DV football tweaking new offense in workouts

Though the top-rated defensive end in the country graces its roster, the buzz around Desert Vista football's spring practice is a new offense.

Still, Devon Kennard, the No. 5 prospect in America, according to the recruiting Web site Rivals.com, will figure largely into that offense.

Under new offensive coordinator Don Rezac, the Thunder will adopt more of a West Coast-type offense that focuses on efficiently gaining yardage. It means more three-step drops during passing plays for quarterback Cole Pembroke as DV trends away from taking shots down the field.

"I think it'll help us get into a rhythm more on offense," said Pembroke, who was on the football practice field the day after he and the baseball team were eliminated from the state playoffs. "It's more efficient passing, too. We'll be able to move the ball, no really deep-play stuff, but just quick, efficient stuff to move the ball."

Ironically, the Thunder were partially sparked into using more three-step drops from their loss in last year's Class 5A-Division I state championship game to Brophy College Prep. Broncos quarterback Bryan Berens torched the Thunder for three touchdowns out of a three-step drop most of the night.

It helped Berens avoid Kennard in the backfield during that game, and should help Pembroke avoid taking as many shots as he did last season.

"We're all excited about it," Pembroke said. "It's going to be fun. We've got some good stuff."

Receivers should also flourish in the new offense, with shorter routes that are easier to run.

Pembroke's main target this year will be Casey Bolena, who caught 12 passes, including a touchdown, last season. The two have been playing together since they were in third grade

"We have that chemistry," Bolena said, adding that he's seen a noticeable improvement in Pembroke, his fellow senior-to-be, in spring practice.

"He's definitely throwing the ball on the spot," Bolena said. "He's more accurate this year."

The fly sweep, a prominent feature in last year's offense with speedsters Allante Battle and Luke Matthews, who are set to move on to Arizona State University and Utah, respectively, won't be entirely abandoned. DV coach Dan Hinds said he liked how it kept defenses off balance.

But largely in its place this year will be a zone-running scheme dependent on the legs of Marcus Washington and Kennard, DV's two leading returning rushers. Instead of a steadfast assigned hole to hit, backs will have the option to assess how the play is developing and cut from there.

"That's something Marcus was already doing on his own," Hinds said.

"If I see something, I'm going to it," Washington added. "I follow the coaches, but if there's a hole somewhere else, I'm going to try to get to that other hole and just score."

Recruiting quick hit

Washington said earlier this week that he was expecting an offer from Utah, which would bring his total number of offers to three. Arizona and ASU have already offered.