2016 Desert Pines Football Capsule

League: Class 3A Sunset

Head coach: Tico Rodriguez, fourth season (30-5)

2015 record: 8-3 (4-2 Sunrise League, third place)

Returning lettermen: 25

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: QB Marckell Grayson (Sr.), RB Isaiah Morris (Sr.), WR Randal Grimes (Sr.)

Top defensive players: OLB Tony Fields (Sr.), MLB Jautae Collins (Sr.), DE Jalen Graves (Sr.)

Key losses: LB Vasa Hansell, DE Anthony Smith, OT Sam Poutasi

Outlook: Moving over from the Sunset to Sunrise League this season, Desert Pines is a threat to win the league. A perennial powerhouse, the Jaguars return a core that has the makings of a state title contender.

On offense Grayson threw for 1,798 yards and 21 touchdowns. Morris had 1,461 yards on the ground with 19 touchdowns. They are both back as well as most of the other skill players. Losing Poutasi on the line hurts, but graduation hurts every team in the state.

Even with Poutasi’s departure, the offensive line is monstrous, and includes a pair of players who already have committed to Division I schools in Edgar Burrola (Arizona) and Poutasi Poutasi (Louisville).

Fields also has committed to play at Arizona and leads the defense.

It’s an experienced team with top-notch playmakers which leads to a school with high expectations going into 2016. Desert Pines could be one of the most exciting teams to watch in any classification this year.