Rushing

1. Rashan Lawrence (Cimarron) 226 car 1468 yards 20 tds

2. Rockney Ricafrente (Palo Verde) 124 car 736 yards 7 tds

3. V'Son Milton (Cheyenne) 123 car 703 yards 10 tds

Passing

1. Austin Christiansen (Legacy) 39/90 615 yards 6 tds 8 int

2. Tyson Turley (Centennial) 3/ 4 110 yards 0 td 1 int

Receiving

1. Devin Conway (Legacy) 22 rec 397 yards 0 tds

2. Preston Davis (Shadow Ridge 22 rec 257 yards 1 td

3. Matt Holley (Centennial) 15 rec 144 yards 1 td

4. Chris Jones (Shadow Ridge) 12 rec 165 yards 1 td

5. Mitchell Lamonte (Palo Verde) 8 rec 100 yards 1 td

1. S/WR Preston Davis Shadow Ridge 6'2 193

2. DB Chris Jones Shadow Ridge 6'2 183

3. OLB Reggie Powers Mojave 6'1 205

4. OL Robert Drye Shadow Ridge 6'4 285

5. DL/OL Ethan Drellack Palo Verde 6'5 225

6. MLB Jesse Swan Cheyenne 6'1 220

7. LB D'Angelo Butler Cheyenne 6'1 205

8. DB Julien Dupree Cimarron 5'10 170

9. RB V'Son Milton Cheyenne 5'5 175

10. MLB Sean Cody Centennial 6'0 210

QB Tyson Turley Centennial

RB V'Son Milton Cheyenne

RB Rashan Lawrence Cimarron

WR Preston Davis Shadow Ridge

WR Devin Conway Legacy

TE Mitchell Lamonte Palo Verde

OL Ethan Drellack Palo Verde

OL Jeremiah Toefaono Cheyenne

OL George Morales Mojave

OL Shane Kanie Cimarron

OL Robert Drye Shadow Ridge

DL D'Angelo Butler Cheyenne

DL Ethan Drellack Palo Verde

DL Jordan Gantt Arbor View

DL Billy Smith Centennial

LB Reggie Powers Mojave

LB Jesse Swan Cheyenne

LB Sean Cody Centennial

LB Triton Manumaleuna Cimarron

DB Julien Dupree Cimarron

DB Gabryn Toney Shadow Ridge

DB Preston Davis Shadow Ridge

DB Matt Holley Centennial

K/P Josso Jaaskelainen Legacy

In the realm of team speed and overall athletic ability, there isn't a lot of team that can match up with the Desert Shields. Cheyenne has four running backs on the roster that could start for any team in the state with a very deep group of player at linebacker as well. Fullback and #2 tailback Anthony Johnson was actually consider one of the top running back prospects at the prestigious Stanford Nike Camp this summer.

On offense, this is the first time the team won't be featuring a dynamic athlete at the quarterback position which should allow them to revert back to the offense that almost led them to state 3 seasons ago. This year, the feature player is scat back V'Son Milton. Milton led the team in rushing yards last season with a great combination of power and quickness that makes him hard to tackle. At just 5'5, he is tough to see and he does a good job of breaking tackles as well.

Anthony Johnson provides the team a more powerful back with very good speed as well. Major speedsters Terence Brison and Marcus Sullivan are two juniors that are sure to cut into the carry total of both backs after seeing spot duty last season.

Sophomore Chris Spencer is set to take over the quarterback position, he is only 5'10 but he has a rocket arm with solid overall athletic ability. He will need to be more accurate but he should have plenty of room to grow behind a large offensive line led by junior Jeremiah Tofaeono and senior Eddie Williams. As a unit, they can pave the road on the ground and be very physical in the passing game as well. They look as though they could be the top unit in the Sunset by a long shot with depth as well.

