2018 Del Sol Football Capsule

DEL SOL

League: Class 3A Sunset

Head coach: Mike Valenzuela, second season (2-8)

2017 record: 2-8 (0-3 Northeast, fourth)

Returning lettermen: 24

Returning starters: Eight offense, five defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 3-4

Top offensive players: QB Andre Nevarez (Sr.); WR Markell Turner (Sr.); WR Maalik Flowers (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DT/DE Ray Wilkins (Sr.); DE Alex Marin (Sr.)

Top newcomer: TE/DE Kemani Wilks (Sr.)

Key losses: RB Taariq Flowers; WR Barry Williams

Outlook: The Dragons return plenty of experience, but must find a way to replace the hole left by Taariq Flowers’ graduation.

Flowers was a second-team all-state pick after rushing for 1,621 yards and 14 TDs last season. He was the Class 3A Sunrise League Offensive Most Valuable Player.

Nevarez could be the key. He completed 50.4 percent of his passes for 1,090 yards and 16 TDs with only two interceptions last season. He also rushed for 236 yards and two scores.

Turner (25 catches, 372 yards) and Maalik Flowers (12 catches, 189 yards) figure to give him two solid targets.

Valenzuela said the majority of the offensive line returns, which also should help the team improve on that side of the ball.

Defensively the Dragons were dismal last season, allowing 30 or more points in seven games and 50 or more in their final two contests.

Valenzuela said the defensive line has improved, so if Nevarez and the offense comes through, Del Sol should be in playoff contention.