2013 Canyon Springs Football Capsule
Head coach: Hunkie Cooper, fifth season (28-14)
2012 record: 7-4 (4-1 Northeast, second)
Returning lettermen: 26
Returning starters: Five offense, eight defense
Base offensive set: Pro set
Base defensive set: 4-3
Top offensive players: RB Zaviontay Stevenson (Jr.)
Top defensive players: DT Rayshawn Henderson (Sr.); DB A.J. Cooper (Sr.); DB Diamante Luna (Sr.); LB Isiah Carter (Sr.); DB Raequan Bascombe (Sr.)
Top special teams players: KR/P Diamate Luna (Sr.)
Top newcomers: TE/DE Khyren Howard (Sr.); FB/LB Marc Cassino (So.); QB Brad Alexander (Jr.)
Key losses: RB Donnel Pumphrey; LB Kentabius Traylor; LB Tobias Carson; OL/DL Fabian Leos
Outlook: With the dynamic Pumphrey having graduated, defense may become even more important for the Pioneers this season. And Canyon Springs returns plenty of talent on that side of the ball.
Henderson was a first team all-state selection last season after compiling 76 tackles, seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He’s a big body in the middle of the line who also is nimble enough to have seen time at fullback in the past.
Carter returns to key the linebackers after earning second team All-Northeast honors.
Luna, Cooper and Bascombe all were all-league selections, and should make up one of the area’s top secondaries.
There are far more questions on offense without Pumphrey, who rushed for 1,491 yards and 18 TDs.
Stevenson showed strong abilities when Pumphrey was banged up, rushing for 457 yards and averaging 8.3 yards per carry.
Coach Cooper said there is tons of big-play ability on offense, and hopes the team can eliminate costly mistakes this season. If the Pioneers can avoid those self-inflicted wounds, they should compete for the league title.
