Page 40 - 2020 Sollenberger

4A Conference Team-By-Team Preview
As a sophomore Gila Ridge’s Jonathan Noriega led his team with 715 receiving yards. (Mark Jones photo/MaxPreps)
By Andy Morales azpreps365.com
DESERT SKY REGION
ALA-Queen Creek
Head coach: Rich Edwards.
Years as school’s head coach: 7.
2019 record: (13-1, 3A State Champions).
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. OL/DE Micah Ferrin 6-5, 240; Jr. OL Haliaj Hali’s 5-10, 280; Sr. OL Devon Teahon 6-4, 230.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. DE/OL Micah Ferrin 6-5, 240 (100 tackles, 13 sacks); So. CB/WR Ryan Meza 6-0, 180 (3 INTs).
Also keep an eye on: Sr. K. McKaden Chatwin 6-3, 170; Jr. DB/WR Elijah Peters 5-10, 170; Jr. LB Jaden Manwaring 5-11, 210; Jr. QB. Logan Hubler 6-1, 165; Jr. DB/ QB. Brandon Wettstien 6-0, 190.
Strengths of offense: Center position. We have a ton of skill position talent. Our kicking is going to be a big time asset and strength.
Strengths of defense: Defensive end position. Defensive backfield.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): We will be very young and inexperienced. 2020 expectations: Learn about ourselves. Gain experience. Grow and mature as a team.
More about program: We have a ton of talent and potential. If we will work hard and trust in the process and in each other we will be fine.
Benjamin Franklin
Marcos de Niza
Head coach: Anthony Figueroa.
Years as school’s head coach: First year.
2019 record: 6-6.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. QB Antonio Hernandez 5-11,
160 (1,060 yards passing, 10 TDs); Sr. OL Enrique Ruiz 6-3, 230; Sr. OL Nickolas Samaniego 6-3, 255; Sr. OL Zachery Paiz 5-11, 270; Sr. WR Daivon Nelson 6-3, 185; Sr. WR Nico Updyke 5-8, 135; Sr. WR Nathan Camarena 6-2, 175; Sr. FB/TE Jacob Irick 5-10, 200.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. LB Jacob Irick 5-10, 200 (69 tackles); Sr. DB Daivon Nelson 6-3, 185; Sr. DL Chris Ramirez 5-6, 235; Sr. DB Collin Gordon 5-9, 160 (52 tackles); Sr. DE Schofar Hill 6-2, 200 (10.5 sacks); Sr. DE Jakob VanDorn 6-0, 200; Jr. DT Lino Valenzuela 6-3, 320; So. FS Mason Stromstad 6-2, 158.
Strengths of offense: Returning experience at O-Line. Returning experience at QB. New scheme/system that fits returning and upcoming talent. Previously successful offensive coaching staff at other local high schools and college level. Limited tendencies for best successful mismatches.
Strengths of defense: Key returning starters. Previously successful offensive coaching staff at other local high schools and college level. Defense that matches our athletes strengths. Upcoming Classes with potential. Defense that controls tendencies and matchups.
Mesquite
Head coach: Scott Hare.
Years as school’s head coach: 1.
2019 record: 11-3 (4A State Champion).
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. QB Ty Thompson 6-4, 210 (4,074, 45 TDs; 562 yards rushing, 6 TDs); Sr. OT Judson Cole 6-3, 230; Sr. OG Nathan Hargis 6-1 225; Jr. Ath Andrew Morris 6-2, 205 (759 yards receiving, 5 TDs). Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Jr. MLB Andrew Morris 6-2, 205; Jr. FS Lavontae Trotter 5-11 180; Sr. OLB Connor Howlett 6-1, 190.
Also keep an eye on: Sr. WR Riales Hopper 6-0 185; Sr. DE Nick Salsgiver 6-5,
200; Jr. LB, Brayden Daly 6-0 190; Sr. RB Cameron Clinton 6-0 190; Sr. WR Dylan Lorenzen-hrenko 5-11 175.
Strengths of offense: QB Ty Thompson is the best player in the state. Will be big- ger and more physical as an offense - Run game will be improved. Solid WR play. Strengths of defense: Deep LB corps. Smart coachable players. Speed in the secondary.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): How the juniors mesh with the seniors - Both classes have had success independently - now they need to come together. Depth - like most 4A teams. Replacing four of the top five ball carriers - very capable players ready to fill in - however a lot of receptions graduate
2020 expectations: State Title - We are capable. Region Title - Might be the toughest region in 4A. Practice with a purpose throughout the year.
Head coach: Dave Jefferies.
Years as school’s head coach: 5.
2019 record: 12-2.
Returning starters on offense, 2019 stats: Sr. OL Noah Badger 5-9, 190; Sr. OL Dean Terrill 5-9, 200; Jr. OL Brigham Alexander 6-5, 270; Jr. TE Garrett Jones 5-11, 165; Jr. OL Cole Parker 5-10, 230.
Returning starters on defense, 2019 stats: Sr. DL Noah Badger 5-9, 190; Sr. DB Dayson Blair 5-8, 140; Sr. LB Chancin Loving 5-10, 170 (111 tackles); Sr. DL Dean Terrill 5-9, 200; Jr. DL Brigham Alexander 6-5, 270.
Strengths of offense: Familiarity - fourth year running the Double Wing. Five of our seven guys up front return (OL/TE).
Strengths of defense: Three of four DL return.
Team’s biggest question mark(s): Who will step up in the offensive skill posi- tions? Who will lead the defense (graduated a 4-year starter at MLB)?
2020 expectations: Earn that 11th game!
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