The excitement surrounding Victor Valley football isn’t limited to the players everyone already knows.
Sure, Makai Buchanan has become one of the High Desert’s most heavily recruited players after an impressive freshman season.
But inside the Jackrabbits’ program, coaches believe he’s only one piece of what could become the foundation of the next great Victor Valley team.
The confidence begins with a simple number.
10-0.
Victor Valley’s freshman team finished undefeated last season, producing a wave of talent that head coach Thomas Riley believes is ready to contribute immediately.
“There are a lot of talented kids from that group who are ready to make an impact,” Riley said.
Several already have.
Sophomore Sameer Ferguson enters the season competing for the starting quarterback job while simultaneously giving the coaching staff one of the most versatile athletes on the roster.
“He’s earned the opportunity to compete at quarterback,” Riley said. “Even if he isn’t our starting quarterback, he’s too valuable to keep off the field.”
His athletic ability allows him to line up nearly anywhere besides quarterback.
Receiver.
Running back.
Safety.
Cornerback.
That flexibility gives Riley options few coaches enjoy.
Then there’s Marcus Thompson and Kalyn Henry, two more sophomores Riley specifically identified as players capable of becoming household names before the season ends.
“I think one of those guys is going to have a breakout season,” Riley said.
The youth movement doesn’t stop there.
Incoming freshman Ja’aron Tharpe, nicknamed “Boogie,” has already impressed enough to earn the projected starting job at safety before playing a varsity down.
It’s a level of confidence coaches rarely show toward freshmen.
Victor Valley showed a similar level of trust last season when Buchanan earned meaningful carries as a freshman.
Instead of easing him into varsity football, the Jackrabbits gave him opportunities in critical moments.
He responded with nearly 700 rushing yards while averaging more than seven yards every time he touched the football.
“The biggest thing I’ve seen is his maturity,” Riley said of Buchanan. “Playing varsity as a freshman is a shock for anybody. He’s embraced that challenge.”
That willingness to trust younger players isn’t accidental.
It’s part of Riley’s long-term vision. Instead of waiting until players become juniors or seniors, Victor Valley wants talented underclassmen contributing immediately so they develop into experienced players entering their senior seasons.
That philosophy may pay dividends this season.
Victor Valley returns experienced leaders like Michael King, Jeremiah Hollowell, Ahmeir Dureso and Aiden Tanks, giving younger players the benefit of learning alongside established veterans.
It also creates unusual depth.
Last season, Riley felt too many players were forced to play both offense and defense because of roster limitations.
“I think it hurt us,” Riley said.
King is set to play linebacker, but just like last season, is prepared to play running back if his number is called.
“I’ve been doing that my whole life, so I’m open to it,” said King, who last season took 33 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns. “I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.”
Riley insists that shouldn’t be necessary this year.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: The next wave has arrived: Victor Valley’s young guns are ready to shine
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
