Davis Spartans Outlook

Coach: Chris Cloward

Career record: 0-0

Record at school: 0-0

Last year: Davis (1-9) was overwhelmed, but it had little to do with the opening of Gregori High – all of the juniors and seniors were still at Davis. The lone win was 30-6 over Johansen, as the Spartans gave up 35 points a game and held just one opponent under 24 points.

Last league title: 2007

Last playoff berth: 2009

Coaching staff: Darin Higgins (defensive coordinator), Ryan Baldwin (co-offensive coordinator), Zach Strikland (line), Greg Bockman (WR/DB)

Top returners: QB/LB Matt Christiansen (6-0, 200, Jr.), RB/DB Rey Vega (5-9, 175, Jr.), RB/DB Markell Perkins (5-10, 180), TE/LB Ralph Guerra (5-10, 185), OL/LB Roem Rivera (5-10, 225), OL/DL Jason Fouts (6-1, 230), RB/DB David Millan (5-7, 150), RB/DB Ryan Taylor (5-11, 180).

Top newcomer: OL/DL Braulio Jimenez (5-10, 220).

Outlook: This is the first year Davis will feel the impact of losing most of its Salida athletes to Gregori, which is fielding its first varsity team. The Spartans potentially have a potent backfield combo in Christiansen and Vega, though the QB’s growth was slowed last year because he was forced to share snaps with a lesser passer. Vega approached 1,500 yards rushing last year, with 19 TDs, and the junior could challenge for the district rushing title if the Spartans’ defense can keep games close. First-year coach Chris Cloward comes over from Enochs, and his organizational skills should help Davis avoid last year’s disastrous performance – it was outscored nearly 2-to-1. He’s been impressed by the Spartans’ work ethic this summer, and the Spartans had a 7-on-7 team this year after going without one last summer. New schemes on both sides of the ball have kept the Spartans busy with the playbook. The first three games are on the road – Patterson, Sierra and Turlock – so the Spartans will be in search of a win when they host Central Valley on Sept. 16.

Key game: Davis plays Gregori in Week 7 at Downey. It’s a game Davis has to win, considering its need to put last year’s 1-9 record in the past and that Gregori is playing without any seniors.

Information provided by coaches