Return of key offensive cogs, coach have Criminals thinking big

A second year under a coach's system.
 
Another year with the same core offensive players.
 
And a chip on their shoulders 100 years in the making.
 
All the pieces are in place for the Yuma Criminals to make a run to the top of the 5A Gila Valley Region under second-year coach Tom Fox.
 
Last year, the Criminals missed out on winning the district when they lost to rival Kofa in a home game that was the centerpiece of Yuma High's 100-year celebration.
 
Now with much more experience, the Criminals - who went 4-7 during an 11-game regular-season schedule - are expecting to score points in bunches. They'll get their first test Friday against the newest region team, Lake Havasu, in a game that doesn't count toward the region standings. The Knights come to Doan Field later in the year for a region game.
 
"Maybe it was the schedule, but I think it took us a while to learn the system and that's why we struggled like we did at times last year like we did against the bigger schools that could shut us down with their speed," Fox said. "Regardless of the schedule this year I don't see that happening this year. I see us moving the ball and putting points on the board regardless of who we play."
 
Quarterback Donte Jackson missed six games due to injury last year but is back under center, as are fellow seniors running back JC Baker and wide receiver Andrew Herrarte.
 
Jackson said he was happy the coaching carrousel that had been going on at school has seemingly ended with Fox returning for year two.
 
"We don't have to keep learning new offensive plays all the time or go through new coaches all the time like we have the last four years," Jackson said.
 
Baker said that should translate to a potent offense. Last year, the Criminals averaged 41.3 points per game in their four wins, but just 6.1 points per game in their losses. The 10 points they scored against Kofa was the most they scored in a loss.
 
"I think you're going to be surprised by what Yuma High brings this year," Baker said. "It's going to be a really fast-paced offense. We're going to get a lot of points on the board and shock the world with how many points we score."
 
And while the skill guys remain the same, only center Mike McAdams returns to to the offensive line. Defensively, Fox said the schemes will "revolve around" lineman David Franks, who will switch between tackle and guard.
 
Fox said he thinks the Criminals expect to dethrone Kofa as the reigning champs.
 
"I think we expect to win it," Fox said. "They expect it of themselves, and if they reach it they reach it, and I think they can. But I preface that by saying I know full well the other players in this conference, the other coaches in this conference, the other teams in the conference, how good the competition is. That's not just something I'm throwing out there."
 
Baker said the team must make the postseason, and that means getting some ironic revenge against Kofa - this year is the Kings' half-century celebration.
 
"We have to, have to, have to get to the state playoffs," Baker said. "We gotta beat Kofa and got to make the state playoffs. You can lie all you want and say we're not thinking about (Kofa), but it is on our mind. That's the motivation we used in the offseason. They came here to our home field, 100th year, and took a win from us. We have to return the favor this year for their 50th."


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Edward Carifio can be reached at ecarifio@yumasun.com or 539-6882.

• YUMA HIGH CRIMINALS: THE BOTTOM LINE

Last year: 4-7 (2-1 5A Gila Valley Region)

Top returners: QB/OLB Donte Jackson; QB/OLB JC Baker; WR/FS Andrew Herrarte; DL Peter Franks

Key newcomer: David Chavoya played last year for the team on defense, but will shift to wide receiver this year.

The Big Game: Last year Kofa came into Yuma and topped the Criminals on the weekend of their 100th anniversary celebration. This year, the Criminals head to Kofa on the weekend of the Kings' 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 30 with revenge on their mind.

The lowdown: While the skill guys are back, there are four new players on the offensive line. If they can give Jackson time to throw and Baker holes to run, the Criminals should find a consistency on offense they lacked last year.

• 2009 Schedule

Aug. 28 at Lake Havasu
Last year did not play
Sept. 4 at Scottsdale-Horizon
Last year did not play
Sept. 11 vs. El Centro-Central
Last year did not play
Sept. 18 vs. Tolleson
Last year did not play
Sept. 25 at San Luis
Last year did not play
Oct. 2 vs. Lake Havasu*
Last year did not play
Oct. 9 at Gila Ridge*
Last year won 40-26
Oct. 16 vs. Cibola*
Last year won 28-26
Oct. 23 vs. San Luis*
Last year won 50-32
Oct. 30 at Kofa*
Last year lost 20-10
Nov. 6 vs. Phoenix-Brophy
Last year did not play
*-denotes region game; all games at 7 p.m. unless noted