Breaking down 6A football state quarterfinals with predictions - Breaking down 6A football state quarterfinals with predictions
Richard... [ read more ]
No. 8 Mountain Pointe runs over No. 9 Brophy Prep - No. 8 Mountain Pointe cruised to convincing victory over No. 9 Brophy in... [ read more ]
Mountain Pointe rolls past Aztecs - Mountain Pointe defensive end Anthony Dedrick intercepts Corona del... [ read more ]
Mtn. Pointe scores 21 points in 5 minutes in comeback win over Desert Ridge - Dominic Davis of Mountain Pointe hauls in a reception during the... [ read more ]
Game of the Week: Top prospects in the Mountain Pointe-Desert Vista game - Richard Obert, Arizona RepublicPublished 2:41 p.m. MT Oct. 2, 2018
Game of... [ read more ]
Mountain Pointe hands Highland first loss of season - Mountain Pointe High handed Highland High its first loss of the season on... [ read more ]
Mountain Pointe cornerback Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson announced his commitment to the University of Utah on Twitter Wednesday, dedicating it to his mother, Jaquel Pleasant, who passed away when he was 11 years old. Zach Alvira/AFN Staff
It’s been a long road for Mountain Pointe’s Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, but it all came to fruition on Wednesday when the three-star cornerback announced his commitment to the University of Utah on Twitter.
Pleasant-Johnson dedicated his commitment to his mother, Jaquel Pleasant, who passed away when he was just 11 years old.
“Dear mom, ever since you’ve been gone I’ve been out here staying out the way and being humble like you taught me,” Pleasant-Johnson wrote. “I promised you that I would go to a division I football program and make an early impact on that university and put the family on the map.
“All those early morning jogs and steady conversations willing my success in the name of Jesus paid off and I thank you for those blessings. I have not arrived yet but I am on my way … With that being said I love and miss you mom and I am more solid than ever. With that being said my commitment is for you and I thank you for birthing me. This is my commitment letter to you.”
Pleasant-Johnson chose Utah over eight other division I programs who had offered full-ride scholarships, including Colorado, Florida, Missouri and Nebraska.
He leads the Pride’s secondary this season with 13 passes defensed and is tied for a team-high three interceptions.
Pleasant-Johnson’s commitment comes just two days before eighth-ranked Mountain Pointe plays No. 1 Chandler in the 6A quarterfinals.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on Friday at Chandler High School.
No. 8 Mountain Pointe was in control from start to finish, defeating No. 9 Brophy Prep 40-7 in the first round of the AIA 6A football playoffs.
After deferring the opening kick, Mountain Pointe’s defense forced an easy three-and-out. It would be the first of many, as the Pride did not give up a point to Brophy’s offense.
The Pride offense started slow, feeling out the Brophy defense that put a lot of players into the box to stop the three-headed rushing attack.
Just like Brophy, the Pride punted on their first possession and faced a tough third down on their second drive. Out of the shotgun, senior quarterback Nick Wallerstedt faked a hand-off to running back Jakim McKinney and ran 44 yards for a touchdown.
The score was his longest of six – four rushing and two passing – on the night. Furthermore, it was huge in lighting a fire under the Pride offense that would last until the end of the game.
“It definitely ignited us,” Wallerstedt said. “We were kind of taking it slow and simple at first and then we had that breakout play, and it really helped us to get down and score.”
While the Pride offense rolled, the defense kept attacking the Brophy offensive line and making solid tackles.
Normally a high-octane passing team, the Broncos were held to just 17 yards through the air in the first half. Brophy had to resort to quick screen passes to offset the pass rush and quality downfield-coverage the Pride seemed to have on every play.
It never got any easier, as quarterback Jalen Kitna ended the game with just 44 yards and two interceptions.
Brophy’s only score came on a kick return.
“I think we played well defensively all night, and had a couple great fourth-down stops,” Mountain Pointe coach Rich Wellbrock said. “It helps when the offense is on the field a little longer, too.”
At the end of the first half, the Broncos drove down the field to get into the red zone. It would be the only time they got there, or even very close. With the clock running out, Brophy threw a jump-ball. Pride senior corner Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson came down with it for a half-ending interception.
“The momentum changed a lot. It was right before the second half, and we’re a really good second-half team,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “The coaches put me in a great spot to make a pick, and it felt really good.”
In the second half, the Pride kept running the ball, with the threat of deep passes off play action always looming to not allow Brophy to put too many defenders up front.
The Pride rolled until McKinney exited the game with a hurt leg after a long run in the third quarter. The Pride’s medical staff gave him treatment and eventually cleared him to play, but the coaches elected to hold him out to prevent further injury. Wellbrock said he should be ready to play next week.
