Desert Pines football eager to unveil big ground game

Cedrick Poutasi and Leon Hayes aren't kidding when they say the Desert Pines football team should have a special running game this season.

It's a fact many college coaches and recruiters are also aware of.

Poutasi, one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the nation, and Hayes, a rising running back, will give the Jaguars two seniors to build around.

"Our running game is going to be good this year," Poutasi said. "It's very good. Our (offensive) line was so young last year, and we can get better."

Poutasi, a 6-foot-5-inch, 325-pound offensive tackle, said he has scholarship offers from 17 schools. Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon State, San Diego State, Southern Methodist, UCLA, UNLV, Utah and Washington are among programs he's considering.

"I'm pretty open to anything," said Poutasi, who some schools like at guard.

Poutasi will help pave the way for Hayes, who rushed for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior while averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

"We've got a big bunch of hogs on the line," Hayes said. "I run hard and finish the play. My vision is getting better, and I'm becoming faster and stronger."

Hayes recently received an offer to play safety at Texas-El Paso, and some schools are interested in him as a running back.

Hayes said the Jaguars are motivated to parlay their talented roster into a breakout season. Desert Pines went 5-5 last season, losing to Foothill in the quarterfinals of the Sunrise Region playoffs.

"I feel like we can do better," Hayes said. "We've been working harder, and we're starting out new traditions."

■ RECENT DECISIONS -- Graduated seniors who made late college commitments include: Boulder City baseball player Jack LaMarca (College of Southern Nevada); Canyon Springs boys basketball player Chris Willis (Cochise College, Ariz.); Centennial boys basketball player Aaseem Dixon (Arizona Western College); Las Vegas High girls basketball player Natresha Bernard (Snow College, Utah); and Liberty girls basketball player Jade Washington (Arizona Western).

■ AROUND THE CORNER -- The summer basketball tournament circuit is about to heat up, with hundreds of games scattered across local gyms.

Headquartered at Rancho, the adidas Super 64 will run July 22 to 26 for boys and July 22 to 24 for girls.

The Las Vegas Fab 48 boys tournament, headquartered at Bishop Gorman, will be July 22 to 25.

A new marquee boys tournament, Las Vegas Live, is set for July 22 to 26 with headquarters at Durango.

Contact reporter Tristan Aird at taird@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203.