Eliminating deja vu

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001 | 9:37 a.m.

The 2000 football season couldn't have started any better for Chaparral High School.

The Cowboys reeled off four straight wins, earned a top-10 state ranking and entered conference play as the overwhelming favorite to capture the Southeast Division.

And then something strange happened. Chaparral dropped a heartbreaker in its league opener against second-year Foothill and proceeded to fall apart from there, losing four of its final five games to miss the playoffs altogether.

Now, one year later, the Cowboys find themselves in a familiar position. Once again, they are 4-0 heading into their conference opener against Foothill Friday night. But, Chaparral coaches and players insist, that's where the similarities end.

"We're looking at this game totally different this time," said senior Derek Rathunde, a two-way starting lineman. "We thought we would easily beat them last year, and when we lost to them our season went downhill. This time, we're ready to play them."

Chaparral coach Ben Johnson agreed that his team might have been looking past the Falcons last year, toward the following week and the school's annual "Cleat Game" against nonconference rival Eldorado.

"We might have been caught a little bit last year, looking at Eldorado," Johnson said. "(Foothill) beat us and it made their season really good and kind of put a damper on our season. We learned a valuable lesson."

With Foothill (3-1) ranked No. 7 and Chaparral No. 9 in this week's Sun statewide poll, many believe Friday's matchup will ultimately determine the Southeast Division champion, as well as the accompanying No. 1 playoff seed.

"A lot of teams look at Foothill and Chaparral as the top teams on our side, and this could very well have an effect on the seeding down the road," Johnson said. "Seeding is so important on our side, because you don't want to play Vegas or Desert Pines early in the playoffs."

After winning five games and making the playoffs in their first full-fledged varsity season a year ago, the Falcons won't sneak up on anyone in 2001. Tailback John Ford, a transfer from California, has been as good as advertised, rushing for 810 yards and 14 touchdowns on 104 carries.

"First, he's just a great kid. And he makes you a better coach when he makes three guys miss," Foothill coach Ray Fenton said. "He certainly gives us a little bit of an advantage, but they have some weapons too."

Chief among the Cowboys' weapons this season has been senior Grady Thomas, a dangerous receiver who has also provided game-winning touchdowns the past two weeks on punt and kickoff returns.

Running back Markesse Owens has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in all four Chaparral victories, and quarterback Justin Arnold has thrown for three touchdowns and rushed for four more.

The Cowboys' defense has played a major role as well, allowing only seven touchdowns in four contests. That unit will receive a stiff test Friday as it tries to contain the UNLV-bound Ford.

"Our defense can't be just one guy making tackles," safety Derek Niggemeier said. "It needs to be 11 guys working together as one."

More than an improved offense or defense, however, Chaparral players who experienced last year's free fall know the biggest difference is the team's change in attitude.

"We're 4-0 and no one is talking about it in the locker room," Thomas said. "This is our first conference game, and after what happened last year, we know it can make or break our season."