Even though Mountain Pointe graduated more than half its starters from its 14-0 championship team of 2013, the Pride is well-stocked in their running game for their matchup Saturday (Aug. 23) with Nevada's Reed High in the 9th annual Sollenberger Classic.

Game time for the second game of the 2014 Sollenberger Classic twinbill kicks off at 7:07 at Fertitta Field on the campus of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas.

If there's a facet of the game Pride coach Norris Vaughan wants to be well-endowed in is a ground-churning attack.

"I like running the football," Vaughan said. "We have a good line. It may be the best line we've had here."

Collin Lambdin, a third-year starter, Nick Carman, Davis Perrott, Clayton Dry and Gilbert Saenz comprise the unit Vaughan speaks of glowing terms. They were all here last year and know what to expect from the venue and what it means to try to notch a victory for Arizona pride.

Two of Mountain Pointe's top backs from last year also were an integral part of its triumph at last year's Sollenberger. Lightning fast, Arizona sprint champion Paul Lucas got Mountain Pointe off an running with a long touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage last year in the win over Bishiop Gorman. Fellow senior Brandyn Leonard offers a change of pace and Minnesota transfer Tyrek Cross brings impressive credentials.

Mountain Pointe sends out a new starting quarterback in Garvin Alson, a lefty-hander like last year's starter Antonio Hinojosa. Vaughan likes Alston's leadership skills and  is confident Alston is headed for a good season.

Mountain Pointe figures to trot out a solid defense again with veterans up front in Bryce Hester and Austin Pogue at ends, Austin Cronen and Keondre Churchwell at linebacker and Dalton Thorpe in the secondary. The secondary lacks the experience factor so Vaughan and his staff will have a keen eye on their play in the opener.

"I think we have a good defense," Vaughan said. "Not as experienced as the offense. We'll see."

Vaughan was already getting a case of nerves as he prepare d to watch Friday's clash between Brophy and Bishop Gorman from the stands.

"We'll know a lot better how we are after we've played one," Vaughan said. "We're ready to play one."