Canyon Springs Capsule Preview
Coach: Chris Littmann, first year
2007 record: 9-2 (6-0 Northeast)
Returning letterwinners: 20
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Top players: WR DeShaun Stewart (Sr.); RB Curtis Davis (Sr.); OL Jimmie Board (Sr.); OL Daniel Samora (Sr.); LB Timmarie Randolph (Sr.); LB J.P. Podmeyer (Sr.)
Top newcomers: WR Jonathon James (Jr.); CB Paul Woodward (Jr.): DL Devonaire Crockham (Sr.)
Key losses: QB Devonte Christopher; WR Juron Criner
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: 4-3
Outlook: The Pioneers were one of the area’s top teams a year ago, winning the league title and advancing to the Sunrise Region semifinals.
But Canyon Springs, which averaged 44.1 points, must find a way to replace the state’s most exciting offensive duo — quarterback Christopher and wide receiver Criner.
Christopher, now at Utah, passed for 3,285 yards and 44 TDs and rushed for 526 yards and eight TDs. Criner, who is at Arizona , caught 58 passes for 1,631 yards and 25 scores.
Littmann said he would stay with the team’s spread offense but will focus more on the run with Christopher and Criner gone. Stewart gives the team a big-play threat after topping 1,000 receiving yards and scoring 14 TDs last season.
Littman said defense and special teams need to carry the team early.