2015 Football Preview

BYU FOOTBALL

2015 SPECIAL SECTION

CHASING THE BIG ONE INSIDE

COUGARS STILL SEEKING THAT ELUSIVE SPECIAL SEASON

IS THIS IT?

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PREDICTIONS ON EVERY COUGAR FOOTBALL GAME CRYSTAL BALL PAGE 6 DICKSON: EXPECTATIONS HIGH, AS ALWAYS, FOR COUGARS ON THE RADAR PAGE 4

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S p e c i a l

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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Mitch Mathews

Taysom Hill

Bronco Mendenhall

Manoa Pikula

PORTRAITS BY GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

BYU football chasing that elusive dream season but also appreciating the journey Jared Lloyd

C

DAILY HERALD

ompetitors like to win.

Teams (and fans) get fired up when those wins come in bunches — and even more so when they stretch across an entire season.

For BYU, however, that magical run — the one that brings Top 10 rankings and national buzz — has eluded the Cougars for pretty much the entire 21st century.

But make no mistake: BYU is still chasing the dream.

“To me it’s about making it a memorable season,” Cougar senior wide receiver Mitch Mathews said. “Guys talk about going undefeated and obviously that’s what I want to do. I just think, though, win or lose we want to make the season memorable.”

Mathews recalled his true freshman year in 2009 when the squad went 11-2 and lost two games that he deemed “easily winnable.”

“That was a season to remember,” Mathews said. “The guys on that team — Dennis Pitta, Max Hall and those type of guys — we loved playing with them and they did so much. That’s the type of team we want to have.”

Mathews believes the talent level across the board this year is greater than it was in 2009.

“There is a lot of talent on this team, so hopefully we can make this year special and win more games,” Mathews said.

Fellow senior wide receiver Devon Blackmon also knows the urgency of trying to make the most of 2015.

“This is my senior year, so I’m trying to go out with a bang,” Blackmon said. “I’m not trying to go 8-5 again.”

He said he believes the key to being able to reach those goals is in zeroing in on specific responsibilities.

“The players are together, so it takes the coaches putting the players in the right position to make the plays,” Blackmon said.

“And it takes focus. We’ve got the confidence, we’ve got the strength, we’ve got the numbers. We just need the focus.”

Senior linebacker Manoa Pikula points to the preparation the team has made as how the team has set the stage for something big.

“I feel like we all bought in to what we have to do to get ready for the season,” Pikula said. “We know what’s ahead. I feel like all of us attacked our training as hard as it’s ever been. Judging off of that, I know our team is really hungry to get out there and play.”

The dreams of big wins and lofty rankings will always be there for competitors but for the Cougar players and coaches, football is about more than just what ends up in the win or loss column.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said he likes fly fishing and used that as a metaphor to how he views a football season.

“The intent and focus on every cast that I have is to put the fly in the right place with the right mend and the right drift to give myself as a fisherman the best chance for success and to present the fly to make it appealing to the fish,” Mendenhall said.

He said that as a coach, he views it as trying to give the team the best chance to be successful during a season.

“If it happens to be a big one, awesome,” Mendenhall said.

He added that in fishing, it’s exhilarating to feel the pull of the big catch.

“You can tell as soon as it hits the fly with the bend of your rod and how fast the line starts going out what size you are engaged in,” Mendenhall said. “Then you take a picture after and send it to Holly and the kids, yeah that feels pretty cool. But that lasts about as long as the next cast.”

He talked about how the big stages and big wins can be similarly satisfying and yet fleeting.

Fred Warner

Ryker Mathews

Tejan Koroma

Jonny Linehan

Mitch Mathews

Taysom Hill

“It lasts until you walk off the field and then it’s about who you play next,” Mendenhall said. “It’s about the next cast.”

Sometimes the most rewarding moments come after the hardest setbacks. Blackmon, for example, said that he thinks a real test is how the team comes back if it gets knocked down. “(Success) will be shown in how we bounce back from losses,” Blackmon said.

“If we lose this year, how we bounce back will determine how successful we will be.

It’s easy to win and keep going, but the good teams are the ones that when they lose one, the next week is a whole new week. It’s all about mental toughness.”

The bottom line is that 2015 is about making the most of the opportunities the Cougars have individually and collectively.

“I try not to focus on this being my last season but you want to make the most of it,” BYU senior defensive end Remington Peck said. “There is a chemistry about this team that is unlike any I’ve had since I’ve been here. It’s about coming together and being the best we can be.”

Daily Herald sports editor Jared Lloyd can be reached at (801) 344-2555 or jlloyd@ heraldextra.com. Twitter: @JaredrLloyd.

Instagram: @JaredrLloyd.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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2015 Position Breakdown

BYU quarterback Taysom Hill throws a pass against Texas during a game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 6, 2014.

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

QB and receivers get top marks BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd breaks down each position group for the Cougars heading into 2015.

Tayson Hill

Algernon Brown

Bryan Sampson

Mitch Mathews

Tejan Koroma

Quarterback

Running back

Tight end

Receiver

If Mitch Mathews is healthy, he can be the type of guy to singlehandedly raise the grade of the group. Nick Kurtz, Mitchell Juergens and Devon Blackmon come in with high expectations but don’t sleep on Terenn Houk, Kurt Henderson or Colby Pearson. These guys need to consistently make plays to earn playing time.

PRESEASON GRADE: B+

Offensive line

The top six or seven linemen look pretty good, led by sophomore center Tejan Koroma, who appears to be the rock the rest of the group relies on. Ryker Mathews, Kyle Johnson, Ului Lapuaho, Tuni Kanuch and Brad Wilcox are proven, but the Cougars need other guys to be ready. The success of the offense might come down to whether the top linemen stay healthy.

PRESEASON GRADE: B

Bronson Kaufusi

Harvey Langi

Kai Nacua

Jonny Linehan

Bronco Mendenhall

Defensive line

Linebacker

Secondary

Special Teams

Coaching

It’s hard not to give a high grade to a senior quarterback like Taysom Hill, who some consider a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate.

Hill has shown what he brings with his athleticism, but now he has to show he can lead a team to greatness for an entire season. The backup position looks like it will be filled by returned LDS missionary Tanner Mangum, but there is virtually no experience if Hill gets hurt again.

PRESEASON GRADE: A-

Senior Bronson Kaufusi’s return to the defensive line adds another experienced, talented piece to a group that is already deep and proven. Seniors Remington Peck and Graham Rowley, juniors Travis Tuiloma and Tomasi Laulile, and sophomore Kesni Tausinga make for a formidable group. These players have the potential to be much more disruptive this season.

PRESEASON GRADE: B+

This unit took a hit in the preseason when Jamaal Williams withdrew from school, but junior Algernon Brown and senior walkon Nate Carter have been solid. Senior Adam Hine hopes to get more opportunities and other newcomers might get shots as well. This unit is serviceable and played well down the stretch last year but still needs to show it can be truly explosive.

PRESEASON GRADE: B

The linebackers have talent and have seen time on the field, but it comes down to whether the guys can be counted on to always do what they are supposed to do.

Senior Manoa Pikula and junior Harvey Langi look to be leaders on the inside, while Fred Warner and Sae Tautu fill some of those roles on the edge. Look for Jherrmya Leuta-Douyere, Teu Kautai and Austin Heder to play significant roles as well.

PRESEASON GRADE: B-

BYU moved a pair of defensive guys — Tanner Balderee and Steven Richards — during spring to bring more physicality to the position.

Junior Bryan Sampson knows the role the best and is probably the most dangerous as a receiver. For the most part, this looks like a blue-collar group that won’t steal the show but will be key to making plays.

PRESEASON GRADE: B-

Juniors Kai Nacua and Michael Davis and sophomore Jordan Preator bring the most game-time experience but still have a lot to prove. The Cougars could get big contributions from Michael Shelton, Micah Hannemann, Eric Takenaka, Grant Jones, Chris Badger, Matt Hadley and Michael Wadsworth, but how the secondary will end up looking is still somewhat of a mystery.

PRESEASON GRADE: C+

The special teams for the Cougars heading into 2015 is a mixed bag with Trevor Samson coming in as a proven reliable kicker, but a lot of question marks elsewhere.

The punter is still uncertain, the returners could be much different this year and there is even a new long snapper. That means special teams could be a wild ride, particularly early in the season.

PRESEASON GRADE: C-

The Cougar coaching staff remains relatively intact with the only major difference being Bronco Mendenhall again taking the defensive playcalling duties.

Mendenhall’s experience appears to have gotten players to buy in, which might dramatically improve the defense. Robert Anae’s offensive approach appears to be a little more pass-oriented, which might help protect Taysom Hill. The addition of strength coach Frank Wintrich has created a lot of buzz.

PRESEASON GRADE: B+

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

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As always, preseason expectations high for Cougars

S

o here we are.

Five years into independence for BYU football and the Cougars are really no closer to establishing a true foothold in the college landscape. Still an outsider when it comes to access to the playoffs, still without a high-level bowl appearance in years, still without a conference.

Is there any good news?

Well, yeah.

The season is upon us. The actually line ‘em up, knock ‘em down, whoever-scoresthe-most-points-wins drama that captures us each and every fall. No more discussion about “potential.” No more following players’ Twitter

Darnell Dickson On BYU Football accounts for tidbits about offseason workouts. And most importantly, no more of the breathless recounting every time someone other than the local media burps out a “source” indicating BYU is joining the Big 12 or has already joined the Big 12.

Pass the eye black, we’re

ready for the season to start.

Lincoln, Nebraska, first stop.

For all the talk about BYU searching for inclusion, there is one way to grab attention, and that’s to win with the 2015 schedule. It’s loaded with big names and challenges — most of them on the road, but still. September is a gauntlet, to be sure, and could lead to slow start. Face Nebraska, Boise State, UCLA and Michigan — three of those first four on the road — and coming out with an 0-4 record isn’t too farfetched.

But go 4-0? Or even 3-1?

Now you’re getting somewhere.

We’re not going to discuss

a 12-0 run. Could it happen?

Yeah, but it’s not likely. I’m thinking BYU needs at least 10 wins during the regular season to receive consideration for a New Year’s Six bowl game. That would be a huge accomplishment for the Cougars.

Here are some things that need to happen to get to those 10 wins. No. 1, quarterback Taysom Hill needs to stay upright and healthy. That’ll be based on good decisions on his part, a commitment to the run game by the coaches and a steady performance by what should be a good offensive line. Hill has plenty of weapons at the receiver spot and the Cougars should be

able to score 30-plus points a game.

