Season Outlook: Trojans Gearing Up for a Promising 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Paradise Valley Trojans gear up for the 2024 season, the excitement is steadily building around this team's potential. Having played just five games with their current quarterback – and University of San Diego commit – [player_tooltip player_id='1041517' first='Charlie' last='LeVinus'] at the helm, they won four out of those five games and are hoping to continue that momentum into 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1405325,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/PV-Warming-Up-High-Knees-BW-BG.png?w=1024" alt="Paradise Valley warming up before a scrimmage." class="wp-image-1405325" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paradise Valley warming up before a scrimmage.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Offensive Explosion</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First and foremost, the electric dynamic between Levinus and wide receiver Elantae Fleming is impossible to ignore. This duo already put together an impressive half of a season when Levinus took over at the midway point last year and looks ready to pick up right where they left off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming's ability to both win deep and excel after the catch was on display in the Trojan's first scrimmage this past Wednesday. His quick-twitch consistently gives him separation and his high football IQ regularly shows through his play. Going up against Seton Catholic, the Trojans' passing game was a major bright spot on the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another standout athlete, Ivan Ontiveros, is set to shine this year. As a big-bodied wide receiver, Ontiveros can be the one to step up in the absence of '24 graduate Petar Milosavljvich, who averaged 99 yards/game when he switched to receiver in 2023. He's shown he can run precise routes and has the speed to win on go-routes. All of his physical tools point to a breakout season for Ontiveros.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1405252,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Ivan-and-Charlie-Standing-on-Sidelines-at-Scrimmage.png?w=1024" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='1041517' first='Charlie' last='LeVinus'] and Ivan Ontiveros standing on the sidelines during a scrimmage against Seton Catholic." class="wp-image-1405252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1041517' first='display: none'Charlie' last='LeVinus'] and Ivan Ontiveros standing on the sidelines during a scrimmage against Seton Catholic.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paradise Valley's backfield is bursting with athleticism, even though the running game wasn't incredibly effective in the scrimmage. The Trojans' leading rusher in 2023, Kaleb Simmons, is returning and only a junior, while [player_tooltip player_id='1353768' first='Tavares' last='Allen'] transferred in from Shadow Mountain. As they're able to gain experience and the guys up front create more chemistry, the Trojan running backs could see some light boxes with LeVinus and the dangerous passing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ready for the Run</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the Trojans stand pretty firm against the run. The length and quickness of their defensive line mixed with the size and strength of their linebacking corps allow them to effectively clog lanes and manage the line of scrimmage. Returner Baylor Paden led the team in tackles as a sophomore and could see his game take another big jump with a full year of experience at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A notable player in the secondary, Connor Allard, really stood out to me with how natural and smoothly he moved around the field. He showed very nice footwork and good instincts in coverage. Allard also got some reps at wide receiver where his footwork continued to shine. His agility and quickness are invaluable assets that will serve the Trojans well throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1405330,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Connor-Allard-Multi-Pic-Warm-Up-Catch.png?w=1024" alt="Connor Allard catches a pass in warmups. " class="wp-image-1405330" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Connor Allard catches a pass in warmups. </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trojans Set for a Promising Season Under Veteran Leadership</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the team progresses, LeVinus is optimistic about their capabilities, particularly praising the development of the passing game. The University of San Diego commit's leadership and vision are going to be key for the Trojans this year. I caught up with LeVinus after the scrimmage and asked what he thought of how his team looks. He very humbly replied with:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got a lot of stuff to work on. All of us, including myself. But I'm excited.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans are led by Coach Greg Davis who's entering his 11th season as the team's head coach. Coach Davis was nice enough to allow me to watch a practice and I was very impressed with the clear purpose and strategy that he has each and every day. With practices being run in a college-style format, the intensity that he was able to garner from the group lets you know that they're truly bought in. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Davis talked a little bit about what makes this 2024 team stand out from the rest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group loves to put in the work. They've been working together since February and they want to be in the weight room and on the field, that's not [common].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1405331,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/PV-Team-Huddle-End-of-Scrimmage-Pylon-View.png?w=1024" alt="Paradise Valley huddles around Coach Davis following their scrimmage." class="wp-image-1405331" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paradise Valley huddles around Coach Davis following their scrimmage.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2024 season kicking off this Friday for a large portion of the state, Paradise Valley is set to make a real impact. The team has some really talented individuals in seemingly the most important spots; making them a team that could make some serious noise in the 5A division –&nbsp;and possibly even beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->