2013 Coronado Football Capsule
Head coach: Brad Talich, second season (9-3)
2012 record: 9-3 (4-1 Southeast, second)
Returning lettermen: Four
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: Multiple
Top offensive players: WR Jackson Cofer (Sr.); WR Tanner Gorski (Jr.); WR Tanner Bellamy (Sr.)
Top defensive players: DL Marcus Hunt (Sr.): DL Jackson Taylor (Sr.); LB Aaron Cotton (Jr.); LB Kiona Granstrom (Jr.)
Top special teams players: KR Jansen Pollins (Sr.)
Top newcomers: LB Jordan Rude (Jr.); DL Justin Belknap (Jr.)
Key losses: RB Derrick Keller; LB Corey Sobczyk; LB Jason Warren
Outlook: The Cougars made their first playoff appearance since 2007 last season, then advanced to the Sunrise Region title game for the first time in school history.
Now Coronado will try to build on that success with a far younger and less experienced group.
On offense, the Cougars will have to replace quarterback Kevin Lucero (2,601 passing yards, 32 TDs), leading rusher Keller (875 rushing yards, nine TDs) and five of their top six receivers.
Cofer had 37 catches for 605 yards and 10 scores last season and should be the top offensive threat.
On defense, the Cougars also lost most of their big guns, most notably all-state linebacker Warren (114 tackles).
Hunt had 42 tackles and four sacks last season and is the top returning defender.
Despite the lack of varsity experience, Talich said expectations still are high.