Members of the Chaparral High football team pose for a photo at the Las Vegas Sun’s high school football media day July 20, 2016 at the South Point. They include, from left, Santiago Vialpando, Kentrell Petite, Jesus Fernandez, and Jose Bravo.
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 | 6:02 p.m.
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Football: There is no close second
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The Chaparral Cowboys aren’t satisfied after reaching the state semifinals last season in one of the best playoff runs in school history.
Returning, though, could be a struggle after losing the starting quarterback, running back and other key performers. But with most of the offensive and defensive lines returning, long-time coach Paul Nihipali is ready to reload and attempt to top last season.
“The bar has been raised a little higher for the expectation for our kids,” Nihipali said. “Sometimes we set goals and when you accomplish your goals you become complacent. We need to set higher goals and look for that big prize.”
The Cowboys upset Faith Lutheran in the state quarterfinals before finally losing to eventual state champions Churchill County in the state semifinals last season. They had a double-digit first half lead but couldn’t hold on.
“It’s a constant reminder,” Nihipali said. “These guys have been part of that group from last year so hopefully that atmosphere trickles down to the younger kids this year.”
Wide receiver Kentrell Petite led the team with 29 catches for 586 yards and six receiving touchdowns in 2015 and is back for his senior season.
The Cowboys’ offense in 2015 was potent, averaging 30 points per game including a 65-point explosion against Boulder City on Oct. 9.
Petite will be adjusting after the graduation of quarterback Andrew Solis, but believes the running game will be key to the offense’s success.
“We lost Richard (Nelson), one of the best running backs we had, but we need to get our running game going and we should be good,” Petite said.
Nelson led the Cowboys with 558 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last year, but Jacob Ford wasn’t far behind with 405 rushing yards and 102 receiving yards.
Ford will assume the role of the workhorse back this year and will have the luxury of running behind one of the most experienced offensive lines in the city.
“Our strength this year will be on the line because they are all coming back,” Nihipali said.
The line will be anchored by 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior Kalani Lealao. Senior Jesus Fernandez will lead the way on the defensive line for Chaparral.
“We are just a powerhouse defense and we like to pressure the quarterback a lot and stop the run,” Fernandez said. “We are really vocal as a team and use teamwork.”
Chaparral’s defense came alive in last year’s playoffs, forcing two turnovers in a first-round win over Mojave and five turnovers against Faith Lutheran.
Chances of the Cowboys repeating the postseason magic of last year are slim but the players aren’t shying away from the challenge.
“Last year we made history at Chaparral High School so we do have some big shoes to fill,” Fernandez said, “but we will continue with the tradition to fill those shoes and make it a great season again.”
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