Eric SorensonThey’re every offensive coordinators worst nightmare.
Most Arizona high schools would be happy to have one or two standout defensive lineman.
The Deer Valley Skyhawks happen to have three.
Seniors Brian Calhoun, Marquette Mitchell and Marlon Roberts have been making routine visits to opposing backfields as the Skyhawks have flown out of the gates in this season to a 3-0 start, allowing just over 10 points per game.
Calhoun is the most well-known and highly recruited of the three but Deer Valley’s head coach believes the Hawks’ success is dictated at the point of attack.
“It all starts with Marquette Mitchell,” Eric Bolus said of his defensive tackle. “[He] is maybe the most underrated defensive tackle in Arizona. He doesn’t get the love he deserves but it starts with him. He clogs it up and forces it to bounce to our big trees on the outside.”
The biggest of those trees in the 6’7, 270-pound Calhoun who has received offers or interest from Arizona State, Arizona, Nebraska, Utah, Boise State and Cal among others. Both he and Mitchell controversially transferred to Deer Valley from power Peoria Centennial before last season. Now their only focus is building on their early senior season success.
“Brian’s just a really talented kid, he’s very strong,” Mitchell told Sports360AZ.com after the Skyhawks 35-21 win over Sunrise Mountain. “He can hold on the outside edge and I know he will bring the ball [carrier] back to me. Marlon Roberts…he’s a beast. He’s very fast. Very quick.”
Away from the game football isn’t always the top topic of conversation for the threesome but it’s never too far behind.
“Off the field we do have fun,” a smiling Mitchell explained. “But we still talk strategy and see what we can do against the next opponent.”
What the threesome has done so far is combine for five and-a-half sacks in just three games and will look to build those numbers when DV hosts Willow Canyon Friday night.
“Those big three, they’re pretty special players,” Bolus said with a smile.
