SEASON OUTLOOK
Defensive lineman Qualen Cunningham
Photo by Mark Jones
The Huskies host perennial state power
Brophy College Prep (Phoenix) on Sept. 6, a week after their opener against defending San Diego Section Division I champion
Eastlake (Chula Vista, Calif.) in the first Brothers in Arms Classic, a national event featuring more than 40 teams from 14 states. Brophy is a well-known foe, while Eastlake is a complete unknown for Belles and staff.
Question mark: There are not many, if any, but a good kicking game is always vital, especially late in the season. Wichman was All-State as a junior and over two seasons made 106 PATs in 112 attempts, while drilling 16 field goals. Replacing him won't be easy. Jasso got a few snaps last season behind starter Allen Thigpen, but he's efficient and makes few errors. With no great running threat returning either, offensive firepower might be a concern as well. Then again, with the defense Hamilton figures to play, the Huskies won't have to score much. And with the offensive line in place, they don't need Adrian Peterson running the ball either.
Local look: With the passing combination of quarterback Antonio Hinojosa (2,255 yards, 31 touchdowns) to Jalen Brown (67 catches, 1,235 yards, 18 TDs), and returning top tackler Wesley Payne returning,
Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) has some key pieces back to make another state D1 title-game return. Mountain View actually beat Hamilton to open the 2012 season before losing in the state finals to the Huskies 31-16. Belles appears even more concerned with Brophy Prep, which has won 93 games and two state titles since 2004 under longtime coach Scooter Molander.
Overall outlook: With so much experience — 20 of 22 spots will likely be filled by seniors — and so much talent on defense, this could be Belles' best team. And saying that — he's won five state titles in seven years — is a mouthful.
Coach quote: "This will be one of the best defenses I have ever coached. We have strong senior leadership which should take our team to another level. … I would rank this team as good as any we have had."
— Head coach Steve Belles
