2013 Silverado Football Capsule
Head coach: Andy Ostolaza, seventh season (34-25)
2012 record: 5-5 (2-3 Northeast, fourth)
Returning lettermen: 15
Returning starters: Two offense, three defense
Base offensive set: I-Pro
Base defensive set: 4-3
Top offensive players: TE Austin Hunt (Sr.0; TE Rohan Walters (Sr.); RB Deyon McKinney (Jr.); OT Mitchell Kissam (Jr.); OT Justin Polu (Jr.)
Top defensive players: DT Billy Danford (Sr.); DE Rohan Walters (Sr.); DT Justin Polu (Jr.)
Key losses: RB Alex Cater
Outlook: Ostolaza used Cater like a human battering ram last season, as the senior piled up 398 carries, mostly straight-ahead runs into the line. And Cater made the most of it, rushing for 2,298 yards and 26 TDs.
McKinney, a transfer from Sierra Vista, should get the first crack to replace Cater in the backfield, but he will be an entirely different back. The speedy McKinney, who played at Clark as a freshman, rushed for 867 yards and seven TDs last season. Forced into action at quarterback, he also passed for 562 yards and six TDs.
The Skyhawks have plenty of size to make room for McKinney. The 6-foot-4-inch, 304-pound Kissam was a second team All-Northeast League pick at tackle last season. He’ll be joined on the line by Liberty transfer Polu (6-4, 295) and massive tight end Walters (6-5, 295).
Hunt (6-6, 225) was the team’s top receiver last season, hauling in 15 passes for 410 yard sand two TDs.
Silverado also has ridiculous size on its defensive line, with Walters and Polu joined by Danford (6-2, 315).
With all that size, the Skyhawks should be able to wear down opponents and should be in the mix for a playoff berth.
