Spring Valley eyes first playoff victory

By Case Keefer (contact)

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

Spring Valley High coach Kelly Murphy is frustrated.

The Grizzlies have been one of the top teams in the Southwest Division since opening in 2004, including posting an 8-1 regular record last season. But the program is still looking for its first playoff victory.

“That’s a recurrent theme and we want to break that this season,” Murphy said. “These seniors really want to get this accomplished.”

This season could be Spring Valley’s best opportunity yet. The Grizzlies return 11 starters and a handful of other players with meaningful experience.

The most important returner is senior quarterback Anton Stallworth, one of the valley’s best at the position. Murphy said he had no concerns about Stallworth’s physical ability or decision-making.

“What I’m doing more with him now is management of the game,” Murphy said. “He’s got his head on his shoulders. He’s the central focus of our offense. He’s the leader of our entire team.”

Stallworth has a new weapon beside him on offense this year in Brandon Lopez, a junior receiver. Lopez played last year, but has transformed into a standout in the offseason, the coach said.

Murphy said the 5-foot-10 Lopez has added significant bulk to his 175-pound frame.

“He’s one of the best wide receivers in the valley,” Murphy said. “People are going to take notice of this kid immediately because we are going to put the ball in his hands.”

Another player Murphy said to watch was senior defensive tackle Travon Davis. Players like Davis are remembering the Grizzlies’ two defeats from last year for motivation.

Spring Valley lost by a touchdown to Bishop Gorman in the regular season and lower-seeded Cimarron-Memorial knocked them off in the playoffs.

“Our motto has always been, ‘play hard, play fast and finish,’” Murphy said. “I think we played hard and played fast, but a couple of games last year we didn’t finish. That cost us. What we’re looking at this year is a little bit more leadership from our seniors in order to get past what we want to get past.”

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