In McKinney’s absence, sophomore Sanders carried the load late, and finished with 19 carries for 80 yards.
“I think the game was pretty well in-hand for us at that point,” Wellbrock said. “Eli’s been pretty great for us for the last five or six weeks, so it’s not anything we didn’t expect. We knew he could jump in there when he was needed.
The home win was the last for the Pride seniors, as the team will travel to Chandler High to take on the top-ranked Wolves.
The win was a great last memory at home for the seniors, and there will be time to reflect on all the fond memories and wins each of them experienced in a Pride uniform after the season. However, at least for one more week, there’s more football to play.
“I probably won’t think about all that until the season’s over,” Wallerstedt said. “Right now we’ve got a big game and there’s still a lot of time and preparation we have to do.”
The seeding favors No. 1 Chandler, but Mountain Pointe is the last Arizona-based team to defeat the Wolves, in the regular season of 2016.
Brophy 7, Mountain Pointe 40
Brophy 0 7 0 0 – 7
Mountain Pointe 14 14 6 6 – 40
First
MP – Wallerstedt 44 run (Abercrombie kick), 5:32
MP – Wallerstedt 16 run (Rasmussen kick), 1:16
Second
MP – Washington 69 pass from Wallerstedt (Abercrombie kick), 8:33
BRO – Ogbonna 80 kick return (Garcia kick), 8:19
MP – Wallerstedt 7 run (Abercrombie kick), 6:56
Third
MP – Wallerstedt 5 run (Abercrombie pass failed), 10:18
Fourth
MP – Washington 35 pass from Wallerstedt (kick failed), 10:01
Richard Obert, Arizona RepublicPublished 2:41 p.m. MT Oct. 2, 2018
This is a look at the top prospects football fans can see in the azcentral sports Week 8 Game of the Week.
Phoenix Desert Vista and Phoenix Mountain Pointe clash on Friday night at Mountain Pointe in the ‘Ahwatukee Bowl’.
Mountain Pointe (3-3)
Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, CB, 6-2, 180, Sr.
He has reduced his college list to Colorado, Florida and Utah. He has said that he will likely announce his college during the first day of the early signing period on Dec. 19. Pleasant-Johnson will have to watch the edges against Desert Vista, which likes to employ a power run game.
He is on the edge of getting that break-through Power 5 offer. His current offers are from New Mexico State, San Diego State and South Dakota State. Versatile athlete who could play on either side of the ball.
Somebody needs to jump on this guy. His recruiting stock should be going up after what he has been doing lately, with 768 yards and 10 TDs rushing in 10 games.
He has gotten himself on the major-college coaches’ radar after six strong games. He is averaging 23 yards on 31 catches with eight TDs.
Watch out for: Senior QB Nick Wallterstedt is committed to college baseball but he has recently made big strides. Nobody doubts his speed and his arm strength and accuracy have improved.
Desert Vista (5-1)
Brett Johnson, DT/DL, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Has committed to California but Arizona State still is pursuing him. Johnson’s strength, leverage, athleticism make him one of the more versatile and dynamic defensive linemen in Arizona.
Only a freshman, but he looks like he could be the next great running back to come through Arizona. He was impressive in the loss to Gilbert Highland, breaking off big runs in the second half. He will only get bigger, stronger, faster. He is headed to Power 5 offers. He is averaging 15 yards on his first 13 varsity carries.
He injured his ankle while rushing for 135 yards and a TD against Highland two weeks ago and did not play last week. He has major-college potential, as well. If he can finish strong, he could have big-time Division I offers.
Watch out for: Junior wide receiver Elijah Ervin has the size (6-2, 180) and speed that college coaches like. On a run-oriented team, he leads the Thunder in receiving with 18 catches for 263 yards and four TDs.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.
Richard Obert, Arizona RepublicPublished 12:49 p.m. MT Aug. 21, 2018 | Updated 1:09 p.m. MT Aug. 21, 2018
There is a chance to see some future Saturday football players on Friday when No. 2 (6A) Phoenix Mountain Pointe opens its season at 1-0 and No. 1 (6A)-ranked Phoenix Pinnacle in the azcentral sports’ Game of the Week.
Mountain Pointe
Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, CB, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Long, athletic, fast corner who has a 3-star composite rating by 247Sports, Pleasant-Johnson should have a busy night with Spencer Rattler throwing the ball. Pleasant-Johnson likely will find himself guarding Pinnacle’s best wide receiver. He has offers from Florida, Iowa State, Nebraska, Missouri, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah, and Northern Arizona.