Defense is another matter entirely. BYU struggled to stop the pass last year, due to a lack of pass rush up front and a lack of discipline in the back end. Bronco Mendenhall getting back into the defense — he’ll call the plays now — will help. But there needs to be better tackling and assignment sound consistency.

You have to get a little lucky, too. Avoid key injuries, get some key turnovers and breaks and stay focused.

Cut down on the penalties. Make the most of your opportunities.

Truly, what will define this team this year is how it

responds to adversity. Last year, losing Hill resulted in a four-game losing streak.

All but the Boise State game was winnable, and a little bit better defensive performance could have easily resulted in a 10-win season.

That’s how close you can walk the line between mediocrity and excellence.

Here’s the question BYU fans are asking themselves: Should they believe the hype?

Or lower their expectations so they don’t get disappointed?

Come on, where’s the fun in that?

Dream big. It’s the only way to go when you’ve living week to week during college football in the fall.

Big questions for the 2015 Cougar football season Jared Lloyd and Darnell Dickson DAILY HERALD

BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd and columnist Darnell Dickson take a look at the biggest questions for the upcoming 2015 Cougar season: OK, so call your shot: How many BYU wins this season?

LLOYD: Every season I look at the Cougars and the teams they play — and realize that I can see good reasons for anything from winning them all to losing, well, a lot of them. It’s the classic preseason case of the “ifs” but here’s what I see as undeniable: If you can’t look to get 10 wins while returning the number of contributors the Cougars have, including an experience senior quarterback, when can you?

DICKSON: The schedule is such that running the table would put BYU in a very good position for playoff consideration. However, there are just too many things that can happen to derail such a run of good luck. I expect the Cougars to be very competitive in every game, but winning nine games (including a bowl game) with this schedule would be a very productive season.

The showdown with Boise State in Provo is a big one, considering the Broncos dump-trucked the Cougars last year in Idaho. Who wins this one?

DICKSON: I think BYU handles Boise State. The Broncos are going to be breaking in a new quarterback and that will play to the Cougars’ favor.

Also, with the game in Provo, I don’t think BYU will start as slowly as it did in Boise last year. Finally, the Cougar defense couldn’t possibly play any worse than it played in last year’s game. So call it 35-24, BYU. LLOYD: The Cougars were at the lowest of the low going into the game in Boise in 2014 and it showed. I think BYU comes out with something to prove, but I really like the Boise State defense. I think

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Players high five with the fans after the Cougars beat Virginia 41-33 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Sept. 20, 2014.

this is a close game that comes down to who makes fewer mistakes. Give me Taysom Hill and the Cougars in that situation early in the year.

What’s the most dangerous game on BYU’s schedule?

LLOYD: It’s clearly the one all of the Cougar players and coaches are pointing to right now: the season-opener at Nebraska.

A win on the road in Lincoln against a traditional power, particularly with the possibility of missing contributors for disciplinary reasons, and BYU could really start feeling

3

confident. A loss, however, could see the Cougars struggling for answers before even getting to Game No. 2. That’s pretty dangerous.

DICKSON: I’m going to say the last one, at Utah State.

The Aggies will be pretty good this year and of course, beat BYU last season in Provo.

The Cougars could be in spot where a loss would kill their chances for a New Year’s Six bowl game, and that’s a lot of pressure. Utah State would like nothing better than to knock BYU from contention.

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Do the Cougars get to a New Year’s Six bowl game, or are BYU fans stuck with Las Vegas or Hawaii?

DICKSON: “Stuck” with Hawaii? Now there’s something you don’t see every day.

I would think BYU would have to get to at least 10 wins to be considered for a New Year’s Six bowl. That’s one more win than I’m predicting. The Cougars will be close, but will fall just short.

LLOYD: BYU finds itself in a situation where 10 or 11 wins could put them in the New Year’s Six conversation (only perfection and some help

elsewhere will get the Cougars to the playoff, so don’t put too much hope there) but there are no guarantees. That would be an interesting position for the decision-makers but I’m going to say BYU gets no love unless it is unbeaten and goes to Las Vegas or Hawaii.

Will the BYU athletic program join the Big 12?

LLOYD: The answer to this question is yes — but I don’t think it will be the Big 12 as presently constituted. With how the college football world has shifted over the past decade, I expect more movement in a variety

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SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

of places. TV is driving the bus for now but who knows what it will do in the future or where those chasing the dollars will end up.

DICKSON: I’m going to say “yes,” but not until 2017.

Look, I still don’t feel like the Big 12 is the right fit and frankly, its instability is alarming. But the Cougars need to find a place to land or else risk being left out in the cold.

Daily Herald sports editor Jared Lloyd can be reached at (801) 344-2555 or jlloyd@heraldextra.com.

Twitter: @JaredrLloyd.

Instagram: @JaredrLloyd.

SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

BYU wide receiver Mitchell Juergens (87) runs the ball after a reception against Boise State at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 24, 2014. Boise State beat BYU, 55-30.

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BYU football crystal ball

Cougars knocking on the door of double-digit wins BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd peers into his crystal ball and predicts what will happen in each of the 12 Cougar regular season games.

Running the gauntlet: Weeks 1 through 6 Nebraska

Boise State

UCLA

Michigan

Connecticut

East Carolina

SEPT. 5 TV: ABC At Memorial Stadium STILL IN THE HUNT: The senior leadership has the Cougars ahead of schedule as far as execution on both sides of the ball and Nebraska struggles to respond.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The Cornhuskers put the pressure on and BYU makes too many mistakes trying to rally. Costly injuries hurt the Cougars the rest of the year.

JARED’S SAYS: Both teams desperately want to be back in the national picture and that will make this a dogfight. BYU gets a big game from Taysom Hill to eek out the tight win on the road.

SEPT. 12 TV: ESPN2 AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougars use last year’s debacle as motivation and blitz the Broncos in Provo like Boise State blitzed BYU in Boise.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The Bronco defense shuts down the home team, while the Cougar defense gives up too many costly big plays again.

JARED’S SAYS: Expect a much closer contest this year as BYU will be far better prepared. Boise State’s offensive question marks won’t be answered by this point and the Cougars will take advantage.

SEPT. 19 TV: FOX SPORTS 1 AT ROSE BOWL STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougars stuff the run and put a lot of pressure on the young Bruin quarterback, forcing plenty of mistakes. The short fields get BYU points early and often.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The athleticism, depth and experience of UCLA simply overwhelms the Cougars and they find themselves getting killed in all facets of the game.

JARED’S SAYS: The Bruins have a lot of playmakers who will make life easier for the new quarterback. BYU will battle and make it interesting but won’t be able to hang on in the end to get the upset.

SEPT. 26 TV: TBA AT MICHIGAN STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: Taysom Hill gets the Cougars fired up to face the coach who recruited him to Stanford and BYU roars out of the gate, putting the rebuilding Wolverines on their heels.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The big stage gets to some of the young BYU defenders and they try to do too much, resulting in costly mistakes as Michigan controls the game.

JARED’S SAYS: The Wolverines will be better but will still be inconsistent. If the Cougars have managed to stay healthy to this point, they will be there battling at the end. Attrition will have taken its toll, however, and the Cougars will run out of gas.

OCT. 2 TV: ESPN2 AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: After a rough September, the Cougars take out their frustrations on the Huskies, who never knew what hit them.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Stinging from a tough loss, BYU comes out flat and UConn roars in front, sparking memories of the 2014 October disaster.

JARED’S SAYS: This Cougar squad is too mature and experienced to collapse and the Huskies still aren’t going to be world beaters. BYU takes care of business comfortably.

OCT. 10 TV: TBA AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Pirates stumble into their third road game in four weeks and the Cougars aren’t kindly hosts, pummeling the visitors to remain riding high.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: East Carolina comes in with national buzz after getting some big wins early and stymies the BYU offense.

JARED’S SAYS: The Pirates are a sneaky-good program and will give the Cougars all they could ask for. BYU doesn’t panic, however, and holds on late to secure the victory.

Prediction: BYU 29, Nebraska 25

Prediction: BYU 20, Boise State 13

Prediction: UCLA 33, BYU 24

Prediction: BYU 40, UConn 17

Prediction: Michigan 26, BYU 20

Prediction: BYU 31, East Carolina 24

No letdowns: Weeks 7 through 9

GRANT HINDSELY, Daily Herald

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall walks onto the field before the Cougars take on Utah State at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Oct. 3, 2014.

It’s football season!

Cincinnati

Wagner

San Jose State

OCT. 16 TV: ESPN AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougar secondary stands tall against one of the more highly-touted quarterbacks it faces all season, frustrating the Bearcats and keeping BYU on top.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Gunner Kiel has a field day, getting plenty of time to pick the Cougars apart as the Cincy offense proves to be nearly unstoppable.

JARED’S SAYS: This will be the highest-scoring game of the season as both offenses will move the ball effectively.

The shootout puts the pressure on BYU but the receivers make great plays to get the win.

OCT. 24 TV: BYUTV AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: Yes, this is the 2015 version of Savannah State. BYU will roll and play a lot of players.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Injuries are costly in a game that the Cougars have no trouble winning. A couple of key guys get dinged up, hurting BYU for the rest of the year.

JARED’S SAYS: This one will follow the same script that most of the contests between FBS and FCS teams as the Cougars pounce on the Seahawks and don’t have any trouble.

NOV. 6 TV: CBS SPORTS NETWORK AT SPARTAN STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Spartans are a team that had just three wins in 2014 but will be better. The Cougars, however, give SJSU fans flashbacks as BYU has no trouble winning.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The Spartans channel the same attitude that got them the 20-14 win over the Cougars in 2012, taking advantage of BYU mistakes to again stun the Cougars in San Jose.

JARED’S SAYS: SJSU won’t get the same bad breaks it did last fall but it won’t be good enough to put a serious scare into BYU. The Cougars will churn out the yards on the ground and get a workmanlike win.

Prediction: BYU 49, Cincinnati, 43

Prediction: BYU 59, Wagner 3

Prediction: BYU 32, SJSU 15

Tough finish: Weeks 10 through 12

Good luck to all of our 2015 football players!

204 East 400 North, Suite B, Salem, UT 84653 Office (801) 798-3539 Fax (801) 794-2323 Cell (801) 361-3552

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BYU running back Adam Hine runs past Utah State linebacker Nick Vigil during a game in Provo on Oct. 3, 2014.

FILE, Daily Herald

Missouri

Fresno State

Utah State

NOV. 14 TV: TBA AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougars come out hungry to prove it can knock off the “big boys” from the SEC and send the Tigers reeling.

