STORM WATCH
Cleveland looks for new leadership as it tries to repeat as state football champ.
RIO RANCHO — Taking two undefeated teams — the 2011 Cleveland Storm and the 2015 Cleveland Storm — and drawing parallels to them proved, in hindsight, to be fun sport.
In truth, comparing 2012 to 2016 is what is most relevant.
“In 2012,” Storm coach Heath Ridenour said, “they were struggling buying into what we were doing. And we just won state, too. (In) 2016, these kids believe in us. They know what works. They don’t have to fight that battle.”
Cleveland, the Journal’s No. 2 preseason metro selection, should again be in contention for a blue trophy, although it brings back just nine starters from a 13-0 squad.
“We have to realize that those guys are gone, and new leadership has to step up,” said senior tight end/linebacker Adam Cook.
Senior running back Shawn Nieto, who recorded 931 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall, returns as potentially one of the top at his position in the state.
In addition to having three starters back along the offensive line, Cleveland also returns the three members of its defensive front, led by nose guard Sean Davis.
“Every guy we lost, we’ve replaced with a guy that is hungry and ready to get in there,” said Davis.
The most prominent new face is junior quarterback Angelo Trujillo. He is a solid dual-threat athlete with an understanding of the game and of Cleveland’s system, Ridenour said.
Besides Nieto, other skillposition athletes to watch include Cook, plus receivers Daniel Johnson (the team’s fastest player) and Jesse Gonzales.
“We will be faster as a team this year than we were last year,” Ridenour said.
The O-Line returns sizable beef: guard Daimon Altamirano (6-4, 295), tackle Hayden Wilson (6-5, 270) and tackle Leo Sykes (5-11, 240).
The newcomers will surely be tested often, what with Cleveland’s relentless schedule.
Coming Wednesday: No. 1 in Journal top-5 metro countdown