Anthony Dedrick, DL, 6-4, 230, Sr.
He is being recruited as a weak-side defensive end. Holds a 3-star rating by 247Sports. So far four offers: NAU, South Dakota State, San Diego State and New Mexico State. Putting pressure on Rattler will help him get seen by more colleges who are looking for somebody with a large frame and quickness and speed.
Jerrick Dickson, TE/DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.
His father Marcus Dickson was a big-play running back at Phoenix Maryvale in the late 1980s. Great athlete who could make an impact on offense to get on the radar with major-college coaches.
Worth watching: QB Nick Wallerstedt, a senior, has committed to Arizona State to play baseball. Coach Rich Wellbrock may unveil 6-4, 185-pound senior Ahmen Williams at QB. He is a dynamic athlete who could make a splash in front of college recruiters. .. RB Jakim McKinney isn’t very big at 5-8, 170, but he has the speed and gears that make him stand out on the field.
Seems like years ago that Rattler committed to Oklahoma. There has been no second-guessing that commitment since doing so last summer. Now after throwing for 415 yards and four TDs in last week’s opening win over Gilbert Perry, the five-star Rattler might be the most-watched high school quarterback in the nation.
If Rattler endorses you, you know college coaches are going to listen. During Pinnacle’s preseason scrimmage, Rattler called Goodlow the best running back in the state. He has a chance to be. He has the size and speed. He can run through defenders and around them. College coaches will take a close look at him in this game against what should be a fast, physical Mountain Pointe defense.
Worth watching: Senior Athlete Kaleb Covington, 5-10, 175, has speed and gears that appeal to college coaches. Coach Dana Zupke has moved him from RB to WR. He is excellent in the slot. If last week was an indication, he will be used a lot to make plays in space. He caught four passes for 147 yards and a TD. … Senior LB Amelec Juntunen, 6-0, 190, has been moved from running back. He made a big impact on defense in the first game with 14 tackles, 11 solo, and a sack.
Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson raises his right arm, then his left.
On the right bicep, it says, “Jaqu31.” On the left, it reads, “Pleasant.”
His mother’s name, Jaquel Pleasant, run deep in his heart. The tattoos were put there after he moved from Washington two years ago and began his Phoenix Mountain Pointe football career as a long, athletic cornerback who remembers his mom pulling him out of trouble as a child and giving him paths to succeed.
She steered him into football, took him to his games and cheered from the sideline until she lost her battle to lung cancer when she was 31 and Lacarea was 11.
“Having to go through that was big,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “But I tell you what, not a lot of people can go through this. But I think I was chosen at that time, just like this.”
The time is now for Pleasant-Johnson to ball out on the field. He is a senior , one of the state’s top-recruited cornerbacks, an athletic freak at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, who wears jersey No. 31 to signify the age his mom died.
He’ll take her spirit with him Friday night at Phoenix Pinnacle, where he’ll be assigned to senior quarterback Spencer Rattler’s hottest receiver, perhaps Kaleb Covington, who averaged 38 yards on four catches against Perry.
Rattler is the big name in high school football in America. He came into the season ranked as the No. 1 prostyle quarterback in the nation in the 2019 class, a five-star, who this week was among the Chosen 25 by USA Today.
“Spencer is going to make plays, but we just have to know how to bounce back,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “He’s a great quarterback. But we also have a good defensive coordinator (Conrad Hamilton) and also a head coach (Rich Wellbrock).”
It will be a chance for Wellbrock and Hamilton to bounce back after being at different places last season.
Wellbrock won just two games in his only season leading Chandler Basha after taking Goodyear Desert Edge to two state finals, and winning a championship, during his West-side run.
Hamilton was defensive coordinator at Scottsdale Chaparral last year and appeared to be in the hunt to return as head coach, a position he once held there, before the Firebirds went out of state to hire Brent Barnes.
Mountain Pointe was left in great condition by Norris Vaughan, who resigned to return home to Georgia. The program under Vaughan’s watch has always been filled with tough, fast, physical athletes.
“The biggest thing is numbers and length,” Wellbrock said about comparing the athletes at Mountain Pointe to his time at Desert Edge. “This is the longest football team I’ve ever coached. Just from our DB and wide receiver and linebacker positions, our length is phenomenal. And we’ve got a lot of growth to make.
“What we see Friday night won’t be what we see when we move into October.”
Mountain Pointe has never lost to Rattler, who is in his fourth year as the varsity starting quarterback at Pinnacle.
Wellbrock embraces the pressure that comes with keeping up Vaughan did to make the Pride a powerhouse.
