Post by CrimsonPhantom on Aug 17, 2012 12:09:23 GMT -7
Las Cruces Bulletin
Three vie for Mayfield quarterback slot
By Craig Massey
Las Cruces Bulletin
The last time Mayfield had this few returnees on offense, it was Michael Bradley’s first year as head football coach.
With only one starter back on that side of the ball in 2006, the Trojans managed to reload and finished with another state championship – the second of three in a row.
Guard Alex Guzman is the only full-time returning starter on offense this year, and like 2006, the Trojans have three quarterbacks competing for playing time – seniors Andrew Serna and Elijah Perez and sophomore Kavika Johnson.
“I imagine we’ll use more than one,” Bradley said. “They have different skills, but they can all run and pass.”
Mayfield is piecing together its offensive line this month and the coaching staff has several prospects to work with, including Devonte Weeks, Martin Tarango, Andres Borunda, Shane Tiemann, Raymond Fierro, Jesus Meraz and Tyler Whitlock. Weeks was a standout defensive player last year and will also start on that side of the ball.
“That’s where it all starts,” Bradley said. “You have to have a good offensive line.”
Perez – if he’s not at quarterback – will see playing time at running back, along with senior Marcus Inglemon. Receivers include Brandon Thelen and Casey Peace, and the fullbacks are Narcisco Gonzalez and Andrew Flores.
“The door is open,” Bradley said. “We’re still looking for starters. We don’t want a lot of both-ways starters, so we’re looking for kids to step up.”
Bradley said the Mayfield offense will be similar to what the Trojans have done in the past despite the many new faces.
“We’re not going to change everything because of the personnel,” he said.“We’re still getting to know the kids and what they can do.”
Mayfield may lean more on its defense this year, where six starters return. They include Weeks at defensive tackle, Gonzalez at defensive end, Joel Franzoy and Santiago Miranda at linebacker, and Inglemon and Thelen in the secondary. Safeties Perez and Seth Bayles also saw some action last season.
“We have a lot of tradition here at Mayfield and I think these kids will respond,” Bradley said. “We have decent size and decent speed this year. We’ve had a very good first week of practice. We’re hammering away. It’s a process.” The Trojans, who finished as the state runner- up last season to Cleveland, open the season Thursday, Aug. 30, at El Paso El Dorado, followed by another Thursday road game at El Paso Franklin Sept. 6, and a home game Friday, Sept. 14 against a highly touted Carlsbad team.
“We have a lot of questions on offense,” Bradley said. “And we have to answer them quick, because we’re starting off with three really tough games.”