2014 Desert Oasis Football Capsule

DESERT OASIS

Head coach: Marcus Sherman, first season

2013 record: 4-5 (1-4 Southwest League, fifth)

Returning lettermen (starters): 20 (two offense, one defense)

Base offensive set: Pro

Base defensive set: 5-2

Top offensive players: QB Qwade Huff (Sr.); FB Franco Rocco (Sr.); OL Jonah Levy (Sr.); OL Ryan Knipp (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DL Devin Ford (Sr.); CB Malik Batiste (Sr.)

Top newcomers: WR Amari Tatum (Jr.)

Key losses: RB Jocquez Kalili

Outlook: New head coach Sherman takes over a program that missed the playoffs last season after making four straight appearances.

He’ll have to find a replacement for Kalili, an all-state pick who rushed for 1,633 yards and 23 TDs last season in earning the Southwest League’s Offensive MVP award.

Tatum was the leading receiver for Sherman at Valley last season with 28 catches for 268 yards. He also rushed for 245 yards.

Batiste also was at Valley last season, and he had 18 catches for 166 yards and rushed for 169 yards. He was a second team All-Northeast League pick at cornerback.

Both should help right away.

Knipp and Levy return to anchor the line. Knipp made the All-Southwest second team at guard last season.

Sherman said he expects a return to the playoffs.