4A Sunset Division Capsules

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1998 | 10:17 a.m.

A look at the 4A Sunset Division football teams:

* BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

Coach: Roger Whalen (first year)

1997 Record: 2-7 (1-5 Sunset)

Top Players: Dan Angel (5-10, 185), QB, Sr.; Vance Babin (6-5, 260), OT/ DT, Sr.; Justin Blackard (6-3, 230), LB/TE, Sr.; Yannick Boka (6-3, 300), OT/ DT, Sr.; Xabian Causey (5-11, 180), RB, Jr.; Nick Didier (5-10, 195) QB, Sr.; Perry DiIorio (6-2, 230), OG/LB, Sr.; Thomas Mueller (5-9, 160), WR/K, Sr.; Bill Nelson (6-0, 200), C, Jr.; Kory Raftery (5-8, 175) CB, Sr.; Jason Rogers (5-9, 175), RB/S, Soph.; Joe Steubing (6-6, 205), QB, Sr.; Chris Tomkowski (6-1, 190), OG, Sr.; Clifton Whitehurst (5-10, 205), RB, Sr.; Ethan Williams-Lewis (6-2, 165), WR, Sr.

Outlook: Whalen, a former Gorman assistant, returns to take over a club that has struggled lately. He has installed a new series of offensive and defensive sets, which may take some adjusting to. Roster numbers are up, but depth at many positions will be a problem and most starters will play both ways. The squad's offensive line will be much larger than usual, with Boka, Blackard, Nelson and Tomkowski forming a tough, experienced unit. Whalen's charges will run an option-oriented attack, with several quarterbacks and running backs battling for positions on the depth chart. The Gaels' defense likely will have trouble stopping explosive clubs like Cimarron and Cheyenne, with the linebacker corps giving Whalen particular reason for concern. Gorman fans shouldn't expect a playoff contender in 1998, but a return to respectability appears to be a realistic goal for the Orange and Blue.

* BONANZA BENGALS

Coach: Nick Butera (third year)

1997 Record: 0-8 (0-6 Sunset)

Top Players: Billy Comstock (5-10, 180), OL/DL, Sr.; Jason Deel (5-11, 205), OL/DL, Sr.; Billy Gaines (5-8, 155), DB/RB, Sr.; Robert Morris (6-0, 200), OL/DL, Sr.; Adam Seward (6-1, 215), OL/LB, Jr.; Justin Smith (6-1, 205), OL/DL, Sr.

Outlook: After coming within a touchdown of the zone championship game in 1996, the Bengals fell on hard times in '97, dropping every game. According to Butera, high expectations partially were to blame for his club's disastrous campaign, so he isn't setting any this season. That change in attitude should keep Bonanza looser in 1998, but it may not be enough to get the team back into the thick of things in a tough Sunset Division. Look for the Bengals' offense to be more balanced this fall, with more emphasis on the passing game than in years past. Without legitimate size on the offensive line, however, points could be tough to come by. Defense should be Bonanza's strength this season, although Butera acknowledges that a lack of speed could be a problem. Still, the Bengals can't go anywhere but up in the standings. And with a little luck, a run at the final playoff spot could be a possibility.

* CHEYENNE DESERT SHIELDS

Coach: George Perry (eighth year)

1997 Record: 7-3 (5-1 Sunset)

Top Players: Rick Bilweu (6-2, 265), OL/DL, Sr.; Jason Chancellor (6-3, 250), OL/DL, Sr.; Jawan Dodson (6-0, 175), RB/DB, Sr.; Larry Graves (5-9, 170), WR/DB, Sr.; Lance McGruder (6-2, 305), OL/DL, Jr.; Deon Ned (5-10, 175), RB, Jr.; Kevin Thomas (5-11, 195), LB/FB, Soph.; Lawrence Turner (6-1, 180), QB, Sr.; William Upchurch (6-0, 205), LB / FB, Sr.; Brandon Weatherspoon (5-8, 165), WR/ DB, Sr.

Outlook: After a strong regular season, the Desert Shields' 1997 campaign came to a disappointing end in a first-round playoff loss to Green Valley. Look for Perry's squad to bounce back with a vengeance in 1998, challenging Cimarron-Memorial for Sunset superiority. Cheyenne has loads of speed on both sides of the ball, which should make life difficult for most defenses. Assistant coach Gary Findley, formerly of Pahrump, has retooled the offense and will try to turn the traditionally run-oriented Shields into a more balanced unit. In the end, however, Cheyenne's offensive success likely will depend on the numbers Dodson and Ned can rack up on the ground. Perry's primary concern after Saturday's scrimmage with Las Vegas is his new offensive line, which has not come together as quickly as he would like. Defensively, expect Cheyenne to be quick to the ball, with Upchurch and Thomas leading a pack of athletic linebackers. The Shields may get a test Friday against Eldorado, but the date to circle is Oct. 16, when Cheyenne will host Cimarron in their annual battle royale.

