Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Durango football features stronger players, ready to snap losing skid

2016 High School Football

Christopher DeVargas

Members of the Durango 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, Jayson Johnson, Alhaji Kamara, Byron Simmons, and Venny Sandoval.

2016 High School Football

Members of the Cheyenne 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, Corwin Bush, William Federson, John Tarver, and Deriontae Green. Launch slideshow »
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.

A few days after its season ended last fall, the Durango High football team immediately went back to work.

“We hit the weight room like crazy,” Durango coach Matt Gerber said. “We didn’t take any time off. The following Monday we were in the weight room.”

The effort should stop a 16-game losing streak Durango carries into the season. And it could happen tonight — Durango plays Valley in a battle of winless teams from 2015.

Durango expects to win games with its power-I rushing attack led by tailbacks Jayson Johnson and Alhayi Kamara.

“We are as strong as we have been since I have been at the school,” said Gerber, the Trailblazers’ fifth-year coach. “We are going to get back to some basic football that we haven’t been able to do. Physically the last couple of years we haven’t been able to line up and do that.”

Durango had one of Southern Nevada’s better ninth-grade teams last season. Many of those players will see significant snaps on the varsity the season.

“Their talent level will help us,” Gerber said.

Venny Sandoval (6-foot, 280-pounds) and Brent Gray (6-foot, 195-pounds) will anchor the offensive line. Sandoval also plays defensive line and Gray doubles at linebacker. Byron Simmons returns at wide receiver and defensive back.

“I am looking forward to this upcoming season. We have a chance to fight,” Sandoval said.

Aside from two-time defending national champion Bishop Gorman, the Southwest League is up for grabs. Clark, Sierra Vista and Spring Valley joined the league from the lower classification to form what should be a balanced division. They’ll be plenty of chances for wins — well, aside from Gorman.

“There isn’t a team in the league that can’t beat the other,” Gerber said.

That means Durango will contend for a playoff berth.

“We have a lot of good players who want to win,” Johnson said. “That is so key for a good team. Players who have the same drive you do.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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