“We all know what we signed up for,” Wellbrock said. “When these kids come to Mountain Pointe, they know that type of pressure, that they’re going to be under the spotlight.”
Pleasant-Johnson is an engaging athlete, fun-loving, smiling, outgoing, driven — things his mom left him. His grandmother, he said, stepped up in his life after Jaquel died. His father, he said, lives in Seattle.
“Just the competitive drive, she left that with me,” he said. “Getting up at five in the morning to do a job. I play for her. She plays a significant part in my life.
“She was my confidence when I was a little kid. It could get ugly at times, but you have to stay strong.”
Mountain Pointe High’s LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson (left) says values instilled by his late mother helped him develop into an elite football player. The cornerback-receiver has offers from nine Division I schools, including Florida, Missouri and Nebraska. Mountain Pointe opens Aug. 24 at Pinnacle. Zach Alvira/Tribune Sports Editor
The road has been rugged for Mountain Pointe High’s LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson, yet he has persevered, just as someone special to him would have wanted.
Among the gut-kicks that life deals, his greatest disappointment is that his mother did not get to see him become one of the best defensive backs in the nation.
“My mom really instilled the motivation I have in myself,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “I really do work hard for her.”
Jacquel Pleasant lost her battle with Stage 4 kidney cancer in 2011.
LaCarea was just 11 years old.
“I heard my uncle on the phone say, ‘I have to go to the hospital to see if my sister has cancer,’” Pleasant-Johnson. “I was torn.”
When Pleasant-Johnson was a child, his mom would wake him early to go for a jog, always making him stay active as he got into athletics.
She always asked how he was doing when they sat down for dinner, offering words of wisdom during times of struggle.
Those memories have stuck with Pleasant-Johnson.
“She’s my protector, my provider. She’s always on my side,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time. God gives the hardest battles to his strongest warriors.
“My mom played a big role in the person I am today.”
Pleasant-Johnson is a team captain and a vocal leader of the Pride defense on the field. Those around him say his personality brings out the best out in people off the field.
“He is always in a good mood,” new Mountain Pointe coach Rich Wellbrock said. “He’s always got a big smile. He went through a lot when he was younger, but he always brings a light to every room he walks into.”
Wellbrock acknowledges that he didn’t know much about Pleasant-Johnson when he took over the program in February.
He had heard of a player getting attention from numerous college programs, but Pleasant-Johnson shocked Wellbrock with just how athletic he is.
“He’s got the DNA and is so long that he is able to get to places other athletes aren’t able to get to from a defensive back and receiver standpoint,” Wellbrock said. “His athleticism allows us to do some things on defense other teams I have had wouldn’t be able to do.”
Pleasant-Johnson, rangy at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, will cover some of the best receivers in the state. He’ll likely be busy when Mountain Pointe opens Aug.24 at Pinnacle, with Oklahoma-bound quarterback Spencer Rattler tossing the ball.
New Pride defensive coordinator Conrad Hamilton loves the flexibility that Pleasant-Johnson gives him.
“I’ve never had a corner with his size and length,” Hamilton said. “He’s really a receiver by nature but has upside with his ability to learn the different techniques on defense.”
Pleasant-Johnson was primarily a receiver coming into Mountain Pointe. Last season, he led the Pride with 27 catches for 436 yards and four touchdowns. This season, he plans to focus more on defense, but Wellbrock said that Pleasant-Johnson likely will still be in the mix on the other side of the ball, too.
“We want to make sure we have the right match ups in every game,” Wellbrock said. “One week, that might be LaCarea playing on another side of the ball and another week it could be someone else.”
Pleasant-Johnson’s ability to play on both sides has boosted his college recruitment. Rated as a three-star cornerback, he has offers from nine Division I programs, including Florida, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa State.
Pleasant-Johnson has a top five but isn’t ready to announce it because he anticipates that more offers may come and his rating could improve as recruiters get more film of him.
The thought of playing college football is always there, but as he begins to navigate his senior season, he has two goals: Win a championship and make his mother proud.
“Not a lot of people can handle what I’ve been through,” Pleasant-Johnson said. “I am blessed. My mom really instilled the motivation I have in myself and I feel like since she passed the sky is the limit.”
Returning Mountain Pointe starters Nick Wallerstedt, at quarterback, and running back Jakim McKinney give the Pride a solid nucleus on offense. MP reached the 6A semifinals last season. [Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer]
One by one, players on the Mountain Pointe football team walked across the school parking lot to the practice field, placing a hand on the sign that reads “Mark Lovett Field” before entering.
