2018 Shadow Ridge Football Capsule
SHADOW RIDGE
League: Class 4A Northwest
Head coach: Travis Foster, fourth season (11-17)
2017 record: 5-4 (2-4 Northwest, fifth)
Returning lettermen: 18
Returning starters: Five offense, seven defense
Base offensive set: Flexbone
Base defensive set: 4-3
Top offensive players: QB Kody Presser (Sr.); RB Anthony Wheaton (Jr.)
Top defensive players: LB Kamu Palakiko (Sr.); DL Devin Kesi (Jr.); DE Isaiah Tucker (Sr.)
Top Newcomers: WR/DB Josiah Nichols; RB/LB Anthony Wheaton; RB/S Devosier Hobbs
Key losses: RB/LB Aubrey Nellems; RB/S Kaejin Smith-Bejgrowicz; OL/DL Ricky Tuiletufuga
Outlook: The Mustangs are coming off a second consecutive frustrating season that included five victories but no postseason berth.
Nellems was the team’s top option last season, and it will be difficult to replace his production. The second-team all-state pick rushed for 1,222 yards and 12 TDs and averaged 9.7 yards per carry.
Presser didn’t do much throwing the ball, but returns to lead the offense after rushing for 846 yards and 13 TDs from the quarterback spot.
He completed 15 of 44 passes for 342 yards and three TDs with five interceptions.
Wheaton only had six carries last season, but Foster is confident the junior can be productive in the team’s run-heavy offense.
Palakiko is the team’s top returning tackler after recording 36 stops last season. Tucker added 33 tackles and a sack from his defensive end spot. He made the All-Northwest League’s second team.
“We look to compete or a playoff spot,” Foster said.
