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Kickoff time
Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer spend some extra time on the three biggest games of the week — Arbor View at Desert Pines, Chandler (Arizona) at Bishop Gorman and Liberty at Saint Louis (Hawaii) — before getting to their full picks. They also discuss the hypothetical first pick of a high school football fantasy draft.
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Besides having the better players or coaches, how does a team create a home-field advantage? Usually it’s about the atmosphere, an intangible idea that’s better felt than explained.
Boisterous students, passionate parents and especially the right music are all crucial components, and it’s something visitors to Foothill High know all about.
“Everybody knows we have a great band so it’s great coming out onto the field with them playing for us,” senior quarterback Devon Mueller said. “It feels like a big game every week.”
The Falcons plan on hosting a lot of big, meaningful games this season as they pursue a title in the Southeast League. Coming off of back-to-back 5-5 seasons, Foothill coach Marty Redmond feels like his team is in position to make some noise.
“We’re where we want to be right now,” Redmond said. “The kids are working hard, we’re very happy with the group of kids we have and our work ethic so I think if we continue to improve we’ll be fine coming into the conference.”
Foothill opens the season Friday in Utah against Desert Hills High, and its in-state debut is a week later at home against Silverado in the Victory Bell game. League play begins Oct. 9 at Eldorado High.
A successful season for Foothill will require plenty of production from its high-powered offense. That includes three-year varsity players Mueller at quarterback and Justice Jackson at running back. Wide receivers Sean Hamilton and Devin Smith should see plenty of touches in the offense.
“It honestly means a lot being in control of that offense,” Mueller said, “but I can’t take credit for all of it.”
Mueller knows it’s going to take everybody working together to make it work. That includes the guys up front opening holes, starting with senior Las Vegas Sun all-city offensive lineman L.T. Lualemaga (6 foot 4, 330 pounds).
“We’re going to have to know our calls and shoot it down their throat,” Lualemaga said of the group’s mentality.
The Falcons have the pieces, they have the experience and they have a good home-field atmosphere that could help them get over the hump in a close game. If Foothill plays to its strengths this season it could be a very advantageous 2015.
“I think our offense is going to be as explosive as it’s ever been,” Redmond said. “… We’re expecting great things this year.”
Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.
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