Thunder offense ready to roll

WEEKLY BLOG: 5/12/19

Coming off a 5-5 season in 2017, not much was expected of the Desert Vista Thunder in 2018. Three of the five media members in the Arizona Varsity preseason rankings didn't have the younger of the two Ahwatukee schools in their top 10 (myself included). The other two had the Thunder ranked 8th and 9th.

Desert Vista paid no attention to that fodder as it finished the regular season with a five-game winning streak and a 9-1 record. That run included a 28-27 victory over archrival Mountain Pointe as the Thunder took back 'Tukee, claiming a win over the Pride for the first time since 2011. DVHS was the No. 4 seed and defeated Chaparral in the first round before falling to Perry in the quarterfinals.

The talent level is on the rise for the Blue & Gold and the chemistry is strong as well.

"The best teams in the state have the best players," Desert Vista head coach Dan Hinds said in an e-mail interview. "We had some good ones and most of them are returning. There is a strong bond and brotherhood in the program now and kids are buying into the program philosophy."

The calendar shows that it's May and just over 100 days until the season starts, but it's a busy time at high schools across the state. Last Wednesday, Desert Vista hosted a Spring Football Showcase. Teams from Salpointe, Chaparral, and Desert Ridge were represented and, while they cannot practice against one another or wear pads, it is an opportunity for college coaches to evaluate many players without having to travel all over.

Getting exposure for the players is the reason for the showcase events. Desert Vista's was one of six held throughout Arizona last week.

"It makes it easier for a mass of coaches to do a one stop and see a whole bunch of kids at one time," Hinds said. "When kids get offers to play on, that excites me."

Heading into this season, the Thunder return eight starters on offense and five on defense. Desert Vista will have its quarterback, top three running backs, and top wide receiver back from a squad that averaged 40.2 points per game. That's not very far off the school record (41.7 in 2011).

Desert Vista has also been a model of stability at the top. In the 22 years of Thunder football, there have only been two head coaches - Jim Rattay and Hinds. Hinds is entering his 18th season at the helm of DVHS and has the longest tenure of any 6A head coach. A good number of his assistants have been there for the duration.

"Most on the staff have been with us for over 10 years, but we have made some very good hires the past two years of solid guys who have come in and created a very diverse staff regarding experience and approach to the game," Hinds said. "I am very pleased with the staff moving forward."

A look at the stat sheet shows Desert Vista preferred to run the ball, doing so on 74 percent of its plays from scrimmage. The Thunder ranked third in the conference with 255 yards on the ground per game trailing only Perry and Chandler, the combatants in the last two title games.

But, don't dismiss the pass. Desert Vista returns Parker Navarro for his senior year. While the numbers may not jump off the page (remember, he only passed a quarter of the time), he had 17 touchdown passes with only five interceptions.

Hinds believes the Thunder will be proficient in both phases of the offense this season.

"We plan to take what defenses give us," Hinds said. "If teams load the box to stop our run game, we have an air attack."

Against Corona del Sol, Navarro was nearly perfect (13-of-14 passing) with 221 yards and four TDs. He's also been a beast in the weight room this offseason.

That potent run game features the Grubbs brothers, Devon and Tyson, along with Colby Humphrey. Tyson, who will be a senior, was on his way to a 1,000-yard season with 678 yards in five games before suffering a broken bone and torn ligament in his foot. That gave a chance to his younger brother Devon, who produced as a freshman with 768 yards and 13 touchdowns. He grabbed everyone's attention with an eye-popping 237 yards and five TDs against Boulder Creek in October. Humphrey gives the Thunder a three-headed monster with 741 yards and 10 touchdowns of his own. Like Tyson, Humphrey is preparing for his senior season.

Cody Cameron and Alec Simpson went out to Ahwatukee and met with Tyson Grubbs earlier this spring and broke down his film for an Arizona Varsity Minicast.

Hinds said each brings something different when they are in the game, but all share the trait of versatility. They can be used interchangeably in different spots on the field to keep opponents guessing.

Elijah Ervin caught 34 passes to lead the Thunder last season. If Desert Vista is able to throw it more, he'll easily surpass his numbers of 657 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. Ervin has an FBS offer from New Mexico State.

To duplicate last year's success, Hinds focuses on the things players do each day throughout the offseason that will lead to taking things week to week when the games start.

"(We need to) continue the brotherhood and the tight bonding on and off the field," Hinds said. "Continue to make good decisions. Limit distractions. Practice having high character. Practice one day at a time and play one game at a time. Stay in the moment."

On the defensive side, Desert Vista will be young. The top seven tacklers from last year were all seniors. So were the six players that accounted for all 39 of the Thunder's sacks in 2018.

The top returning tackler on the defensive side of the ball is Zach McGinnis, who had 35 tackles and two fumble recoveries in his junior season.

So, if you're looking for a shadow of doubt to cast on Desert Vista it might be with the defense. Can the offense just outscore teams each week? All six state champions last year posted 35 or more in their title games (average of 52 points).

Just beware if doing so, because the Thunder enjoyed proving people wrong last year and if that side of the ball can be up to the task of last year's group (average 22 points allowed per game), Desert Vista may just find itself in the new Open Tournament. And not just in it for show.

"Can't wait," Hinds said. "This is a fun group of kids to coach."