2017 Mojave Football Capsule
MOJAVE
League: Class 3A Sunset
Head coach: Abraham Gonzalez, second season (1-8)
2016 record: 1-8 (1-4 Sunset League, fifth)
Returning lettermen: 11
Returning starters: Eight offense, five defense
Base offensive set: Single wing
Base defensive set: 3-5
Top offensive players: RB Tawee Walker (Jr.); OL Dylan Mleynek (Sr.); OL Ivan Parra (Jr.)
Top defensive players: DE David Warren (Jr.); S Xavier DeLong (Jr.)
Key losses: WR/QB/DB Taiwan Braden; RB Khalid Walker; WR Antonio Wayman; DE Nick Kline
Outlook: The Rattlers won just one game last year, but should be in line to make their first playoff appearance since 2015.
Linemen Mleynek and Parra lead eight returners on offense and will be key in helping Walker find space in the ground game.
Mojave must find a replacement for Kline, the team’s leading tackler last year. Warren will get the push up front on defense this season, and DeLong will clean up at safety for Mojave.
“We’re expecting to make the playoffs, and we should have a winning record this season,” Gonzalez said. “Our offense was our weakness last season, but now we’re moving the ball. And defense has always been our staple.”
