Coach bringing winning formula to Sundevils

Richard Brian

Eldorado linebacker David Tufele Jr. and running back Darius Smith (on goal post) are optimistic about this fall with first-year coach Leon Evans taking over the program.

By Brent Hinckley (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Coach Evans

Can a former Rancho Ram turn around Eldorado’s football program? More importantly would he want to?

“It’s a fierce rivalry. I’ve got three coaches on staff who are Eldorado alumni and we give each other a hard time. But I’m a Sundevil now,” first year coach Leon Evans said.

Even his players, who have only known Evans for a few months, know Eldorado comes first for Evans.

“He doesn’t show he’s from Rancho,” senior linebacker David Tufele Jr. said. “He shows that he’s a ’devil.”

The Sundevils are 5-24 the last three seasons, but Evans is no stranger to success. He was a member of Rancho’s 1988 state championship team and posted a 24-13 record in three years coaching Desert Pines, including a trip to the state title game in 2002 in which the Jaguars lost to Reno’s McQueen High 36-7.

“I’m going to use the same formula. I’m going to hold the players and the coaches accountable,” Evans said. “We need to get better in the weight room to get bigger, stronger and faster. If they’ll make that commitment, I like our chances.”

Evans is excited about the team’s offense, which will be led by senior running back Tone Gatewood. He had 47 carries for 153 yards last season, down from his 68 carries for 296 yards in 2006.

“He was hurt last year, but he’s been the most impressive so far. He made some great runs at the Utah State camp (June 9 to 12),” Evans said.

Gatewood was one of a handful of players who met St. Louis Rams running back and Eldorado alum Steven Jackson, who recently paid a visit to the school.

“He talked about working hard on the field, in the weight room and in class,” Gatewood said. “It’s cool to think we’re both Eldorado running backs.”

Sophomore quarterback Jaquorrey Williams will be the youngest player on the offense. He played in one game as a freshman, going 2-for-6 for 70 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 38-14 loss to Rancho.

“He’s a good quarterback. He’s young and throws the ball well,” Evans said. “I had to go find him someone to throw the ball to.”

Senior receiver Charles White will be a new face on the team. He was one of the basketball team’s leading rebounders last season and Evans brought him in to grab passes.

“He has height. ... He doesn’t have a lot of experience, but his size and basketball background make him a good receiver,” Evans said.

Brent Hinckley is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2687 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.