1972 Football Linemen

In 1972, the Astoria Fighting Fishermen were part of a large and competitive Coast Valley League, and prevailed to not only have one the most successful football seasons in decades, they electrified the community with football fever.    Finishing the historic season undefeated, the team was loaded with skill players and an offensive and defensive line that were quick and tough.  We call them the “1972 Fishermen Lineman”.

This group of six racked up an impressive amount of nominations at both the League and State levels.  It is not often that every single member of the line is recognized for their accomplishments on the gridiron.

Dave Paschall – Offensive and Defensive Tackle.  All-League Honorable Mention.

Arnie Takko – Offensive and Defensive Guard.  2nd team All-League in both positions.

Jim Forrester - Center and Defensive Tackle.  All-State Honorable Mention, named 2nd team All-League for both Center and Defensive tackle. Team Award:  Most Outstanding Lineman. 

John Gjovik - Offensive Guard.  1st team All League and 1st team All-State.  He continued his playing career at OCE. (Western Oregon) where he played four years.  He is a member of the 1975 Hall of Fame OCE Football Team.

Davis Kauppi – Offensive Tackle.  All-League Honorable Mention.

Al Richardson – Defensive guard.  2nd Team All-League.

 Evidence of their dominance is punctuated by the fact this team did not allow a touchdown by the opposing team until the fourth game of the season.  St. Helens was the first team to score against the Fishermen, but they still prevailed with a win against the Lions.  This team only had one loss during the entire season and that was in the State Semi-final game, against the Wilson Trojans.  The team, led by Coach Chuck Burns, compiled an impressive 9-1-1 record.