2014 Green Valley Football Capsule

GREEN VALLEY

Head coach: Brian Castro, fourth season (23-10)

2013 record: 9-3 (5-0 Northeast League, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): 30 (six offense, six defense)

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: QB Christian Lopez (Sr.); RB Albert Lake (Sr.); RB Larry Norman (Sr.); G Carter Nielson (Sr.); C Tafa Vete (Sr.)

Top defensive players: DB Larry Norman (Sr.); DB Albert Lake (Sr.); LB David Berg (Jr.); DL Cordell Tidwell (Sr.)

Top newcomers: WR Brayon Williams (Jr.); LB Nathan McAloon (Sr.): WR Dokata Prussia (Sr.)

Key losses: OT/DT Tyrell Crosby; WR/DB Gio Hernandez; WR Markus Varner; WR/DB Kyler Chavez

Outlook: Realignment moves the Gators back to the Southeast League after they won the Northeast League the last two seasons.

Lopez was a second team all-state pick last season after passing for 3,455 yards and 34 TDs. He also rushed for 231 yards and 10 scores.

But he lost his top four receivers to graduation, so newcomers must emerge to keep the passing game at the level it was last season.

Norman (857 yards, 8 TDs) and Lake (676 yards, 6 TDs) are back to share carries again and lead the ground game, and Nielson and Vete give the team a pair of experienced offensive linemen. Nielson is in his fourth year as a starter, and Vete will be starting for the third season.

Norman and Lake should key the defense as well from positions in the secondary.

Norman led the team with 84 tackles last season, and Lake intercepted five passes to snag second team all-state honors.

Crosby’s graduation will be felt on both sides of the line.

“The loss of our four starting (receivers) and (offensive tackle) Tyrell Crosby has left big holes to fill,” Castro said. “We return some talented seniors that must learn to lead by example and hard work. We do have some talented young kids that need to learn to play with passion and discipline.”