Basic looking to build on last year’s success

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

Jeff Cahill could not have asked for a better first season as Basic High’s coach.

The Wolves won the Southeast Division title and advanced to the Sunrise Regional semifinals last year in finishing 8-4 overall. Now, they are out to prove the memorable season was not a one-time occurrence.

Cahill, a Basic graduate, envisions his program atop the league standings every year. To get there, the coach knows his team will have to consistently beat league favorites Silverado and Del Sol highs — it lost twice to Del Sol last fall, including the regional semifinals.

“That’s absolutely our goal every year,” Cahill said of winning the league title. “Winning last year helped get some momentum going into the spring and summer.”

Basic must replace most of its offense from last year with the graduation of quarterback Robby Faiman and receiver Justin Burdno. Senior Tyler Dobbins will take over at quarterback and his top target will be three-year varsity performer Omar Valenzuela, a reliable 5-foot-8, 160-pound receiver. Senior receiver Kelly Armistead (6-foot-1, 170-pounds) and senior tight end Seth Campbell (6-foot-1, 175-pounds) will also see action in Basic’s spread-option attack.

“I don’t think the cupboard is bare,” Cahill said. “We have a lot of good kids coming up.”

Dobbins, who is also the point guard on Basic’s basketball team, won’t be as familiar with the offense as Faiman. But he will present matchup problems for the opposition, Cahill said.

“He is very football smart and very athletic,” Cahill said. “He can run a little, too.”

Defensively, senior Bryon Stewart will key the effort from his linebacker position and be joined by safety Edward Villaros and defensive end Marty Christensen.

The Wolves open the season with the ‘Jug Game’ at longtime rival Boulder City High, then have road games at Desert Pines (Sept. 4) and Eldorado (Sept. 17) before the home opener on Sept. 25 against Coronado.

Don Taylor Stadium, Basic’s home venue, is arguably one of the toughest spots to play for a visitor. The Wolves’ fans base includes several from the community who look forward to Friday nights each fall.

“We are still a community based school,” Cahill said. “A lot of people in the community went to Basic and still support the school. They want to see us do good. That is what makes this school so special.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.