Former Washington State University quarterback Jason Gesser, who was hired last spring as the new head coach of Eastside Catholic High School, will have a former rival on his staff.

I spoke with Gesser late Friday afternoon, and he noted that former University of Washington fullback Zach Tuiasosopo will be his defensive coordinator this season.

“He just came on about a week ago … he’s done a fabulous job,” Gesser said. “Yesterday’s defensive practices is probably one of the best defensive practices I’ve seen yet.”

Gesser, who played quarterback at WSU from 1998 to 2002, faced Tuiasosopo in two Apple Cups — once in 2001 and again in 2002. Tuiasosopo, who graduated from Woodinville High School in 1999 and redshirted the at the UW during the 2000 season, started his Husky career in 2001 as a outside linebacker. He then switched over to offense, playing his next three seasons at fullback. Tuiasosopo had a brief stint in the NFL, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Bucaneers practice squads, before moving back to Washington. He is the son of former NFL player Manu Tuiasosopo and the brother of recently retired Oakland Raider back-up quarterback and former Husky star, Marques Tuiasosopo.

“Yes, he is a Husky, but I could care less,” Gesser said, laughing. “We have a lot of Cougs on the staff, and the first time he came in, a lot of guys were razzing him about being a Husky, and he said ‘You know what, we’re all Crusaders now.’”

This is the 27-year-old Tuiasosopo’s first high school coaching experience, but something Gesser said he is a natural at.

“His whole mentality is amazing,” Gesser said. “This kid is going to go far with this coaching thing if he wants to be serious about it. I’ve only known the guy for about two or three weeks, but just what he’s shown me in those weeks, he can really take this to another level.”

Be sure to check back with the Web site the middle of next week for a complete preview of the Eastside Catholic football team and video of the Gesser interview. We will also have previews of the Issaquah, Skyline and Eastlake football teams.

High school football teams around Washington state are allowed to have their first team practices of the season today.

And we won’t waste any time diving into the 2009 season. I’m visiting with all four area coaches, Mat Taylor (Skyline), Chris Bennett (Issaquah), Jason Gesser (Eastside Catholic) and Gene Dales (Eastlake) over the next two days. Our football preview will be released in print Aug. 28, but stories will be available online earlier next week. We will also have a few extra surprises on the Web site. Be sure to check in regularly.

All other fall sports (girls soccer, volleyball, swimming, tennis, cross country, boys golf) begin Aug. 25.

Skyline is six days away from its first practice of 2009, but the team is already gaining serious accolades from ESPN RISE, which placed the Spartans on its list of FAB 50 teams. Skyline is ranked ninth in the preseason poll, three spots behind Oaks Christian, who they meet on Sept. 18 at SHS. The Regional poll ranks Oaks Christian as the top team in the West, and Skyline at No. 2.

Only one other Washington team, Bellevue, made the top 50. The Wolverines are ranked No. 20 in the nation and fifth in the West Region.

There’s already a swarm of hype around the Skyline-Oaks Christian football game on Sept. 18 at SHS. The nationally televised ESPN game is expected to draw a sell-out crowd to watch future UW Husky quarterback, Nick Montana, square off against Skyline’s Jake Heaps, who recently chose to play for BYU over the University of Washington.

Oaks Christian also features the son of NHL great Wayne Gretzky, Trevor, and the son of actor Will Smith, Trey.

The Skyline High football Web site, www.skylinegridiron.com, has posted information about ticket sales for the game, noting there will be 4,400 tickets available for sale at $15 a piece. Students will be admitted for $5. Tickets will only be on sale from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on specific dates (Sept. 1-4, 8-11, 14-18) at the Skyline Bookkeeper’s office. Click here for more information.

Skyline High School quarterback Jake Heaps won the MVP award at the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp last Friday, also taking the award for highest football IQ. This article by ESPN.com contributor JC Shurburtt hints that the BYU recruit could see some early playing time.

Welcome to the End Zone: The new Issaquah and Sammamish sports blog.