Comparing football and fruit isn’t always apples to apples, but it fits for this year’s Washougal team.

That’s because coach Dave Hajek spent the offseason preaching the importance of being what he calls a “core” player. Success this season is being seeded by a large senior class buying into that philosophy.

“I tell the players the core is the central part of the apple,” said Hajek, who is entering his 20th year coaching the Panthers. “Core players are guys who are leaders. You demonstrate that by attending things in the summer. You don’t have to be the best athlete, but if you’re a core player that tells us the team is important to you.”

Royce Jones and Travis Lundberg have bought into that philosophy and are expected to stand out on the field. They are among seniors who will fill 20 o

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