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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Heading into the 2008, season, McKay coach Jay Minyard was very concerned about his team's depth and declared his team would be competitive, but struggling to make the playoffs. After a fourth place finish and a playoff berth, Minyard is still expecting a difficult 2009--but his team is considered a strong contender once again. The key for the Scots will be replacing the offense lost by the graduation of running back Tony Gonzalez, who tallied nearly 2200 yards last season.
OFFENSE Depth on the line is the first concern for McKay. Andy Smittle (6-1 220 Jr) is the one experienced returnee. Minyard will be looking to seniors Joey Fennimore (6-3 200) and Luke Bishop (6-1 230) and junior Chad Powell (5-11 210) to provide time at the tackle and guard positions. At cener, Jesus Lopez (5-18 180 Sr.) and Destiny Sos (5-9 220 Sr.) are battling for time at center. At quarterback, the Scots return junior Ian Silbernagel, who surprised the rest of the CVC last season--throwing for nearly 1000 yards as a sophomore. Minyard hopes to expand his offense to take greater advantage of his quarterback's athletic skills. Beside him in the backfield, the Scots will use Angel Delao (5-10 200 Jr.) and Peter Danchev (5-6 185) to share duties at running back and catch passes. At wide receiver, senior Major Harris (6-2 205) should provide a big target for Silbernagel. Majed Abdelrasul (5-9 165) and Derek Nichols (5-8 140) will be speedy receivers in the Scots offense. DEFENSE Defense has always been a McKay strength, and Minyard is hoping for continued success in 2009. Fennimore, Smittle and Harris will be the keys to the defensive line. Other contributors will include Sos, and seniors Rick Dryden (6-3 230) and Jaden McLellan (5-9 185). The linebacking corps include Delao, Powell and Danchev on the inside, Abdelrasul, Jason Kimball (5-9 175 Sr.) and West Groom (5-9 155 Sr.) on the outside. In the secondary, Nichols and junior Spencer Blackman (5-9 155) should be anchors at the corners, while Silbernagel will split time with senior Chad Butler (5-10 170). OTHER Minyard says his starting 11 are probably better than a year ago, but there is less experience at the back up positions than in 2008.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 5th place
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MCKAY