2012 Chaparral Football Capsule

CHAPARRAL

Coach: William Froman, second season (1-8)

2011 record: 1-8 (1-6 Northeast)

Returning letter winners: 16

Returning starters: Nine offense, seven defense

Base offensive set: Wing T

Base defensive set: 4-4

Top offensive players: G William Hernandez (Sr.); T James Dukes (Jr.); RB Antonio Thomas (Sr.)

Top defensive players: DE William Hernandez (Sr.); DE James Dukes (Jr.)

Key loss: WR Toure’ Williams

Outlook: Froman is excited about his team’s progress in the weight room, and called the Cowboys “night and day” better than last season.

Chaparral hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2007, but as a member of the new Division I-A Sunrise League, the Cowboys hope to make some noise.

“They got serious in the weight room,” Froman said. “We’re excited about what we have.”

Froman said the 6-foot-4-inch, 285-pound Hernandez will pair with Dukes to anchor the offensive line.

“I think they’re as good a tandem as there is in town,” Froman said.

They’ll try to open holes for Thomas, who rushed for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Froman said Thomas has bulked up but is even more explosive than last season.