2014 Sandy Valley Football Capsule
SANDY VALLEY
Head coach: Brett Kramer, third season
2013 record: 5-4 (2-4 Southern League, fifth)
Returning lettermen (starters): 12 (six offense, six defense)
Base offensive set: Multiple
Base defensive set: 3-3, 4-2
Top offensive players: RB James Rau (Sr.); QB Lane Eastham (Sr.); RB Garrett Sellers (Sr.); G Derick Dilley (Sr.)
Top defensive players: LB James Rau (Sr.); CB Lane Eastham (Sr.); NG Derick Dilley (Sr.); LB Alexis Fajardo-Moreno (So.)
Top special teams players: P Lane Eastham (Sr.); K Alexis Fajardo-Moreno (So.); K Derick Dilley (Sr.)
Top newcomers: TE/DE/LB Logan Shelton (Jr.); RB/CB Raphael Acuana-Campa (So.)
Key losses: DE Nathaniel Carter
Outlook: Sandy Valley just missed out on the playoffs last season after finishing a game over .500.
The Sidewinders return 12 starters, six on each side of the ball. The dangerous one-two punch of James Rau and Lane Eastham will lead the offense.
Rau led the team with 707 yards rushing and 375 yards receiving, along with 18 total touchdowns. Eastham is a dual-threat quarterback, who looks to improve on his 651 yards passing, 625 rushing and 20 touchdowns. Each athlete will be busy as they play on both sides of the ball.
The biggest loss came on the defensive line with Nathaniel Carter graduating after posting 92 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
“The team has high expectations after going 5-4 in 2013 and returning the bulk of its starters,” coach Brett Kramer said. “The entire backfield returns along with an improved offensive line. The defense will continue to improve with a strong returning group.”
