Rancho Capsule Preview
Coach: Elvin Dick, first year
2007 record: 5-5 (2-4 Northeast)
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Top players: WR/DB Dijon Holman (Sr.); WR/DB Zachary Foulkrod (Sr.); QB/DB James Cammack (Sr.): WR/DB Harvey Yarbrough (Jr.); OL/DL Rodrick Tuisavalalo (Sr.); LB/RB James Korte (Sr.); RB/DB Mack Millender (Sr.); LB/RB Tyquin Coleman (Jr.); OL/DL Thomas McCallister (Sr.); OL/DL Marco Martinez (Sr.)
Outlook: Dick, who coached at Schurr High School in California last year, takes over a program that got off to a fast start last season before faltering.
The Rams started 4-0 but struggled down the stretch, failing to make the playoffs. After the strong start, Rancho was outscored 202-89 in the next five games before beating Eldorado 38-14 to close the season.
Cammack is back to lead the offense after passing for 1,053 yards a year ago and provides an exciting run-pass option. Dick is counting on his senior quarterback for leadership.
Holman, Foulkrod and Yarbrough give Cammack plenty of targets through the air, and Dick said Millender is a tough runner who should provide a solid replacement for the graduated Erique Williams (716 rushing yards).
Tuisavalalo (6-2, 275), a second-team All-Sunrise pick at guard last year, will lead both lines. Dick said his big senior “pretty much dominates anybody else we have.”