Defensively, MLB Jesse Swan, DE D'Angelo Butler and OLB Damien Proby are impact players that will be a force this year. Swan looked great at the UNLV camp coming up with huge hits and showing much improved awareness when tracking the ball. His physical style and presence, which he emulates from former Cheyenne star Eddie Hartwell, makes him one of the best in the state at his position.

Butler is now running in the 4.7 40 range which will make him much more dangerous off the edge. With Proby manning an outside position as well, it will be tough to get around the corner on the Shields and this team can deliver the blow.

Look for Tofaeono to also play defensive tackle this season which will make it tough to get a push up the middle. The defensive backfield happens to be loaded with speed as well as leapers that can make a lot of plays. With strong safety Jacorey LaFear set to make a name for himself this year, Cheyenne is by far the team best equipped to take the division this season.

This team has been among the best in the state over the years and has the look of a state title contender this season. They are really strong.

The Palo Verde Panthers have been forced to turn to its youthful class sooner than expected but I don't see much changing a far as their record goes. The first few weeks of the season will be tough but many of the new starters started in the state playoffs last season and the experience should have them ready to battle. Palo Verde also does a tremendous job of developing player on the lower levels.

In steps sophomore Jahari Selmon to man the quarterback and though he isn't the passer that Buonantony was, he is a kid with the athletic ability to be more of a factor as a runner. He will have his growing pains and likely won't be asked to put the ball in the air often but if he can change a game or two with his legs things will be fine.

Rockney Ricafrente is the top returning rusher and is a good option but he's not the workhorse that Rashan Lawrence was. Combining him with junior Torin Harris and sophomore Tryon Blake should allow this offense to keep the chains moving though, despite teams not respecting the pass as much this season.

Lineman Ethan Drellack is one of the best to play for Palo Verde as well as one of the best in the state; his presence ensures that there will be holes. The line overall is one of the most impressive I can recall at the school and overall team speed is near the level of the state champion team. On defense, Drellack and Mitch Lamonte did a great job on the ends and that will continue as well with an expected increase in the sack total.

The linebacking unit is questionable and lack a prototype player but the have nice size. An effective line that will give them room to make plays and the speed is solid thought.

The defensive backfield is in position to be very productive and is traditionally well coached. There are plenty of playmakers to choose from in the backfield and overall, this should be a very good defense. Once again, the line should have an impact due to its ability to pressure the quarterback. I expect to see a few players emerge with the turnover opportunities Drellack and Lamonte create.

This Palo Verde team doesn't match up with Cheyenne on paper but they have the players in place to make a fourth straight trip to the state playoffs if things play out right. They are definitely a contender but a few former players will be gunning for them.

The Centennial Bulldogs have been just on the verge of making the playoffs the last few years and minus an injury to star running back Jaren Walker, they probably would have been a major player last season. This year they lost a lot of great players but some impressive underclassmen are now a year smarter and stronger.

Offensively, quarterback Tyson Turley and running back Torrence Whalum are ready to step up to be the team's top weapons. Whalum rushed for over 500 yards as a junior while Turley saw spot duty and is the next in line of the tough, mobile quarterbacks that Centennial has been able to deploy. Stephen Dickerson and Matt Holley will now take over as the go to receivers providing a bit of experience as well as big play capability.

The lines will be led by Nick Giannosa and junior Billy Smith. Smith is an outstanding defensive lineman with bulk while Giannosa is the steady player that will need to be a force off the edge on defense. Both look as though they may be playing both ways, however there are some options on board from the underclass level for the offensive line. With a quick and physical group of players, the level of play should be pretty high this season.

As for the rest of the defense, Shaun Cody is the man at linebacker and should be ready to make an even bigger impact as a senior. He will be joined by a more physically mature Matt Holley with a couple of bulky guys in the mix at the other linebacker spot. Look for Stephen Dickerson to be an impact guy in the secondary this season with good talent thought. Defensive backs at Centennial are expected to play the run and this is a good group.

Overall, this is a very good team that should have been in the playoff. The door is open more than it has been in the last few years and they are ready to step in.

