2013 Shadow Ridge Football Capsule
Head coach: Frank Tousa, third season (2-17)
2012 record: 2-8 (2-3 Northwest, fourth)
Returning lettermen: 13
Returning starters: Six offense, four defense
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: 3-4
Top offensive players: WR J Henderson (Sr.); FB Xavier Flores (Sr.); OL Tra Forrest (Jr.); OL Jordan Larson (Jr.)
Top defensive players: LB J Henderson (Sr.); CB Eric Peeples (Sr.); LB Keyshawn Gammage (Sr.)
Top special teams players: P J Henderson (Sr.)
Top newcomers: RB Cody Alfar (Sr.); RB Melvin Johnson (Sr.); WR/LB Torry Graham (Jr.)
Key losses: QB Bakari Smith; WR Marquise Evans; DL Anthony Carter; OL/DL Hunter Rawson
Outlook: Tousa said the team will be extremely young at the skill positions, and the Mustangs must find some offensive weapons to replace Smith and Evans.
Those two accounted for the majority of Shadow Ridge’s offense a year ago. Smith passed for 1,785 yards and 15 TDs, and rushed for 1,035 yards and 15 TDs. Evans was his favorite target with 34 catches for 847 yards and eight scores.
Henderson was the team’s quarterback two years ago, but will settle in at receiver this year and could be an important cog if the Mustangs can get him the ball. The team does have experience on the line, with four starters returning, to help ease the transition at the skill positions.
On defense, Henderson had 89 tackles last year and has proven to be a strong presence at linebacker. With the lack of experience at the skill positions, the defense could be the key as the team looks to battle for a playoff berth.
