Cibola football preview: Quick turnaround

The line between experience and a lack thereof in high school athletics is very thin. About one season, to be exact.

Last year, the offensive line of the Cibola football team was inexperienced.

This year, coach Lucky Arvizo points to the line as the Raiders' most experienced position as they look to defend their 5A Gila Valley Region title.

"We were young on the line last year, and having four of the guys back we're hoping its going to help us tremendously cause we lost a really good running back, Brandon Hall, last year," Arvizo said. "The good offensive line should help us significantly to move the ball."

Those four returners are Adam Griffin, Richie Arviso, Preston Taylor and Robin Acevedo. And with receiver Jake Snyder shifting into the backfield to replace Hall, as well as last year's quarterback, Scott Stover, going back to his natural position of wide receiver, the line will be called upon to provide stability.

"It really helps us out because we've all worked together before," Taylor said. "We know each other's strengths and weaknesses. We pick each other up. It gives us a head start on the learning aspect of it."

Last year's junior varsity quarterback, Dylan Arviso, moves up to the varsity team in his junior year, allowing Stover to move back to receiver.

"That's where his strength is," Arvizo said. "We had to put him there after we lost our starter at the beginning of last season. Our JV quarterback from last season ended up stepping in and working hard during the summer."

And if Snyder can adjust to his new position, that should make things easier for Arviso.

"It's a different transition," Snyder said. "But we have a good O-line, so hopefully they can block for me."

Last year, the Raiders finished 6-5, reaching the playoffs after the region finished in a three-way tie. They lost 28-14 to Pinnacle.

Arvizo expects the same balance in the region again.

"I think it's going to be close again," Arvizo said. "Those games are always close and they can go either way."

Snyder said the team's expectations are high.

"We're expecting a lot," Snyder said. "We lost a lot of guys, but a a lot of guys are stepping up and filling in. So it's real good."

Arvizo said if work ethic counts for anything, the team will be champs.

"We're young and still have a lot of work to do," Arvizo said. "But as far as effort going on in practice, we're pretty pleased with that. Hopefully come season time we'll look prepared."

---

CIBOLA RAIDERS

Last year: 6-5, 2-1 (5A Gila Valley Region Champ

Top returners: Jake Snyder, sr., RB/WR/DB; Scott Stover, sr., WR/OLB; Marco Landa, sr., WR/DB/K/P; Preston Taylor, sr., OG; Robin Acevedo, jr., OT

Key newcomer: Anthony Daniels, sr., DE/FB

Player to watch: Moving from wide receiver to running back, Snyder's success behind an experienced line will make the transition easier for quarterback Dylan Arviso.

The Big Game: With a target on their back as region champs, Yuma (Oct. 24) and Kofa (Nov. 7) will be gunning for the Raiders.

The lowdown: The line is a rock of stability. But with Snyder and Stover - last year's quarterback - breaking in new positions, plus a first-year QB, things might be a tad shaky to start. But by the time region rolls around, the Raiders should be clicking on all cylinders.

---

2008 SCHEDULE

Sept: 5: vs. Camelback, 7 p.m.
Last year: Won 21-14

Sept 12: vs. Sunrise Mountain, 7 p.m.
Last year: Lost 28-20

Sept. 19: at Maryvale, 7 p.m.
Last year: Won 28-13

Sept. 26: vs. Corona del Sol, 7 p.m.
Last year: Lost 33-14

Oct. 3: at Boulder Creek, 7 p.m.
Last year: Won 22-7

Oct. 10: at Mountain Point, 7 p.m.
Last year: Lost 42-8

Oct. 17: vs. Phoenix North, 7 p.m. (HC)
Last year: Won 22-15

Oct. 24: vs. Yuma, 7 p.m.
Last year: Lost 14-10

Oct. 31: at San Luis, 7 p.m.
Last year: Won 49-0

Nov. 7: at Kofa, 7 p.m.
Last year: Won 14-0