Silverado a glutton for punishment
The breakdown of Silverado's 2008 season was unique to say the least. An 0-6 start with a brutal nonleague schedule turned into a 3-7 Desert Sky League co-championship regular season, which subsequently turned into a run into the Eastern Division semifinals.
As 5-8 seasons go, the one the Hawks had was pretty darn good. And with another extremely difficult nonleague slate featuring the likes of Gardena Serra, Silverado, Quartz Hill, Palm Desert and Summit in the works, don't be surprised if Silverado has another seemingly slow start followed by another bang-up finish.
"Our schedule, man, its pretty brutal," Silverado coach Carl Posey said. "Sometimes I wonder if a schedule like this taxes the kids too much, but with what happened a year ago, I think testing ourselves like this is the best way to go."
Of course, it helps to have a third-year starter at quarterback like senior Jemeryn Jenkins. Jenkins accounted for 3,725 combined yards (2,466 passing, 1,259 passing) and 37 touchdowns (17 passing, 20 rushing) last year and while the majority of the other skill-position players besides running back Ayele Forde and wide receiver Fred Rosser are untested, Jenkins has the skill to bring them up to speed.
"Jemeryn is something special," Posey said. "He's a great kid on the field, in the classroom, on campus. I'm pretty disappointed that he doesn't have an offer yet - he's worked his butt off and deserves to play college football somewhere. Hopefully he'll get some attention as the season goes on."
As the Hawks get closer to the season, their concerns lie on both lines. Both the offensive and defensive fronts are works in progress for Silverado and will learn under fire during the nonleague season. However, the defense is backed up by a skilled and experienced back seven, led by junior linebacker Jimmy Musgrave, senior linebacker Michael Matlock and senior defensive back Richard Espinoza. It will be up to them to hold down the fort while the big guys up front get their legs.
Silverado's schedule (Home games in CAPS, league games with *)
Sept. 4 - at Gardena Serra
Sept. 11 - SERRANO
Sept. 18 - QUARTZ HILL
Sept. 25 - PALM DESERT
Oct. 2 - SUMMIT
Oct. 9 - at Arroyo Valley
Oct. 16 - at Victor Valley*
Oct. 23 - at Barstow*
Oct. 30 - RIDGECREST BURROUGHS*
Nov. 6 - at Granite Hills*
Note: Silverado plays its home games at Victor Valley High School.
About T.J.
T.J. Berka has been covering sports for The Sun since 2006. As a graduate of the University of Michigan, T.J. know good sports when he sees them - at least he thinks he does.
Email T.J. here
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