Coronado Capsule Preview
Coach: John Mannion, first year
2007 record: 6-5 (4-2 Southeast)
Top players: QB/DB Dane Cooper (Sr.); LB Tyler Tebbs (Sr.); FB/MLB Tao Tai (So.); DE Chris Lyman (Sr.); SS/RB Marcus Garcia (Sr.)
Base offensive set: I Pro
Base defensive set: 40
Outlook: Coronado rallied after a 1-4 start last season to finish third in the Southeast, but Mannion must replace quarterback Brady McManus (1,423 passing yards, 17 TDs) and all-state receiver T.J. Knowles (55 catches, 983 yards, 16 TDs), both of whom graduated.
Also, leading rusher Derek Eamon transferred to Del Sol, leaving the offense with little experience.
Still, Mannion said he thinks the skill positions are a strength. He has gone from last year’s spread offense to a two-back set.
Nagging injuries during training camp have hindered the team’s progress, but Mannion said Coronado is starting to come together and play as a unit.