2013 Cheyenne Football Capsule
Coach: David Cochran, fourth season (19-12)
2012 record: 9-3 (5-0 Division I-A Sunset League, first)
Returning letterwinners: 16
Returning starters: Five offense, three defense
Base offensive set: Double wing
Base defensive set: Even front
Top offensive players: OL Terry Dodd IV (Sr.); QB Darrion Hammond (Sr.)
Top defensive players: CB Martel Evans (Sr.)
Top newcomers: OL/DL Jarius Perry (Sr.); RB/LB Jordan Johnson (Jr.)
Key losses: RB Myloe Lewis; TE/DE Dylan Power
Outlook: The Desert Shields are “young and inexperienced,” according to Cochran, but should still be in the mix for a league title.
Hammond started all but one game under center in 2012 and will lead the offense once again. He completed 62 percent of his passes and tossed five touchdowns last season.
Dodd was a second-team Division I-A all-state selection as a junior and is back to anchor the offensive line.
Johnson will get first crack at replacing Lewis, who was the I-A state Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for more than 2,400 yards along with 41 total touchdowns.
Evans had five interceptions last season and gives Cheyenne a playmaker on that side of the ball.
The Desert Shields reached the Division I-A state semifinals last season and led entering the fourth quarter at eventual state champion Truckee (Calif.). If the newcomers at the skill positions can produce, another deep postseason run is likely.
