Marshall aims to continue winning ways at Cimarron

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001 | 9:56 a.m.

Kellen Marshall hasn't experienced many bumps in the road during his three-year varsity football career.

A starting running back for powerhouse Cimarron-Memorial since his sophomore season, Marshall has captured a 4A state title, a Sunset Region championship and two Northwest Division crowns. He enters his senior year with more than 3,500 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns under his belt, and already has an All-Southern Nevada co-offensive MVP award on his resume.

But last Novemember, the Spartans' 5-11, 165-pound sparkplug was thrown for a loop, when Cimarron coach Greg Spencer -- architect of the program's rise from new school in 1991 to back-to-back state champion in 1998 and '99 -- announced his retirement after 10 seasons.

"(Spencer) one of the best coaches in the state, so I was kind of unsure what to expect this year," Marshall said. "And with Coach Spencer gone, a lot of people in town are downplaying (our chances) this year."

Marshall showed up for summer practices anxious to see what new coach Gary Maki, a former Mojave assistant, had in store for a team that has lost just twice in its last 25 contests. To Marshall's relief, it didn't take him long to determine that Maki and his staff would fit in well with Cimarron's veteran players.

"We've got to adjust to some new coaches, some new schemes, but it's the same Spartan football," Marshall said. "Coach (Maki) has been over here every day since he got the job, and that got my confidence."

Certainly, there are noticeable differences between the stern Spencer and the more laid back Maki.

"The first time I told a joke, I was the only one laughing," Maki said. "The kids weren't used to laughter at practice.

"I'm not Greg Spencer. Following someone of his stature has been quite interesting. I think a few of them came in expecting another Greg Spencer, wondering what they were in for, but as time has gone on the kids are buying into what I'm trying to do."

One thing Maki will try to do in 2001 is lessen the load on Marshall. Hardly known for a prolific passing game during the Spencer era, the Spartans should feature a more balanced offense this season, with senior quarterback Danny Phee returning after starting all 12 games a year ago.

"If Danny has the success he's capable of, defenses will have to be more honest and we feel (Marshall) will get his yardage without taking so much of a beating," Maki said. "He'll be sharing the spotlight, but he'll get his yardage."

And that's just fine with Marshall, as long as Cimarron's new system has the same successful end results as the old one.

"I'm just going to go out and do what I do best, and that's run the ball," Marshall said. "It's my senior year. I don't want to go out not winning state again."

This is the third in a five-part series of stories previewing the high school football season.