Rancho Mirage relying on younger players for 2018 season

It’s hard to replace a dynamic talent like Marques Prior.

“The things that kid has accomplished and records he set will never be broken,” Head Coach LD Matthews said.

The ability to take a quick step and change the game. Over 3,800 yards rushing in his career and 60-touchdowns.

“The question is how are we going to do without a Marques Prior on our offense. I think that is going to have to be answered once we get into the season because you just don’t know,” Matthews said.

“I think everyone thought we were a one-man team last year but I don’t think that,” Nelson Gonzalez said.

With all the success the precident has been set with this Rattler’s program.

“Every year it is a different group of kids we bring together. Don’t change the expectations. We still want the kids to compete at the highest level they can and be the best player that they can possibly be,” Matthews said.

This preseason the roster might have a few more question marks then we have seen in awhile.

“We don’t have as much talent as we had the last two years but that means we just need to work more on our technique,” David Talley said.

A young roster is going to have to rise to the occasion.

“The development of our younger guys and how they can step into those roles immediately and get them in the non-league season to feel comfortable,” Matthews said.

Just like the senior quarterback has done with his time during the game on the line. No better than David Talley. A lower the shoulder and run the rock type mentality out of the quarterback. Over 800 yards rushing and pushing 200 carries last season.

“Coach on the field. 27 game starter and a bunch of playoff experience,” Matthews said.

This season we might see him let it fly.

“That is something we haven’t seen in the last couple of years,” Matthews said.

The 2018 high school football previews will air up until the season starts, which is Friday, August 17th for some of our area teams. Blake Arthur and Cody Krupp will have complete coverage. Follow them on Twitter for more @BlakeArthurKESQ @CodyWKrupp