It’s a tradition established in the early 2000s, after former coach and Mountain Pointe Hall of Famer Mark Lovett passed away suddenly on the field from a heart attack.
“They told me I better make sure I do it,” new Mountain Pointe coach Rich Wellbrock said of touching the sign. “It’s a tradition handed down. It’s something the kids feel very strongly about.”
Wellbrock was hired to follow legendary coach Norris Vaughan, who stepped down last December to move back to Georgia near family.
Wellbrock, the former Basha and Desert Edge coach, now hopes to extend the winning tradition at Mountain Pointe, which has nine straight playoff appearances, including eight semifinals, and a state title.
“This has always been a position you look at from afar and it interests you,” Wellbrock said. “The kids know the expectations. We’ve flown under the radar a little bit, and we’re fine with that. When it’s time to turn it up, we will do that.”
This season, hopes for success once again start up front for the Pride.
Seniors Cole Cundary, Alex Vogel and Zach Quihuis anchor the offensive line in front of returning quarterback Nick Wallerstedt.
As a junior, Wallerstedt passed for 1,567 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 711 yards and nine touchdowns.
Some of Wallerstedt’s top targets graduated, including Sky Hinojosa, Delano Salgado and Marshawn Gibson.
But a talented group of receivers remain, led by senior Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson.
“I think we have one of the best groups we have had in the past couple years as a core,” Wallerstedt said. “We have a lot of guys that other teams have to look out for.”
Pleasant-Johnson hauled in 27 passes last season for 436 yards and four touchdowns.
Seniors receivers Jatu Gipson, Bashu Delco, Jathan Washington and junior Dominique Davis also will play a vital role in the passing game. Seniors Kenneth Lofton and Jerrick Dickson lead the way at tight end.
Mountain Pointe lost 1,000-yard rusher Gary Bragg to graduation but have another back, Jakim McKinney.
McKinney, known for his explosive burst off the ball, rushed for 1,334 yards and 18 touchdowns.
“I’m excited because it is my senior year,” McKinney said. “I’ve learned a lot from the new coaching staff. Even though people have doubted us, we are going to show them that we can make it far and even win state.”
Graduation and transfers left holes to fill in the Pride’s defense.
Defensive tackle Shomari Hayes graduated. Senior Matthew Pola-Mao, who has the eye of many college recruiters, transferred to Chandler. In the secondary, seniors Delano Salgado, Kenny Churchwell, Marshawn Gibson and Donte Lindsey all moved on to the next level.
But Mountain Pointe has capable replacements, starting up front with defensive tackle Anthony Dedrick.
“We are filling in the gaps really well,” Dedrick said. “I know what this team is and what we can do. We just need to be the greatest we can be and just go out there and play football.”
Mountain Pointe opens a week later than many schools with an Aug. 24 visit to Spencer Rattler and the Pinnacle Pioneers in north Phoenix.
It’s the start of one of the toughest schedules in the state.
Next up is a home game against rapidly improving Mountain View before the Pride heads to Las Vegas for the Polynesian Football Classic to take on national power Bingham High from South Jordan, Utah.
“What a great opportunity for our kids, community and school to be involved in something like this,” Wellbrock said. “That’s what we want. We want to be on the biggest stage not only here in the state but on the biggest stage nationally.”
Mountain Pointe then faces Hamilton, Queen Creek and Highland before taking on Desert Vista in the annual Ahwatukee Bowl.
The Pride wrap the season against Chaparral, Desert Ridge and Corona del Sol.
It will be a tough initial go-around for Wellbrock and the Pride, but they believe that they are up to the challenge.
“The schedule is brutal, but it’s exciting,” Wellbrock said. “The kids know it’s going to be a grind.
“Hopefully, when November comes around we will have learned everything we need to and go push for the gold ball.”
Richard Obert, Arizona RepublicPublished 9:40 a.m. MT July 24, 2018
This is the “island” position, where nobody wants to be left behind, watching wide receivers wheeling down the sideline for touchdowns.
These are azcentral sports’ top 10 cornerbacks for the 2018 Arizona high school football season.
No. 1 Kelee Ringo, Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-2, 192, Jr.
He has a five-star ranking is the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the nation in 247Sports composite. And to think he came to Saguaro from Washington state last summer, thinking he would just play receiver.
Another long corner who can maneuver the field quickly and get in front of passes to break them up. He is bigger than his dad, Toby Wright, who ended up with a pretty good football career at cornerback coming out of Mesa Dobson, playing at Nebraska and in the NFL. This year, Toby will be coaching him as a position coach under head coach Mike Zdebski.
No. 3 Brandon Shivers, Saguaro, 6-1, 175, Sr.
