2018 Mojave Football Capsule

Las Vegas Review-Journal

6 years ago

Desert Pines’ Jesse Bravin (44) break past Mojave’s Quincy Smith (4) and Desaun ... — Desert Pines’ Jesse Bravin (44) break past Mojave’s Quincy Smith (4) and Desaun Smith (1) for a touchdown in the NIAA Class 3A state championship game at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Mojave’s Isaiah Harper (7) celebrates his touchdown against Virgin Valley with Mojave’s Dequincy Mitchell (6) during the Class 3A state quarterfinal game at Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. Chase Stevens Las Vegas Review-Journal @csstevensphoto

Mojave’s David Warren (15) looks to sack Virgin Valley’s Cade Anderson (6) during the Class 3A state quarterfinal game at Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. Chase Stevens Las Vegas Review-Journal @csstevensphoto

MOJAVE

League: Class 4A Northeast

Head coach: Abraham Gonzalez, third season (11-11)

2017 record: 10-3 (4-1 3A Sunset, second)

Returning lettermen: 12

Returning starters: Two offense, five defense

Base offensive set: Single wing

Base defensive set: 4-2-5

Top offensive players: WR Isaiah Harper (Sr.); OL Ivan Parra (Sr.)

Top defensive players: DE David Warren (Sr.); OLB Desaun Smith (Sr.)

Top newcomer: QB K’maurian Philogene (Sr.)

Key losses: CB/WR John Harper; RB/FS Devin Houston; RB/LB Tawee Walker

Outlook: The Rattlers move up to Class 4A this season after an impressive run to the Class 3A state title game last fall.

But Mojave must replace some key cogs off a team that won 10 games after going 1-8 in 2016.

The Rattlers lost two-way standouts Walker and John Harper, and their production will be difficult to duplicate.

Walker was a first-team all-state selection after rushing for 1,703 yards and 21 TDs. He also had 63 tackles as a linebacker, but has transferred to Arizona.

Harper picked off six passes and returned three for touchdowns in earning second-team all-state honors as a defensive back. He also was the team’s top receiver.

Parra was a first-team All-Sunset League pick as a linebacker after finishing with 60 tackles, but may be more important on the offensive line this season. He also is expected to play on the defensive line.

Warren earned second-team All-Sunset honors as a defensive end with 38 tackles, including seven sacks. Smith added 42 tackles and four sacks last season.