Green Valley will rely on offensive line

By Ray Brewer (contact)

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

Green Valley High will rely on several inexperienced players at the skilled positions this fall in its quest to return to the postseason.

The Gators won their first playoff game in more than a decade in 2008 in advancing to the Sunrise Regional semifinals, but will have to replace several key components to equal the success.

While Green Valley will have first-time varsity performers at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, it returns four of five starters on the offensive line.

Led by three-year starter Chris LaRue (6-foot-2, 305-pounds), along with John Archulata (6-foot-3, 275-pounds), Nate Thomas (6-foot, 225-pounds) and tight end Scott Arn, the line will give the Gators a distinct advantage.

“The line will be a big help for us,” Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said. “Our young guys are coming along. They just need some time.”

Green Valley has two vying to become the starting quarterback in senior Jordan Corbett and junior Paul McKay. Senior Treveese Jackson and sophomore Aaron Love will get most of the carries at tailback.

The Gators will also rely on inexperienced players defensively with Thomas, who doubles at linebacker, one of the lone key returners.

“It’s a process when you rely on young guys,” Gerber said. “You have to see how they react to playing at a faster pace.”

Green Valley will have the valley’s best special teams with kicker Nolan Kohorst.

Kohorst, who has scholarship offers from UNLV, Air Force and Wyoming, connected on 10 fields goals last year with a long of 54 yards. More importantly, his kickoffs usually reach the endzone, which helps the Gators win the battle for field position.

“One of the first things I learned when I got into coaching was to pay heavy attention to special teams,” Gerber said. “When you have a kid like Nolan whose kickoffs go into the end zone, you force the other team to go 80 yards. That is tough for a high school team to do.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected].