Year in and year out, the Interlake Saints football team has been known for its grittiness on the gridiron.

The Saints, who compete in the 3A/2A KingCo league, may not always field the largest rosters but they continue to pack a powerful punch.

“Words can’t describe it. It is like the movie ‘Rudy’ out here for me. Every player wants to play and they are bought in. They are going to give it everything they got. They are scrappy and I love it,” Interlake head coach Shawn Hartline said. “I’m so impressed. The team is very bought in to our concepts and bought in to what we are trying to achieve for the season.”

Hartline will be in his first season leading the Saints program this fall. Shawn’s brother Brian was the head coach of the Saints in 2016 and 2017. The Saints new leader is an old-school type of coach.

“I coach the coaches and mentor our players. That is who I am and that is what I’m about. My coaches are outstanding and I have total belief in their abilities to run the offense and the defense,” Hartline said of his staff.

The Saints key returners this fall will be Austin Hourn (running back/defensive back), Myles Chandler (wide receiver/safety), Ethan Feaster (offensive line/defensive line), Matt Le (linebacker/offensive line) and Jack Hirsch (linebacker).

Hartline believes Hourn will be one of the most electrifying players in the league.

“Austin is in his third year as a varsity player. This could be his breakout year that really launches him into college. He is a great leader that leads by example. He is out here every day working hard. I’m really impressed with him,” Hartline said.

INTERLAKE

Schedule

Aug. 31 at Newport, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 SAMMAMISH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 NORTH CREEK, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Mercer Island, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Bellevue, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Juanita, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.