Silverado Capsule Preview

 

2007 record: 10-1 (6-0 Southeast)

 

Returning letterwinners: 20

 

Returning starters: Five offense, six defense

 

Top players: RB Terran Madu-Jules (Jr.); WR/DB Michael Wadsworth (Sr.); FB Akeem Saint Victor (Sr.); DE Keenan Graham; LB T.J. Alofipo (Sr.); SS Alex Jones (Sr.); QB Trenton Tipton (Jr.); LB Marcus Mata’u (Jr.); OG Stefano Retis (Sr.); Alex Castellon (Sr.)

 

Top newcomers: OLB Terrel Betts (Sr.); DL Darren Dehart (Sr.); K Brandon Romero (Jr.)

 

Key losses: RB Telvin McMillian; MLB/FB Kolton Villa

 

Outlook: The defending league champs return plenty of firepower, especially on the defensive side of the ball. All-state defensive end Graham should lead the Skyhawks, after recording 13 sacks and 72 tackles last season. Ostolaza said Graham has scholarship offers from more than 30 schools.

 

Alofipo, a first-team All-Sunrise pick last season, returns at outside linebacker, and first-team All-Sunrise defensive back Michael Wadsworth also is back. Alofipo has orally committed to Hawaii, and Ostolaza said Wadsworth has offers from Hawaii and Arizona , giving the defense a trio of Division I-caliber players.

 

On offense, cousins Tipton and Madu-Jules will be the key as the team tries to replace all-state running back Telvin McMillian, who rushed for 1,765 yards last season.

 

Ostolaza said he thinks Tipton’s speed and arm strength will give the offense a new dimension this season and that depth will be key. No players are expected to start both ways.