STG: CB Kwan Carter & FB Aaron Fuentes standout in Pahrump vs Western
Pahrump Valley at Western High didn’t stand out as a top matchup but both programs are looking to develop a strong future
Out of rural Nevada, Pahrump Valley produced their first winning season in decades this season with a trip to the playoffs on the horizon. They aren’t deep in physical talent but they have learned to play as a team with a very well coached program.
A former traditional power, the Western Warriors still feature the raw athletes on the football field but lack of coaching continuity has left the programs struggling to compete on the football field with three coaching changes in three years.
CB/WR Kwan Carter Western 5’11 165
28 rec 361 yards 12.8 avg 0 tds (19 car 182 yards 9.5 avg 2 tds)
A three sports star in basketball, football and track; Carter is an excellent athlete that can create big plays showing great competitiveness. He is an explosive player that is productive on both sides of the ball showing great ball skills and strong skills as a tackler on defense.
A physical player, he is a good playmaker in space that has high upside overall that has been only limited by the lack of coaching consistency his team experienced over the course of his high school career.
FB Aaron Fuentes Pahrump Valley 5’9 210
40 car 289 yards 7.2 avg 2 tds
The Trojans have locked up their first winning season of the decade with Fuentes playing a big role as a defensive tackle and fullback.
Lacking the size to remain on defense, Fuentes shows promise as a blocking fullback with good feet, explosiveness and power. He has the ability to be an effective short yardage runner but needs to lower his pad level.
Fuentes will be a player to watch for the Trojans that could also find opportunity as a walkon on the FCS or FBS level.
Underclassmen
DB/RB Nico Valazquez Pahrump Valley 5’9 170 (2019)
34 car 219 yards 6.4 avg 5 tds (3 rec 129 yards 2 tds)
A sophomore, Valazquez showed toughness and efficiency as a running back on offense where he was very effective over the course of the game. He has to continue to improve his overall speed, but he is a solid young player that should continue to develop his body and does a good job on defense.
DT Kameron Hollis Western 6’2 250 (2018)
A raw junior, Hollis is a solid athlete that shows good instincts as a defender. He brings a good body and speed in the trenches that allows him to get involved in the trenches. He has to develop into a more complete player over the summer but he will be a player to watch as a potential riser.
Others to Watch
LB Riley Sutton Pahrump Valley 6’2 170
Although he has an underdeveloped body, Sutton is a productive defender at linebacker that does a good job of tackling in space. He is a high effort player in pursuit that covers ground well with enough physical upside to be a player to watch in the future with more work in the weight room.
RB Roger Harrison Western 5’7 180
118 car 509 yards 4.3 avg 4 tds (7 rec 49 yards 0 tds)
With a low center of gravity and good speed, Harrison has had a productive year on the ground despite an inconsistent front line. He is a physical runner with good speed that can break tackles and pick up large chunks of yards.
LB Sha’Run Oliver Western 6’1 175
Playing defensive end and linebacker for the Warriors, Oliver is another underdeveloped player physically that shows upside with more focused work in the weight room. He shows the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage with good overall athletic ability.
He is a project but if he can add more muscle and bulk to his frame, he shows the instincts to develop into a productive player.
S Jonah Sheppard Western 6’0 170
Another senior to flashed ability, Sheppard needed to step up and become a more physical player when attacking the run. He needs to also develop his body and be quicker diagnosing plays but he moves well in space. Another very raw football player, he has upside on the junior college level.