Defending Sunrise champion Del Sol looks to continue winning ways

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Fresh off its Sunrise Regional title and state runner-up finish last fall, Del Sol High football coach Preston Goroff knows duplicating the magical playoff run will be easier said than done.

The Dragons, which fell 62-21 to Bishop Gorman in the state title game, have gone from a team relatively under the radar to a team the opposition will by gunning for. And, just like last year, they will struggle with depth — seven players are projected to start both ways.

“Obviously the bar was raised a little bit,” Goroff said. “The expectations are high and we know it. We have to shoot for the moon.”

Goroff, who in the only coach in the school’s seven-year history, hasn’t let the players rest of the successes of last year — they also won the Henderson-based Southeast Division title for the second time in four seasons. The offseason training regime mirrors that of year’s past, with an emphasis placed on being the most physical team on the field each Friday night.

“This year’s team hasn’t won a game. We can’t rest on last year,” Goroff said. “Success breeds success, and our mentality hasn’t changed. We are still doing everything the same way.”

Del Sol’s strength will be its offensive line, which is led by senior Sy Peko-Hansell, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound tackle who made the All-Sun preseason team. Also, center Roque Covarrubias (6-foot-3, 280-pounds) and tackle Mario Herrera (6-foot-3, 265-pounds) each saw significant action last year in the Dragons’ run-first offense.

Goroff hopes the stability on the line will help overcome the graduation of their top two skilled players — running back Dezeric Reed and wide receiver Evan Weinstock, who combined for 36 touchdowns in 2009.

Senior tailback DeVante Stapleton, who only saw action on defense last year, will takeover as the feature back. Junior Chris Marshall the top leading returning rusher with 374 yards last year, will also see carries.

“Our success is always based on being able to run the ball,” Goroff said. “It doesn’t matter who is going to run the ball if you are good up front.”

Senior quarterback Troy Miller (1,474 yards and 20 touchdowns last year) is one of the valley’s top signal callers, but the Dragons have a group of unproven receivers.

Defensively, linebackers Stapleton and Byron Stewart are key returners, with senior Jason Meuir anchoring the secondary. Meuir, who caught 10 passes for 62 yards last year, is also the Dragons’ leading returner receiver.

Del Sol opens the season Aug. 27 against visiting Durango — the first step in having a repeat performance from last year.

“It’s going to be real interesting to see how the kids respond,” Goroff said of last year’s success. “But kids have short memories. They know last year was last year.”