SD Prep Sports: Football
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Red Devils ready to throw off apprentice role
By Phillip Brents
Posted Sept. 9, 2002
While Sweetwater High’s program has been engrossed in a rebuilding process the past couple years, this season looks to be a breakout campaign for the Red Devils.
“My expectations are for us to compete for the league championship and a middle seed in the playoffs,” said SuHi coach Eric Peterson. “We got a lot of kids with game experience. We’re more tougher, have more depth, have more improvement in our weights program.”
The Devils have a wealth of talent returning, including six all-league performers from a season ago. On the offensive side of the ball, the talent lining up behind the line of scrimmage includes All-Mesa League performers Evin Groves (running back), Oswaldo Simental (wide receiver), and Eli Leon (center). Both Groves and Simental were among team leaders in their respective departments last season.
Helping flesh out the SuHi offensive fortunes are likewise returners Joseph Wynn and Alfonso Hernandez, both at the wide receiver position, tackle Nathan Vaifale and quarterback Sherwin Brooks. Brooks served as the backup signal-caller last year and can both throw and run the ball.
Andrew Hernandez heads the list of impact newcomers at tight end and safety.
Peterson said the key for his talent-strewn squad is to avoid injuries. Last season, the Red Devils finished on a high note by going 3-1 in Mesa League play en route to an overall 4-7 record and Division I playoff berth.
“The line is going to be huge, if they can step up. We’ve got the players if they can continue to develop,” he said.
The Devils are buttressed on defense by three returning all-league players: safety Fernando Romero, cornerback Abraham Martinez and defensive end Roderick Williams. Martinez was a First Team All-Mesa League selection last season. Christian Rios joins Wynn at the linebacker position.
Defensively, Peterson said the team has to buckle down and play to its strengths. “We got to be able to play team defense and not give up the big plays and be consistent,” he said.