Based on core talent, Shadow Ridge is one of the top three in the division but it still has a lot of questions on the table based on its off season changes and personnel losses.

This year, the Mustangs will be running a new offense that has plenty of talent but will experience growing pain in such a tough division. Sophomore Zack Hill has the most upside of the team's running backs but a team effort will be required to make the option work well.

Athlete Preston Davis will be seeing time out of the backfield as well as receiving the ball. He has the skills to be a playmaker in this offense but there isn't a proven guy among the skill players that will consistently allow the team to put the ball in the end zone twice a game.

Quarterback Chris Jones is the X-factor this year. He is very athletic showcasing the ability to make plays with his legs, move the ball accurately though the air and he has a great head on his shoulder. His big challenge on offense will be staying healthy with the potential pounding he will take every time he has the ball in his hands. He is a player that can be an MVP and will have the opportunity to play behind a very good line led by impressive tackle Robert Drye but anytime you are making the transition to quarterback in a new offense you have a lot to prove.

Defensively the Mustangs will be breaking in a new coordinator with a change in philosophy. Traditionally this is one of the top units in Nevada and they have a great group of players to build around. Davis plays a bandit like safety position and can make plays versus the pass or getting to the passer with his tremendous speed. He will be complimented by CB Jones and free safety Gabryn Toney, they are all great athletes and can fly to the ball. The team does lack experience on the defensive line so that could force them to blitz a bit more than preferred this year that leaves opportunities for big plays.

Tavis Brown is the lone returning starter at the linebacker position and he is an impressive player but there aren't any true replacements for the ability of Chris McMillian and Korey Toomer which can spell problems this season versus the run.

The Mustangs can be the best or just be a solid team in the division based on a lot of factors. A middle of the pack finish wouldn't be a surprise but a big year from Jones should land them a top playoff seed.

The Mojave Rattlers are another team that has been on the edge of making the playoffs and this is the year they should break the barrier. Offensively this team has speed and the running backs to make it happen.

The powerful Marcus Carter and speedy DeAndre Taylor can both move the ball on the ground. Taylor was last year's leading rusher and has 4.6 speed while Carter measures in at 210 with the ability to punish would be tacklers. With the athletic Jordan Cannon at QB, this team should be good enough on offense to grab a lead and Donovan Smith is a good pass catcher that will be even better this season.

The defense will carry the burden of getting this team to the playoffs. Speedy linebacker Reggie Powers has All-American level ability and can make plays in pursuit as well as take on blockers. His presence alone can change the fortune of this team on defense but he will have plenty of help. Justin Armstrong is a big thumper type in the middle that should be a major force versus the run this year. Add in defensive back Adrian Jackson, who is a very good athlete with linebacker size, they have a very good group of core player with good size on the line and speed on the third level.

This should be the year that Mojave snatches one of the playoffs spot but the question is whose? This team will shut down the average offense and has some backs that can move the ball. This is definitely a team to watch this season after finishing a .500 last season.

Legacy is a surprise pick but athletically they are a team that should hit the ground running. Austin Christiansen is a quarterback to watch this season and had a solid sophomore season that should have him ready to face a full 4A schedule. Top receiver Devin Conway was impressive in his first season as well.

He will be joined by running back Davion Donely as the team top threats at the skill positions. Along the offensive line, the players are in place to keep the chains moving and with much of the telent on this team focused among the line. Despite a step up in competition, I expect this offense to be productive.

Defensively, this team is impressive as a group. Though they lack the guy that carries the load, they should be smothering and fast to the ball. This team has good run stuffers on the line and at linebacker as the units compliment each others weakness. With quite a few speedy options in the defensive backfield, I look for this team to surprise this year.

They played well for a young team versus a tough 3A level schedule and have had a year to grow together. It will surprise me if this team lands at the bottom of the Northwest.