* CIMARRON-MEMORIAL SPARTANS

Coach: Greg Spencer eighth year)

1997 Record: 11-2 (5-1 Sunset)

Top Players: James Bradshaw (6-4, 220), DT/OR, Jr.; Ross Dalton (6-3, 185), DB/WR, Sr.; Leonard DeRoche (5-10, 200), FB/ILB, Sr.; Jason Orians (5-10, 175), LB/FB, Jr.; Arnold Parker (6-2, 205), TB/OLB, Sr.; Kawika Sagapolu (6-4, 300), OT/DT, Sr.; Dustin Tupper (5-10, 230), DT/OG, Sr.

Outlook: The Spartans had the best overall record in town last year and captured the zone title before falling 28-21 in the state championship to Reno's McQueen. This year, Spencer's bunch again should have a lot to say about who represents the South in the state final, thanks in large part to their big three: Parker, DeRoche and Sagapolu. Parker is the area's top returning back, capable of putting up 200-plus yards-per-game. DeRoche is a fine runner in his own right, and his blocking and pass-catching also will be a key for the Cimarron offense. But it all starts with the 300-pound Sagapolu, Nevada's top offensive lineman and a player capable of opening some large holes for the club's backfield duo. Still, as Spencer is quick to point out, a team needs more than three good players to win, and the Spartans still have questions to answer. Cimarron's quarterbacks are untested, and it remains to be seen whether the defense can stop explosive offenses like those at Cheyenne and Durango. Spencer's team should give everyone a clear picture of where they stand this Friday, when C-M opens with a tough game at Chaparral. Whether or not the Spartans win that one, expect Cimarron to be a key player when postseason time rolls around.

* CLARK CHARGERS

Coach: Jim Massey (first year)

1997 Record: 3-5 (2-4 Sunset)

Top Players: J.P. Ablahani (5-10, 170), DB, Jr.; Deandra Cobb (6-0, 180), TB, Sr.; Jawohn Coleman (5-11, 190), ILB, Sr.; Eric Falkenstein (6-0, 170), DB, Jr.; Chris Gandy (6-1, 195), ILB, Sr.; Charles Henderson (6-0, 190), FB, Jr.; Vaeontraye Hughes (5-11, 180), TB, Sr.; Jamie Manor (6-1, 185), QB, Sr.

Outlook: Massey, who coached the Chargers in the early 1980s, returns to the helm after a stint as the team's offensive coordinator. With just five players back from last season, he may wind up regretting that decision. With roster numbers down, Massey will need everyone to stay healthy and academically eligible to keep Clark respectable. The team does have a potentially explosive backfield, with Cobb, Hughes and Henderson all capable of piling up yards in the club's three-back set. The defense will be young, and Massey will likely have to use some of his top offensive players both ways. What the Chargers lack in strength they make up for in speed, but it likely won't be enough to bring back the glory days of five years ago, when Clark captured the 1993 state crown.

* DURANGO TRAILBLAZERS

Coach: John Mausbach (third year)

1997 Record: 7-4 (4-2 Sunset)

Top Players: Jamaal Brimmer (6-1, 185), DB/QB, Jr.; James Burgess (6-3, 185), DB, Sr.; Brent Carlson (6-0, 220), LB/OG, Sr.; Alex Dixon (5-8, 160), TB/DB, Sr.; Adam Jiminez (5-11, 230), OL, Sr.; John LaPointe (6-1, 215), OL, Sr.; Mike Sarkis (6-3, 225), QB, Sr.; Ryan Stull (5-11, 170), DB, Sr.; Brian Townsend (5-9, 160), DB, Sr.; Robert Varela (5-11, 195), LB, Jr.

Outlook: After reaching the playoffs for the first time in 1996, the Trailblazers went a step further last year, advancing to the zone semifinals before falling to Cimarron. Now, Mausbach and Co. are hoping to reach the next rung on the ladder and play in the zone championship. For that to happen, Dixon, a first-team all-division tailback who rushed for 1,100 yards, will need to continue to wreak havoc on the opposition. Durango's offensive line appears solid, but for the offense to succeed, either Sarkis or Brimmer will need to emerge as a threat to beat defenses downfield. Defensively, the Trailblazers return seven starters, including linebackers Carlson and Varela, the unit's backbone. Three deep completions against his secondary in Saturday's scrimmage at Chaparral gave Mausbach momentary concerns, but the defensive backfield actually could be a strength for Durango. A return to the playoffs looks like a strong possibility, but an improvement on last year's success could be tough.

* WESTERN WARRIORS

Coach: Rich Stevens (third year)

1997 Record: 8-4 (4-2 Sunset)

Top Players: Cory Brown (6-1, 225), ILB, Sr.; Josh Coltes (5-8, 160), QB, Jr.; Teddy Dake (6-1, 195), C, Sr.; Mark Foster (5-10, 205), OG, Jr.; Chris Francis (6-0, 275), DT, Sr.; Lanford Huddleston (5-7, 175), OLB, Sr.; Joe Kloeckner (5-9, 160), QB, Sr.; Marcus Levi (6-2, 270), DE, Jr.; Marcus Lewis (5-11, 195), TB, Sr.; Dale Watson (5-10, 175), TE, Sr.

