Photo By Steve Conner - #21 Ace Gibson
Written By: Sven Alskog
Three starting offensive linemen, a quarterback who threw for over 3,000 yards, a running back who ran for over 1,000 yards, a division one tight end and three standouts on the defensive side of the ball have all departed for Mountain View, which hopes to reload and stay towards the top of the 5A SIC standings.
Wide receivers K.J. Lynch and Kaden Chan team with running back Bronx Barrus to give the Mavericks a talented core group of skill position players. The key now is finding the best fit to get them the ball.
“We have to find our starter at quarterback and settle on a group of offensive linemen,” said head coach Judd Benedick. “It’s always fun to start over and see what the next group has to offer. [See] who will step up.”
Barrus possesses blazing speed and is one of the most explosive playmakers in the 5A classification. He has the ability to star as a returner, rusher and pass-catcher.
Replacing Noah Bryant, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while breaking multiple school records last year, will be a tall task. Expect plenty of runs and creative ways to get the ball in the hands of Lynch and Chan early in the season as the new quarterback gets his footing under him.
On the defensive side of the ball there are multiple major losses, however Caden Thomas and Jason Wells are back to form a strong linebacker tandem, with Keaton Horn a threat to get pressure on the quarterback and protect the edge of the line. Ace Gibson has also converted to outside linebacker from the running back position.
“We need to be able to stop the run and break in a couple of new starters at corner,” added Benedick.
Benedick also noted that the team has been driven in the weight room this offseason, led by Mike Kavila, a senior who is expected to make a major impact at the cornerback position.
Overall, he likes the potential that this team has and the work ethic.
“We have a dedicated group. They have worked just as hard if not harder [than last year] in the offseason to leave their mark on the program,” said Benedick.
The new year gets underway for Mountain View on August 31 at Dona Larsen Park against Timberline. The Mavericks then welcome in defending state champion Rocky Mountain in week two for a key early season rivalry battle.