He had major colleges all over him, before committing this summer to San Diego State. With Ringo and manning the corners, Saguaro’s secondary is off-the-charts talented.
He is a three-star with offers from the likes of Nebraska, Iowa State, Utah and Missouri. His speed sets him apart. He has the length, as well, to cover big receivers. A physical, quick corner who can change the game.
No. 5 Tashumbrae “Scooter” Brown Jr., 5-9, 180, Gilbert Williams Field, Sr.
He transferred in the spring from San Marcos, Texas, where he alternated from free safety to corner and had 85 tackles and two interceptions. His versatility in the a loaded secondary will make Williams Field tough to throw against.
He became a hot recruiting prospect during track when he blazed his trails with fast times. He has the skill set to make himself a major player in Centennial’s plans to repeat as 5A state champs.
No. 7 David Eppinger, Chandler, 5-11, 180, Sr.
He transferred from Gilbert Perry, which finished second to Chandler last season in the 6A state playoffs. Eppinger started on varsity his first three years at Perry. It’s uncertain whether he will miss any of the season provided he has a hardship. But he could make a difference the second half of the season when the Wolves typically peak.
He started on varsity as a freshman and had 25 tackles, an interceptions and two pass break-ups. He is a lot better now and will likely see a lot of time on offense at receiver.
No. 9 Shaq Daniels, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-0, 170, Sr.
He had 26 tackles and three interceptions last season. He will play another big role on a tough defense. He is quick with great ball skills and isn’t afraid to dig in and make the hit.
No. 10 Jaiden Hayes, Phoenix South Mountain, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Hayes is a leader on and off the field and will be counted on to play an even greater role after having a solid junior season with 64 tackles and an interception. He will probably see time at running back, so Hayes has worked hard to make this a special season.
Richard Obert, Arizona RepublicPublished 7:06 p.m. MT July 25, 2018
Rich Wellbrock keeps seeing Spencer Rattler.
In his first loss as Chandler Basha’s coach last season, Wellbrock watched the Phoenix Pinnacle quarterback carve up his defense with four touchdown passes.
When he saw Rattler with his Oklahoma visor this June at 7-on-7 passing tournaments, Wellbrock would joke with him.
“I told him, ‘I just can’t get away from you,’ ” Wellbrock said.
For better or worse, Wellbrock will see Rattler again on Aug. 24 when Phoenix Mountain Pointe begins its Wellbrock coaching era. Rattler is 0-3 in his varsity career leading the Pinnacle offense against the Pride.
Vaughan set the bar extremely high. Mountain Pointe reached no less than the 6A state semifinals in eight of Vaughan’s nine seasons as coach.
His 2013 team was the last Arizona team to beat national powerhouse Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. It opened the season with a win at Bishop Gorman on national TV on its way to a 14-0 record and the school’s only state championship.
Wellbrock is an established coach (he won a state championship at Goodyear Desert Edge), and he brought with him one of the best defensive coordinators in the state in Conrad Hamilton, who served in that capacity for two of Scottsdale Chaparral’s state championships in the Charlie Ragle era.
“It’s still going to be punishing,” said senior cornerback Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, who is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, has a long wingspan, off-the-charts athleticism and picked up eight college football offers in one week.
“Us losing Coach Vaughan, we didn’t lose nothing much. We’ve got a great head coach and defensive coach coming in. We come in with a lot of energy. We can run cover 1, 2, 3, 4. We’re going to execute. This is going to be a good season.”
Mountain Pointe will soon see how good it still is as it transitions from it’s greatest football era under Norris Vaughan. Richard Obert, azcentral sports
Wellbrock will lean heavily on a loaded, fast defense, especially up front where he has three guys who could dominate off the edge.
Mountain Pointe’s offense may have a faster tempo than it did under Vaughan and should remain electric.
But who will lead it?
Wellbrock has two good quarterback options – the veteran Nick Wallerstedt and the ultra-athletic Ahmen Williams, who is ready to break out.
“Nick has done a phenomenal job, great kid,” Wellbrock said. “The other young man is a senior. They had even reps all summer. Now it’s ‘Who’s going to be the best leader?’
“I think both kids are tough kids and they’re going to want us to win football games. And that’s the biggest thing.”
Key returners
A punishing, big-play run game and physical defense have always been the Pride’s strong suits, and this team should be no different with running back Jakim McKinney (5-foot-8, 175 pounds) fresh off leading the Pride last season with 1,334 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing.
Wallerstedt is back after passing for 1,567 yards and rushing for 711 yards and totaling 20 TDs.
Pleasant-Johnson had 10 pass breakups, leading a fast secondary.