Outlook: A year after capturing the 4A state title, the Warriors got within a game of a return to the championship contest in 1997, falling to Cimarron in the zone final. Stevens doesn't have many returners back this fall, but the influx of talent from last year's undefeated junior varsity squad could be enough to get Western back into the postseason. Lewis should battle with Cimarron's Parker and Durango's Dixon for division rushing honors, but he may be hampered by an offensive line that will be slower than in past years. Lewis will get relief from Evans, Davis, Bunch and Jones, all of whom should get considerable carries in the Warriors' run-heavy offensive system. Defensively, Western is counting on Brown and Huddleston to pressure opposing quarterbacks and to step up and stop the run. Even Mausbach admits he expects the defense to bend. Whether it breaks will go a long way toward determining how far into the playoffs the Warriors can go in 1998.

Other Local Schools

* BOULDER CITY EAGLES

Coach: Dan Cahill (fourth year)

1997 Record: 5-5 (2-2 3A Div. III)

Top Players: Tim Hanson (6-0, 170), SS, Sr.; Lee Hafen (6-3, 170), DB/WR/QB, Jr.; Donnie Overbay (6-2, 175), OLB, Sr.; T.C. Rittenbaugh (6-2, 170), WR/CB, Sr.; Pete Schelden (6-2, 260), OT/DT, Sr.; Joel Schrock (5-8, 165), QB, Sr.; Ronn Shaw (6-2, 220), TE, Jr.; Justin Trone (6-0, 185), TB/OLB/ P, Sr.

Outlook: The Eagles qualified for the 3A playoffs last year, falling to Northern foe Bishop Manogue in the first round. With several potential college players on the roster, including the dynamic Trone (who averaged seven yards-per-carry in 1997) and two-way lineman Schelden, Cahill's troops should challenge Moapa Valley and defending division champion Virgin Valley for the league title.

* MOJAVE RATTLERS

Coach: Mike Gutowski (third year)

1997 Record: 5-2 (junior varsity)

Top Players: Corey Dodds (6-0, 200), LB/TE, Jr.; Willie Ealy (6-2, 190), LB/RB, Jr.; Mike Givens (6-1, 200), LB/RB, Jr.; James Hern (5-10, 165), WR/ DB; Joe Primas (6-2, 175), QB/DB, Jr.; Calvin Redden (6-0, 185), WR/DB, Jr.; Tim Villaverde (5-11, 195), OL/K, Jr.

Outlook: The Rattlers move up to the varsity level for the first time since opening in 1996, but will compete as an independent this fall before moving into the Sunset. Gutowski, a former Clark coach, will use the season to prepare his junior-laden club for next year. Mojave will play Sunset foes Cheyenne, Gorman and Clark, but will also get the chance to square off against smaller conference opponents Pahrump, the Meadows and Boulder City.

* MEADOWS MUSTANGS

Coach: Frank DeSantis (third year)

1997 Record: 10-1 (8-0 2A South)

Top Players: Jaleel Anjum (6-0, 190), TE/LB, Sr.; Jeff Boman (6-1, 175), TE/LB, Jr.; Kevin Britt (5-11, 165), WR/CB, Jr.; John Clark (6-2, 175), OG/ DT, Jr.; Adam Gregory (6-2, 220), OT/DT, Jr.; Max Leinwand (6-1, 190), OT/ DT, Sr.; Ben Meoz (5-10, 175), C/LB, Sr.; Justin Michaels (6-1, 175), QB/LB, Sr.; Dewey Mote (6-2, 180), OT/DT, Sr.; Jeff Raskin (6-0, 180), RB/CB, Sr.; Jason Williamson (6-2, 185), OG/DE, Jr.; Victor Wright (5-11, 210), RB/ILB, Sr.

Outlook: The Mustangs were the only Las Vegas-area squad to win a state title last fall, capturing the 2A crown in their second season of 11-man football. With depth, experience and one of Nevada's most talented players (Wright) on its side, the Meadows should be a force again in 1998. An improved league (Lincoln County, Needles, Carlin and Tonopah should all be sold this year) could be the team's only obstacle.

* PALO VERDE PANTHERS

Coach: Darwin Rost (third year)

1997 Record: 6-3 (junior varsity)

Top Players: Thomas Black (6-0, 200), LB, Jr.; Jason Damato (6-1, 190), OT, Jr.; Andrew Douglas (6-1, 185), DE, Jr.; Mitchell Grant (5-10, 155), QB, Jr.; Gary Gray (6-2, 170), RB, Jr.; Brandon Meads (5-11, 150), WR, Jr.; Cynric Moore (6-4, 280), OT/K/P, Jr.; Owen Penroad (6-2, 250), DT, Jr.; Leroy Sutherland (5-10, 170), DB, Jr.; Calvin Washington (5-7, 150), DB/RB, Jr.

Outlook: Like Mojave, Palo Verde will compete as an independent in 1998 before joining the Sunset as a full-time member next season. Rost, a former Eldorado coach, has 52 juniors in the fold, a luxury which allowed him to keep his sophomores on the junior varsity squad. That could bode well down the road for a school with a lot of good athletes on campus.

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