Veteran quarterback one of Rancho’s prized weapons

By Brent Hinckley

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

Rancho’s James Cammack is one of the top returning quarterbacks in town. He passed for 1,053 yards and 13 touchdowns last year and is poised to continue dissecting defenses this fall.

He said he won’t be alone.

“Last year was great, but the offense isn’t going to be all about me this year. We’ve got some good running backs,” Cammack said. “If everyone plays their roles, we’ll be good.”

Humble or not, Cammack is the prized weapon in the Rams’ offensive arsenal for new coach Elvin Dick. Dick replaces Gary Maki, who took Durango’s job last winter.

“He’s an excellent quarterback and we have some guys for him to get the ball to,” Dick said. “But we will be balanced in our passing and offense.”

Dick comes to Rancho after three years at Los Angeles’ Schurr High, which he coached to the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Southeast Division championship in 2006.

He’ll have his work cut out for him — the Rams went 5-5 last season, 2-4 in the Northeast Division, to finish in a tie for fourth place, but missed the playoffs on a tie-breaker with Chaparral.

“We want to change the culture. I want them to think like winners every day,” Dick said.

About 20 seniors return including starters Cammack, running back Mack Millender, linebacker Dijon Holman, defensive lineman Rodrick Tuisavalo and wide receiver Isaiah Santos.

“It’s a solid group of seniors who know how to be leaders,” Dick said. “They’re a more athletic team than I’ve had at other schools, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to wins.”

While the offense returns many of its top players, the defense won’t need much tweaking either. Rancho had the league’s top defense last year, allowing the fewest points (275) of the division’s seven teams. Desert Pines allowed 276 points and first place Canyon Springs gave up 294.

“We have good speed on defense, but our front seven is lacking from last year,” Dick said. “We have a strong secondary, but we’ve got to improve the line.”

Other than making the playoffs, the seniors have one other goal in mind — winning the Bone Game against Las Vegas on Oct. 17. They haven’t beaten Las Vegas in 14 years.

“I don’t care what Vegas does or who they got. They don’t concern me,” Millender said. “Beating them here concerns me.”

Brent Hinckley is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2687 or [email protected].