Photo By Michella Davenport - #3 Lan Larison
Written By: Sven Alskog
It’s rare to have a four-year starter at quarterback in the 4A classification, something which Vallivue will experience this season with Lan Larison leading the way under center.
Larison, a UC Davis commit, also has excelled as a defensive back for the Falcons and will be one of the premier players in the state this season.
While the standout is the most recognizable name on the roster, there is a strong core group coming back around him that should keep the program competitive in an always tough 4A SIC.
First Team All-Conference defensive lineman Brad Cushman and Second Team All-Conference running back Carson Child are some of the other returners who have earned accolades.
It’s an exciting roster in place.
“Our key players are our seniors and their willingness to play with great effort and defined roles [is exciting],” said head coach Layne Coffin.
Coffin, in his 13th season at Vallivue, does acknowledge that players like Jayden Moran, Daniel Sanchez, Jose Berber and Cobe Lehman will be tough to replace.
“We lose some great seniors, but we have more experience returning.”
Some of the other returners that the coach listed include offensive linemen Joseph Hart, Jaxon Northcraft, Gavin Wolff, Dominick Conlon and wide receiver Sebastian Diaz on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive linemen Tye Lehman and Brayden Ary and defensive backs Gage Hernandez, Stephen Cody and Casey Cope form a talented group to pair with the trio of Cushman, Child and Larison.
For the offense, the key to success is simple.
“We just have to execute,” said Coffin.
Defense has a specific key as well.
“We need to play downhill and communicate,” added Coffin.
The Falcons run a 3-4 defense and a mixture of spread and wing on the offensive side of the ball, both of which have successful in recent years.
Vallivue hosts Canyon Ridge and Bishop Kelly in the first two weeks of the season as the Falcons look to get off to a strong start before entering into the heart of 4A SIC play.