Zone change puts Sierra Vista at a loss

Heather Cory

Sierra Vista tailback Akil Sharpe became one of the valley’s top college prospects last spring when he was timed at 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash and bench pressed 330 pounds during testing in Southern California.

By Christopher Drexel (contact)

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

Before Sierra Vista can worry about suffering losses at the hands of opponents, it must first worry about its losses from within.

With the opening of nearby Desert Oasis this fall, Sierra Vista's enrollment is expected to drop from nearly 3,700 students to 2,400 as incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors living south of Blue Diamond Road will be zoned for the new school.

"The thing that gets you is some of these kids you invest a lot of time at weight training and at practice and making sure they stay eligible," Sierra Vista coach Mark Sauve said. "It's not always nice to see someone else gain the fruits of your labor."

Sauve said his program lost four juniors to Desert Oasis who saw regular time on varsity as sophomores last season. Another eight who started for the junior varsity team a year ago and were expected to make an impact at varsity also made the move.

Sierra Vista also lost the strong-armed Emir Lopez, who started at quarterback as a junior in 2007 but transferred to Las Vegas High.

But the Mountain Lions feel they have enough firepower to overcome the losses. A key to the team's season is expected to be running back Akil Sharpe, who rushed for 1,255 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007.

He will also start at either linebacker or safety.

"Last year was my first year not playing both ways since I was little, so it's something I'm used to and I'm well conditioned for it," Sharpe said.

During the offseason, Sharp earned the third highest score nationally in the Nike SPARQ rating, which measures college recruits in various speed and strength drills. He was also clocked at 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash and benched 330 pounds.

"Whoever we play, he will be the focal point of who opponents want to stop," Sauve said. "He's gained a lot of strength and speed and we look for him not just to outrun people, but run over people."

Sharpe said his goal is to help Sierra Vista win its first playoff game in school history. Last season, the Mountain Lions lost five games by a touchdown or less and were blanked in the regional quarterfinals by Palo Verde.

"There are always things that will occur in life you have to overcome and the whole zoning thing is something we've learned to deal with," Sharpe said. "We've had key players go to different schools, but as long as we keep together we will do well."

Christopher Drexel is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8929 or christopher.drexel@hbcpub.com..