2017 Chaparral Football Capsule

League: Class 3A Sunrise

Head coach: Paul Nihipali, fourth season (20-14)

2016 record: 6-6 (2-2 Sunrise League, third)

Returning starters: Five offense, five defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: RB Tyray Collins (Sr.); QB Iopu Pauiliili (So.); RB Trayvius Hodge (Sr.); OL Victor Sanchez (Sr.)

Top defensive players: S Tyray Collins (Sr.); MLB Travius Hodge (Sr.); LB/DE Demetrius Jackson (Sr.)

Key losses: QB Santiago Vialpando; WR Kentrell Petite; WR/TE Devin Gaddy; RB Jacob Ford

Outlook: As the Sunrise League’s No. 3 seed last season, Chaparral made it to the state semifinals before losing to Spring Creek.

The Cowboys have their work cut out for them this season, as they must replace massive parts of their offense. Vialpando (2,417 yards passing, 32 touchdowns), Ford (501 yards rushing, 10 TDs), Petite (1,218 yards receiving and 15 TDs) and Gaddy (859 yards receiving, 14 TDs) all have graduated.

Collins appears to be the Cowboys’ top returning player. The senior scored eight touchdowns last season and was second on the team in interceptions with three.

“We are rebuilding this year,” Nihipali said. “Hope these kids can step up.”