Serrano has been through enough different versions of itself under Casey Maholchic that a new season rarely feels like a completely unfamiliar one.
There have been playoff misses, semifinal runs, a CIF-Southern Section championship and another trip to a section final. Last season ended with an overall record of 7-4 after a first-round loss in the Division 7 playoffs to Barstow.
Now, as Maholchic enters his 10th season as head coach, Serrano has to replace several important contributors from last year’s team, including Cade LaFever.
Maholchic isn’t particularly interested in making the transition sound complicated.
“Right now, we’re just focused pretty much on all 11 guys that are in the huddle,” Maholchic said. “We’ve had good practices. It’s a fun group to be around, and I think the kids have been working hard on the field and in the weight room.”
That approach will be tested immediately.
Serrano opens the season Aug. 21 at Warren, giving the Diamondbacks an early opportunity to find out what their new-look offense can do.
Scott Ebeling is expected to take over at quarterback after playing outside linebacker last season. He’s also been a center fielder for the baseball team, and Maholchic sees his athleticism as something Serrano can use in a variety of ways.
“He’s a good-looking kid, and he’s pretty versatile,” Maholchic said.
Jamal Larry will be another key piece of that versatility.
Larry missed most of last season with an injury and returned in time for the playoffs, finishing with 13 catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore, he caught 34 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns.
This year, he’ll line up at receiver and defensive back while also some quarterback, giving offensive coordinator Ryan Antle another player to move around.
“Nothing’s off the table,” Maholchic said. “He’s been phenomenal at quarterback. He’s a phenomenal receiver like he’s been since he played for me as a sophomore.”
The running game should have multiple options as well.
Johnny Sheppard is expected to receive carries alongside Gavin Lamb, who emerged as one of Serrano’s more productive offensive players last season. Lamb carried 99 times for 670 yards and nine touchdowns while also giving the Diamondbacks a versatile option as a pass catcher and blocker.
Maholchic said Lamb can be used from a variety of looks.
“He brings a physical running style, a blocking style and a pass-catching style,” Maholchic said. “We’re able to line him up in a lot of different formations and use him.”
The offensive line could determine how effectively all of those pieces come together.
Carson Marti returns at center and defensive tackle after spending the offseason working alongside Broden Langley, who enters his third season on varsity and after going 9-4 in his first season of varsity wrestling last year.
Both believe the group has developed the communication necessary to handle the demands of the Mojave River League.
“We all have really good communication,” Marti said. “We know how to work together, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Langley said the chemistry is better than it has been during his first two seasons.
“There’s no separation between us,” he said. “We’re all together. We played together our whole high school career, and I just feel like there’s no disconnect between each player.”
Luke Anderson enters his sophomore season after gaining varsity experience as a freshman at tight end and defensive end. He said the jump in competition taught him how much more demanding varsity football could be.
For a program that has experienced plenty during Maholchic’s tenure, the next step isn’t necessarily about defining what Serrano is.
It’s about finding out what this particular group can become.
And Maholchic, typically reluctant to make predictions, isn’t giving away all of his answers yet.
When asked which player he expects everyone to know by October, he smiled.
“I have a guy in mind,” Maholchic said.
He wouldn’t reveal the name.
“He’s a secret.”
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Serrano is ready to display a new-look offense loaded with weapons
Reporting by Jose Quintero, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jose Quintero, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
