Jared Cohen
There is new buzz coming from the Horizon Husky football team in 2012 but it is not because a new addition. In February, it was announced that former head coach up until the 2001 season, Doug Shaffer, is back leading the way for the green and gold. After winning 17 games over the last three seasons under Steve Casey, Shaffer will look to relive the glory of his first tenure as Horizon’s head coach. He led the team to their only football state championship back in 1994.
Shaffer stayed on at Horizon as their freshman coach since 2001 and will now have the opportunity to coach these players on the varsity level. A team this season that will be returning eight starters and a solid athletic core.
Horizon Huskies 2012 Schedule
8/24 v North Canyon
8/31 @ Goldwater
9/07 @ Shadow Mountain
9/14 v Deer Valley
9/21 @ Pinnacle
9/28 @ Sunnyslope
10/4 v Cactus Shadows
10/12 v Camelback
10/19 v Chaparral
10/26 @ Norte Dame
“The team’s biggest strengths will be our skill players and overall team speed,” said Coach Shaffer.
Among the skill players returning are quarterback Victor Quinn who threw for over 1200 yards in 2011 with 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Quinn’s break-out game last season was against Camelback where he threw for six touchdowns and had a perfect passer rating on October 14.
But protecting Quinn might be a struggle that the Huskies may need to overcome.
“Areas needing improvement are the the offensive and defensive lines. We are young and inexperienced,” added Shaffer.
Another player to watch for this season is wide receiver and defensive back Ryan Neel. His presence will really be felt on the defensive end as he his coming off a junior campaign leading the team with five interceptions and was fifth on the team in tackles.