The Spartans took a major hit physically and athletically this season with the loss of lineman Neil Spencer as well as stars Brandon Marshall, Eddie Wide and Eric Brinkley. This year they did get a break with the addition of 1400 yard rusher Rashan Lawrence from Palo Verde but much of this year's team will be a bit inexperienced.

Lawrence is a powerful back and although he didn't blow you away this off season, he is among the cities most effective backs. The team did add a perfect compliment to him in former Las Vegas athlete Kevin Cormier, but he isn't expected to be on the field for them this season and they are also taking a huge hit with the loss of top weapon Chazz Mitchell as well. Due to these expected changes, Lawrence will have a heavy load to carry on the field. Darius Hogans will likely step in as a change of pace back but this unit doesn't look as if it is in the same range as last season.

The passing game will be depended on a lot more this season and in steps Joe Zikakis. Zikakis is a better passer than Mitchell was but not the same athlete. Julian Dupree or Jay Pappas should step in the catch the ball but the team has moved away from the pass over the last two seasons so getting the timing and mentality back will be a challenge versus an unforgiving schedule.

On defense, this was one of the most dominating defensive teams to play in the state in a while and the blows are tough. The defensive backfield is still loaded however led by Dupree, Butler and Hogans. They all have playmaking ability with good speed. They are great tracking the ball in the air as well and aren't afraid of filling versus the run.

Linebacker Triton Manumaleuna is among the division's best pass rushers giving the team a good linebacker to build around but the rest of the unit has question marks. The middle linebacker is a potential problem as there is a big loss of speed and skill minus Eric Brinkley. They need to see the young guys really step up.

On the lines, it has been noted that there isn't a lot of size to work with overall but there are some impressive players. The team will be led by the very quick Shane Kanie and Jordan Padgett. Kanie was one of the best linemen in the city last season and Padgett has the type on ability that indicates that he will be a player in the near future.

Based on player losses, the schedule and staff change, Cimarron has an uphill battle as they break in an inexperienced group of players. The success from last season sets a great foundation to build from but changes are in store that could see the Spartans miss the playoffs this season.

Although some will disagree with this team being place at the bottom of the division, key personnel losses indicates the Aggies won't win much more than they did the last two seasons despite having a pretty solid team.

Last season QB Dustin Hobbs and WR Anthony Windom generally produced much of the offense but Hobbs decided to protect his shoulder from further injury by focusing on baseball while Windom graduated. The leaves an unproven guy at quarterback and the need for a new go to guy in the passing game.

In steps the bit more athletic James Toller to handle the quarterbacking duties. Toller has experience and has been the starter before but he lacks the tools to be an impact player.

Ryan Hill and Greg Gloria are the top returning offensive threats and both will be in the backfield once but neither looks like an impact guy. Both have proven to be able to make plays but neither is a work horse type of player that can carry a team.

At the wide receiver position, Jaime Brown showed he has the athletic ability to be a playmaker but he only caught the ball in one game. The lack of size at wide receiver and tight end could make it tough to move the ball downfield consistently this season. If it becomes a major problem, this team will be in trouble on offense.

The line looks solid this season. There isn't a dominating guy on the offensive side of the ball but William Janke is a solid player to build off of.

Defensive end Jordan Gantt looks like a solid pass rusher on the edge and the guys are in place for this team to make plays versus the run. The linebacker unit should be able to benefit from the room generated by the front line but lacks the speed to make a lot of plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Overall the front seven is good but isn't as strong as the first five team in the ranking. There is also talent in the defensive backfield that should make this a solid defensive team.

Based on the experience returning on this team, they should be competitive. The confidence on this team appears to be high but someone in this group will need to step up to become an impact player. With many question marks still on the table, opening division play versus two team that beat them by a combined score of 75-8, this team will get a chance to see what they are made of. The early schedule looks easy on paper but Bonanza beat this team last season, Green Valley has the type of playmakers to give them a lot of problems and Clark isn't a gimme. A 2-3 start will have this team pumped but if they start 1-4, things will go downhill fast.