Gridiron Profile: McClintock Chargers
Coach Steve Campbell (3rd year, 7th overall) welcomed back 15 lettermen, including 10 starters (5 offense, 5 defense). In his short tenure, Coach Campbell, who also played for Arizona State, has made remarkable progress with the program. His initial team went 4-6, and began last year 0-3. The Chargers then won six out of their last seven games to qualify for the playoffs. This year the team is off to a fast 5-0 start. The victories have come against Tempe (17-0), Willow Canyon (14-13), Apollo (35-17), Amphitheater (17-7), and Queen Creek (22-0). The key has been the defense, which has given up the second fewest points of any school in the state. Coaching comments and evaluations are in quotes.
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The signal caller for the Chargers spread option offense is senior Gavin Lemusu (5-10, 195), a two-year starter. A terrific athlete who passed for over 1,000 yards last year, and rushed for 300-plus, Lemusu is "very dangerous outside the pocket." He also stars on the basketball team. The rushing attack is led by junior RB Mack Martin (5-9, 190), a special "combination of speed and power." Tough, with "good cutting power and soft hands", Martin is averaging nearly six yards per carry, and is dangerous in the open field. The other solid RB is senior Anthony Mason (5-7, 165), a "quick scat back type." Both backs excel in the track program, running the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100. In addition, Mason is a long jumper. WR senior Xavier Lucas (6-4, 200), a two-year starter, is a D1 prospect. He possesses "great speed, change of direction, and is a playmaker." His 2005 stats to date reflect 22.7-yards per reception, and Lucas is solid at the free safety position. A triple threat athlete who adds basketball and track (3rd in the 4A State 200 meters) to his busy schedule. The other WR is senior Aaron Fraijo (5-7, 160). "A sure handed route receiver", who also stars on the baseball team.
Three key offensive linemen lead the way. Senior OL Brennan Rushing (6-3, 225) is one of the strongest players on the team, and literally "crushes people on pulls and traps." Rushing is very quick, makes few assignment errors, and made the Arizona Republic 2nd Team All-State team last year. Senior OL Brandon Hicks (6-1, 250), "a very hard worker", is one of the most improved players on the squad. Carrying a 3.5 GPA, 'Hurricane Hicks', as he is known for his great motor, has really stepped up as a leader. The other member of this powerful trio is junior Justin Ward (6-2, 235). Special qualities include "strength, coachability, and a desire to be great." The kicker is senior Darrel Rosenbaum (5-10, 160), who has "excellent leg strength and is consistent." 2005 stats include 12/12 PAT, and 3/4 FG.
The defense has played exceptionally well to date. The linemen are particularly quick and make great penetration. Senior David Hartley (6-2, 215), a two-year starter, anchors the line. One of his best assets is pressure on the QB, as he has nine tackles for loss to date. The other DT is senior Corey Soares (5-10, 200), who has 8 tackles for loss. Junior Parker Barrett (6-4, 215), a sophomore starter in 2004, is a "big, tall athlete whose specialty is containment". Barrett is considered one of the top linemen prospects in the class of 2006. DL Faustine Kapelemba (5-9, 195), a speedy junior, has 16 tackles (4 for loss) and three sacks. The three linebackers are solid. Top prospect sophomore ILB David Blair (6-2, 210) has 53 tackles to date, including seven for losses. "Good size, a physical presence, and a terrific inside defender are his strengths." Junior Josh Thomas (5-10, 190) has a "nose for the ball and great instincts." His numbers include 49 tackles, including five for a loss. LB senior Mason Ramirez (5-9, 200) is a "playmaker", and is the backup QB. A very versatile player, Ramirez has 33 tackles and four interceptions, and is the starting long-snapper. He also excels on the baseball team. Two outstanding leaders operate out of the secondary. Senior CB Donte Davison (5-7, 140) also runs track (400 meters, 4 x 100, and 4 x 400). The other speedster is CB junior Andre Jackson (5-11, 160). "Our most improved player", Jackson made the play of the game against Amphitheater with an interception return for a TD late in the 4th quarter.
The assistant coaches are very good. They include: Ed Zubey (defensive coordinator), John Dolan (special teams), Pat Thompson (offensive line), and Vince Ammie (defensive line). The new Desert Sky Conference consists of Saguaro, Chaparral, Pinnacle, and Thunderbird. Out of conference opponents are Tempe, Willow Canyon, Apollo, Amphitheater, and Lake Havasu. Coach Campbell likes the overall chemistry and unselfishness of this group, and says, "There is a lot of leadership within the specialty groups." They know they have become a target as a result of the winning streak, but coach feels they are very confident in their abilities. A conference Championship and run through the playoffs is their main focus.
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