Story Created:
Jul 19, 2010 at 12:03 PM PST
Story Updated:
Jul 19, 2010 at 2:07 PM PST
Super-talented running backs have long been identified with Dorsey High School football.
But a program associated with producing the likes of such college and pro stars as Jeremiah and Stafon Johnson, Dennis Northcutt and Beno Bryant, etc., is starting to take on a different look.
With a stong-armed quarterback in Joseph Gray and a talented receiving corps around, it’s understandable.
Gray, who threw for 1,932 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago, is one of the top returning passers in the City Section.
A receiving corps led by All-Coliseum Leaguer Jaydon Mickens (48 catches for 787 yards), Marvin Hall (15 for 273) and Dominique Harris is as good as any around.
Matthew Lyons, a tight end and linebacker, is a two-way star for the Dons. He had 135 tackles and three sacks a year ago.
DeAndre Nelson is another linebacker who will anchor the defense.
Gray and the receivers gave a preview of coming attractions Saturday at the East L.A. College-hosted Husky Shootout passing tournament by leading the defending champion Dons to a 22-10 victory over Garfield in the final.
“Quarterback is going to be a key part of our game,” Dorsey coach Paul Knox said. “All of our skill players played a lot last year and all have good speed. They all ran track.
“We’re going to have to play great defense and the lines are going to have to step up and be dominant. That’s what we’re going to work on the next month.”
Dorsey opens the season at North Hollywood Sept. 1, then is home the following week to face Taft. Both games, by the way, are on a Wednesday.
Transition year
With Elijah Asante leaving to take over at Carson and Sheron Butler, the Bulldogs’ track coach and defensive coordinator at South Gate last year, assuming head coaching duties, the football program at Jordan has a new look at the top.
Butler is excited about one of the newcomers — sophomore quarterback Justin Lewis, who distinguished himself in leading Jordan to the Shootout semifinals.
“The colleges are already looking at him,” Butler said.
Another player to watch for Jordan is the multi-skilled Jack Cooper, who played a lot of quarterback last year and will now expand his duties to wide receiver, running back and safety, as well as quarterback. Slotback/running back/defensive back Abdul Castaneda is another key player.
“I like the fact we don’t stop fighting and that we’re young,” Butler said of his team.
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