Fresh off an 11-win season, the Coyotes will sit atop many 5A DII state polls. Coach Richard Taylor (17th year, 35th overall) welcomes back 31 lettermen, including 14 starters (8 offense, 6 defense). He believes this is as deep a team as he has enjoyed since he helped open the school in 1990. The Coyotes have made the playoffs the past four years, losing to eventual State Champion Moon Valley in the semi's in 2004. Coach's comments are in quotes.

Powering an explosive offense is a line that returns totally intact, and includes three seniors and two juniors. Center Brett Goetz (Sr, 5-foot-11, 275 lbs) is described as a "gutsy, scrappy competitor, who is solid, and constantly grades out on the high end." LG Pedro Ramos (Sr, 5-foot-11, 240 lbs) is "tough, strong, and quick." The other senior up front is Joey Oliver (6-foot-3, 245 lbs), who has a "tremendous work ethic and is totally committed to improving his techniques." One of the top 2008 statewide prospects is RT Zach Schlink (6-foot-4, 290 lbs, 3.6 GPA). This man-child was named the top junior offensive lineman at the University of Arizona football camp. He possesses "great feet, and when he locks in - its over!" The other junior mainstay on the o-line is LT Cory Woolery (6-foot-3, 285 lbs). He is a "terrific all-around athlete for a big man."

The QB will be junior Scott Burgett (6-foot-2, 205 lbs). He is "the total package. A rifle for an arm, runs well, and really is a student of the game." Described as a natural leader, Burgett has lost only one game that he has started during his prep career. The competition will be lively at the RB position. Junior Jeff Hughes (5-foot-10, 190 lbs) is a "hard runner, with quick feet and excellent vision." He will be pushed by a couple of speedy sophomores in John Hughes (5-foot-7, 150 lbs), and Reggie Umuolo (5-foot-9, 160 lbs). Two seniors will man the Coyotes double TE formations. RJ Anderson (6-foot-0, 200 lbs) is special because he is a converted RB. He has "soft hands, blocks well, and runs precise routes." Jesse Knaack (6-foot-2, 195 lbs, 3.95 GPA) is "very smart, a tough blocker, and has really improved his hand speed." Knaack recently visited the Harvard camp. A standout WR looks to be senior Mark Bell (6-foot-1, 175 lbs, 3.96 GPA). Another high academic achiever, Coach Taylor adds, "Mark is also one of our hardest workers at practice." The other WR position could go to senior Warren Johnson (5-foot-7, 145 lbs). The senior kicker is Greg Shorts (6-foot-3, 170 lbs).

The defensive unit begins with 3-year starter DT Tom Ramsey (Sr, 5-foot-11, 260 lbs). A true leader, this prospect is also the strongest player on the team. He benches 405 lbs, squats 515 lbs, and power cleans 315 lbs. He has an incredible 19 1/2 career sacks going into his final prep season. WR Bell, who started at safety last year, is moving to DB. His defensive coach adds, "Great leader, charisma, and loves to mix it up." Returning at LB will be TE Anderson, "another leader type, who combines speed with sure tackling abilities." One of the key versatile defensive players is senior Alston Umuolo (6-foot3, 220 lbs). A star basketball forward, football positions include LB, TE, WR, RB, and QB. It helps when you can boast 4.5 speed. Finally, the starting safety will be senior Shaun Rade (5-foot-11, 170 lbs). This multi-sport star is the last of four brothers who have played football at the school. Brother Toby was the '94, '95 starting QB, and brother Kai was an All-League center in '04.

The staff is highly skilled and experienced. They are Andrew Taylor (defensive co-coordinator, played DL at Tulsa), Kyle Pooler (offensive co-coordinator), Joe McDonald (OL, played at the University of Arizona), Hal Borhauer (DL, 15 years coaching), and handling the WR is Kris Lee. Some of the top teams in the Desert West Region include: Maryvale, Ironwood, Peoria, and Westview. Out of conference opponents are: Mountain View (opening game), Goldwater, and Kingman. Coach Taylor feels this years' strength includes speed and experience (good depth). Everyone in the community is eagerly awaiting what promises to be a Championship season.

Picture order:

(All pictures are the property of ArizonaVarsity.com)

1) Jarrell Barbaur #23

2) Austin West #1

3) Zach Schlink #75

4) Jesse Knaack #84

5) Pedro Ramos #61

6) Scott Burgett #12

7) Jeffrey Hughes #5

8) Warren Johnson #8

9) Tom Ramsey #46

10) RJ Anderson #41

11) Alston Umuolo #4

12) Mark Bell #86

13) Shaun Rade #31

14) Brett Goetz #55