Skyhawks may end up at state

Heather Cory

Cousins Teran Madau-Jules, left, and Trenten Tipton give Silverado one of the valley’ s most athletic backfields. Madu-Jules rushed for 523 yards and seven touchdowns last year as a sophomore.

By Jared Harmon (contact)

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

A year after flying under the radar to go undefeated and win the Southeast Division for the first time in the school’s 15-year history, Silverado will not be overlooked again.

Led by three Division I prospects, including defensive end Keenan Graham, who already has 15-plus scholarship offers, the Skyhawks are expected to battle for a state title — impressive considering the ‘Hawks have never made it out of the Sunrise Regional semifinals.

After not cracking the top 10 last year, Silverado was voted No. 3 in the Home News’ Pre-Season Coaches Poll despite losing several key contributors, including linebacker Kolton Villa and Home News Player of the Year Telvin McMillian, to graduation.

‘Hawks coach Andy Ostolaza said the core of returners mixed with the call-ups from last year’s undefeated junior varsity team could produce another dominating season.

“We’ve got a lot of talented kids we have to replace — a lot of experience — but the group we have coming back is pretty good,” Ostolaza said. “The group of young guys coming in were undefeated as sophomores. We’re going to have a talented group again.”

The defense allowed 17.5 points per game last year and could be equally as stingy this year led by Graham, linebacker T.J. Alofipo and defensive back Michael Wadsworth, all Division I prospects. Alofipo and Graham combined for 14.5 tackles per game and 25 sacks last year.

Linebacker Marcus Mata’u played junior varsity last year and looks promising, the coach said.

“You really can’t replace a guy like Kolton, but Mata’u looks like he just might be a similar kind of guy for us,” Ostolaza said.

Offensively, the ‘Hawks should have a different look as Ostolaza predicts they will throw more with junior Trenten Tipton taking snaps.

Tipton’s cousin, junior Teran Madu-Jules, who rushed for 523 yards and seven touchdowns as a back-up last season, will anchor the backfield.

“Trenten has a strong arm and the kid can move around,” the coach said. “He looked real good in camp and with his speed he should allow us to be a little more diverse. Teran’s going to get the bulk of the carries and we’ll work (wide receiver and defensive back) Wadsworth in there, too.”

Tipton said he’s ready for the challenge of leading the offense and welcomes the pressure that comes with the position.

“I’m excited for whatever gets thrown at me,” Tipton said. “No offense to the guys who played last year, but I look at what we have and I think this year’s offense is going to be way better than last year’s. Our offensive line is great and I’m glad they’re in front of me.”

Jared Harmon is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.