Leading the way is eighth-grade quarterback Sam Priano who is expected to start for the Scorpions this season under center.

Seventh-graders Zeke Saxman and Kevin Schweiss along with Max Hauserman are entering their fourth year of tackle football, having come up through the Red Rock Youth Football system.

Eighth-grade tight end Freddie Rowley also has one year of experience in RRYF. Rowley will play linebacker for the Scorpions this season as well.

Other top newcomers include seventh-grade cornerback Alex Burke, eighth-grade receiver Alec Chapman, eighth-grade tailback Donovan Cunningham and eighth-grade offensive lineman Christian Rivas.

The Scorpions also have one sixth-grader brave enough to join the team in defensive lineman Michael Estrada.

“I think we have a few good receivers and a quarterback in Sam [Priano] who can get it to them. We are more of a run-based team but that shouldn’t hinder us from throwing it around now and again,” Gilbert said with a smile.

The Scorpions began their season with a loss to Bradshaw Mountain Middle School by the final score of 19-9.

Covert led the team with 85 yards on the ground while Heckrodt-Hallenberg had nine tackles on defense.

“Last season it took us until the last game of the year to score. This year, we scored right away so that in itself is improvement,” Gilbert said.

The boys will travel to Chino Valley and play Heritage Middle School on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Catch the Scorpions football team at home Tuesday, Sept. 8, when they play host to Mile High Middle School at SRRHS.

Kickoff for that contest is set for 2:30 p.m.

Brian Bergner Jr. can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 131, or e-mail bbergner@larsonnewspapers.com