2012 Valley Football Capsule

VALLEY

Coach: Marcus Sherman, second season (4-6)

2011 record: 4-6 (4-3 Northeast League)

Returning letterwinners: 13

Returning starters: Five offense, eight defense

Base offensive set: Pro

Base defensive set: 5-2

Top offensive players: ATH Kennedy Williams (Sr.); WR Marcellus Bridges (Jr.); WR Joe Aguilar (Jr.); RB Dillard Davis (So.); TE Eric Burrell (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DT Dallas Foe-Seui (Sr.); SS Juan Batiste (Sr.); CB Malik Batiste (So.); CB Arphaxad Carroll (Sr.); LB Rogelio Lopez (Sr.)

Top newcomers: QB Xavier Thompson (So.); WR Marcellus Bridges (Jr.); DE Malcolm Chaney (So.)

Key losses: QB Anthony Sanders; WR Erik Edmonds

Outlook: With eight starters back, Sherman will look for the defense to carry the load, especially early.

While the Vikings gave up 30 or more points five times last season, the defense should show improvement, led by first team All-Northeast League defensive tackle Foe-Seui.

On offense, look for Sherman to try to get the ball to the explosive Williams in multiple ways.

Sherman says his offensive unit, which graduated quarterback Sanders, is “young and exciting.”