DIVISION I-A: Mojave finds new optimism

Billy Murphy has seen some tough times as a Mojave football player.

But through all the running-clock losses and punch-line jokes lobbed at his team, Murphy didn’t let anything shake his belief that the Rattlers had a bright future. And he feels Mojave is ready to emerge from the darkness.

“Everybody is using the motivation of the old Mojave to start up a new Mojave,” Murphy said. “There are a lot of things I’ve been seeing. We’ve got a lot of players who love football and are dedicated, in contrast to previous years. Players were out here just to get jerseys and not really caring about football and the school. We’ve got players passionate this year.”

Murphy is one of the biggest reasons the Rattlers hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2007. The senior linebacker and wingback is the leader of a team that has moved to the new Division I-A Sunset League this season.

“Billy’s a good leader on and off the field,” Rattlers coach Joe Delgado said. “He’s the first one out, the last one done all the time. He’s going to be a huge influence for us.”

Murphy was a breakout defender last season, logging 78 tackles, one sack and two interceptions. But the Rattlers struggled to a 2-7 record, including a 1-7 finish in the Northwest League.

This after Mojave went 0-9 in 2010.

But those hard times came when Mojave was part of the old Northwest League, which was loaded with such powers as Palo Verde and Arbor View.

Now, Mojave is in the I-A Sunset with Cheyenne, Clark, Faith Lutheran, Pahrump Valley and Western. The top four teams will reach the playoffs.

“I think Mojave needed something like this to boost the morale back up,” Delgado said. “Not to say that any teams in our division are not great teams, but not having to go against Palo and Arbor and Centennial right now, as we are a turnaround school, really helps us. The playing field’s a little more level now.”

Murphy is the only returning two-way starter for the Rattlers. But Delgado, in his second season as coach, said players are more comfortable this season running his Wing-T offense and 4-2 defense.

Mojave also has added some pistol formation wrinkles to its offense.

“Nobody can ever stop the pistol if you execute it well,” sophomore running back Ty Flanagan said with a smile.

Murphy, Flanagan, senior running back Kevin Nelems and senior receiver Tyreek Carter give the Rattlers weapons offensively. At the controls will be sophomore quarterback Zack Arave, a new starter who might catch opponents by surprise.

“For (Arave) to be so young, he has an IQ out of this world,” Murphy said. “I know he’s ready to take that position and lead this team to some great things.”

The Rattlers open the season at 7 p.m. Friday at Boulder City.

Delgado said Mojave could have six or seven sophomores starting on both sides of the ball, and the coach stressed that his team is taking no opponents lightly.

But it’s been a while since the Rattlers had a realistic shot at the playoffs, and players seem to be relishing the idea. Murphy’s vision of a “new Mojave” has already reached his young teammates.

“My goal is to just do my part to help my team win,” Flanagan said. “Whatever I can do to help win, I’m in for.”