BYU stuns the nation with its performance.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Missouri again proves that it knows how to reload as the Tiger defense line controls the line of scrimmage and harasses Taysom Hill the entire game.

JARED’S SAYS: The Cougars will have a tough time with the Tiger speed and aggressiveness, which will force turnovers. Poor field position dooms BYU in another tough loss to a good team.

NOV. 21 TV: TBA AT LAVELL EDWARDS STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougars come out angry they let one get away in Kansas City and the Bulldogs bear the brunt of it, getting swarmed by the BYU defenders.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Fresno State uses some surprises to keep the Cougars off-balance and manages to silence the Provo crowd.

JARED’S SAYS: Yes, the Bulldogs reached the MWC title game last year and have 14 starters back but they won’t be consistent enough to be a powerhouse. This one will come down to how much each team has to play for and BYU will feel like it has a little more on the line.

NOV. 28 TV: CBS SPORTS NETWORK AT MAVERICK STADIUM STILL IN THE HUNT: The Cougars come into the finale looking to make a statement and don’t disappoint as Taysom Hill shows the Aggies what they got away with when he got knocked out in 2014.

BUMP IN THE ROAD: Once again, Utah State finds holes to exploit and surprises that BYU has no answer for. The Aggies build a lead at home and never look back.

JARED’S SAYS: This will be a fun, back-and-forth game between in-state teams that have become rivals. Everyone is flying around and making plays but it will be the edge that last year’s loss to USU gives the Cougars that will push BYU over the top.

Prediction: Missouri 37, BYU 29

Prediction: BYU 35, Fresno State 22

Prediction: BYU 40, USU 35

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Hype vs. Reality

Hill has long road for Heisman chance Quarterback Taysom Hill lines up a pass on the first day of fall football camp for BYU on Aug. 8 in Provo.

Darnell Dickson DAILY HERALD

The lead up to the first game of the college football season lends itself to wild predictions and bold prognostications. While watching a BYU practice recently, we discussed getting a white board up on the wall of the balcony at the Student Athlete Building with the many predictions of one particular reporter.

For fans, it’s the same thing. You tend to think the best of every player and situation, and why not? Everybody is undefeated in fall camp.

Here’s something we like to call “Hype vs. Reality,� a look at what can go wonderfully right or horribly wrong during the 2015 college football season.

SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

Taysom Hill will win the Heisman Trophy. �� HYPE: Let’s say BYU runs the gauntlet in September unscathed and Hill is, well, Hill. He would definitely be in the conversation for college football’s biggest individual honor. He is such a dynamic player and leader, his play cannot be ignored. He could be the best duelthreat quarterback in the country. �� REALITY: For Hill to be in the running for the Heisman, BYU has to pretty much win them all, and that’s not likely. He won’t have many opportunities to run up his numbers against poor competition, something his Power 5 counterparts will get early in the season while he’s going against Nebraska, Boise State, UCLA and Michigan. It would take a superhuman effort by Hill to build up enough momentum in these games to stay in the conversation.

BYU can overcome the loss of running back Jamaal Williams with the experienced players returning. �� HYPE: Algernon Brown had a terrific summer, and he’s ready to take on the added responsibility in the

offense. Not only is he bigger than Williams, he’s a better receiver.

Adam Hine is a long-strider who can spell Brown, and Nate Carter is a great change-of-pace back. The Cougars will establish a strong running game and will be fine. �� REALITY: As a sophomore — healthy and playing a full slate of games — Williams ran for 1,233 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. He’s a breakaway threat, and none of the guys on the roster are even in the same league in that regard. Williams was also an emotional leader. When he broke big runs, he pumped up the team. The Cougars will miss that in 2015.

This is the best offensive line BYU has had in years. Â?Â? HYPE: Start with Tejan Koroma, a

sophomore sensation with tree trunks for arms and a nasty disposition to match. There is experience all along the line and a freshman, Austin Hoyt, who could be the next great BYU tackle.

Add in a couple of swashbuckling, physical tight ends who used to play defensive end (Tanner Balderree and Steven Richards) and you have the makings of a great group to run behind. �� REALITY: I’ll believe it when I see it. I think Koroma is legit, but I’ve seen too many games where BYU has struggled to both protect the quarterback and establish a running game, especially against Power 5 opponents. Since the first month is pretty much all P5 (and Boise State), I’d hold off on declaring this line the best until they show up for a big game.

MVP

SPORTS

This is the best schedule BYU has ever played. Â?Â? HYPE: There are matchups with college football bluebloods Nebraska and Michigan, matchups with Power 5 teams UCLA and Missouri, games vs. up-and-coming teams Cincinnati and East Carolina, a rematch with the best non-Power 5 program around in Boise State and a showdown with Utah State in Logan.

What more could a BYU fan want? Â?Â? REALITY: UCLA is for real, but Nebraska and Michigan are breaking in new head coaches and new systems. Boise State, Fresno State and East Carolina are breaking in new quarterbacks. There are some big names on this list, but by the end of the season this schedule could look mediocre based on cumulative winloss records.

A great season by BYU enhances the Cougars chances of joining the Big 12. Â?Â? HYPE: BYU wants to make itself attractive as a football program, and winning does that in spades.

What conference wouldn’t want to add a program that can handle this year’s schedule? �� REALITY: I’ve never been sold on this one. So maybe it wouldn’t hurt for BYU to win a bunch of games this season but there are so many other factors — mostly due to how much green gets into the Big 12 programs’ pockets — the win-loss thing doesn’t matter as much. Besides, if BYU wins them all, why would Big 12 schools be eager to bring in someone that can beat them? Most Power 5 schools will only play the Cougars at home or at a neutral site, anyway.

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

S p e c i a l

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com A9

FILE, Daily Herald

BYU wide receiver Mitch Mathews (10) is pushed out of bounds by Nevada defensive back Charles Garrett during a game Oct. 18, 2014, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

Who knows Mitch best?

E

xpect to see a lot of the “Twin Towers” this year — wide receivers Mitch Mathews and Nick Kurtz. They’re also roommates, which makes Mathews a good candidate for the “Who Knows?” segment

Mitch

this year.

Here’s how we play: We asked Mathews a series of questions, then the same questions to Kurtz and receivers coach Guy Holliday.

Then we score it to see who knows Mathews best.

Nick

Coach Guy

Favorite movie?

“Gotta be something inspirational. It’s got to be ‘Dumb and Dumber.’”

“Gonna go with Jim Carrey, what’s the name of it, ‘Ace Ventura.’”

“I have no idea. I don’t follow my players around and go to the movies with them.

Knowing Mitch, I’d probably say something that involves music and something that is funny.”

+ .5

+ .5

Favorite TV show?

“Sharktank.”

“Sharktank.”

+1

“Again, no idea. Maybe I’m just not as in-depth with my players as I should be.”

0

Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?

“Instagram.”

“Instagram, he’s Mr. Black and White.”

“Instagram.”

+1

+1

Favorite restaurant?

“Right now it’s ‘Sweeto Burrito’.”

“Is it like fancy or not? Got to go with Brick Oven.”

“Tucanos.”

+1

+1

Favorite NFL team?

“Broncos.”

“Maybe the Broncos?”

+1

“Probably Denver.”

+1

Favorite type of music?

“R&B.”

“Either hip hop or old school R&B.”

+1

“Rap.”

0

Car or Truck?

“Crossover, like a Jeep.”

“Truck for him.”

“Truck.”

+ .5

+ .5

Favorite outdoor activity other than football?

“Golf.”

“Golf.”

Camping.”

+1

0

Why jersey No. 10?

“It was open and I liked it.”

“I don’t know, I feel like he wanted to be different somehow.”

“No clue. I just always thought because it was a two digit number, 1 and a 0, and 1 wasn’t available when he got here.”

0

0

Total points: 6.0

Total points: 3.0

So the roommate is the winner. By the way, both Mathews and Kurtz are listed at 6-foot-6 on the roster but Mathews swears he’s taller. That’s something they don’t agree on.

A10

10

S p e c i a l

reasons why the Cougars will be Good/Bad BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd looks at what might make the Cougars great in 2015 ... and what might make them struggle.

10 Reasons BYU football will be good

10 9 8 7

Thursday, August 20, 2015

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com

Trevor Samson adds distance to his accuracy and virtually guarantees BYU points inside the 35-yard line.

Nate Carter becomes the feel-good story of the year as the walkon averages 75 yards on the ground and another 30 receiving.

Leadership and experience lead to confidence in close games as BYU always seems to find a way to win.

Manoa Pikula and Harvey Langi become tackling machines in the middle, allowing very few yards after contact.

10 Reasons BYU football will be bad

10 9 8 7 6

The Cougar punting game never gets resolved and BYU regularly surrenders excellent field position.

No BYU running back steps forward and ball security is an issue, with the result being an attack that is too one-dimensional Costly turnovers at key moments get the entire team frustrated and doubting — leading to more big mistakes.

The inside linebackers get out of position frequently and opponents find a lot of running lanes.

5

The big-name schedule thins the depth of the Cougars across the board and BYU ends up losing to medium-level opponents.

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

BYU’s Travis Tuiloma (91) celebrates after the Cougar defense comes up with a turnover against Texas in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 6, 2014.

6 5 4 3 1

The Cougars get rolling against the big boys and ride the momentum to higher levels every week.

4

Mitch Mathews can’t stay on the field and the other receivers turn out to be inconsistent.

Tejan Koroma goes down and the backup centers can neither make the reads nor make good snaps.

3

BYU can’t get any pressure and opposing QBs end up with career days when facing the Cougars.

The BYU offensive line gels around Tejan Koroma, consistently opening holes and giving the quarterback time to throw.

Mitch Mathews has a monster season and when opponents focus on him, Devon Blackmon, Mitchell Juergans and Nick Kurtz run free.

Bronson Kaufusi wreaks havoc on opposing backfields and is nearly unblockable.

Taysom. Hill.

2

Bronco Mendenhall returns the defense to the form its been in for most of the last few years.

FILE, Daily Herald

Jackie Saumweber, Bentonville, Ark., watches the final minutes of BYU’s loss to Utah State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Oct. 3, 2014.

2

The Cougar secondary struggles to tackle, resulting in a lot of big plays.

1

Taysom Hill goes down for the season — again.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

S p e c i a l

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com A11

Utah Football Preview

Booker a key for Utes in tough Pac-12 South

Senior running back poised for outstanding season Darnell Dickson

For your digital “Me-Time”

DAILY HERALD

If you’re going to play in what many are considering to be the best division in college football, bringing back one of the top running backs in the country is a great place to start.

