Page 18 - 2020 Sollenberger

6A Conference Team-By-Team Preview
Ranked 11th in 6A following the 2019 regular season, Liberty was seeded seventh heading in the 6A playoffs. The Lions met up with top-seeded Red Mountain in the title game, where a pass breakup in the end zone in overtime secured a 34-28 victory and the school’s first-ever football title. (Mark Jones photo/MaxPreps)
By Les Willsey azpreps365.com
6A DESERT VALLEY REGION
Brophy Prep
Head coach: Jason Jewell.
Years as school’s head coach: 2nd year, 8-3. 2019 record: 8-3.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. OL Mark Trusiak (5-10, 235); Sr. WR Andy Salome (6-1, 190), 201 receiving yards, 2 TDs; Jr. WR Taj Hughes (5-8, 185), 465 receiving yards, 5 TDs.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Jr. CB Ben Morrison (5-11, 165), 42 tackles, 2 INT; Sr. LB Damarcus Dennard (5-11, 210), 37 tackles, 2 INT; Jr. DL Zac Swanson (6-4-240), 15 tackles; Sr. DL Will Bastman (6-0, 200), 14 tackles.
Also keep an eye on: Jr. K Marcus Lye (6-1, 190); Jr. TE Tyler Powell (6-7, 210); Jr. QB Elijah Warner (5-11, 180); Sr. LB Alex Yoza (5-10, 215).
Strengths of offense: Passing game and experienced WR and QB group. Strengths of defense: Secondary and defensive line.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): Graduated four starting OL and three starting LB. Depth.
2020 expectations: Win a playoff game and compete in a very tough region.
Centennial
Chaparral
Head coach: Brent Barnes.
Years as school’s head coach: 3rd year, record 13-9.
2019 record: 8-3.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. RB Jared Williams (5-11, 205), 1,034 rushing yards, 21 TDs, 314 receiving yards, 4 TDs; Sr. WR Max Minor (6-4, 185), 534 receiving yards, 5 TDs; Sr. WR Capri Hamilton (5-9, 170), 398 receiving yards, 3 TDs; Sr. OL Mason Osborn (6-4, 290); Sr. OL Sardar Azeez (6-2, 305); Sr. OL TJ Ritter (6-3, 305).
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. DB Jack Whitten (6-1, 175), 54 tackles; Sr. DB Cole Nordman (6-1, 155) 12 tackles; Sr. DB Jackson Knight (6-1, 170) 14 tackles; Sr. LB Joey Balducci (5-11, 210), 31 tackles; 2 sacks; Sr. DL Cam- eron Desouza (6-3, 235); Sr. DL Ryan MacMillen (6-2, 230); Jr. DL Anthony Lucas (6-5, 290), 29 tackles; 6 sacks; Jr. DB Jacob Franze (5-10, 170), 49 tackles.
Also keep an eye on: Jr. QB Brayten Silbor (6-3 190), 1,129 passing yards, 11 TDs, 2 INT; Jr. TE Lucas Garvey (6-3, 225); Sr. WR Jackson Holmes (6-0, 175); Sr. DL Meyer Shinsky (6-3, 235); Jr. LB CJ Eastwood (5-10, 200).
Strengths of offense: Experienced OL with good size. One of top QB’s in state in Brayten Silbor. Versatile, explosive back in Jared Williams. Great depth at wide receiver. Third year in the same system.
Strengths of defense: Anthony Lucas anchoring strong DL. Great experience at DB. Strong LB play. Continuity with staff and system.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): Depth on offensive and defensive lines.
2020 expectations: Compete week in and week out with extremely difficult schedule. Compete for region championship. Win in the playoffs.
Liberty
Head coach: Colin Thomas.
Years as school’s head coach: 1st year.
2019 record: 10-4.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. LT Kyle Sfarcioc (6-3, 290); So. RB Zacches Cooper (5-11, 200), 669 rushing yards, 4 TDs; Sr. WR Cail Knapp (6-0, 180), 221 rushing yards, 132 receiving yards, 1 TD.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Jr. S Jax Stam (6-0, 190), 105 tackles, 3 sacks; Sr. S Shane Pitts (5-10, 190), 68 tackles, 4 INT; Sr. CB Zay Johnson (6-1, 175).
Also keep an eye on: Jr. DL Braden Croteau (6-0, 250); Jr. LB Gavin Dodge (6-1, 195); Sr. TE Sam Wolfer (6-2, 205); Sr. QB Brock Mast (5-11, 180).
Strengths of offense: Experience in backfield. Quickness at wide receiver. Strengths of defense: Secondary and team speed.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): Experience.
2020 expectations: Compete at a high level. Great tradition and looking to con- tinue to build on it.
Head coach: Richard Taylor.
Years as school’s head coach: 30th year, record 305-110-6.
2019 record: 9-2.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. OL Oscar Abundis (6-6, 320); Sr.
OL Caiden Miles (6-5, 290); Sr. WR Rashon Adams (6-2, 184), 85 yards receiving yards, 1 TD; Sr. RB Daxon Lindholm (5-10, 168), 454 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 162 re- ceiving yards; Sr. RB Tage Rigby (6-2, 218), 286 rushing yards, 3 TDs; Jr. RB James Scott (5-10, 195) 524 rushing yards, 4 TDs; Sr. OL/DL TJ McRae (6-3, 287). Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. DE DJ Gleash (6-3, 213), 31 tackles, 14.5 sacks; Sr. CB Rashon Adams (6-2, 184), 34 tackles; Sr. LB Tage Rigby (6-2, 218); Sr. LB Bryson Thomas (6-1, 210), 62 tackles; Sr. CB Diablo Williams (6-1, 183); Jr. DE Chris Tasby (6-0, 215), 18 tackles, 2 sacks; Sr. S/LB Devin Sanchez (5- 10, 185), 48 tackles, 2 INT.
Also keep an eye on: Sr. CB Don Brister (5-11, 167); Sr. OL Filipo Teofilo (6-3, 325); Sr. OL Layden Ennis (6-2, 315); Sr. WR/DB Seth Jelovic (5-10, 165); Sr. OL/DL Molina’s Esene (6-1, 255).
Strengths of offense: Offensive line and speed.
Strengths of defense: Defensive line and speed.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): Quarterback, new starters at several positions and back-ups.
2020 expectations: Our seniors set our team goals.
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