Defensive end Kenneth Lofton (6-3, 220) had 12 sacks.
Ready to break out
Senior slot Jathan Washington (5-9, 155) has a gear seldom seen on the field. He carried the ball just 10 times last season but averaged more than nine yards a carry. He could be electrifying on bubble screens, getting him out in space.
Defensive end Anthony Dedrick and tight end Jerrick Dickson are monsters on a front line that will make it tough for offenses to get going.
Safety Jatu Gipson is about to emerge as a star in the secondary.
Junior wide receiver Dominique Davis (6-1, 165) is ready to make his name as a big-play threat.
Key date
Mountain Pointe opens Aug. 24 at Phoenix Pinnacle, where it will try to keep Rattler, the No. 1-ranked 2019 QB in the nation, from beating the Pride for the first time in his career.
Final word
“I feel like they really understand what is going on with us and team and they’re trying to make us get better and win state.” – RB Jakim McKinney.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.
Major colleges are going to be coming through Arizona in May to see all the talent. There’s a lot and it just keeps growing. The 2019 class is as deep and talented as any that has come through in the past 10 years.
This is the azcentral sports’ Big 150, and each week, we’ll add 10 names to the list.
No. 12 Lacarea Pleasant Johnson, Mountain Pointe, DB, 6-2, 180
His recruiting ramped up in the spring with offers from Colorado, Florida, Iowa State, Missouri NAU. It’s a matter of time before ASU and Arizona offer. He is fast with great range and top-notch ball skills. Great athlete. Plays receiver on offense. He had 20 tackles and an interception last season.
No. 56 Jakim McKinney, Mountain Pointe, RB, 5-7, 160
Ran for 1,300 yards last season, showing great burst and change-of-speed moves that had tacklers grasping at air in 6A.
No. 57 Nick Wallerstedt, Mountain Pointe, QB/Athlete, 6-3, 185
A great multi-sport athlete in football and baseball. He started several games his sophomore year, then became the full-time starter last season when he passed for close to 1,600 yards and ran for 711 yards.
No. 101 Anthony Dedrick, Mountain Pointe, TE/DE, 6-4, 235
He played in just six games last season, totally 13 tackles. But he has made dramatic steps in his recruiting with offers from South Dakota State, San Diego State and New Mexico State since May 7.
This Hosting Agreement governs your purchase and use, in any manner, of all Web site hosting, ordered by you and accepted by American Youth Services, Inc. and describes the terms and conditions that apply to such purchase and use of the Services. You AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED HEREIN. American Youth Services, Inc. reserves the right to change or modify any of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion, and to determine whether and when any such changes apply to both existing and future customers. American Youth Services, Inc. may make changes or modifications to referenced policies and guidelines without notice to you. Your continued use of the Services following American Youth Services, Inc.' posting of any changes or modifications will constitute your acceptance of such changes or modifications.
Payment. As consideration for American Youth Services, Inc. providing the Hosting Services hereunder, Customer agrees to pay American Youth Services, Inc. the aggregate yearly fee based on the yearly hosting services and the terms selected.
Provision of Services. American Youth Services, Inc. will provide Customer with the Services ordered that are described in the Hosting Package Features elsewhere in this document. Customer understands and agrees that American Youth Services, Inc. will host and create the Web site solely in accordance with the information provided by Customer.
Rights to the Web Site and Content. With the exception of any Third-Party Materials and Background Technology as set forth in Section 4, Customer and American Youth Services, Inc. mutually own the Customer Content. "Customer Content" means all content or information (including, without limitation, any text, music, sound, photographs, video, graphics, data, or software), in any medium, provided by Customer to American Youth Services, Inc. "Third-Party Materials" means any content, software, or other computer programming material that is owned by an entity other than American Youth Services, Inc., and licensed by American Youth Services, Inc. or generally available to the public, including Customer, under published licensing terms, and that American Youth Services, Inc. will use to display or run a Web site. American Youth Services, Inc. owns the rights to the design of the web site. If a customer stops paying the yearly fee for the web site upon cancellation the customer is not entitled to use the web site or content for any purposes what so ever.
Limited License to the Background Technology. "Background Technology" means computer programming/formatting code or operating instructions developed by or for American Youth Services, Inc. and used to host or operate the Web site or a Web server in connection with a Web site. Background Technology includes, but is not limited to, any files necessary to make forms, buttons, checkboxes, and similar functions and underlying technology or components, such as style sheets, animation templates, interface programs that link multimedia and other programs, customized graphics manipulation engines, and menu utilities, whether in database form or dynamically driven. Background Technology does not include any Customer Content. Customer may not duplicate or distribute any Background Technology to any third party without the prior written consent of American Youth Services, Inc. All rights to the Background Technology not expressly granted to Customer hereunder are retained by American Youth Services, Inc. Without limiting the foregoing, Customer agrees not to reverse-engineer, reverse-assemble, decompile, or otherwise attempt to derive any source code of the Background Technology, except as allowed by law.
