up the road to Pacific Lutheran University to conclude spring practices with a jamboree showcase against the likes of Mount Tahoma, Sumner, Lincoln and Graham-Kapowsin.

According to the event’s rules, each team was allowed 12 offensive plays and 12 defensive plays per “game.” The Tornados went 3-1 in those unofficial matches, losing only to Graham-Kapowsin.

Yelm showed plenty of flashes on offense, including a capable deep ball from quarterback Owen Sletten and serious burst from do-it-all athlete Jacob Ford. Most impressive, however, may have been their defensive line, which caused havoc in the backfield and would’ve likely earned numerous sacks if the quarterbacks hadn’t been off limits. On the flipside, the aggressive line sometimes struggled with their contain assignments, which led to a few big gains on broken plays.

The scrimmages gave the new head coach an early look at the makeup of his team. Norris used the opportunity to stand back from the action and let the current assistants run their offense and defense just as they have during the entire spring practice schedule.

After the scrimmages, which were live and featured a number of big hits, both given and received, the assistant coaches praised the toughness of the players, but encouraged them to not let emotions overtake them. At times, some of the players seemed affected by the chirping of the opposing teams.

Coach Norris spoke last, saying that the Tornados may not be the biggest, fastest or strongest team, but they have the opportunity to be the best. That, of course, will depend on the players’ dedication during the off-season and heading into fall camp.

Norris paid special attention to the team’s final huddle of the spring, encouraging his players to gather back and break it down multiple times until he was satisfied that everyone had fully engaged.

It was a small moment that could become one of the first impactful decisions of a new coach who’s both cognizant of his team’s unique offseason and looking to maintain their togetherness.

Spring football is hard to quantify. There are no real games and no real winners. To escape major injury is perhaps the greatest victory. But the bumps, bruises, sweat and, sometimes, tears forge a bond that can carry a team into the fall.

The Yelm Tornado football team has weathered the last 30 days with enthusiasm and class, and now they look to the future with Norris at the helm. The new coach held a meet and greet at the Yelm High School Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 p.m., where he discussed his vision for the program and the team’s summer strength and conditioning plans.

Due to our press schedule, the Nisqually Valley News will provide coverage from that event in an upcoming article.