SMALL-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Agassi Prep won’t be a one-man show

Picking the top player on Agassi Prep's football team a season ago was anything but difficult.

Everyone from the coaches to the players to the snack bar attendants knew who was touching the ball on every offensive possession. The play-by-play announcements were just a reminder.

But now, under first-year coach Isaac Watts, the Stars are out to prove they can compete and put pressure on teams in a variety of ways.

"We lost a key player in (former running back) Kobe Williams, but that just makes more people step up," senior quarterback Kameron Burrell said. "With him gone, we've got to spread out our offense.

"Now that I'm a team captain, I have to step up and play a bigger role."

Agassi Prep, which has made two consecutive playoff appearances, unveils its new offense at 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at Lake Mead.

The Stars will be looking to better last season's 8-3 record and state semifinal finish.

"I hope to accomplish a winning attitude and change the culture," said Watts, a former UNLV football player. "The goal is to win a championship. And with this class of seniors, this is the year to start that foundation."

Burrell, who completed 10 passes last season, is ready for an increased role, as Watts said he wants to have a more balanced attack.

Though Williams, now a freshman at Pacific University-Oregon, generated 1,073 yards of offense and 22 touchdowns a year ago, Watts said his load might have been a bit much considering he played both ways.

"We relied too much on him last year," Watts said. "So teams always knew we were giving the ball to Kobe. This year, Steph (Laushaul) will be our featured back, but we're going to throw the ball more and have a more balanced offense."

Laushaul should be one of the top playmakers in Division III. The senior, who had 897 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last season, will make up one half of the Stars' two-headed monster in the backfield. Senior running back KeZaun Cooper also will get his share of carries.

Junior wide receiver Zeivaun Ned said he thinks the Stars are in for a record-breaking season.

"We have a chance to win the state championship," he said. "We've just got to work and go hard."

Watts understands his team might be considered one of the favorites, but he knows nothing is promised.

"We can be the favorite, but it just all depends on what we do once we start playing these games," Watts said. "Are we consistent? Are we getting better each week?"

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.

BEST OF SMALL SCHOOLS

Here's a look at some of the top returning players in Division III and IV:

DIVISION III/IV

PASSING

Tabor Maxwell, Pahranagat Valley 2,625 yards, 38 TDs

Connor Friel, Tonopah 1,242 yards, 14 TDs

RUSHING

Derek Wagstaff, Needles 905 yards, 9 TDs

Stephan Laushaul, Agassi Prep 897 yards, 15 TDs

RECEIVING

Shawn Wadsworth, Pahranagat Valley 60 rec., 1,069 yards, 17 TDs