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<p>Del Norte has struggled in football for a long time, posting a winning record just twice in the last two decades. The pandemic hit the Knights particularly hard as they've won just two games over the past three seasons.</p>
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<p>DNHS now turns to first-time head coach and alum Dallas Peterson to help revive the program. Peterson graduated from Del Norte in 2014 and served on the staff of former Knights head coach Bruce Binkley for about four seasons before moving to St. Pius X, where he stayed for five seasons.</p>
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<p>In 2023, Peterson returned to Del Norte as the defensive coordinator before taking the head coaching reins earlier this year. The numbers are up for the Knights over past seasons with upwards of 60 players showing up for summer workouts, many of them young players just getting started in their prep careers.</p>
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<p>Not surprisingly, most positions are up for grabs.</p>
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<p>Going into preseason camp, seniors <strong>Benjamin Jareno</strong> and <strong>Tyrel Skeets</strong> were set to battle for the starting quarterback job. The Knights plan to run more of a spread offense and pass the football under Peterson.</p>
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<p>“We definitely want to run the football, but we are going to be more spread than they have in the past and not be as compact,” Peterson said. “Benjamin will definitely be a dual threat guy for us. He played receiver for us last year and he's a phenomenal athlete. Tyrel is hot on his tail. Skeets has a monster arm.”</p>
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<p>Senior <strong>Ashton Lindsey</strong> has the edge at running back with several younger backs competing for the backup role. One of those is junior <strong>Terence Hampton</strong>, whose family recently relocated from Savannah, Ga. Junior <strong>Ke'andre Wyatt</strong> could get some carries as well.</p>
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<p>“Ashton is going to be our horse, and he's also going to start on defense, so he's going to need a break from time to time,” Peterson said. “He's going to be one of our captains and team leaders. Terence will get some running back time as well.”</p>
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<p>Senior <strong>Xavior Lynnchoice</strong> is the clear No. 1 WR for the Knights heading into the season. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1258848' first='Matthew' last='Van Why']</strong> is an intriguing prospect who appears to have next level aspirations. Hendrix College has offered. <strong>Andreas Carr</strong> is another option at WR.</p>
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<p>“Xavier is quick off the ball and has great hands,” Peterson said. “He's probably our best receiver right now. Matthew could play one of the outside receivers for us. I know he's going to work hard.”</p>
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<p>The offensive line is anchored by 6-foot-1, 250-pound athletic junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751414' first='Nicholas' last='Saiz']</strong>, who has next level talent. Saiz possesses excellent mobility. Another junior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1720577' first='Santos' last='Nevarez']</strong>, should earn a starting job. Senior <strong>Mario Archuleta</strong> will be the center. </p>
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<p>Physical 6-foot-2 junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751422' first='Dillon' last='Bishop']</strong>, a weight room warrior, leads the Del Norte defense from his MLB spot. <strong>Jesus Mayoral</strong> will start at OLB. Lindsey is also be expected to be a defensive leader. Saiz headlines the D-Line.</p>
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<p>Wyatt will spark the secondary as a tall and rangy safety with the ability to move down into the box. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751409' first='Gauge' last='Perez']</strong> will play cornerback after showing promise as a sophomore in 2023.</p>
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<p>Peterson plans to flip between the 3-4 and 4-2-5 schemes defensively, offering opposing offenses different looks.</p>
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<p>“Our defense is going to be closer to the one we ran when I was at St. Pius X,” Peterson said. “I think it's more catered to our players' style and skills. That should make a big difference, confidence wise.” </p>
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<p><strong>2024 DEL NORTE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE</strong>:</p>
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<p>Aug. 24 HOPE CHRISTIAN (Sat., 11 a.m.)</p>
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<p>Aug. 30 at Albuquerque Academy (7 p.m.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 7 MANZANO (Sat., 11 a.m.)</p>
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<p>Sept. 13 CAPITAL (7 p.m.)*</p>
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<p>Sept. 20 at Belen (7 p.m.)*</p>
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<p>Sept. 27 at Los Alamos (7 p.m.)*</p>
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<p>Oct. 4 RIO GRANDE (7 p.m.)*</p>
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<p>Oct. 11 Bye</p>
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<p>Oct. 19 at Valley (Sat., 11 a.m.)</p>
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<p>Oct. 25 at Miyamura (7 p.m.)</p>
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<p>Nov. 1 HIGHLAND (7 p.m.)*</p>
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<p>* District 5A-1 Game</p>
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Del Norte has struggled in football for a long time, posting a winning record just twice in the last two decades. The pandemic hit the Knights particularly hard as they've won just two games over the past three seasons.
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