Members of the Desert Oasis 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, Brandon Smith, Brannon Flowers, and Desmond Kuresa.
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016 | 2:37 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Football: There is no close second
Las Vegas Sun sports editors Ray Brewer and Case Keefer ring in the start of football season by discussing some of the valley's top storylines and teams, like Bishop Gorman, Liberty, Arbor View and Desert Pines.
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The bar has been raised for the Desert Oasis football program.
The Diamondbacks last season won their first playoff game in the school’s eight-year existence to elevate expectations moving forward.
Not only did they knockoff perennial playoff team Palo Verde in the Sunset quarterfinals, they gave undefeated Arbor View a challenge the following week in a 14-point semifinal loss.
“We gave Arbor View a closer game than people gave us credit for,” Desert Oasis coach Mike Ovens said.
Ovens was elevated to head coach in the offseason, but he doesn’t plan to do much different. Many of the assistant coaches returned and Ovens won’t change the Diamondbacks’ offensive and defensive philosophies.
“We want to be playing our best football at the end of the year,” Ovens said.
Desert Oasis graduated many key players from its 7-4 season in 2015, but still has many some pieces. Brannon Flowers and Jaden Mitchell return at the skilled positions to give Desert Oasis capable receivers in their spread-option attack, and junior quarterback Mitch Moniz has excelled during passing league events in the offseason.
“You’ll see some exciting things on offense,” Ovens said.
One of the benefits of the breakout season last year is players understand what it takes to be successful. Whether it’s more dedication to weight room workouts or learning plays, Desert Oasis players feel they are doing what it takes to again win games.
“We have to carry on with the same mindset we had last season,” Flowers said.
Desert Oasis may be at an advantage on the line. Players such as defensive tackle Desmond Kuresa (5-foot-11, 235-pounds) and offensive lineman Brandon Smith (6-foot-3, 285-pounds) are expected to dominate.
“We have a great offensive unit, especially on the line and in the trenches,” said Smith, a transfer from California.
Desert Oasis opens this season Friday at Green Valley. Green Valley was ranked No. 6 in the preseason top-10, giving unranked Desert Oasis its first chance to continue the good play of last season.
“We want to compete in every game we play,” Ovens said. “We are going to work hard in every week we play.”
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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