Eagles figure to put up some points in 2016
Challenge will come on the defensive side, coach Charlie Dotson says
Of this, Eldorado head football coach Charlie Dotson seems confident: his Eagles will light up scoreboards.
The concern? Offenses the Eagles face may light them up, too.
“I don’t know if we can stop the run, and I don’t know if we can rush the passer,” Dotson said.
Indeed, the development of the Eagles’ new defensive line and linebacking corps could determine how Eldorado projects this season. The Eagles, the Journal’s preseason No. 3 selection in the metro area, were the Class 6A state runner-up to Cleveland last December.
However, they’ll start this season — Friday against Las Cruces — with myriad question marks on that defense, particularly in that front seven.
Which shifts the talk to the need for the Eagle offense to perhaps carry a larger share of the load since the defense has only three returning starters.
“We should put up a lot of points,” said senior receiver and part-time running back Dominic Sandoval, arguably the Eagles’ best player.
“But (defense) is where we have to improve the most,” he added. “We’ll get there, but we need a lot of work.”
To that end, Dotson said Eldorado may start both a sophomore and a freshman on the D-Line.
Matt Denis subbed for injured Jayce Jackson twice at quarterback during last season’s playoffs, including in the title game. All things considered, he acquitted himself nicely, given his inexperience. Now Denis is the starter.
“That playoff experience? It’s easy to build on,” said Denis.
His progress will be a vital ingredient. Sandoval will give him help; so will three returning offensive linemen, plus fullback Elias Baker — all 255 pounds of him.
“How Matt runs, we’re gonna run,” Dotson said. “It’s up to Matt.” Coming Tuesday: No. 2 in Journal top-5 metro poll