Staff bringing new schemes to Boulder City

Heather Cory

Boulder City High quarterback Jake Phillips, right, had a busy offseason learning the Eagles’ new spread option offense under first-year coach Alex Kazel. He pitches the ball to Alex Critcher.

By Brent Hinckley

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

It's been an offseason of change for Boulder City High.

There's a new coaching staff, new offensive and defensive schemes and a new look to the 3A Southern League.

Alex Kazel, formerly Basic's defensive coordinator, is the new head coach, replacing Jeff Knutson, now at Fernley High in Northern Nevada.

"This is a good group of kids that work hard and is looking to get better," Kazel said.

Joining Kazel is former Coronado coach Alex Moore, the Eagles new defensive coordinator. Moore posted an 11-20 record in three years at the Cougars helm.

"Coach Moore brings in a lot of defensive knowledge, and I'm excited to have him as part of the staff," Kazel said.

The new coaching staff brought in a new offensive and defensive schemes, which the Eagles have spent the last few months learning.

Boulder City switched from a wing-T to a spread offense, while the defense moved to a 4-3 (four lineman, three linebackers) from a 3-5 (three lineman, five linebackers).

"We're faster and more athletic up front. We really move to the ball," senior safety Alex Critcher said.

Senior quarterback Jake Phillips split time at quarterback with River Frantz last season, but has the job full-time this year.

"Going from a wing-T to a spread is a lot different, but I really like what we're going to do," Phillips said.

The other big change was the realignment of the league. Pahrump Valley moved up to the 4A Sunset Southwest Division, leaving the 3A Southern League with just four teams.

"It's not ideal, but with just four teams in the league you have to travel a lot," Kazel said.

With only three league games, the Eagles had to find six non-league games to fill the schedule. Getting those games required having to play on the road, so the Eagles have just three home games.

"We're going to California twice, but I think the trips will be good," Kazel said. "It'll make the guys be together and I think it'll help the team."

All four league teams are guaranteed a spot in the postseason, but Kazel said just being in the playoffs is not enough.

"I can't blow that then. I've heard you can be 3-9 and state champions, but that's not our goal. We don't want to be the fourth seed," Kazel said. "We want to play at home in the playoffs. It's a big advantage. We don't want to travel up north in the cold and altitude for a playoff game."

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