Cheyenne running back Terrence Brison isn’t shy about his team’s potential this fall. “I think this is a prime year for us to win state,” he said.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.
Coach Anthony
Desert Shields at a Glance
- Cheyenne team page & schedule
- Cheyenne roster
- Colors: Gold and navy
- Coach: Charles Anthony, fifth year, 32-10
- Homecoming game: Oct. 24 against Arbor View
- Key players: RB Terrence Brison, LB Damien Proby, OL Jeremiah Tofaeono
- Prediction: Cheyenne fights Palo Verde for the top spot in the Northwest Division and Sunset Region
Cheyenne has long been in the shadow of Northwest Division rival Palo Verde.
In coach Charles Anthony’s four seasons with the Desert Shields, half of his 10 losses have come against the Panthers.
But with the threat of zoning changes from new schools gone, Anthony has finally been able to keep the same players together. The opening of league foes Legacy and Arbor View in recent years had cut into Cheyenne’s enrollment.
The Desert Shields feature 13 seniors, most of whom played on an undefeated 2005 freshman team.
“If we get beat it won’t be from a lack of experience,” Anthony said. “There have been some years, with new schools opening up, that we have lost a lot of players. The team is stable now.”
Senior running back Terrence Brison isn’t thinking just about playoff wins this season. He has his eyes on a state championship ring.
“I think this is a prime year for us to win state,” Brison said. “We have all the pieces we need to go all the way. I think it’s about time Cheyenne football gets a state title.”
The Desert Shields came close to upsetting eventual state champions Bishop Gorman in the Sunset Regional semifinals last season. But after leading 16-0, Cheyenne fell victim to the Gorman running attack and lost 43-16.
“After that game no one wanted to leave the field,” Brison said. “It’s a hard feeling knowing that you were up by a couple touchdowns and then lost the game. We all had our heads down, including me, but then I realized we all have next year.”
The Desert Shields’ offensive line, led by senior Jeremiah Tofaeono, has four returning starters looking to keep their running game potent.
Cheyenne’s defense will be led by Damien Proby, who is rated in the top 30 among linebackers in the nation by recruiting Web site Rivals.com.
“We have had a history of winning and that can be a driving force,” Anthony said. “The kids just work really hard.”
Sean Ammerman is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].
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