Utah, which posted a 9-4 record (5-4 Pac-12) and won the Las Vegas Bowl last season, is one of five teams in the six-team Pac 12 South considered good enough to win the division. For whoever plays quarterback — right now, Travis Wilson is the starter but Kendal Thompson will also get snaps — handing the ball off to Devontae Booker will be option No. 1.

In his first year a starter in 2014, Booker ran for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He posted six 100-plus-yard rushing games, including 229 against Oregon State.

“Devontae Booker is good for a lot of reasons,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

“Number one, he’s great with the ball in his hands. He’s got great balance and great vision.

He can run inside, he can run outside. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. Probably the best running back I’ve been around. He’s just a natural.”

Offense

Booker will carry the load, but the Utes are hoping for a little more consistency from the quarterback position.

Wilson is a better passer but Thompson is a stronger runner, and both had their good and bad moments last season. The receivers are a little green, but the Utes return 4-of-5 starters on the line.

“We’re very high on our offensive line,” Whittingham said. “That’s a group that doesn’t get a lot of praise.

They’re maybe as good as we’ve been in a lot of years.”

This season brings another change at offensive coordinator, with Jim Harding and Aaron Roderick running the show. Harding is the eighth new offensive coordinator in eight seasons up on the Hill.

“Yeah, that’s not ideal, is it?” Whittingham admitted.

“We’d rather not have that be the case, but for one reason or another we’ve had some coordinators that we’ve lost.

But our players are excited about the scheme that’s in

STEVE GRIFFIN, Salt LakeTribune

University of Utah running back Devontae Booker follows his blockers as he races up field during NCAA football camp Aug. 6 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

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Canopy Chairs FILE, Associated Press

USC linebacker J.R. Tavai (58) tackles Utah running back Devontae Booker (23) during the first quarter on Oct. 25, 2014, at Rice-Eccles Stadium. place. Aaron Roderick will be the play caller up in the booth and Harding will be on the sidelines. Harding is the lead coordinator, and Aaron is next.”

Defense

The guys on the other side of the ball are good enough keep the Utes in every game.

While defensive end Nate Orchard took his 18.5 sacks to the NFL (drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Browns) the Utes will still have great talent at that spot with former Pleasant Grove standout Jason Fanaika (6-3 270 Sr., 9.5 tackles for loss) and Hunter Dimick (6-3 270 Jr., 10 sacks). Former Timpview star Jason Whitingham leads a strong linebacking crew, which includes returning starters Gionni Paul and Jared Norris. Senior safety Tevin Carter anchors the secondary, which is breaking in some new players at corner.

There’s a new defensive coordinator, as well, in John Pease, since Kalani Sitake left to join Gary Anderson at Oregon State.

Special Teams

The Utes excel on special teams. Tom Hackett won the Ray Guy Award last season as

the top punter in the nation and was a consensus AllAmerican. Kicker Andy Phillips was first team AllPac-12 after making 23-of-28 field goals. Kaelin Clay, who returned three punts and one kickoff for scores last year, has departed. But former Timpview quarterback and Utah’s Mr. Football Britain Covey, a true freshman, has been turning heads in fall camp and could be a factor in the return game.

Outlook

A high profile opener at home against Michigan and new coach Jim Harbaugh gets the Utes off to a flashy start. The Pac-12 opener is at Oregon, then comes the gauntlet of tough teams from the Pac-12 South.

“What’s changed in Year 5 going in is I can tell you without a doubt the conference is markedly better now than it was four years ago,” Whittingham said. “There is no question. It’s improved by leaps and bounds overall.

So even though we feel this might be our best football team since we’ve been in the Pac-12, time will tell. Everything’s been a moving target and everything’s gotten better at the same time.”

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PREP FOOTBALL

2015 SPECIAL SECTION

HUNGRY FOR TITLES INSIDE

MULTIPLE UTAH VALLEY TEAMS HOPING TO FINISH WITH A TITLE

SEEKING THE BIG ONE

PAGE 2

GREAT ZUKE READY FOR ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON

THE ZUKE RETURNS

PAGE 4

WHAT TO KNOW ON EACH TEAM IN UTAH VALLEY DREAMING BIG PAGES 5-11

B2

S p e c i a l

Jacob Doman, receiver and cornerback for Pleasant Grove.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com

Tanner Smith, quarterback for American Fork.

PORTRAITS BY SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

Utah Valley teams ready to compete for a

SHOT AT A TITLE Neil K. Warner DAILY HERALD

Timpview took home 4A gold again and American Fork settled for 5A silver.

The 2014 football season ended with one coach getting a Gatorade bath and players searching out TV cameras so they could hold up their index finger and shout, “State champs, baby.”

The other season ended with another coach giving a somber explanation of what went wrong.

His players in tears, giving each other long hugs of consolation after teasing its fans with the chance to win the school’s first state title in 52 years.

The T’Birds added to their trophy case overcrowding problem and even though the Cavemen lost to Bingham in the title game, they learned it was better to experience the pain of defeat in the finals than to never get there at ball.

The championship game is where every team hopes to be in November. For some schools it’s

not realistic and for other’s it is expected.

Timpview begins the 2015 season in search of its fourth straight title, a feat that the T’Birds accomplished in 2006-2009.

Coach Cary Whittingham knows that success has raised the bar on expectations regardless of how many players a team loses to graduation.

“People are always going to have their expectations,” Whittingham said. “Our coaching staff and players work as hard as we can to control our own destiny and not worry about what’s happened in the past.

We just tried to continue to get better and that’s all we’re focused on.”

Salem Hills rose up to become a title contender last year after it won a school-record 10 games but the Skyhawks had their season end with a loss at Roy in the state 4A quarterfinals.

Roy proved it belonged in the title game when the Royals frustrated Timpview and led 7-0 at the half before the T’Birds pulled away for a 28-7 win.

Salem Hills quarterback Porter Gustin is now at USC but there is still enough returning talent to keep the Skyhawks in the conversation of 4A contenders.

Springville’s last state title appearance came in 2009 when the Red Devils ran into Timpview.

Would nine returning starters back on defense and five on offense, Springville coach Willy Child has made it clear that the expectation for this team is to contend for the title.

“We started playing our best football towards the end of last season and that’s what we are hoping to do this year,” Child said. “Our goal is to make the Final Four and if that doesn’t happen we will be extremely disappointed.”

American Fork is hoping to get another shot. The Cavemen return starting quarterback Tanner Smith along with running back/ linebacker Nate Honey but just qualifying for a playoff spot in Region 4 is quite a feat. Lone Peak and Pleasant Grove are hoping to make a run at the 5A title. Pleasant

»»UTAH VALLEY PREP TOP 5 FOOTBALL Here’s our first picks for the area’s top teams this season. Records given show the final tally for last year.

1. TIMPVIEW (14-0)

help Vikings win the close ones.

No Covey now, but still plenty of talent to challenge for a 4-peat.

4. LONE PEAK (5-6)

2. AMERICAN FORK (11-3) Seven starters back, including QB, sets up Cavemen for another run.

3. PLEASANT GROVE (5-5) Lessons learned last year should

Grove’s last state title came in 1993, while Lone Peak won a state 5A title in 2011.

Each year the football season is full of surprises so teams like Maple Mountain, Spanish Fork and Orem have had enough recent success to make them believe that if they can avoid injuries and get peak at

Chase Herrmann, receiver for Orem.

Jaren Hall, quarterback for Maple Mountain.

Noah McCray, safety for Springville.

Nate Richardson, inside linebacker for Timpview.

Lots of returning players and good chemistry will boost Knights.

5. SPRINGVILLE (6-5) Experienced defense should help Red Devils contend for 4A title.

— Beky Beaton

the right time that they could be the ones celebrating in Rice-Eccles Stadium when the final game of the 2015 is over.

Daily Herald sports writer Neil K. Warner can be reached at nwarner@heraldextra.com.

Twitter: @theGreatZuke

Thursday, August 20, 2015

S p e c i a l

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com

B3

Big questions for 2015 prep football season 1. What are Timpview’s chances for making it four state titles in a row?

WARNER: Timpview always has a good chance to win a state title. It doesn’t seem to matter how much talent the program loses year after year, the T’Birds always find a way to compete at the highest level. Britain Covey was the best play-making high school quarterback I’ve ever seen, so replacing him is going to be difficult, but they have the pieces in place to contend again. I don’t think they will win the 4A title again, but they will be a tough out.

BEATON: The Thunderbirds have been a top-level program for many years now and there’s no reason to think they won’t be contenders again. However, the longer the streak lasts, the more difficult it’s going to be to sustain it, since they will get everybody’s best game. A singular athlete and leader like Britain Covey is unlikely to be precisely replaced, but there are still plenty of outstanding players in the system.

I’d say the old sports cliché applies here: They’re still the champs until somebody beats them.

Beky Beaton and Neil Warner Prep 1-on-1

incredible last year and I don’t think there are any quarterbacks who can be as productive as they were, but I’m excited to see what guys like American Fork’s Tanner Smith and Maple Mountain’s Jaren Hall can do. We could see some others emerge as the season progresses.

Spanish Fork’s Nate Keisel and Timpview’s Kahi Neves could put up good numbers.

BEATON: All I can say at this point is maybe. Several local teams have acquired new players with good credentials at this position, by family 2. Was American Fork a one-year GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald moves, but I won’t form an opinion wonder or has the program advanced American Fork quarterback Tanner Smith hands off to running back Zach Katoa in the first quarter of the 5A to the point that it will continue to be a about them until I see how they championship game against Bingham at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Nov. 21, 2014. compete here. Several other prolegitimate 5A contender? grams have promising but unproven BEATON: There’s no question athletes returning from last season that the program has returned to a Timpview games, but I still prefer grass. I’m in the QB spot. The potential is there level of consistent excellence. That players a more traditional guy who doesn’t for another good group, but I think it doesn’t mean the Cavemen will celebrate mind some mud on the field. If the make the state finals every year, but will be a few weeks before the cream following their choice was up to me, I’m always will rise to the top. it does mean they’re a team that victory over going to take grass. should be considered armed and Roy in the 4A BEATON: Given the technological dangerous and should never be taken 4. With Timpview gone from Region football state advances in the materials used and 8, who’s going to be the new alpha dog for granted. championship the extremes of our local climate, in the league?

WARNER: It was fun to watch game at Ricemy answer is an unqualified yes.

