Cimarron-Memorial Capsule Preview
Coach: Rod Vollan, first year.
2007 record: 6-5 (4-3 Northwest).
Returning starters: Four offense, three defense.
Top players: TE/LB Triton Manumaleuna (Sr.); OL/DL Jordan Padgett (Sr.); FB/SS Zach Barbara (Jr.); LB/OL Aaron Garcia (Jr.); RB/DB Stephen Nixon (Jr.).; WR/DB Keenan Nelson (Sr.); OL/DL Jason Smart (Sr.); WR/DB Kevin Bansbach (Sr.); WR/SS Allen Lee (Sr.); RB/DB Rodrick Washington (Sr.); QB/DB Kenneth Banks (Jr.); OL/DL/PK Alex Ramos (Jr.); LB/OL Maurice Davis (Jr.); FB/LB Jerrel Garrett (Jr.); OL/DL Brandarius Johnson (Jr.); RB/DB James Poole (Jr.); QB/DB Cody Clark (So.).
Outlook: The Spartans have holes to fill with only 10 players, including five starters, returning from last year’s squad.
Nixon could be one of the top backs in the area after rushing for 1,314 yards and 19 touchdowns on 139 carries last year. Barbara added 562 yards and four TDs. The Spartans will need to fill gaps on the line to open up running lanes for Nixon and Barbara to have success.
Manumaleuna, Padgett and Garcia anchor a defense that appears to be strong up front.
Vollan, an assistant as Cimarron for the past 17 seasons, is hoping the competition for all the openings on both sides of the ball will make the team stronger as the season progresses.