Defense must improve for Bonanza to find success

By Case Keefer (contact)

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

Almost no one found a way to slow Bonanza’s offense last season.

The Bengals scored 29 points per game behind nearly 1,300 yards rushing from DaSean Martin and nearly 1,500 yards passing from Sterling Sprau.

Problem was Bonanza couldn’t slow anyone themselves. The defense gave up 37 points per game as the Bengals went 3-7.

With Sprau and Martin both back for their senior years, the offense will certainly thrive again in 2010. But can the defense turn it around?

“We’ve got a nice group of linebackers coming in with a couple of transfers,” Bonanza coach Shawn Dupris said. “We’re looking to put the whole thing together on defense and be a physical team.”

The most important newcomer to the Bonanza defense isn’t a player at all. It’s a coach.

George Baker, who spent the last few years as the head coach at Centennial, took over the defensive coordinator post at Bonanza. Baker will switch the Bengals to a 4-3 defense.

“He was a huge pickup for me,” Dupris said. “To get a guy of his caliber and who is all about football is a nice match for the two of us. We’re ready to roll.”

Martin and Sprau are also prepared to make the most out of their final high school season. Martin, who has become one of the valley’s most sought after recruits, is a four-year starter.

He figures to be one of the best running backs and cornerbacks in the state this season. Sprau has started for three years and has quite a bit of ability himself.

“It’s real nice having DaSean,” Sprau said. “You just get the ball to him and he does all the work. The way he runs it, it gives me room to pass.”

The Bengals have skill players that seemingly match up with any team in town.

“Not only are they great athletes, but they are smart individuals,” Dupris said. “It’s a complicated offense, but they give us the ability to throw and run from any set or any combination.”

With so many key players returning and Baker running the defense, anything short of the playoffs would be a major letdown for Bonanza this season.

The Bengals reached the playoffs in 2008, before missing out last season.

“I think we’ll be pretty good and keep improving without making mistakes,” Sprau said. “We’re going to play the whole game and not get down.”

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.