Avoiding a letdown

Adam Candee

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 | 9:28 a.m.

He watched his team let down once after a good performance, and coach Frank DeSantis is not about to let Eldorado repeat the effort -- especially not this week.

DeSantis, abruptly fired by Cimarron-Memorial last spring, takes his Sundevils (1-2) across town Friday night to face the Spartans (2-1). For the coach, more important than the return to Cimarron is the need to follow up on a surprising 35-0 victory against Durango last week.

"We beat a good team, I thought, but we've got to learn that's over with," DeSantis said.

Eldorado did not learn that lesson after taking Centennial into overtime in the first week of the season. The Sundevils put forth a sluggish effort in being shut out by Sierra Vista the next week, but the return of standout senior wideout Anthony Lide buoyed Eldorado against the Blazers.

After blanking Durango behind a stellar passing effort from junior quarterback Brandon Godfrey (13-of-23, 130 yards), Eldorado will need similar fireworks against a stellar Spartans defense. Cimarron has allowed just 13 points in its past two games, wins against Coronado and Desert Pines.

Spartans coach Ron Smeltzer feels that his squad, learning its third new defense in as many years, is beginning to come together in defensive coordinator Greg Spencer's scheme. It has not been simple.

"The kids just finally started to understand what we are asking them to do," Smeltzer said. "The reason I say that is they're starting to ask more questions. Before, it was just befuddled looks."

The Cimarron offense is also coming around, breaking free for 38 points against Desert Pines after struggling in its first two contests. Senior quarterback Dylan Hinton completed 11 of 14 passes for 214 yards as the Spartans played their most complete game of the year.

DeSantis is familiar with what Hinton can do, as he is familiar with what most of the Spartans are capable of. Though he spent less than a year at the helm of Cimarron after winning five consecutive 2A championships at Meadows, DeSantis feels there is some small edge in knowing the opponent from inside.

"I understand what each guy can do," DeSantis said. "I don't know if it gives us any advantage, but it helps."

DeSantis went through an acrimonious divorce from Cimarron, let go after a reasonably successful season in which the Spartans won a playoff game. He could not believe he was dismissed. "It was a big surprise," DeSantis said at the time. "It was a shock."

The shock has worn off, though, and DeSantis swears this game means no more than any other to both him and his team. In fact, he has made a point of saying as much to the Sundevils.

"I thought I would be a little more (fired up)," DeSantis said. "That's ancient history for me. I don't know if it is for them, but I can't worry about that."

"I just want to be where I'm wanted."

Smeltzer knows that situation well, already having faced his former Coronado team this season. He said his Spartans are not unusually excited for the game against DeSantis, and that is not terribly surprising to Smeltzer.

"Quite frankly, I'm not sure coach DeSantis had been here long enough to really get that foothold," Smeltzer said.

The foothold DeSantis enjoys is that of his Eldorado defense, which impressed him more than his team's offensive showing against Durango.

"Our defense played great," DeSantis said. "They gave us great field position all night."