2018 Chaparral Football Capsule

League: Class 4A Southeast

Head coach: Don Willis, first season

2017 record: 7-3 (2-1 3A Sunrise, third)

Returning lettermen: Six

Returning starters: Three offense, three defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 3-5

Top offensive players: RB Meshach Hawkins (Jr.); QB Joe Tauili’ili (Jr.); WR Jesus Casamayor (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DL Wes Tauili’ili (So.); LB Mohamed Fofana (Sr.); DB Steve Torres (Sr.)

Top newcomer: WR Jabarie Savoy (Jr.)

Key losses: RB/WR TyRay Collins; LB Trayvius Hodge

Outlook: After playing the last six seasons at the Class 3A level, the Cowboys will jump back up to Class 4A and see if they can continue to build.

The last time the team played at the 4A level the Cowboys went 1-8. But they are coming off a string of successful 3A seasons, having made the playoffs the last four seasons and advancing to the state semifinals in 2015 and 2016.

Replacing two-way standout Collins will be difficult. He led the team with 690 rushing yards and 11 TDs and earned second-team all-state honors after picking off three passes. He was the 3A Sunrise League and Southern Region Defensive Most Valuable Player.

Hawkins only rushed for 169 yards last season, but he is a good athlete and a breakout candidate.

The Cowboys were strong defensively last season, holding opponents to 12 or fewer points in seven games. But the competition in the Southeast League figures to be a little stiffer.

“(We are) looking to compete for a playoff spot and prove we belong back in 4A,” Willis said.