2013 Green Valley Football Capsule
Head coach: Brian Castro, third season (14-7)
2012 record: 9-2 (5-0 Northeast, first)
Returning lettermen: 20
Returning starters: Seven offense, four defense
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: 3-4
Top offensive players: QB Christian Lopez (Jr.); OT Tyrell Crosby (Sr.); WR Markus Varner (Sr.); WR Kyler Chavez (Sr.); ATH Gio Hernandez (Sr.); WR Conor Perks (Sr.)
Top defensive players: DE Preston Quirt (Sr.); CB Albert Lake (Jr.); CB Cody Milner (Sr.); SS Larry Norman (Jr.); SS Gio Hernandez (Sr.)
Top special teams players: K Conor Perkins (Sr.)
Top newcomers: OLB Jairo Rebolledo; DB Jocob Rivero
Key losses: LB Tyler Topham; DL Keti Salakielu; DL Sam McAloon
Outlook: The Gators appear to be poised to make a run for league and region titles.
Lopez returns at quarterback after an outstanding sophomore season. He completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,081 yards and 18 TDs. He threw eight interceptions.
Lopez also is the team’s top returning rusher after running for 503 yards and 14 TDs, making him a true dual threat.
Green Valley also returns four of its top five receivers led by Varner (50 catches, 603 yards, five TDs). Chavez (26 catches, 391 yards), Perkins (21 catches, 299 yards) and Hernandez (20 catches, 267 yards) each caught at least 20 passes, giving Lopez plenty of options.
Crosby, who has committed to Oregon, will anchor the line.
Perkins, who booted 10 field goals last season, give the team another offensive weapon.
The defense should be especially strong in the secondary with Hernandez (three interceptions) back at safety, and Lake (two interceptions) back at corner. Norman, a transfer from Arbor View, should help at safety and running back.
The biggest defensive holes appear to be on the line, where the team will need to replace McAloon, who was the Northeast’s defensive Most Valuable Player.