BEATON: I know every team in American Fork’s breakout season.

Eccles Stadium Early artificial fields were a broken the region aspires to fill that gap at I know the Cavemen were disapin Salt Lake bone waiting to happen, but that’s pointed in the way they played in the the top and I think the competition City on not true anymore. I know the fields title game against Bingham, but that for tournament berths is going to Nov. 21, 2014. are very hot early in the season, but might help motivate them this year. be fierce. However, with 14 returnby the end of it, it’s nice to still have SPENSER ing starters and a solid system and I think there’s enough returning something other than rock-hard dirt HEAPS, coaching staff, my early nod goes to talent to help American Fork make or a muddy mess to play on, which Daily Herald Springville. another run at the 5A title. is often what happens to grass fields WARNER: I’m going with Springhere by that point in the year. And ville. The Red Devils should have the think they are going to be a 4A force. surface for playing football?

3. Timpview’s Britain Covey and although the up-front costs are best defense in the region and I liked Maple Mountain and Spanish Fork Salem Hills’ Porter Gustin were not WARNER: The turf fields have high, maintenance over time makes how they finished last year. They only among the state’s best quartershouldn’t be far behind. Both teams come a long ways from those of 20 these fields much more economibacks, but they were on the national upset Bountiful in the first round could win the region title if they years ago. I think most of the players cal than grass and they can absorb heavier use. They also use far less radar as football players as well. Are before losing to Corner Canyon. can avoid major injuries and catch a like playing on turf and they make we going to see another good class of Salem Hills won’t be far behind. The few breaks. water, a huge factor in our corner of sense for many programs that have quarterbacks this season? the country where that resource is Skyhawks are still trying to settle on had a hard time maintaining their WARNER: Covey and Gustin were scarce and droughts are cyclical. a quarterback, but once they do, I 5. Do you consider turf fields a good grass fields between practices and

B4

S p e c i a l

Thursday, August 20, 2015

S e c t i o n • www.heraldextra.com

Beat the

ZUKE

Soothsayer alert! Zuke gives a preview of ’15 episodes

R GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

The American Fork football team huddles around head coach Aaron Behm at the end of practice at American Fork High School on Aug. 11.

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

American Fork varsity football team members watch other teammates practice blocking drills during fall football camp at American Fork on Aug. 11.

SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald

Lone Peak High School football team does warm up drills before a fall football camp scrimmage at Lone Peak on Aug. 15.

Pleasant Grove’s football team practices during fall camp on Aug. 14.

SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

JARED LLOYD, Daily Herald

Timpview football players get ready for the 2015 season during practice at Timpview High School on Aug. 14.

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Maple Mountain players let loose at football camp this year with a round of ‘Bubble Ball.’

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Daily Herald sports writer Neil K. Warner can be reached at nwarner@heraldextra.com.

Twitter: @theGreatZuke

2015 Preece Power Poll

Includes the use of our Coolers With FREE Ice

Corner

atings are up and that means I’ve been renewed for another season, so allow me to give you a glimpse of what you will see in this year’s Beat the Zuke contest that is soon to be a reality TV show airing on the Physic Network.

Find out if Timpview will pull off a four-peat.

Tune in to see what Springville coach Willy Child is willing to do if the Red Devils make it to RiceEccles Stadium.

I’ll leak some confidential information on who the Higginson and Smith families are cheering for when Salem Hills and Spanish Fork meet in a Region 8 showdown and I’ll tell you which Pleasant Grove coaches you should invite to play in your fantasy football league if you need a few easy wins.

Before the 2015 season kicks off, I thought the best way to establish my credentials (in case I don’t remind you enough) is to reveal how Region 4, 7 and 8 will finish.

It seems kind of cruel of me to release this and officially eliminate some teams before the season has started, but I’m not the one who decides the outcome, I’m just the one who blurts out the final score of a game that you are recording.

So in preparation for my championship season, here are the region results.

Region 4 American Fork Pleasant Grove Lone Peak Herriman Westlake Riverton Lehi Region 7 Timpview Corner Canyon Alta Orem Provo Mountain View Timpanogos Region 8 Springville Salem Hills Spanish Fork Maple Mountain Wasatch Uintah Payson

801-491-0332

Every year football guru Brian E. Preece ranks all 104 Utah high school football teams. Here’s a look at where the teams stack up as we get set for the 2015 season (Utah Valley teams are in bold).

Preece Preseason Football Power Poll 1 Bingham (5A) 2 Brighton (5A) 3 Timpview (4A) 4 Pleasant Grove (5A) 5 Lone Peak (5A) 6 Davis (5A) 7 Highland (4A) 8 American Fork (5A) 9 Springville (4A) 10 Bountiful (4A) 11 Herriman (5A) 12 Jordan (5A) 13 Roy (5A) 14 Fremont (5A) 15 Desert Hills (3AA) 16 Syracuse (5A) 17 Sky View (5A) 18 Judge Memorial (3AA) 19 Riverton (5A) 20 East (4A) 21 Dixie (3AA) 22 Northridge (5A) 23 Logan (3AA) 24 Woods Cross (4A) 25 Hunter (5A) 26 Stansbury (3AA) 27 Corner Canyon (4A)

28 Juan Diego (3A) 29 Layton (5A) 30 Pine View (3AA) 31 Salem Hills (4A) 32 Maple Mountain (4A) 33 Taylorsville (5A) 34 Juab (3A) 35 Cottonwood (5A) 36 Mountain Crest (5A) 37 Orem (4A) 38 Olympus (4A) 39 Skyline (4A) 40 Kearns (4A) 41 Westlake (5A) 42 West (5A) 43 Hurricane (3AA) 44 Tooele (3AA) 45 Weber (5A) 46 Box Elder (4A) 47 Spanish Fork (4A) 48 Murray (4A) 49 Lehi (5A) 50 Viewmont (5A) 51 Morgan (3A) 52 South Summit (2A) 53 Alta (4A) 54 Snow Canyon (3AA) 55 Granger (5A) 56 San Juan (2A) 57 Bear River (3AA) 58 West Jordan (5A) 59 Wasatch (4A) 60 Copper Hills (5A) 61 Grantsville (3A) 62 Provo (4A) 63 Bonneville (4A) 64 Hillcrest (4A) 65 Cedar City (3AA) 66 Manti (3A)

67 Beaver (2A) 68 Union (3A) 69 Richfield (3A) 70 Mountain View (4A) 71 Millard (2A) 72 Park City (3AA) 73 Duchesne (1A) 74 Clearfield (5A) 75 Timpanogos (4A) 76 Payson (4A) 77 Summit Academy (2A) 78 Canyon View (3A) 79 North Summit (2A) 80 Grand County (2A) 81 Delta (2A) 82 Diamond Ranch (1A) 83 Emery (3A) 84 South Sevier (2A) 85 Gunnison (2A) 86 Uintah (4A) 87 North Sanpete (3A) 88 Rich (1A) 89 Kanab (1A) 90 Enterprise (2A) 91 Layton Christian (2A) 92 Monticello (1A).

93 Cyprus (4A) 94 Carbon (3A) 95 ALA (2A) 96 Ogden (Ind.) 97 Parowan (2A) 98 Ben Lomond (3AA) 99 Altamont (1A) 100 Milford (1A) 101 North Sevier (2A) 102 Monument Valley (Ind.) 103 Whitehorse (Ind.) 104 Wayne (1A)

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REGION 4 PREVIEWS

AMERICAN FORK CAVEMEN  Head Coach: Aaron Behm  2014 record: 11-3 overall, 6-0 Region 4 (first)  Playoffs: Def. Hillcrest 42-13 in 5A first round; def. Jordan 58-13 in quarterfinals; def. Brighton 58-28 in semifinals; lost to Bingham 20-3 in final.  Players to watch: Tanner Smith Sr. 6-3 200 QB; Nate Honey Sr. 6-1 185 RB/ LB; Colson Worley Sr. 5-11 175 WR/CB; Michael Richardson Jr. 6-5 257 OL/DL; Scott Hughes Sr. 5-10 165 WR/CB; Austin Griffith Sr. 6-4 195 TE/OLB; Garrett Purvis Sr. 6-3 190 TE/OLB.  Outlook: “A lot of our guys got a lot of great experience with four extra games last year,” said coach Aaron Behm. “It’s a big advantage when you get more time

together playing football.”

The Cavemen return four starters on offense and three on defense, including quarterback Tanner Smith and versatile contributor Nate Honey. Other players also got quality minutes during American Fork’s run to the final last season.

The Cavemen have an ambitious preseason schedule with Hunter, Highland (Idaho) and Brighton. Playing good competition early can only help when it comes to the Region 4 race.

“I don’t think our region ever lets up or gets any easier,” Behm said. “I expect another close race for the region championship. Our goal is to successfully defend our region title and make another deep run in the playoffs.”  Zuke says: The return of Honey and Hughes is all the evidence I need to keep the Cavemen at the top of the region

PLEASANT GROVE VIKINGS  Head Coach: Les Hamilton  2014 record: 5-5 overall, 2-4 Region 4 (fifth)  Playoffs: None  Players to watch: Malik Overstreet Sr. 5-10 165 WR; Jacob Doman Sr. 5-10 180 WR/DB; Walker Wolfgramm Sr. 6-3 280 OL; Coleman Edwards Sr. 5-7 180 WR/RB; John Raass Sr. 5-11 230 LB; William Overstreet So. 5-11 170 FS; Ramsey Mulitalo Sr. 5-10 275 DL.  Outlook: “We have a lot of kids back from last year who’ve got a lot of experience,” said coach Les Hamilton. “We lost a lot of close, tough games last year. Hopefully we won’t make those same mistakes again. We’ll need to make a few more plays this year to win some of those.”

The Vikings have a good chance to do that with key contributors back from last season on both sides of the ball, some

college-quality players and a promising young quarterback.

“In the region we’re hoping to battle for the championship,” the coach said. “It’s so important to get those home games for the playoffs. When you get to state you have to have a few things bounce your way; just about anything can happen in the playoffs.”

Hamilton said Bingham is still the program that everybody’s chasing, but he expects a couple of Region 4 teams to be in the mix come tournament time, along with Brighton and Davis.  Zuke says: Overstreet and Doman should make the Hamilton household a happy one

LEHI PIONEERS  Head Coach: Ed Larson  2014 record: 0-10 overall, 0-6 Region 4 (seventh)  Playoffs: None  Players to watch: Braden Calton Sr. 5-10 180 WR/DB; Brandon Tafoya Sr. 5-10 190 LB; Nick Porter Sr. 6-1 205 DB/S; Carson Terrel Jr. 6-4 210 TE; Gabe Mellor Sr. 5-9 215 DT.  Outlook: “We have great young kids, but they haven’t proven themselves yet,” said coach Ed Larson. “We’re in our second year of this phase, and we have a very confident group that understands both the offensive and defensive systems that much better now.”

