Young Canyon Springs squad will be tested early

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.

Talk about a baptism by fire.

The Canyon Springs High football team will regularly play 15 to 18 sophomores this fall, with the group of first-time varsity performers getting their initial taste of action under the Friday night lights against one of the state’s perennial powers.

Palo Verde, which has one regular season loss in the last four years, will be the first test for a group of younger players Pioneers coach Hunkie Cooper feels are up to the challenge.

“The youth is a good thing for us,” Cooper said. “They don’t know about Palo Verde or their traditions. All they know is that they want to play football.

“We are glad we can be tested early with a worthy opponent like Palo Verde. If we go out and win, it sets the tone for the rest of the season and for the rest of their careers. If we lose, we know what we have to work on to accomplish our goals.”

While Canyon Springs’ sophomore class has its most talented players, it’s junior Donnel Pumphrey who is the team’s unquestioned top player. Pumphrey rushed for 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns last year, averaging 9.28 yards per carry. His carries will likely double this fall to around 30 per game.

“He’s an exciting player,” Cooper said. “I believe in my heart that this kid has Reggie-Bush like ability. He will be one of the best players on the west coast. I’m not just saying this. I’ve coached a lot of good players and he’s right up there with all of them.”

In addition to Pumphrey, the Pioneers potentially have some of the valley’s most dynamic players. And Cooper isn’t afraid to give them each an opportunity to shine.

Wide receiver Michael Gayden (6-foot-2, 200-pounds) is one of around five seniors in the starting lineup and will be joined by Darnell Jernigan at receiver.

Cooper says not to let Jernigan’s 5-foot-6, 150-pound frame fool you. “When this guy catches the football, anything can happen,” the coach said.

Another player to watch on offense include is RB/WR Diamante Luna.

Defensively, senior Stephon Revels and sophomore Austin Cooper at cornerback, and sophomore defensive tackle Rayshawn Henderson (6-2, 265-pounds) will lead the way.

This is Cooper’s third year at the helm of the program, with the Pioneers making the playoffs both years. In 2009, they lost in the Sunrise quarterfinals; last year they reached the semifinals.

Maybe this could be their year to take the next step.

“Our kids have a lot of ability. Now, they also have direction,” Cooper said. “It’s scary how good we could be.”