The 2007 Sedona Red Rock High Scorpion football team began its season with the first practice on Monday, July 30.
By Brian Bergner Jr.
Larson Newspapers
The 2007 Sedona Red Rock High Scorpion football team began its season with the first practice on Monday, July 30.
The Scorpions are looking to improve on an uneventfull 2006 campaign, where they went 2-7 overall, and 1-5 in the 3A-West conference.
Second year Head Coach Brian Batty believes this team can be much better than last year’s squad.
"I’m looking forward to another year with the kids. We were not successful last year, wins-and-losses-wise, but we laid a good foundation for our program," Batty said.
"I think we have a chance to be a really good football team, pending everything falling into place," he added.
Top returners
The Scorpions return most of their squad, as only five seniors graduated from last year’s team.
Eight starters on offense and defense are returning, and will be expected to be the leaders of this team.
As for incoming freshman, there are a few here and there, but it is a waiting game as some freshmen don’t show up until the first week of school.
"I would love to have 40 or more kids in the program, but right now we have about 32, 35 kids," Batty said.
Top returners for the Scorpions are All-State Honorable Mention at kicker, senior Jordan Burke.
Burke was 2-2 in field-goal tries last season, but what earned him the honor was his powerfull kicking leg.
70 percent of the time, Burke would kick the ball out of the end zone on kick-offs.
"Other coaches would just drool over him, you don’t come across a leg like that every day," Batty said.
Danny Wyatt is returning for his senior season, as he earned first team All-Conference last season at the free safety position.
Wyatt recorded three interceptions along with numerous tackles.
Wyatt did it on offense as well, scoring four touchdowns on 58 rushes for 205 yards.
Look for Wyatt to play at halfback, wide reciever and strong safety once again this season.
All-Conference senior Aaron Fraser returns as the leading tackler on the team, as he recorded 104 last season.
Fraser also plays a good fullback, something that is useful in Batty’s offense.
"We want to spread it out and attack teams with a varied offense, and Aaron [Fraser] is a big key in that," Batty said.
Fraser also had 47 rushes for 260 yards, and 15 catches for 108 yards last season.
Senior Tyler Horchak returns as an All-Conference strong safety.
With his strong defense, he also had 93 rush attempts for 220 yards, and one catch for 17 yards and a touchdown.
Junior All-Conference performer Chris Kamas returns at wide reciever.
Kamas recorded six catches for 76 yards and three touchdowns.
He also had 40 rush attempts for 198 yards.
The key to the entire team and how well they do this season may be the play of junior quarterback Sammy Holeyfield.
"I’m hoping Sammy [Holeyfield] can take over the position for us," Batty said.
Holeyfield started three games for the Scorpions last year under center, and is expected to step into that role this season.
"We want to improve as a team, and I feel ready to take on the quarterback position," Holeyfield said.
The offensive line is important as well, and that is what Batty is most focused on at this point in the season.
"We’ll find out who really wants to block on this team," Batty said.
Sophomore center Zach Saxman returns as he started every game last season at that position.
"We want to be better than last year, and we know what we’re doing a little more, and we have more experience," Saxman said.
The schedule
One of the biggest games of the year for a football team, or any other sport, is always the first one.
The team wants to find out where they stand, and what they need to work on.
For the Scorpions, they will get the opportunity to travel north to Flagstaff and play against Needles High in the Northern Arizona University Walkup Skydome on Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m.
"That game should be a lot of fun for us. Playing in the dome is special," Batty said.
The first home game will be against the Camp Verde High Cowboys Friday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m.
Look for the boys to exact some revenge as Camp Verde beat them last season, 21-0.
Another big game on the schedule will be conference new-comer South Point High.
The Scorpions will travel to Phoenix and play the charter school on Friday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.
The biggest game of the year for the Scorpions however, may be on Friday, Oct. 19, against 3A state defending champ, Wickenburg High.
"I hate to put to much on one game, but if you want to be the top dog you have to beat the top dog, and that is Wickenburg," Batty said.
Sedona held Wickenburg to a 7-0 lead through the first quarter. Something no other team had accomplished.
Wickenburg came out like gangbusters in the second half, and won the game, 49-0.
Wrap up
As for Batty’s goals this season, the ol’ ball coach has a few in mind.
"My first and foremost expectation is to turn out good young men. If you can accomplish that your ahead of the game," Batty said.
After that, Batty’s top goal would be to win a state championship, second, a regional championship and third is to win as many games as possible.
"You should always stive for the best, no matter the situation that you’re in," Batty said.
It is yet to be seen whether or not the Scorpions can contend for a conference title, or a state title, but it should be fun to watch in Sedona’s version of "Friday Night Lights."
Brian Bergner Jr. can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 131, or email to bbergner@larsonnewspapers.com
