Douglas eager to prove it belongs in new division

Douglas High School football is eager to get back on the gridiron after shattering expectations and several program records last fall.

This fall, Douglas will make the jump up to Northern Class 5A Division II after being the best regular season team in division III last year.

They replace Damonte Ranch as the Mustangs dropped to Division III.

Kyle Mays remains at the helm, entering his fourth season after guiding the Tigers to a 10-2 overall record in 2023.

“Every head coach has to shape it (the culture) for what fits for them,” Mays said on episode 142 of the Behind the Bench podcast, which can be found online. “The team building, getting kids to buy into each other. It’s never about us coaches.”

Douglas will be on the younger side this season with nine seniors and a large junior class.

OFFENSIVE SHOWCASE

Starting on the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers will feature the same quarterback as last fall with senior Jackson Ovard.

Ovard was an honorable mention all-region selection in 2023, throwing for 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns against five interceptions.

Ovard is one of four team captains alongside Michael Cahill, Brenton Weston and Evan Youmans.

Behind Ovard will be some fresh faces in the backfield, but a familiar last name.

The running game was a staple in the Tigers’ success last season after Connor Jackson broke the single-season school record in rushing yards, scampering for over 2,100 yards.

His younger brother, and second team all-region selection last fall, Zach Jackson will be one of the mainstays in the backfield.

Youmans and Lukas Neely will also get some touches in the backfield while Braden Lenz will get some looks at fullback.

“It’ll kind of be a running back by committee at times. Jackson is just so important to us in the secondary,” Mays said.

On the wings, Weston and Nate Priou will be two main targets for Ovard at wideout.

Dallin Maidlow is another name at wide receiver Tiger fans can expect to get targets on Friday nights.

On the offensive line, Cahill will be the right guard and returns to the line after being named an honorable mention all-region choice last year.

Justin Parra-McGee will line up at left tackle while junior Drake Ulmer will be at right tackle.

Luiz Vega will be the center while Curtis Haliwell will be featured at left guard.

Senior Dustin Danen will be at tight end.

“They’re young, so we will go through some growing pains, but size-wise we are there,” said Mays. “As long as those kids continue to grow mentally, we should be in pretty good shape for the year.”

DEFENSIVE INTENSITY AND COACHING STAFF

The Tigers won’t look any different on defense in terms of formation, featuring a 3-4 called by defensive coordinator Ryan Moglich.

Only two opponents were able to score more than 10 points against the Douglas defense last season.

Starting from the inside out, the defensive line will be Parra-McGee and Lenz. Oscar Conchas Cruz will be another player trying to break through opposing offensive lines.

Youmans and Ayden Orr will be the middle linebackers for the Tigers while Danen and Michael Sinclair will be roaming on the outside.

At safety, Jackson returns after posting four interceptions and a fumble recovery last fall. Weston will also be a deep man for the Tigers, matching Jackson’s four interceptions a season ago.

At corner, Mays says Tiger fans can expect to see Logan Holly and Priou lined up with opponent’s wideouts.

The coaching staff will be almost identical to last season as Steven Nelms returns as run game coordinator, running backs and defensive backs coach.

Brady Ovard will be the pass game coordinator and QB coach. Colin Inwood will coach the offensive and defensive lines. Darin Heredia comes over from Damonte Ranch to be safeties coach and Moglich’s second-in-command on defense.

FRIDAY’S FIRST TEST

This Friday, Douglas will head to Fernley to challenge the Vaqueros in Week 0.

Fernley went 4-6 last season, but returns most of the offensive production, including Keeshawn Love (No. 22), who ran for 1,395 yards and seven scores in 2023.

“They have a fast, physical offense. … They run some veer option stuff that’s going to give us some hell,” said Mays. “They have guys on the edge with some speed. It’s a unique offense that could give us a lot of trouble. Looks Like they changed it up on defense, going with a 4-2-5 this year.”

Kickoff is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Fernley High School.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16: at Fernley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 23: at Elko, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30: vs. Spring Creek, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6: at North Valleys, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: at Carson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Reno, 7 p.m.*

Sept. 27: vs. Spanish Springs, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 4: at McQueen, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 18: vs. Reed, 7 p.m.*

Oct. 24: vs. Bishop Manogue, 7 p.m.*

* — 5A-Division II game

(Douglas football’s four captains pose for a photo during the offseason. Pictured, from left, are Jackson Ovard, Evan Youmans, Brenton Weston and Michael Cahill. / Courtesy Kyle Mays)