Rancho to rely on its rushing game

By Case Keefer (contact)

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

Last year’s Rancho High games featured as much air traffic as a Blue Angels rally.

This year, expect the Rams’ games to be more like a go-kart race.

“Last year, we threw the ball like 40 times per game,” Rancho coach Elvin Dick said. “I don’t think we’ll throw it 40 times all year this year.”

Rancho will rely more on ground transportation this season because running back is the Rams’ deepest position.

Dick expects both senior Tyquin Coleman and junior Michael Cruz to receive multiple carries each game.

That’s not the only reason Rancho will be committed to its rushing attack. It returns all but one starter on the offensive line, including senior Tyler Gaston.

“We’ve got a real good group of linemen,” Dick said. “We’ll be pretty decent up front.”

Dick is also planning on finding creative ways to get senior receiver Harvey Yarbrough the ball. Yarbrough has emerged as the leader in offseason workouts by constantly pushing his teammates and dedicating himself to the upcoming season.

Yarbrough will also start as a defensive back. Dick said that Yarbrough will be a playmaker on both sides of the ball.

“He’s tall, athletic and strong,” Dick said. “He’ll hit you on defense and he wants the ball in his hands on offense.”

Rancho went 5-5 last season and was eliminated in the Sunrise Regional quarterfinals. The Rams always put up points, but could rarely prevent their opponents from doing so as well.

Dick said the defense would be young this year, but would progress as the season went on.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or at [email protected].