Members of the Cheyenne High football team pose for a photo at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day July 20, 2016 at the South Point. They include, from left, Corwin Bush, William Federson, John Tarver, and Deriontae Green.
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 | 2 a.m.
Prep Sports Now
Football: There is no close second
Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer ring in the start of football season by discussing some of the valley's top storylines and teams, like Bishop Gorman, Liberty, Arbor View and Desert Pines.
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Cheyenne High’s defense was one of the most feared units last season in the 3A classification. This year, coaches feel it might be better.
The Desert Shields held opponents to only 10 points per game in 2015, and ended the regular season with four straight shutouts against Pahrump Valley, Mojave, Western and Clark.
“Last year it was one of our strengths and this year we are excited to have these guys back to help,” said defensive coordinator Gerald Robinson. “They know how the defense works and we are really excited about the scheme we have.”
Leading the way will be 6-foot-3, senior free safety William Federson, who led the team with three interceptions.
Not only did Cheyenne shut out its final four opponents to end the regular season, the Desert Shields led Desert Pines 7-0 after one quarter in the playoffs, and held the Jaguars to 35 points — 18 points below their regular season average. But ,despite an excellent defensive performance, the Desert Shields are not satisfied with losing in the opening round of the playoffs.
“Losing in the first round two years in a row is very hard to get through, but that’s something for us to push through,” said receiver Deriontae Green. “Being a senior this year I want to get past the first round.”
Green will be one of the leaders on an offense that will be replacing most of its production from 2015.
Anthony McConnico, who passed for 1,300, and leading rusher David Walker are both graduated
“In our offense we are really exciting to have a scheme that works,” Robinson said. “It was very productive for us last year and we are hoping to carry that momentum into this year as well.”
The Desert Shields will be returning their two leading receivers, Green and fellow senior Corwin Bush — who caught 28 passes for 377 yards and four touchdowns last year.
But despite Robinson’s optimism for the offense, Cheyenne’s season will undoubtedly be carried by its ball-hawking defense.
“Basically everything is exciting about our (defensive) scheme,” said senior linebacker John Tarver. “The physicality that we have and the aggression that we have. Our speed is going to be a top priority on our defense as well.”
The Desert Shields may struggle early with a brutal non-conference schedule, but look for Cheyenne to shine once league play starts in late September.
Cheyenne will play four 4A teams to start the season, hosting Foothill and Coronado while taking trips to Canyon Springs and Cimarron-Memorial.
“We’re real excited about what we were able to accomplish last year, and it’s something to build off of for this year,” Robinson said. “The momentum is very important to us.”
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