2018 Sierra Vista Football Capsule

SIERRA VISTA

League: Class 4A Southwest

Head coach: John Foss, sixth season (26-23)

2017 record: 6-3 (5-1 Southwest, second)

Returning lettermen: 15

Returning starters: Five offense, three defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: RB Bryan LaGrange (Sr.); WR Aaron Kahakeauki (Sr.); G Autin Schmitz (Sr.); WR Tristen Jimenez (Sr.)

Top defensive players: LB Jahssia Maiavah (Sr.); DE Sergio Ibarra (Sr.)

Top newcomers: QB Jordan Solomon (Sr.); LB Josiah Antolin (Sr.); DL/RB Elijah Tialavea (Sr.)

Key losses: QB/K Trevor Gentner; WR/S Kevin McCray; RB Isaiah Zavala; C Brendan Bentley; G Isaiah Palelei

Outlook: The Mountain Lions have finished second in the Southwest League the last two seasons, and while they may not be able to challenge Bishop Gorman for the league title, they should be able to vie for a home playoff spot again.

After primarily running the double wing, Sierra Vista will switch to a spread offense this season. That’s primarily because of Solomon, the younger brother of former Bishop Gorman standout Jarrett Solomon. Jordan Solomon passed for 1,485 yards and 16 TDs last season for Kaimuki (Hawaii). He also rushed for 283 yards and six scores.

LaGrange missed some time because of injury but still managed to lead the Mountain Lions in rushing with 525 yards and eight TDs. He should be the primary back this season after sharing carries a year ago.

Sierra Vista didn’t throw the ball much last season, but Kahakeauki (11.1 yards per carry) and Jimenez (8.6 yards per carry) both proved to be big-play threats on the ground. They should be the top receiving options this season.

On defense, Maiavah was a second-team all state pick after recording 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, eight sacks and two interceptions.

Ibarra added five sacks for the Mountain Lions, who figure to put plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks again this season.