The Verrado Vipers varsity football team is coming off a 35-13 win over Copper Canyon, who head coach Derek Wahlstrom said was an improved team from the one they faced last year.

“We managed to find a way to get a win and we were very happy with our team’s effort and execution last Friday,” he said.

Wahlstrom said the biggest improvement the team has made is knowing the system in year two of the program and having greater depth. In 2011 the team went 3-7 overall and this season returns six starters.

In order to make up for the varsity minutes the majority of the team lacks, Wahlstrom said they try to practice at a game like tempo.

“Obviously, the best experience is game experience and that is something we are looking forward to getting in to the coming week against quality competition like Sunrise Mountain (High School),” he said.

Wahlstrom, his staff and players have set a goal and theme this season of ‘exellence.’ He said they do not necessarily want to compare themselves to last year’s team, opponents or anything other than the best they can be today.

Wahlstrom recognizes the challenge that lies ahead going up against the Mustangs and said they must limit their explosive plays from their very gifted offense.

“If we can take the ball away from their offense it will be beneficial,” he said. “Special teams will be critical and our offense needs to be efficient.”

The Mustangs are coming off a 38-35 win over the Greenway Demons in last week’s play. The game was tied at 7 at the end of the first quarter, but Sunrise Mountain’s undeniable offense put up 17 points on the Demons defense in the second quarter.

Wahlstrom and the Vipers will have their hands full with Mustang running back Elijah Castro, who gained nearly 2,200 all-purpose yards last season and scored 20 touchdowns.

Tackling is key going up against Castro and Wahlstrom said the defense needs to be effective in getting into their assignments to stop them.

By Jennifer Jimenez