prep football preview:

Cimarron’s speedy tailback will key running game

David Becker / Special to the Home News

Cimarron-Memorial High School track star Stephen Nixon prepares before competing in at track meet against Palo Verde High School on March 18.

By Steve Silver (contact)

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

With Stephen Nixon in the Spartans’ backfield, it is no surprise what Cimarron-Memorial High plans to do this season — run, run and run.

Nixon, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior, is possibly the fastest football player in the valley.

A two-time state champion in the 100-meter dash, Nixon proved nearly uncatchable last season as he racked up a league high 1,907 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns while averaging nine yards per carry. His backfield partner and talented cornerback Zach Barbara rushed for 553 yards and six scores last season.

As a team, the Spartans rushed for 3,105 yards, while only passing for 199 yards.

“We have very high expectations this year for our football team,” said second-year Cimarron head coach Rod Vollan. “We are fortunate that we return several veteran playmakers on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.”

Vollan hopes that his squad’s summer work ethic will lead to more victories and perhaps a deeper playoff run this season.

Last year the Spartans fell in the Sunset Regional semifinals to Palo Verde 35-21.

“The kids this year have really made a concerted effort to step up their commitment through spring and summer activities and UNLV football camp,” Vollan said. “Our numbers have almost doubled this year with regard to summer commitment and training.”

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.

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