Right now is a slow time, recruiting is down and we are just starting summer camps. To help pass the time, I sent a mass email out to all of the 4A and 5A coaches, asking them a simple series of questions about their program. I got some great responses and feedback. I will release them a couple at a time. Here are the first three schools that responded. Enjoy.
Pinnacle – HC Dana Zupke
2008 Record
5-6
New Region
Desert Valley
Thoughts on New Region
Very Tough! Every team can win it.
# of Returning Starters
12: 5 on offense, 7 on defense
Focus on Spring Ball
Installation of Offense and Defense
How you thought Spring ball/7 on 7 went
Very Well
Surprise player coming out of Spring
Conner Wessel and Conner Jeffries (Returning WR and RB respectively)
JV player that will make impact
Neal Walters and Eddie Ellis
Goals for 2009
To win region/state
Players that have stood out to you this summer
Neal Walters, Zach Tirman - both TEs had great summers
Basha – HC Tim McBurney
2008 Record
6-5 Lost to Brophy in 1st round of Playoffs
New Region
Central – Corona del Sol / Dobson / Gilbert / Highland / Mesquite / Mountain View
Thoughts on New Region
4 Playoffs teams from last year
# of Returning Starters
3 on defense / 6 on Offense
Focus on Spring Ball
Speed
How you thought Spring ball/7 on 7 went
Lineman won A.S.U.’s Friday nigh Lineman competition / 7 on 7 won Championship Bracket of the San Diego State University 7 on 7 tournament 27-13 over Hamilton
Surprise player coming out of Spring
Transfer from Texas - Dejon Walker WR 6’ 3” 210 lbs. Transfer from Goldwater -Bobby Calvin RB 6’ 1” 205lbs / 4.6- 40
JV player that will make impact
Clay Karger WR/Dhane Cumberledge DT/Zach Williams LB
Goals for 2009
Win 5A1 State Championship
Players that have stood out to you this summer
Richard Parker 4.43 –40 WR
Mike Benjamin QB Returning Starter
Jared Jones -LB starter since Soph year
Justin Gardner –OT starter since Soph year-Ranked #1 in his class
John Dillon TE/DE returning 2 way starter
Jacob Smith DT - state place in Wrestling
Terry Perkins – DB
Brandon Williams – Returning Starter OL
Cody Roberts – Returning Starter OL
Paradise Valley – HC Donnie Yantis
2008 Record
9-3
New Region
Region with Cactus, Greenway, Tbird, Cortez, and Washington
Thoughts on New Region
Tough top half of region. You can't underestimate Washington either, they always field a dangerous team.
# of Returning Starters
6 returning off starters, 6 on defense
Focus on Spring Ball
Spring ball focus was on fundamentals, kicking game, installing new offense and defense
Surprise Player that Emerged out of Spring/ 7 on 7
Surprising players in Spring - Jake Brown as a kicker, his sophomore brother Zack as a punter
JV player from last year expected to make an impact
JV players making an impact from last year, Joe Sabye, SS 6'2 180
Goals of 2009
Goals - Take one at a time, get more experienced each week, as always, get in the playoffs and host a home game or two.
Top Players for 09
Kevin Spain QB 6'2 190
Jake Brown - LB/RB/K 5'11 220
Tyree Parker - RB/LB 5'11 218
Cyrus Way - OL/LB 6 ' 230
Travis Ramirez - TE/RB/LB 5'10 225
Joe Wylezik - OL/DL 6'2 250
Austen Salazar - OL/DL 6'1 250
Shawn Gleason - 5' 11 170 FS/WR