The coach said there’s a battle between two quarterbacks who both have year in the program.

Whoever the starter turns out to be, Larson said he feels good about the receiving corps overall and has a couple of solid running backs.

“Our offensive line is young since we have no seniors, but the players have good size and are very talented,” he said.

He’ll be starting three sophomores and a senior in the backfield.

The defensive line has only one experienced player and he has two sophomores starting in the secondary.

“We have good size and good depth, but these guys will have to learn quickly,” the coach said.

“We’ll be everybody’s weak link on the schedule in a tough region but we expect to challenge.”  Zuke says: In Ed we trust. Head coach Ed Larson will get the Pioneers in the playoffs but they are a year away.

A Lehi High School football player goes through a drill during fall practice on Aug. 6.

Other Region 4 football Region 4 will have two Salt Lake County teams that will help decide who comes out on top and who misses the playoffs

SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

Westlake High School’s football team practices at the school in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015.

because the players have been in the system that much longer.  2014 record: 3-6 overall, 1-5 Region “The kids have responded by buying in to 4 (sixth) what we’ve been selling,” he said. “They’ve been working hard in the weight room and  Playoffs: None out on the field. We’re eager to get started in our first game against Bingham. It’s  Players to watch: Chaz Ah You Jr. 6-1 190 helped their motivation in the offseason FS/WR/QB; Noah Caron Sr. 6-3 265 OL/ to open with the 13th-ranked team in DL; Gabe Summers Sr. 6-1 247 DE; AJ Mur- the nation.” ray Sr. 6-0 280 OL/DL; Kawika Sa’aga Jr. Clements explained that the proper way 6-0 210 LB. to have a successful program with longevity is to start to schedule teams like that.  Outlook: In terms of preparation, coach “There’re no pansies in our region,” he Steve Clements said his team is ahead said. “We’ll have one or two semifinalists of where it’s been in the past few years per year, and a finalist every other year. If

LONE PEAK KNIGHTS

Herriman (8-4, 4-2 in 2014) once again appears to be very strong in the trenches and that gives the Mustangs a shot in every game. With some talented offensive weapons returning, Herriman will certainly be coming in with plenty of reason to be confident.

 Head Coach: Mike Mower

Riverton (10-2, 5-1 in 2014) has a new coach this year in Brent Hawkins but still has plenty of pieces to work with this fall. The Silverwolves have a few defensive standouts back and believe the next group of athletes is ready to step up into starting positions.

 Players to watch: Jackson McChesney Jr. 6-0 185 RB/WR; Tyler Kap Sr. 6-0 185 RB/ WR; Talmage Gunther Sr. 6-0 185 QB; Dakota Hansen Jr. 6-0 180 QB; Jonny Christensen Sr. 6-2 210 WR; Seth Corry Jr. 6-1 185 S.

WESTLAKE THUNDER  Head Coach: Steve Clements

SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald

you want to be the best, you have to play the best.”

He added, “We’re going to be improved from the last two years, but we still play in Region 4 — we’ll see what goes on this season. We have a well-prepared football team and we’ll put a pretty good product on the field. There’s a groundswell of excitement out here west of the lake for this football season.”  Zuke says: How much support Chaz Ah You gets will determine if this team can challenge for a playoff spot

 2014 record: 5-6 overall, 3-3 Region 4 (fourth)  Playoffs: Lost to Hunter 43-20 in 5A first round.

 Outlook: The Knights return a lot of starters from last season, but coach Mike Mower said the greatest strength of the team is its chemistry.

“Our juniors and seniors have bonded together and enjoy one another being successful,” he said. “They don’t really care who gets the credit, either, and they push one another. I really like the dynamic of this team.”

The coach said his offensive line is young but has a lot of potential.

“The ceiling’s high on how good they can be; they’re going to come along,” he said.

“They’re talented kids who are working hard.”

Mower said his defensive line isn’t going to be really big but is athletic, and the defense overall is much improved from last year.

“We did well at camp and this group is very enthusiastic,” he said. “We hope to be in every ball game this year. Our region is really balanced and you’d better be ready every week or you’re in trouble.”  Zuke says: Gunther has enough talent around him to help the Knights give A.F a run for the title.

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Other schools

JUAB WASPS Head Coach: Mike Bowring 2014 record: 11-2 overall, 5-0 League (first) Playoffs: Def. Grantsville 44-14 in 3A quarterfinals; def. Union 21-14 in semifinals; lost to Judge Memorial 63-14 in final.

Players to watch: Ashton Seely, LB, Tyse Ostler, WR/LB; Nolan Neilsen, WR; Nick Wohlforth, OL/DL.

Juab has proven to be an elite 3A squad and could easily be considered one of the favorites this fall, but it will need to get the most out of a newcomer at quarterback, plus it only returns four starters on d efense.

But the Wasps always have playmakers and guys like Nolan Nielsen, Tyse Ostler, Diego Carmona, Payton Bowring and Steven Orme are anxious to step up o. and show what they can d Ashton Seely and Nick Wohlforth will anchor the defense and the new guys will be able to rely on them to get everyone r eady.

Outlook: How do you follow up an outstanding year that saw your team reach the state finals?

American Leadership Academy players huddle after a fall practice in 2014.

FILE, Daily Herald

The Wasps lost to Judge in the 3A title game in 2014 — the same team it lost to in the semifinals in 2013 — but had to be proud of ad. the season they h

ALA EAGLES Head Coach: Billy Nixon 2014 record: 1-8 overall, 0-6 League (seventh)

It might rest on the shoulders of junior quarterback Dallen Short, who should have weapons to work with. If his performance and leadership can be a catalyst, ALA might be at a different l evel.

Players to watch: Dallen Short, QB/S; Preston Bergquist, OL/DL; Owen Huff, RB/LB; Logan Leach, CB/WR, Holland Morley, OL/DL. Outlook: Quick, how many Utah Valley high school teams won their last game in 2014? Timpview, of course ... and — here’s the surprise — ALA.

The Eagles are still in the same league with defending 2A champ South Summit and there are a number of other good teams, too, but just being more competitive would be a big step forward for the program.

Yes, the Eagles capped a tough year with a 32-21 win over Parowan and now hope to carry Zuke says: The Eagles must hope Short can a little momentum into the 2015 s eason. help them get closer to the .500 mark It’s not going to be easy, since the ALA

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Zuke says: Neilsen keeps wide receiver tradition going on another solid Juab team

OTHER 3A/2A FOOTBALL

football program has never picked up more than three wins, but the Eagles have a number of returning players and hope to have set the stage for more s uccess.

Playoffs: None

By not looking back, but instead looking forward.

Here’s a quick look at some of the other 3A and 2A football teams in the area: Carbon (3A North) 2014 record: 3-7 Playoffs: NA Coach: Josh Huntsman Players to watch: Dallyn Mower, Payton Fausett, Kolton Anselmo.

35-21 in 3A semifinals

2014 record: 1-8

Coach: Cole Meacham

Playoffs: NA

Players to watch: Douglas Schiess, Derek Wright, Braxton Good.

Coach: Russ Fowles

North Sanpete (3A South)

Players to watch: Brett Walker, Ridge Petersen, Jack Dutson.

2014 record: 4-8

Gunnison (2A North)

Playoffs: Lost to Union, 19-15, in 3A quarterfinals

2014 record: 2-8

Coach: Rick Wilson

2014 record: 7-5

Players to watch: Spencer Applegarth, Zack Lee, Jake Hadley.

Playoffs: Lost to Judge

Delta (3A South)

Manti (3A South)

Playoffs: Lost to Beaver, 71-20, in 2A first round Coach: Jack Pay Players to watch: Hunter Whitney, Conner Caldwell, Kyler White.

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B7

Top returning players According to MaxPreps, official stats partner of the UHSAA, these are the top local returning players in the categories listed by their numbers from the 2014 season.

Passing yards (touchdowns)

Rushing yards (touchdowns) Beau Tu’ua, So., Timpview

637 (2)

Scott Averett, Sr., Springville

556 (5)

Chaz Ah You, Jr., Westlake

503 (7)

s s Tanner Smith, Sr., American Fork

3,188 (20)

Jaren Hall, Sr., Maple Mountain

1,746 (16)

Viliami Iongi, Sr., Provo

1,699 (16)

Calvin Miles, Sr., Lehi

1,592 (7)

Talmage Gunther, Sr., Lone Peak

1,262 (11)

Tackles (solo)

Nathan Honey, Sr., American Fork

463 (4)

Talmage Gunther, Sr., Lone Peak

436 (3)

Receiving yards (touchdowns)

Nathan Honey, Sr., American Fork

114 (61)

Chase Hermann, Sr., Orem

1,001 (8)

Vili Manulea Wolfgramm, Jr., Salem Hills

103 (39)

Coleson Worley, Sr., American Fork

945 (10)

Noah McCray, Sr., Springville

102 (50)

Coleman Edwards, Sr., Pleasant Grove

842 (6)

Nate Richardson, Sr., Timpview

94 (58)

Malik Overstreet, Sr., Pleasant Grove

708 (8)

Daniel Duerden, Sr., Provo

79 (53)

Samson Nacua, Sr. ,Timpview

641 (8)

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Region 7 previews

MOUNTAIN VIEW BRUINS HEAD COACH: Louis Wong (second season)

counted on for ball carrying as well, with Alan Ginger, Abbott Seilui, Conner Smith and Fui Kalanuivalu anchoring both lines.

2014 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 2-4 Region Senior Jake Holland will be a good option 7 (sixth) at slot receiver.

Trevor Robertson, a senior, will be PLAYOFFS: None a mainstay in the defensive backfield and as a receiver for the Bruins.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: San Magalei Getting the players to believe Jr. QB/RB, Morgan Martin Sr. QB/ they can be successful is a big step WR, Noah Jensen So. RB, Alan Ginin creating a winning attitude at ger Sr. OL/DL Mountain View.

