Barons looking to start off strong

The Fountain Valley football team begins its 2008 season Friday in Nevada, playing at Foothill High of Henderson. Game time is 7 p.m.

It’s the second straight year the Barons will make a trip to the Silver State to play Foothill in their opener. Last year, Fountain Valley posted a 40-10 victory.

The teams leaves today for Henderson.

“We’re excited to begin the season and looking forward to the trip,” Fountain Valley Coach John Shipp said.

Last year’s win was one of five for the Barons, who went 5-5.

Foothill went 2-7 in 2007. Coach Martin Redmond’s Falcons were led in rushing last year by a trio of sophomores: Derek Muaava, Ray Gray and quarterback Aaron Dupin.

But it was another sophomore — Fountain Valley’s Kyle Middlebrooks — who stole the show last year. He scored on an 85-yard run on his first carry of the game to send the Barons on their way toward that 40-10 win. Middlebrooks finished with 118 yards in 10 carries to lead all ballcarriers.