Limited License to Content. Customer hereby grants to American Youth Services, Inc. the limited, nonexclusive right and license to copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, create derivative works from, modify, and otherwise use and exploit Web site, any Customer Content, or any Customer Marks provided to American Youth Services, Inc. hereunder, solely for the purpose of rendering American Youth Services, Inc’s Services under this Agreement. Such limited right and license shall extend to no other materials or for any other purpose and will terminate automatically upon termination of this Agreement for any reason.
Content Standards. Customer agrees not to provide Customer Content, and American Youth Services, Inc. will not intentionally provide to Customers any content, that (a) infringes on any third party's intellectual property or publicity/privacy rights; (b) violates any applicable law or regulation; (c) is defamatory, violent, clearly harmful, or obscene or pornographic or infringes on citizens' rights; or (d) contains any viruses, Trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancel bots, or other computer programming routines that are intended to damage or interfere with any system, data, or personal information. If Customer is international, then Customer agrees to comply with all applicable local and national laws. American Youth Services, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any other subject matter it deems inappropriate.
Support. American Youth Services, Inc. agrees to provide reasonable technical support by email to Customer during American Youth Services, Inc.'s normal technical support hours. American Youth Services, Inc. will provide customer support by telephone if the customer purchased telephonic support time.
Term and Termination. (a) This Agreement is effective as of the Effective Date and shall continue unless terminated; (b) American Youth Services, Inc. may terminate this Agreement after five (5) days' written notice to Customer if Customer materially breaches this Agreement, including, without limitation, failure to pay, and fails to cure such breach during such five (5) day period; and (c) upon the termination of this Agreement, Customer will pay American Youth Services, Inc. for all Services provided to Customer by American Youth Services, Inc. prior to termination. Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, and 12 will survive termination of this Agreement.
Warranty Disclaimer. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Services are provided "as is," and American Youth Services, Inc. expressly disclaims all warranties and conditions of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of title, non-infringement, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose. Interruption of Service: You hereby acknowledge and agree that American Youth Services, Inc. will not be liable for any temporary delay, outages or interruptions of the Services. Each party acknowledges that it has not entered into this Agreement in reliance upon any warranty or representation except those specifically set forth herein. Unless an approval process is specified herein or in a Statement, all Hosting provided by American Youth Services, Inc. to a Customer will be deemed accepted when delivered.
Indemnity. (a) Customer Indemnity. Customer will defend American Youth Services, Inc. against any third-party claim, action, suit, or proceeding alleging any breach of the covenants contained in this Agreement. Subject to Section 11, Customer shall indemnify American Youth Services, Inc. for all losses, damages, liabilities, and all reasonable expenses and costs incurred by American Youth Services, Inc. as a result of any such third-party claim, action, suit, or proceeding. (b) American Youth Services, Inc.'s Indemnity. American Youth Services, Inc. will defend Customer against any third-party claim, action, suit, or proceeding alleging any breach of the covenants contained in Section 6. Subject to Section 11, American Youth Services, Inc. shall indemnify Customer for all losses, damages, liabilities, and all reasonable expenses and costs incurred by Customer as a result of any such third-party claim, action, suit, or proceeding. (c) Mechanics of Indemnity. The indemnifying party's obligations are conditioned upon the indemnified party: (i) giving the indemnifying party prompt, written notice of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding for which the indemnified party is seeking indemnity; (ii) granting control of the defense and settlement to the indemnifying party; and (iii) reasonably cooperating with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying party's expense.
Limitation of Liability. AMERICAN YOUTH SERVICES, INC.'S LIABILITY HEREUNDER SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY CUSTOMER TO AMERICAN YOUTH SERVICES, INC. DURING THE THREE (3) MONTH PERIOD BEFORE THE ACTION AROSE. AMERICAN YOUTH SERVICES, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR (A) ANY LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF DATA, OR INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS OR (B) ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS), REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OR ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF AMERICAN YOUTH SERVICES, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THESE LIMITATIONS ARE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND ABSENT SUCH LIMITATIONS, AMERICAN YOUTH SERVICES, INC. WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
Lock down: Top 10 Arizona high school cornerbacks for 2018 football season