Bart Rothenberger has brought his winning formula to Central Linn."I can't wait to get back to state," said Cobras senior post Will Marchbanks.  "I mean, we've been an inch away every year, but we just haven't gotten there yet.""Every year we just get hungrier and hungrier for Pendleton," said Parker "and I think we're ready to finally get over that hump and get there and win a state championship."

"The only thing I think we're installing a little different is, we're gonna play a little harder man, up in-your-face defense,"  said Rothenberger.  "The kids have bought into this system."

Rothenberger won four 1A state championships while coaching at Mohawk.  Last year, Rothenberger was the athletic director at Glendale, but that position was cut, leading him to Halsey.

"It's nice to be back home," said Rothenberger.  "and I couldn't ask for a better position right now, obviously.  You know, winning's not everything.  I'm just talking about the group of kids that I've been dealt here.  It's a unique group."

The cobras are the defending Mountain View champions and went 14-0 in the league last season, but lost in the first round of the 2A playoffs to East Linn Christian.

"The question we have is, can we get over that hump?" asked Rothenberger.

Central Linn returns six seniors including All-American Trevor Parker to the squad.  With their experience and coach Rothenberger on board, the Cobras think this is the season they get to Pendleton and the 2A state tournament.