SOUTHWEST DIVISION: Durango looks to be strong

Trailblazers return 25 starters to squad

Durango High School's football team lost some speed from last year's 6-4 squad, but, with 25 returnees, the Trailblazers should once again contend in the Southwest Division and Sunset Region.

"The key to our success will be replacing team speed on both sides of the ball. We lost all of our receivers and defensive backs to graduation," Durango head coach John Mausbach said. "If we can find guys to replace them, we should be OK."

The Trailblazers, who return 10 starters, should be strong on the offensive and defensive lines, where they'll be led by Robert DeMartini, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior who was named first team all-Sunset Region and second team all-state last season.

"He's probably considered one of the best linemen in Las Vegas," Mausbach said. "He's very quick, he explodes off the line of scrimmage, and he's very strong."

DeMartini primarily played defense last year, but will play on both sides of the ball this season, along with senior Perri Sammarco (6-0, 260) and junior Wesley Bradley (6-1, 297). Seniors Ray Leyba (5-11, 245) and Jeff O'Leary (6-0, 200) are slated to play on the offensive line.

LaBroi Walton (5-9, 186), a senior, will return to play fullback, where he has good speed and is an excellent blocker.

Emilio Gonzales (6-0, 186), a senior, will start at quarterback.

"He has a strong arm, he understands the offense and I consider him to be one of the better quarterbacks in Las Vegas," Mausbach said.

Senior linebacker Tommy Viskovich (6-0, 205) will anchor the defense, and other players expected to contribute include senior wide receiver/defensive backs Thomas Ott and Ryan Bird and senior tailbacks Cliff Kelly and Kyle McFadden.

Durango also features seniors Anthony Rodriguez, Matt Colbrun (6-0, 204) and Conrad Antolin.

The Trailblazers, who won the Sunset Region two years ago, went 4-1 to finish second to Bishop Gorman in the Southwest Division last season. Durango lost to Palo Verde, last year's Sunset champion, 39-0 in the playoffs.

"One thing we've never done is be a No. 1 seed in the Southwest (Division). We've always been No. 2," Mausbach said. "Our seniors made a goal to be the No. 1 seed in our division, and, as always, our goals are to make it to the playoffs and see if we can win a state championship. That's why we're in it."

In addition to Gorman, which only returns four starters, Durango should again be strong this season. The Trailblazers will have to contend with Clark, Sierra Vista, Bonanza and Western in its division.

CLARK

Clark returns 10 starters from last year's 4-6 squad, which finished fourth in its division and lost to Centennial, 28-14, in the playoffs.

Leading the way will be Joshua Tuitele (5-11, 200), a senior quarterback who will run the option for the undersized Chargers.

"He's an excellent runner, and he can also throw very well," Clark head coach Carlton Lamb said. "He has a very strong arm and we want to take advantage of that as much as we can this year."

Clark also expects big things from senior running back/defensive back Curtis Knight and senior defensive back Darrell Carter, who won the state title in the 100-meter dash last year and will be used on offense this season.

The Chargers, who open at Coronado at 7 p.m. Friday, will also feature seniors Ilanders Parks (6-0, 215) and Bartolo Espana-Austin (6-0, 210), and juniors Joseph Quinn and Masood Beria (6-3, 215).

"We lack size, so our strengths will probably be in the skill positions," Lamb said. "We hope to be more efficient in running the option, which should help us because you don't need great size to run the option.

"We have three goals: we want to win the Southwest Division, win our homecoming game and we want to not only make the playoffs, but win once we get in the playoffs."

SIERRA VISTA

Sierra Vista went 1-4 in its first year in the Southwest Division and finished 3-6 overall, but head coach Ben Johnson hopes the experience can help his team earn a playoff berth this season.

"A year of playing experience at the varsity level is invaluable, especially for a young program," he said. "I think we'll have a little more depth this year on the offensive and defensive lines. We'll lack a little team speed, but we'll be a little bigger and more physical this year, something we weren't last year."

Sierra Vista returns 10 starters and will feature 28 juniors and a dozen seniors, led by 6-foot wide receiver Chet Whitley.

The Lions will also feature juniors Ronald Boone (6-1, 300) and Garrett Chapel (6-1, 210). Boone will anchor the offensive and defensive lines, while Chapel will anchor the defense at linebacker.

Sierra Vista opens its season at Chaparral at 7 p.m. Friday.

"We'd like to make it to the playoffs," Johnson said. "I think our chances are good."

BONANZA

Bonanza went 1-8 overall last season, 0-5 in its division and missed the playoffs. With just five returning starters, the Bengals may be hard pressed to get to the postseason this year.

"We're not a very fast team, but I think we have a good nucleus of guys who have been very dedicated," Bonanza head coach Johnny Macon said. "We're very upbeat. I definitely feel we'll improve from last year."

The Bengals return seniors Al Bayardo (running back), Mark Seward (strong safety), Glenn Garvin (tight end) and David Lee (5-11, 210), who will anchor the offensive line. Junior Brett Perry returns to start at quarterback.


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