“That’s the challenge we face,” Hen OUTLOOK: For Year 2 of the Louis Wong derson said. “It takes some time. In the era, the Bruins are hoping for a little second year, the players are more compemore success on the field as they build up tent in what we’re doing and how we want their numbers. it done. We feel pretty good and we’ve According to offensive coordinator Frank accomplished a lot so far. There’s been a lot of teaching. The kids have absorbed a lot of Henderson, the sophomore class numbers are up from last season but there are information and handled it well. So we feel still only around 30 varsity players ready pretty optimistic that our kids can go into a for action. game performing at a high level.”

Junior Sam Magalei and senior Morgan Martin are outstanding offensive talents ZUKE SAYS: Improving but not fast who will split their time in some combina- enough to make the playoffs with a large tion of quarterback, receiver and running number of underclassman back. Sophomore Noah Jensen will be Mountain View quarterback Trevor Robertson rolls out for a pass during a game against Orem on Sept.

19, 2014.

FILE, Daily Herald

Orem varsity football players huddle after a fall practice on Aug. 14.

HEAD COACH: Bob Steele

OREM TIGERS

2014 RECORD: 3-8 overall, 3-3 Region 7 (fourth) PLAYOFFS: Lost to Roy 55-14 in 4A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: D’arman Notoa 5-11 180 Jr. RB, Chase Herrmann 5-9 155 Sr. WR, Cody Codner 6-3 170 Sr. WR, Zack Lamoreaux 6-0 170 Sr. DB OUTLOOK: Bob Steele is in his second stint as the head coach at Orem — his first was from 2002-10 — and he said he knew it was time.

“Last year I was just a fan,” Steele said. “I was just biting my nails because I wanted to get back into coaching.”

Steele will handle the defense, trying to improve a unit that gave up 30 points per game last season and lost some big, strong defenders to graduation.

The new offense coordinator is Tyler Anderson, who was the head coach at Orem last season. Senior Chase Herrmann led the state in receiving yards with 54 catches for 1,001 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Cody Codner contributed 27 grabs for

Timpanogos players watch during a fall camp practice on Aug. 14.

JARED LLOYD, Daily Herald

585 yards and nine scores.

The prolific Tucker Camp, who ran and passed for a combined 3,155 yards and 39 touchdowns, has graduated. His expected replacement, senior Gunnar Legas, broke his foot in July. Steele said Legas might be able to go around the first region game, so until then the quarterback battle is between his younger brother, freshman Cooper, and junior Hunter Van Buren.

On the defensive side, the Tigers will rely on returners headed by seniors Roman Winters, Tyler Gleed, Zack Lamoreaux and Kyler Anderson.

To bolster depth, Steele will take advantage of a very talented freshman class.

“They’ve had a lot of opportunities to go around to a lot of different places this summer,” Steele said. “They did very well together as a team. Hopefully, we can keep that going.

There will be four or five of the freshman coming up and practicing with the varsity and getting some time. They will be on the field quite a bit.”

ZUKE SAYS: The loss of quarterback Gunnar Legas drops the Tigers down a notch but Herrmann keeps them from dropping off

TIMPVIEW THUNDERBIRDS

HEAD COACH: Cary Whittingham

2014 RECORD: 14-0 overall, 6-0 Region 8 (first)

SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald

Provo High players work out during fall practice in Provo on Aug. 12.

PROVO BULLDOGS HEAD COACH: Tony McGeary more depth and guys know what’s expected.

2014 RECORD: 3-7 overall, “We should be a lot better,” 0-6 Region 8 (seventh) he said. “We plan to have guys going just one way.”

PLAYOFFS: None But McGeary still points to injuries as being the big PLAYERS TO WATCH: Viliami unknown factor.

Iongi, Sr. QB; Ty Jones, Jr. “We need to stay healthy,” WR; Hunter Baum, Sr. CB; he said. “We had a great Paden Jorgensen, Sr. CB/WR, 7-on-7 season and a great Daniel Duerden, Sr. LB. camp. The overall expectations are higher and guys are believing in themselves.”

OUTLOOK: Any high school Provo wants to have a team bringing back 10 guys winning season and get to with varsity experience on defense and seven on offense the playoffs and McGeary believes that is do-able in the certainly has reason to new Region 7. be hopeful.

“I like the challenge and When it has playmakers like I like where we’re at now,” Viliami Iongi, Ty Jones and Daniel Duerden, it has reasons McGeary said. to look for a big step orward.

ZUKE SAYS: Iongi to Jones Provo has been building combination should help for the past few years and Bulldogs be in the playBulldog head coach Tony McGeary is seeing the payoff, off hunt as this year’s squad has a lot

TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES HEAD COACH: Daniel Tervort (NEW IN 2015) 2014 RECORD: 1-8 overall, 1-8 Region 7 (seventh) PLAYOFFS: None PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mote Siusanua Sr. 6-1 185 RB/LB; Fioeli Uluave Sr. 6-0 315 OL/DL; Carlos Bermudez Jr. 6-1 280 OL/ DL; Jaxson Smith Jr. 6-1 170 QB; Casey Hamilton Jr. 6-3 175 WR; Adam Ahmu Jr. 5-11 195 ILB/RB; Gage Heward Jr. 5-10 200 FB. OUTLOOK: Coach Daniel Tervort has just 12 seniors on his roster, but feels that the preseason preparation has gone pretty well so far.

“We’re excited at our outlook,” he said. “We hope to improve every day and to have some success while we give the kids a good experience.”

The coach said the players are carrying some heavy loads as they try to meet high expectations, but “it’s encouraging to see they’re buying into the culture we’re ard.” trying to create as they’re working extremely h He said that the culture of the program has been the biggest focus so far.

“These guys need some consistency and we’re building on that,” Tervort said. “As a teacher, I’m excited to be in the building. The school culture is very positive; this is an awesome place and we want to tap into that school culture and build on i t.”

From his previous experience, Tervort is very familiar with many of the teams in Region 7 and considers it a “really good conference, probably the best conference in 4 A.” ZUKE SAYS: First-year head coach Daniel Tervort will need to have a Frank Bramall-esk coaching performance to stay out of the Region 7 basemen and if that happens Smith and Hamilton will have to be at their best.

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

PLAYOFFS: Def. East 18-8 in 4A first round; def. Sky View 45-7 in quarterfinals; def. Woods Cross 41-13 in semifinals; def. Roy 28-7 in final.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nate Richardson Sr. LB, Samson Nacua Sr. WR, Brandon Brotherson Sr. DL. Saia Folaumahina Sr. RB. OUTLOOK: Winning four straight championships hasn’t been done since, well, since Timpview did it from 2006-09. It takes a lot for a Timpview team to stand out with such a rich tradition of winning, but this team is ready to make a name for itself.

Even though the T’Birds lost quarterback Britain Covey (Utah), defensive end Gabe Reid (Stanford) and Devin Kaufusi (BYU), the years that other teams have been waiting for Timpview to rebuild don’t appear to be any closer than they’vs been before.

Kahi Neves, a senior, is a transfer from Brighton. He will have the unenviable task of following Covey at quarterback. He’s 6-4, 230 and is a dual threat guy with a strong arm.

Running back Asten Aspinall is out with a knee injury, but he could be back late in

the season. Fortunately, the T’Birds have Saia Folaumahina, who is ready to carry the load. He was second in rushing yards last year behind Covey.

The T’Birds return Samson Nacua at wide receiver and special teams. He caught eight touchdown passes last year and was second in receiving yards.

Nejad Arshad was also in the receiver rotation last season. Fielding Wallace will give Neves another option.

The offensive line is in good shape with three returning starters. Joseph Palu, Shintaro Mann and Austin Yager will anchor the line.

On defense, the T’Birds return linebacker Nate Richardson, who was second on the team in tackles last year.

Branson Brotherson returns at defensive end where he had five sacks. Kennan Pili and Will Watanabe give the team some experience in the secondary.

“Offensively we need to run our scheme well and to be balanced and well rounded,” said Timpview coach Cary Whittingham.

“We have a lot of young kids on defense who are pretty talented. We will have to rely on them to be able to hit the ground running.”

ZUKE SAYS: The only suspense in Region 7 is what color of hair Sampson Nacua will have this year

Other Region 7 football Region 7 will also have two Salt Lake County representatives that come with big plans: Alta (2-9, 2-3 in 2014) has a new coach in Alema Te’o after a disappointing campaign last year, but don’t expect the Hawks to be down for long — particularly now that they are competing in 4A. This is still a young squad overall but there

are weapons who could be really good.

Corner Canyon (12-1, 6-0 in 2014) dominated Region 7 last year but now gets a shot at the defending state champs in league play while only returning a couple of starters. Now the Chargers get a chance to prove they have built a consistent program.

B10

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Game Day Coverage Wrap Up & Analysis Exclusive Photo Highlights College Sports Scoreboard

FILE, Daily Herald

Springville wide receiver Parker Johnston celebrates with teammate Kaden Hilstead after scoring a touchdown during their game against Wasatch at Springville on Sept. 2, 2014.

Valley’s 4A schools gear up for realignment shifts

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the biggest changes for this cycle. The three Orem schools — Orem, Mountain View This fall begins the impleand Timpanogos — remain, mentation of the latest with Draper school Correalignment put together by ner Canyon. the Utah High School ActiviHowever, Skyline and ties Association. UHSAA Olympus moved back to officials adopted a two-year Region 6 and Region 7 picked rather than four-year cycle, up Alta (in Sandy), which for a as in the past, so that they long time was the institution could respond more rapidly with the highest enrollment in to changes in school enrollthe state but has now dropped ments. to 4A after a split.

The new plan will be in The league has also effect for the 2015-16 and acquired two other new 2016-17 academic years. members moving over Here’s a look at the impact from Region 8 — Provo and on Utah County’s largeTimpview. Everybody knows school leagues. that when it comes to football, the three-time defendRegion 4 ing champion Thunderbirds There are no changes represent the two-ton this time for the Valley’s 5A elephant in the room. schools. American Fork, Lehi, After a break, Bob Steele Lone Peak, Pleasant Grove and is back at the helm for Orem Westlake all remain in Region and said his reaction to the 4, along with south Salt Lake new alignment will depend, County schools Herriman in part, on how good a team and Riverton. he has.

Although it isn’t necessar“Overall, changing every ily true in every sport, this two years is hard; it definitely grouping creates an ultrahas some drawbacks,” he said. competitive atmosphere when “The addition of these new it comes to football. members makes for a pretty “I think this region is the tough region, and we just toughest in the state,” said hope to be able to compete.”

Lehi coach Ed Larson. “Every Although this grouping team has great coaches and makes it challenging to try great players.” to develop and build a team, He foresees that Lone Peak Steele said if the Tigers are will bounce back from a subable to compete, the level par showing last season. of play in the region will “I’d say the Knights are my set the team up better for dark horse for winning the the playoffs. region title this year,” he said.

