SONORAVILLE PHOENIX
Head coach: Denver Pate (13-18 in three years here and overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive; 3 defensive
Key players: QB Brady Lackey (6-1, 220); ATH Brant Bryant (6-0, 180); OL Jaxx Knight (5-11, 260); LB Davon O’Neal (5-10, 170); LB Colton Whitehead (5-11, 190); DL Dawson Young (6-0, 240).
Team strengths: In a Region 6-AAA that lost a lot of offense, the Phoenix possess perhaps the top returning passing game with Lackey and playmakers Bryant, Nick Beddington and senior transfer JoJo McDaniels. Anchored by center Knight, the line should keep Lackey upright. Overall, this could be Coach Pate’s most talented team.
Team concerns: Sonoraville will need to score often, at least early on, while a defense with eight new starters finds its way. The secondary in particular could be a problem area with four first-time starters. Though there are position groups where speed is good, the Phoenix might struggle to match up overall with some league foes in that aspect.