el Don NewsDON’S FALL 2012 FOOTBALL PREVIEW:
An inexperienced but eager Dons football team attempts to build on last season’s incremental success.
(1) PASSING
The team enters this season with Sophomore Wide Receivers Joshua Webb and Avery Williams leading the passing game.
Webb needs to increase his receiving yards from last season if he wants to remain the top receiver on the team.
Webb’s speed and consistency are key assets for Head Coach Geoff Jones.
(2) RUSHING
Sophomore Running back Terrance Holzendorf is returning as starting running back after a season where he rushed for 796 yards but only scored 2 touchdowns.
With Davion Orphey no longer splitting the snaps at running back and moving to defensive back, Holzendorf will need to increase his productivity in the red zone.
(3) DEFENSE
Sophomores Davion Orphey and Avery Lynch will be the starting defensive backs, with Nathaniel Cox at the middle linebacker position.
The trio solidifies the secondary.
Orphey must create more turnovers, utilizing his speed and size to become a more aggressive player in the secondary.
(4) SEASON OUTLOOK
Facing a great deal of change, the Dons’ season will be tough.
New rules, loss of an offensive coordinator and new players on the roster will make last year’s 5-5 finish a challenge.
“It wont be easy, the schedule is filled with great teams. But our guys are practicing hard out there,” Coach Jones said.
FIRST GAME: Santa Ana College VS. Bakersfield
The Dons’ dominant running game will be tested in the season opener Saturday against the Bakersfield College Renegades.
Freshman Quarterback Beau Parry must gain the confidence to survive the Renegades’ aggressive attack in the secondary.
The defensive ends need to apply pressure on mediocre Quarterback Brian Burrell. The defensive line needs to improve on last season’s eight sacks.
