2012 Sierra Vista Football Capsule

SIERRA VISTA

Coach: Mark Sauve, eighth season (23-49)

2011 record: 3-7 (3-5 Southwest League)

Returning starters: Five offense, six defense

Top players: WR/DB Tim Jenkins (Sr.); DB Mike Dominique (Sr.); QB Octavious Payne (Jr.); RB Maliek Broady (So.); RB Deyon McKinney (So.); LB/OG Steven Brooks (Sr.)

Outlook: The Mountain Lions must replace their top rusher, top passer and top receiver from last season, but the skill positions are the least of the team’s worries.

Sauve said the team is extremely thin on the lines, but has a lot of speedy, younger players.

McKinney, who played at Clark as a freshman, and Broady give the Mountain Lions a pair of big-play threats in the backfield.

Jenkins was second on the team in receiving last year with 16 catches for 174 yards and should be the top target for Payne, who takes over at quarterback after playing running back on the junior varsity last season.

Payne’s speed will allow the team to mix in some option along with two and three receiver sets.

On defense, Sauve said the team is focusing on stopping the inside run.