Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school football:

Silverado decides to go to the air for 2014 season

2014 High School Football

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

From left, Silverado High School football players Preston Tuika, Jarrett Alipio and C.J. Araujo July 21, 2014.

2014 Silverado High School football preview

Las Vegas Sun sports editor talks to Silverado High School's football coach and key players ahead of their 2014 season.

Prep Sports Now

High school football: Nevada > California

Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer gloat over local high school football teams' big out of state weekend before getting sophomoric and starting some trouble with discussions on Bishop Gorman, Centennial, Desert Pines and more.

Every offseason there’s an internal battle being waged for many coaches. Run the system that I’ve used in the past or tailor it to this year’s personnel?

It’s a decision most coaches must make each year, except for those few who stick to what they do for decades no matter who walks through the door. Silverado High coach Andy Ostolaza has been one of those guys keeping things at the status quo, but this year that changes.

“It’s going to be a big change for me as a coach,” said Ostolaza, who’s entering his ninth season at Silverado.

When the Skyhawks take the field for their 2014 debut at 7 tonight against Arbor View, they will be going to the air much more than anyone who follows the program would ever expect. And the guy calling the signals is converted running back Jarrett Alipio, who amassed more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground last year.

“I just have to do what’s best for the team. I have a bit of an arm, and I know how to use it,” said Alipio, who’s listed at 5-foot-6. “On top of that, if I don’t see anything open I can take the ball for myself.”

The main reason for the change in scheme, Ostolaza said, is the personnel he has at receiver. With several guys between 6-1 and 6-5 on the outside, Ostolaza wants to take advantage of the mismatches.

“The big difference for us this year is going to be the length of the receivers and being able to stretch the field,” Ostolaza said.

And stretching the field should open up running lanes, too. Of course, the biggest reasons the Skyhawks should be able to open up lanes are All-Sun senior linemen Mitchell Kissam and Jusitn Polu.

With those guys holding things down up front, Ostolaza should get a good chance to see just how successful Silverado can be when it decides to go to the air.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy