2018 Mojave Football Capsule
MOJAVE
League: Class 4A Northeast
Head coach: Abraham Gonzalez, third season (11-11)
2017 record: 10-3 (4-1 3A Sunset, second)
Returning lettermen: 12
Returning starters: Two offense, five defense
Base offensive set: Single wing
Base defensive set: 4-2-5
Top offensive players: WR Isaiah Harper (Sr.); OL Ivan Parra (Sr.)
Top defensive players: DE David Warren (Sr.); OLB Desaun Smith (Sr.)
Top newcomer: QB K’maurian Philogene (Sr.)
Key losses: CB/WR John Harper; RB/FS Devin Houston; RB/LB Tawee Walker
Outlook: The Rattlers move up to Class 4A this season after an impressive run to the Class 3A state title game last fall.
But Mojave must replace some key cogs off a team that won 10 games after going 1-8 in 2016.
The Rattlers lost two-way standouts Walker and John Harper, and their production will be difficult to duplicate.
Walker was a first-team all-state selection after rushing for 1,703 yards and 21 TDs. He also had 63 tackles as a linebacker, but has transferred to Arizona.
Harper picked off six passes and returned three for touchdowns in earning second-team all-state honors as a defensive back. He also was the team’s top receiver.
Parra was a first-team All-Sunset League pick as a linebacker after finishing with 60 tackles, but may be more important on the offensive line this season. He also is expected to play on the defensive line.
Warren earned second-team All-Sunset honors as a defensive end with 38 tackles, including seven sacks. Smith added 42 tackles and four sacks last season.
