Canyon View isn't abandoning its Air Raid offense and 300-pound linemen did not suddensly sprout from the soil of Waddell.
But the Jaguars enter the season tonight with a clear emphasis on more physical play. The coaching staff is acutely aware that this is the key to moving up from the middle of 5A football.
Canyon View moved to the tougher Desert West Region last year and finished 5-6, after going 6-5 in 2022. Both seasons ended in the first round of the playoffs.
"We're a lot more physical football team. The culture of our team is the best we've had and to be expected because these guys have been with us for four years," Canyon View coach Nick Gehrts said. "We're going to be very young but I think that's more positive than in years past."
It's a very new team, with both quarterbacks and some elite receivers graduated and several transfers coming in.
And it is itting that there is so much is new, including battles for most starting roles.
"Maybe a little bit last year, but definitely this year, you are not a starter by default," Gehrts said. "There's competition at every single position."
Given the makeup of this team that may be a good thing.
Defensive coordinator Austyn Hull said these kids are squaring off in and out of practice, whether it's lifting or even thumb wars.
"This team is competitive in every nature," Hull said.
Some veterans established leadership roles. Senior linebacker Nate Washburn is a three-year starter, and senior Gavin Levin is another linebacker named captain.
Senior Bryson Weitzel runs the defensive backfield.
Whether he ends up as the starter, senior quarterback Preston Vannucci will be one of the Jaguars' leading voices.
"He is our culture guy, our hype guy and our energy guy. He transferred in last year," Gehrts said.
Hull is looking at sophomore defensive back Keegan McCarthy to play beyond his years.
"You may see a different name making highlights each week," offensive coordinator Kory Raftery said.
The hope is for more highlights in the ground game. Junior DJ Sims is 5-4, 135 but should see a larger role.
Juniors Caleb Wilhelm and Danny Tarlip have emerged as solid spots on a mostly new offensive line.
Shadow Ridge transfer receiver Parker Brooks is already a Canyon View captain as a senior. Fellow senior Ayden Lange is an undersized deep threat.
Vanucci is vying with junior Brady Scott and sophomore Mickey Raftery for the full time role at quarterback.
Sophomore defensive tackle Andy Fierros is young but can give the front wall more bulk.
"They love each other. Regardless of where the season takes us, they're going to lift each other up," Hull said.
Richard Smith Senior News Editor | Glendale & West Valley Preps
Richard Smith has been with Independent Newsmedia since 2016, and worked at a Sun City-based news outfit covering the Northwest Valley for 22 consecutive years.
An NAU alum and lifelong Arizona resident, Richard began as a copy editor and page designer at Surprise Today and the Daily News-Sun, then rekindled his love of sports writing by taking the reins on West Valley Preps in 2008.
For most of the mid-2010s he was the Surprise editor and West Valley Preps reporter. Now he’s the West Valley Preps Editor and Surprise Associate Editor.
As COVID restrictions slowly lift, Richard is cautiously optimistic he will visit book stores, football fields and gyms again this fall.
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