Palm Desert determined to defend title, ready to repeat in 2018

“Palm Desert is back where they should be and we’re here to stay, ” Head Coach Shane McComb said.

This time last summer you could tell Palm Desert was ready to take a step forward.

“It honestly really surprised us all, ” Will Blohm said.

Who knew that they would go 10-2. Conference champions outright for the first time since 2005.

“Last year we didn’t know about the offensive line and this year we have four returning starters. There is a lot of confidence going into this year. Kids know they are returning champions and we’re practicing like it and working like it,” McComb said.

Also the talent coming back. 15 of 22 returning starters including the co-player of the year Jack Queenan.

“This year with a few seniors leaving this year we feel confident about it,” Jack Queenan said.

He is going to be setting the tone of the defense with returning all conference player Jacob McIlroy and two way stand out Jordan Garcia.

“Coming out as hard as we can this year. Same thing as last year, dominating on defense,” Queenan said.

The offense returning the league’s leading passer and first team stand out Carter Stokes.

“It’s an honor to block for him,” Blohm said.

While replacing 1,200 yard rusher Manny Sepulveda with a pack of hungry of backs.

“We always have that full speed and that full hitting the hole as fast as possible. Always have that fresh back that can break it out,” Blohm said.

It’s hard to not make the Aztecs the favorite to repeat in 2018.

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