HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Dayton seeks home playoff game

The goal of Dayton's football team is simple - place in the top three and get a home playoff game. Anything after that is just a bonus.

Rick Walker, back for his ninth year as Dayton head coach, will have to accomplish that with just a 28-man roster. Numbers are so bad at Dayton that the Dust Devils can't field a freshman team for the third straight year.

"It makes it tough," Walker said. "I've talked to other coaches (in the area). Spring Creek is having a tough time. I talk to kids all the time (about playing). I tell them I don't care how big they are. I tell them to run around with us in the spring. I might get 1 or 2 guys that way."

Walker did convince one player to try the game out. T.J. Harnar, who played as a freshman, but sat out the last two seasons, has returned. He'll back up Kage Walker at quarterback and also play some defensive back.

It makes Walker respect the guys that have come out and busted their hump the past spring and summer that much more.

"I think we're in better shape than we were halfway through the season last year," said Walker, whose team opens the season Friday at Lovelock. "We're going to have to play ironman football. All the players are going to have to know how to play two positions; to play both sides of the ball.

"The big key is staying healthy. We can't afford to have many injuries. We don't have a lot of depth. That's one thing we've been working on (spring and summer)."

Walker has a new starter at quarterback. Walker's son, Kage, a starter two years ago at the JV level, will replace the graduated Connor Conroy at QB. Walker did see some action there a year ago, completing 21 of 52 passes for 235 yards and three scores. He also ran for 114 yards and was third on the team with 11 catches for 166 yards and two scores.

The elder Walker believes his son's athletic ability makes him an ideal candidate to run the option attack.

"I love it," Kage Walker said. "I like running the ball or being out there and pitching it to a running back. I've picked up my speed. My 40 time is faster than last year. It's probably because of track (high jump and long jump) and all the plyometrics I do.

"I feel like I'm ready to go. I got the same amount of reps last year as the starting quarterback did."

On many teams, the starting quarterback doesn't play defense. The younger Walker embraces the idea of playing both ways.

"I like defense," Walker said. "I'm more of a physical player."

Kage Walker has some good skill players around him in running back Kyle Onstott, who rushed for 981 yards a year ago, and fullback Houston Berntson, who picked up 135 yards a year ago. Dusty Smith, the team's second-leading receiver a year ago (19 catches, 205 yards).

"We need to get Onstott more involved in our passing game," coach Walker said. "He's a talented back. He's tough in open space. Houston runs hard. He's also a good blocker. Dusty is going to play some wide receiver and you could see him at tight end."

Logan Jones is expected to get plenty of time at wide receiver along with Manuel Meza, who is nursing an ankle sprain. Sophomore Cody Yeater could see action at tight end.

"Jones is not a big boy (145 pounds), but he goes for every ball," Walker said. "He has great hands."

The offensive line is a mixture of veterans like 250-pound Michael Perkins, Manuel Castaneda and Foster Denny, who has yet to be cleared to play, and newcomers like 6-2 235-pound sophomore Josh Joyner and Anthony Santana, whose snapping in the pistol has impressed Walker.

Cameron McGifford and Lucas Jones also are in the mix for significant playing time, and with players playing two positions, Walker will sub freely up front.

"Michael (Perkins) has gotten stronger," Walker said. "He's more familiar with things. He's thick just not tall (5-10). Santana has taken a half-second off the center snap. It's helped our rhythm a lot. Joyner is really physical. He's banging with the older kids. I saw him make the best pancake block I've see in the last three or four years."

On defense, Walker said he'll use his usual 4-4-3 alignment.

Up front it will be the same cast of characters from the offensive line plus Bryce Rivera. Castaneda will be at the nose, and he has impressed Walker.

"He plays the 1 technique pretty well," Walker said. "He has a great motor and he's a great competitor."

Berntson anchors the linebackers in the middle alongside Sean deRubertis. Yeater, Eddie Morales and Tyler Firestone will battle for the two outside spots.

Bernston had 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks a year ago. He has a good motor, according to Walker, and never wants to come off the field.

Walker will play safety, while Sam Hadley, Logan Jones, Harnar and Onstott figure to battle for time at cornerback, harnar can also play outside linebacker.

2009: 6-4, lost in first round of playoffs to Truckee

Head coach: Rick Walker 9th season (47-43)

Names to know: QB Kage Walker (11 catches, 166 yards receiving, 21 of 52 passing for 235 yards, 114 rushing), RB Mike Onstott (190 carries, 981 yards rushing); FB-LB Houston Berntson (36 tackles, 3.5 sacks); OL Mike Perkins; OL Foster Denny; WR Dusty Smith (19 catches, 205 yards, 4 TDs)