Sparks Railroaders Season Preview
Updated Aug. 8, 2024
By: J. Ray Dockter
We are under two weeks away from the start of high school football in the Silver State and I couldn't be more excited. Over the next few weeks, I'll be previewing many teams from our local area as well as a few other surprises, before getting into football season full swing on Aug. 16th when the first games kickoff. Today's team: Sparks.
Sparks Railroaders
2023 record: 1-9 overall, 1-6 league
Head coach: Kurt Kaufman, third season (4-16 overall, 2-10 league in two seasons at Sparks)
Overview:
Growth. For those of us that see the Sparks program we don't fully understand the meaning of the word 'growth' within their program.
Returning for his third season as Sparks Head Coach Kurt Kaufman continues to talk about growth. Growth comes in many ways and as Kaufman put it "[we] have experienced more production and progression this offseason after a 'unique situation' where we folded our JV team last season and going through that was tough." A big part of Sparks growth would come by achieving a .500 season, and participating in the playoffs. His squad returns eight offensive starters this season to go along with nine on the defensive side of the ball. Kaufman knows those are "lofty goals, but he believes they are attainable." Kaufman's message to his squad is simple "don't get overconfident or defeated too easily, it's a long season and a lot can happen."
Kaufman pointed to his players commitment in their offseason weights program as a reason why he is so optimistic headed into this season saying, "the way we attacked the weight room is how we want to play football this season." The returners and incoming players for Sparks will grow and build their culture together and by doing so it should help them navigate a tough four game stretch (against Lowry, Fallon, Spring Creek and Elko) in the middle of their season that Kaufman said "will determine our mental fortitude," as we had a similar tough stretch last year that showed our maturity wasn't there for us to be successful. "The wheels fell off the bus during that stretch and that falls on me, the head coach," Kaufman said.
During our conversation Kaufman stated that he "gave up offensive play calling duties, put an emphasis on developing character and leadership holistically within the team and entrusted his players and staff to accomplish growth this offseason," he did this with the hope that his program's culture would improve. He continued on saying "You need leadership in tight games, and I want to be able to provide to our whole team."
Kaufman concluded our conversation stating he "did a lot of self-reflecting and reading." He pointed out that he read Bill Walsh's book "The Score Takes Care of Itself" and that his biggest takeaway from that book was that Walsh never yelled at his players or staff even though he demanded perfection. Kaufman stated, "well coached teams will scheme, coaches will gameplan and players must execute." It sounds like Kaufman has begun to figure out his team's winning formula, but only time will tell... I can guarantee you this, Kaufman is a great man that is trying his best to make a difference at Sparks and he is great for those kids and that community. I get the feeling Sparks will surprise some teams this season.
Players to watch:
QB Max Hendrix, Senior: Hendrix, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 205 pounds, is entering his third season as the Railroaders starting QB. Over the last two seasons he has completed 150 passes for 2,129 yards and 20 TDs through the air. Last season he also contributed two rushing touchdowns for the Railroaders. Kaufman stated the goal for Hendrix this season is "[for him] to refine his skills, complete easy passes, and read defenses more effectively this season." His goal is to play at the next level, and he has an opportunity to get on scouts radars this season if he can take the next step for his squad.
RB/SS Danny Taylor, Junior: Taylor begins his third season on Varsity despite only being a Junior. He has prove more than worthy of his standing on this squad by racking up 450 yards of total offense in only 14 games, despite limited action. Kaufman describes him as "a warrior on the field, who is going to be a good running back for us." He's been described as downhill, shifty with a little wiggle that can make you miss. Kaufman also stated, "[he] brings the noise, hits hard and loves the game."
LB Aia Seve, Junior: A transfer from Alaska, Sieve was described as "very physical, [he's] gonna help us out big time, we are gonna let him attack." Standing six-foot and weighing in at 235 pounds he comes downhill fast, "he'll play [mike] backer for us, [because] he's violent and one of our best blitzers," said Kaufman.
TE/LB Kayden Hulet, Junior: 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds he made the state championships in shot put and discus this past spring. He is "very versatile, a kid that will play wide receiver, tight end, linebacker and kicker for us," Kaufman said. Word on the street is he is "a phenomenal athlete - strong as an ox, he benches 225 and cleared 500 on the squat recently."
OL Ernesto Guerrero, Senior: Guerrero is expected to anchor the Railroaders offensive line this season. He is strong and placed at 3A State Wrestling last season.
Season Schedule:
Aug. 16 vs. North Valleys
Aug. 23 at Wooster
Aug. 30 at Hug
Sep. 6 Bye Week
Sep. 13 vs. Lowry
Sep. 20 at Churchill County
Sep. 27 vs. Spring Creek
Oct. 4 at Elko
Oct. 11 vs. South (Lake) Tahoe (Calif.)
Oct. 18 vs. Truckee (Calif.)
Oct. 25 at Fernley
J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter @J_RayDoc.
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