2018 Spring Valley Football Capsule

SPRING VALLEY

League: Class 4A Southwest

Head coach: Marcus Teal, ninth season (34-42)

2017 record: 5-5 (3-3 Southwest, fourth)

Returning lettermen: 11

Returning starters: Three offense, four defense

Base offensive set: Multiple

Base defensive set: 3-5

Top offensive players: QB Mason Decunzo (Sr.); WR Jonathan Vazquez (Sr.); WR Marco Godinez (Sr.): WR Austin Connors (Sr.); OL Giovanni Cisneros (Sr.); RB Kevynn Fernandez (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DB Austin Connors (Sr.); DB Mohaed Kouyate (Sr.); OLB Michael Chavez (Sr.); DL Jared Eckhart-Davis (Jr.)

Top newcomers: QB/S Frank Bartley (So.): RB/DB Tavon Scott (So.); RB/LB Rayven Fines (Jr.); RB/OLB Diego Maldonado (So.); WR/DB Pharohyce Boone (So.); WR/OLB Matthew Russell Polk (So.)

Key losses: QB Sylo Staton; WR Marquelle Diggs; WR Kash Jenkins; MLB Clark Genneken; RB Kevin Benoza; OL Geovanni Reyes; OL Reagan Davis; OLB Joseph Pienta; DB Mitchell Otis

Outlook: The Grizzlies must replace much of the production that helped them earn a second consecutive playoff berth.

Staton accounted for much of the team’s offense last season, rushing for 582 yards and five TDs and passing for 826 yards and six scores. Also gone are running backs Benoza (761 rushing yards, five TDs) and Jenkins (136 rushing yards, three TDs) and top receiver Diggs (14 catches, 289 yards, three TDs).

Decunzo will move to quarterback after primarily playing receiver last season. Godinez (16 catches, 223 yards) and Vazquez (eight catches, 158 yards) at least give him a couple of experienced receivers.

On defense, Spring Valley must replace all-league safety Otis and all-league defensive tackle Tzadeek Yehudah.

“A lot of new starters on this year’s team and an infusion of young talent,” Teal said. “It should be an exciting year for Spring Valley.”