Snap to attention

Nick Christensen

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 | 9:10 a.m.

Southeast Division

Last year, the Foothill Falcons dominated on offense and defense.

This year, the Falcons think they can win a little more by doing a little less.

Last year, the Falcons allowed just 87 points in the regular season, and two games in have already given up 27. Foothill averaged 34 points per game last season, but have scored only 43 so far this season.

Part of that is because the Falcons have played good teams -- they beat Eldorado on a last-second field goal, then defeated Cimarron last week. But part is by design, as new offensive and defensive systems drawn up by coach Ray Fenton take advantage of one player in particular -- Arthur Mayville.

Mayville, an all-state linebacker and part time running back in 2003, took the helm of the Falcons' offense this season, becoming the team's full-time quarterback in addition to his already extensive resume.

A senior, Mayville has had experience as a team's offensive leader. He hated it so much that it drove him away from a school.

On Green Valley's junior varsity team in 10th grade, Mayville played exclusively at quarterback.

"I was really frustrated at Green Valley," he said. "It wasn't as exciting. I like being in the game the whole time."

He moved to Foothill's zone, and became the surprise of Fenton's Falcons last season. He led his team's defensive points system in 2003, and has been just as active so far this season.

Five colleges, including Oregon, Fresno State and UNLV, are recruiting Mayville for his defensive abilities. But while his defense is likely his ticket to Division I, it's his offense that provides a spark to the Falcons.

In his first game against Eldorado, he rushed for 132 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown run, and was 4-for-6 with 59 yards passing.

The 132 yards were in addition to teammate D'Angelo Jones' 93 yards. Fenton said the combination of Mayville and Jones has opened up several new plays for his offense.

"It's great," Fenton said. "We run some true option where it could be the fullback, quarterback, or halfback getting the ball. We always have D'Angelo Jones, who is as good as anybody. We run some select plays where he runs the ball and where there are no options on there.

"We have two talented kids on offense, exceptionally talented, and it gives you a lot of choices as a coach calling the plays. We have a chance that either one of those guys could carry on any play and get positive yards. You don't have to get perfect blocking. We could miss a guy and still have a nice play."

Mayville said he enjoys sticking to the ground more than putting the ball in the air.

"It's definitely easier to use my athletic ability than to throw deep," he said.

Mayville has also used his increasing offensive time to help his defensive abilities.

"I know what a quarterback looks for," he said. "I can figure out how to trick them. They don't know what's coming from our defensive scheme."

But there are times when Mayville's defense hurts his offense. Mayville has had some personal foul penalties this season, and it's something he knows he has to work on.

"I want to be under more control," he said. "(The coach) always tells me, be wild on defense, and on offense, calm down and be a leader. Gain respect from your players. You don't have to be charged up to run."

Mayville said he thinks that his moving into the quarterback's role, as well as some other changes, will help Foothill advance from the Sunrise Region for the first time and make it to the state championship.

"We were missing some pieces last year," he said. "Those pieces are plugged in now."