PREP FOOTBALL: VOLCANO VISTA AT A GLANCE
(Another in a continuing series of previews heading to Opening Day.)
Coach: Chad Wallin (10th year; 47-51) Last season: 7-4; lost to Mayfield in Class 6A first round Returning starters: 4 offense, 4 defense
Key players: Austin Blaisure, sr. (6-1, 165, QB); Moses Young, sr. (5-11, 190, RB); Heath Skroch, sr. (6-0, 225, OT); Joren Dickey, sr. (6-3, 205, DE/ TE); Jacob Werner, jr. (6-0, 160, WR/FS); Blaine Grant, jr. (5-8, 150, WR/CB); Jake Bulling, sr. (5-11, 215, MLB); Cielo Gonzales Kirk patrick, sr .(5-10, 175, LB); Joah Flores, jr. (5-7, 150, WR/CB); Josh Escobedo, sr. (5-11, 160, CB/WR) Outlook: Few of last year’s playoff teams from 6A will have as much turnover at skill positions as the Hawks. How players like Blaisure, who understands this offense well, and Young — an athletic back perhaps poised for a big season — perform will go a long way toward determining how this season pans out. Volcano Vista is deep at receiver, which should be of great benefit to Blaisure as he takes over this offense, which also has three returning starters up front, led by Skroch. On the other side, Dickey — who is receiving scholarship offers — is one of the state’s top defensive playmakers. Amazingly, he blocked five punts in 2016. The defensive front will have to mature quickly, but the Hawks are very solid at linebacker with Dickey and Bulling. Last season ended with a Southern administered beat down in the playoffs, but it’s easy to forget that until then, Volcano Vista was having an excellent year. “Optimistically, I feel like we have a shot to fight for something,” Wallin said. “I like what we have coming in.” 2017 SCHEDULE (x-denotes District 1-6A game) Aug. 26 at Valley (C) 1 p.m. Sept. 1 Eldorado (C) 7 p.m. Sept. 7 West Mesa (C) 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mayfield (FOD) 7 p.m. Sept. 21 Atrisco Heritage (C) 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Highland (W) 7 p.m. Oct. 6 OPEN x-Oct. 12 Rio Rancho (C) 7 p.m. x-Oct. 20 at Cibola (C) 7 p.m. x-Oct. 27 Piedra Vista (C) 7 p.m. x-Nov. 3 at Cleveland 7 p.m. (C: Community Stadium; W: Wilson Stadium; FOD: Field of Dreams)
Circle the date: After the Trojans worked them hard in the playoffs last November, the Hawks will surely be eager to visit the Field of Dreams for some payback against Mayfield.