1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Duffy Otteson, 23, takes over as Muckers coach
Tonopah senior Denver Otteson expects his relationship with new football coach Duffy Otteson to be “no different” during games than his rapport with previous coach Curt McElroy.
But after games, the Muckers’ star quarterback, outside linebacker and kicker will be able to relate in a special way to the coach who happens to be his older brother.
“He’s my brother, but I treat him like he’s my coach, not a brother,” Denver Otteson said. “But after the game, we can relate as brothers and talk over things.”
Duffy Otteson, 23, was hired Aug. 6 as head coach to replace McElroy, who retired from coaching after a successful five-season run.
A 2005 Tonopah graduate who starred at running back and linebacker for the Muckers, Duffy Otteson served last season as the team’s defensive coordinator.
He said players are motivated after a 22-18 loss to Class 1A Southern League rival Pahranagat Valley in the state title game.
“They’re pretty hungry,” Duffy Otteson said. “They’ve been working their butts off in practice. We’re working harder than last year.”
Duffy Otteson said Tonopah will continue to run the shotgun option/pistol offense it used to average 51.4 points per game last season. The Muckers also will continue to run a 3-3-2 defense.
Though a solid core of veterans returns from last season’s 8-4 team, Duffy Otteson said depth has been a concern in training camp.
“We’ve got to figure out what the second string is going to be,” he said. “That’s the one thing we’re looking for right now. We’ve got to get some of these kids to step up.”
At the forefront of the returnees is Denver Otteson, who will move from running back to quarterback for his senior season. But in the Muckers’ offense, the coach doesn’t expect it to be a major shift.
“The transition’s not much,” he said. “Basically, we’ve got three running backs in our backfield. As far as throwing the ball, (Denver Otteson) is an athlete. He was the backup last year and came in a couple games.”
Denver Otteson was a threat last season rushing (834 yards, 10 touchdowns), receiving (27 receptions, 397 yards, six TDs), on defense (104 tackles, five sacks) and on special teams (4-for-5 on field goals).
The 5-foot-10-inch, 160-pound Denver Otteson is considered a solid college prospect at kicker.
He said he’s received interest from roughly 60 schools from the Football Bowl Subdivision down to junior colleges but hasn’t yet received a scholarship offer.
“It’s going to be a pretty big weapon,” he said of his field-goal range, which he estimated at 50 to 55 yards. “If we can get across midfield or so, I’m pretty confident on that.”
Denver Otteson said last season — when the Muckers went 0-2 against Pahranagat Valley — left a sour taste in his mouth.
“We’re pretty hungry,” he said. “I definitely want to beat (Pahranagat Valley), definitely want to beat Carlin. We want to come out and shock everybody.”
It could be tough for the Muckers to replace quarterback Scott Thibodeaux, who threw for 29 touchdowns and ran for 11 more last season. He also picked off six passes as a defensive back.
But Denver Otteson is eager to prove wrong doubters who believe 2009 will be a rebuilding year.
“I’m looking forward to proving this town wrong, that we’re not going to be bad,” he said. “We’re going to be up there with the top. I’m ready to prove a lot of people wrong.”
