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Falcon poised to make playoffs
Eight defensive starters back should help Falcons contend
Eight returning defensive starters and seniors at key positions on offense give Falcon coach Jason Catron reason to hope the Falcons will contend in the Class 3A South Metro Conference this fall, arguably one of the toughest small school leagues in Colorado.
The defense will be anchored by senior defensive ends Eric Perez and Lucas Musseau, who combined for 19 sacks last fall including a school record 13 for Perez. Musseau’s six sacks would have broken the old record.
‘They’re seniors this year that are going to play vital roles for us on defense,” Catron said.
Safety Matt DeGeorge, Sean McNames, and Zach Roscoe led the backfield with a combined 17 interceptions.
“We are pretty senior heavy on that side of the ball,” Catron said.
Senior running back Keenan Ballage is back after rushing for 1,219 yards and winning the 4A state 100-meter dash title.
New offensive coordinator Cameron Keller plans to utilize Ballage’s speed in a unit that returns six starters. Falcon adds two transfers,junior receiver Brandon Cain (Maryland) and senior receiver Steve Falzon (California).
It will be a tight race for one of three state playoff spots with senior-laden Pueblo County, defending state champion Alamosa and perennial power Florence in the league.
Alamosa coach Manny Wasinger must replace all-Colorado passing touchdowns record holder Clay Garcia.
Alamosa has two All-State linebackers back in Sonny Yohn and Brian Ford.
It could end up being a battle between Florence and Falcon for a playoff spot.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0250 or sports@gazette.com
SOUTH METRO CAPSULES
ALAMOSA
Coach: Manny Wasinger, 22nd year
Defensive coordinator: none listed
2006 record: 14-0, state champions
Key losses: QB Clay Garcia; WR Dustin Bolt; LB Sonny Yohn
Key players: LB Cody Yohn, Sr., (first team All-State); LB Brian Ford, Jr., (honorable mention All-State); DB Donovan Marquez, Sr., (honorable mention All-Conference)
Key newcomers: WR Dario Martinez; LR Zach McGinn; LB Matt Staggs; OL Dominic Gaitor
FALCON
Coach: Jason Catron, third year
Defensive coordinator: Dale Ross
2006 record: 4-6
Key losses: Ricky Weaver (Nebraska-Kearney); Norman Deen (Hastings College)
Key players: RB Keenan Ballage, Sr., (4A 100-meter state champion); TE/DE Eric Perez, Sr.; LB John Plambeck, Sr.
Key newcomers: Steve Falzon (California transfer); Brandon Cain (Maryland transfer)
FLORENCE
Coach: Mike Buderus, 24th year
Defensive coordinator: Buderus
2006 record: 10-3 state semifinalist
Key losses: QB Bryce Buderus
Key players: OL Tanner Wilcox, Sr.; RB Garrett Wilson, Sr.; LB Jeremy Gindio, Sr.
Key newcomers: none listed
HARRISON
Coach: Al Melo, first year
Defensive coordinator: Shane Rowland
2006 record: 6-5
Key losses: none listed
Key players: QB/DB Demetrius Gilmore, Sr., (All-Conference); RB/LB D.J. Morman, Jr., (honorable mention All-Conference); OL/DL Eric Casper, Jr.; OL/DL Rob Herrera, Sr.
Key newcomers: RB/DB John Wingo (Widefield transfer)
PUEBLO COUNTY
Coach: Jeff Wilson, first year
Defensive coordinator: none listed
2006 record: 11-3, state runner-up
Key losses: none listed
Key players: QB J.T. Greenhood
Key newcomers: RB Joe Pullara
RIDGE VIEW ACADEMY
Coach: Roderick Upshaw, second year
Defensive coordinator: Upshaw
2006 record: 2-8
Key losses: none listed
Key players: none listed
Key newcomers: none listed
WOODLAND PARK
Coach: Brent Cottrell, first year
Defensive coordinator: Del Garrick
2006 record: 3-7
Key losses: none listed
Key players: RB Ben Fischer, Sr.; TE Ethan Beaver, Sr.; DL/OL Dakota Brown, Sr.
Key newcomers: none listed
