2012 Moapa Valley Football Capsule
MOAPA VALLEY
Coach: Brent Lewis, 11th season
2011 record: 10-3 (2-0 3A Southern)
Returning starters: Seven offense, six defense
Base offensive set: Multiple
Base defensive set: Four-man front
Top offensive players: RB Conner Mortensen (Sr.); RB Sean McConnell (Sr.); TE Kasen Hughes (Sr.); C Kyler Leavitt (Sr.); T Cody Tolbert (Sr.); G Sam Rebman (Jr.); T Matt McDermand (Jr.)
Top defensive players: DT Matt McDermand (Jr.); DE Cody Tolbert (Sr.); LB Kasen Hughes (Sr.); LB Sam Rebman (Jr.); SS Sean McConnell (Sr.); DE Conner Mortensen (Sr.)
Key losses: WR/DB Shane Terril; QB Dakota Watters; OL/DL Taylor Schwartz; OL/DL Lane Stringham
Outlook: Moapa Valley played in the past six Class 3A state championship games, so it would seem logical that the Pirates will be a contender in the new Division I-A Sunrise League.
Mortensen was named 3A Southern League Most Valuable Player last season, when he rushed for 1,431 yards and 23 touchdowns and logged 57 tackles.
McConnell, who ran for 657 yards and 12 TDs last season, also is back to give the Pirates a potent one-two punch in the backfield.
Lewis said inexperience at quarterback and on the defensive line are question marks, but the Pirates have plenty of potential in both areas.
Quarterbacks Lance Hilton and Josh Repp each started a playoff game last season, and Lewis said both will see significant playing time.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound McDermand will anchor both lines.