Provo coach Tony McGeary “They have a great younger said he’s excited about class coming up.” the change.

Larson added that Pleasant “I think it will be a highly Grove also has good playcompetitive region, but I ers returning. prefer that even though we “Herriman always has the didn’t do very well last year,” size, and Westlake is coming he said. “We’ll do better at back with a good team,” the state if we can play through a coach said. “Any team will tough region.” need to take care of the ball He also likes it because the and play sound defense to have schools are so close geographa chance to win each week.” ically and because he knows many of the coaches he’ll be Region 7 playing against.

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people you know and respect as coach,” he said.

Region 8

This league has picked up Payson and Uintah after the exit of the Provo institutions.

These two schools move up to 4A after spending the last cycle in the 3A ranks.

They join existing members Maple Mountain, Salem Hills, Spanish Fork, Springville and Wasatch.

Maple Mountain coach Brad Burtenshaw considers the change a mixed blessing.

“It’s nice in a way because it opens up the race for the region title, but I think losing Timpview and Provo means that as a group, we need to prove ourselves that we can be competitive in the classification,” he said.

He considers the new schools to be two quality teams.

“I think it’ll be really competitive in the region and I’m looking forward to the season,” the coach said.

Springville coach Willy Child expressed very similar sentiments.

“We’re excited about the region,” he said. “I think it’s really competitive and all the teams are good; we’re excited to play them.”

He also acknowledged the impact of the power shift.

“Timpview has been pretty dominant in the region and state the last few years, so our ability to play for a region championship is increased,” Child said. “We’re excited about the opportunity.”

The real significance of these changes probably won’t be fully visible until the state tournament, but it will be interesting to follow how it all plays out as the season unfolds.  Daily Herald sports reporter Beky Beaton can be reached at bbeaton@heraldextra.com.

Twitter @BeatonWrite.

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REGION 8 PREVIEWS

MAPLE MOUNTAIN GOLDEN EAGLES

HEAD COACH: Brad Burtenshaw 2014 RECORD: 4-8 overall, 2-4 Region 8 (T-3rd) PLAYOFFS: Def. Spanish Fork 17-14 in 3-way play-in game; lost to Woods Cross 37-7 in 4A first round.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jaren Hall, Sr. QB, Jordan Larson, Sr. RB/LB, Garred Blanthorn, Jr, DE, Noel Unufe, Sr. DL, Jaret Boyer, Sr. LB OUTLOOK: Senior quarterback Jaren Hall is hoping to do something no other Maple Mountain team has done — advance past the first round of the state 4A playoffs.

Hall is a game-changing quarterback who will be the key to this team’s chances of doing something special. He passed for 2,494 yards last year with 24 touchdowns.

Hall, who verbally committed to play for BYU, will be looking for wide receiver Dawson Beutler, who is 6-4 and has breakaway speed. James Wilson, is a move-in from Spanish Fork, should also get his share of passes thrown in his direction.

Chris Hair is the only returning starter back on the offensive line so the Golden Eagles will have an untested line that will need to jell and provide the team a running threat, the Achilles’ heel of last year’s team.

Fortunately for Maple Mountain, Jordan Larson, the team’s leading rusher

is back to help contribute to the ground game.

“Our emphasis this year will be to try and run the ball more and get teams to respect our running game,” said Maple Mountain coach Brad Burtenshaw. “Jaren Hall has matured in his ability to make things happen. He’s more confident running the ball and in his ability to breakdown a defense.”

The Golden Eagles return four starters on defense, Garred Blanthorn and Noel Unufe will anchor the defensive line and Larson and Jaret Boyer at linebacker.

Maple Mountain was 4-8 last year.

The Golden Eagles beat Spanish Fork in a play-in game but then lost to Woods Cross in the first round of the playoffs.

It was the fourth time the team qualified for the playoffs and the fourth time it failed to win a playoff game.

“This group has been waiting for its chance to step up and play,” Burtenshaw said. “Our region will be very competitive since Springville and Salem Hills have a lot of kids back but if things fall into place for us I think compete with the top teams in the region.”

ZUKE SAYS: UNTIL THE RUNNING GAME FINDS ITS LEGS, NOT EVEN JAREN HALL CAN GET THE GOLDEN EAGLES PAST THE FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS.

Payson’s Easton Smith leads the team back to the field for the second half against Pine View on Oct. 15, 2014.

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

PAYSON LIONS

HEAD COACH: Jeremy Chapman 2014 RECORD: 0-10 overall, 0-6 League (seventh) PLAYOFFS: None PLAYERS TO WATCH: Paydon Osborn Jr. LB, Buc Frasier Jr. QB, Bryson Tanner Sr. RB, Isaac Birchett Sr. WR/CB, Kolton Mortensen Sr. WR OUTLOOK: The last time the Payson participated at the 4A level, the Lions made the playoffs.

So why not this team? Why not now?

Payson has spent the last four seasons participating in 3A and that didn’t go so well. Payson made the playoffs in just one of its four seasons, and last year the Lions were 0-10.

So farewell four-hour bus rides to St. George, the Lions are back in 4A. “It’s a jump in size, but I’m not sure it’s a jump in talent since we were competing with the teams in St. George and the travel took its toll,” said Payson coach Jeremy Chapman. “It will be good to get back to playing all of our traditional rivalries again.”

The offense will be under the direction of new coordinator Jake Corbett, who will keep the focus based around the option to help the team’s undersized offensive line be effective. Bryson

Tanner and Josh Sorensen return at running back, along with offensive linemen Adam Marck and Tyler Batty.

Payson will be breaking in a new quarterback. Buc Frasier, a junior, started in the secondary last year. He is a good runner who can get the ball to the right places.

Kolton Mortensen is a 6-4 wide receiver who should be a popular target for Frasier. VanMoos and Isaac Birchett will also be good options.

The defense will get a different look under new defensive coordinator Derek Campbell, who was coaching at Dixie State.

Chapman said the defense is looking to develop some depth but it does return linebacker Payden Osborn, along with Prince Vito, a move-in from California and defensive backs Birchett and Stephen VanMoos, who will be moved to linebacker this year.

“Making the playoffs for us this year would be great,” Chapman said. “But I don’t look at it as make the playoffs or bust.”

ZUKE SAYS: I’M PREDICTING A BANNER YEAR FOR THE LIONS, JUST NOT A PLAYOFF ONE. AT LEAST ISAAC BIRCHETT SHOULD BE FUN TO WATCH.

SPANISH FORK DONS

GRANT HINDSLEY, Daily Herald

Coach Timon Marshall watches running back Solofa Funa closely at Spanish Fork varsity football practice on Aug. 13.

Other Region 8 football

JARED LLOYD, Daily Herald

Springville football players get ready for the 2015 season during practice at Springville High School on Aug. 14.

Region 8 adds a single nonarea team, one that has been on a virtual island in Vernal for years and now hopes to compete for a playoff spot.

Uintah (4-7, 2-4 in 2014) moved back up to 4A after being in Class 3AA last season and begins with a new coach in Austin Heaps. The adjustment won’t be easy but the Utes have nearly have of its starters back from last year. — Jared Lloyd

SPRINGVILLE RED DEVILS

HEAD COACH: Willy Child 2014 RECORD: 6-5 overall, 4-2 Region 8 (3rd) PLAYOFFS: Lost to Olympus 43-37 in 4A first round.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Noah McCray Sr. WR/DB, Adam Rodriguez Sr. DL/TE, Devyn Tate Sr. RB/LB, Scott Averett Sr. RB/DB, Jantsen Thorpe JR. QB OUTLOOK: In order to step foot on the carpet at Rice Eccles Stadium, Springville must qualify for the state tournament and win two playoff games to make the Final Four.

It’s a lofty goal but one Springville coach Willy Child feels like this team is ready for. Last year the Red Devils were one win away from making the Final Four and since they return nine starters on defense and five on offense, the Red Devils have high hopes for this year’s team.

The secondary should be in good shape with Noah McCray, a senior safety, who led the team in defensive points (team scoring system). Scott Averett is also a senior safety, who had 47 tackles and three interceptions last year.

HEAD COACH: Jordan Smith (NEW IN 2015) 2014 RECORD: 6-6 overall, 2-4 Region 8 (T-3rd) PLAYOFFS: Def. Wasatch 21-0 but lost to Maple Mountain 17-14 in 3-way play-in game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Solofa Funa, Sr. RB/LB, Nate Keisel, Sr. QB, Jackson Higginson, Jr. WR, Jess Barlcay Sr. WR. OUTLOOK: Spanish Fork has a new coaching staff, a transfer quarterback from California, who is related to former Pittsburg Steeler defensive lineman Brett Kiesel and a running back, who signed with BYU. Jordan Smith, a 2007 Spanish Fork graduate, who played at BYU, is the new head coach. He took over when former coach Kirk Chambers accepted a job at Provo High School.

Smith was pleased to see that he had some talented players returning. Solofa Funa, a 6-1, 225 pound senior, is one of three returning starters back on offense. He committed to play at BYU and should get the bulk of the carries.

Funa will be counting on a pair of

The defensive line will be anchored by Adam Rodriguez, Junior Mulipola, Andrew Slack, Sai Antiiflale and Demetruis Mutini, a move-in from Alaska will add to the depth.

The linebackers are set with Daxton Poulsen, Devyn Tate and Vili Kolomalu.

Springville will be breaking in a new quarterback but Child feels like Jansten Thorpe (a junior) is ready to roll. He’s an athletic quarterback with a strong arm and can break down a defense with his legs.

McCray, Tanner Pererro and Clayton Snyder will give the team a threat at wide receiver and the running game has two experienced running backs who return.

Averett was second on the team in rushing last year with 485 yards and Tate rushed for 249 yards.

The offensive line will be counting on Church, Mutini, Slack, Mulipola and Gavin Diede to give Thorpe time to throw.

ZUKE SAYS: THE RED DEVILS WILL LEAD THE REGION IN MOST DIFFICULT NAMES TO SPELL AND IN FORCED TURNOVERS.

returning starters on the offensive line to create some running lanes. Trevor Johnson and Tanner Parker both started last year for the Dons.

The offense should be productive since their starter at quarterback is Nate Keisel, a senior move-in. He started last year for Clayton Valley in Conord, CA and is the second cousin of former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel.

Jess Barclay and Jackson Higginson give him two good options to throw to at wide receiver along with a pair of big tight ends in Jax Tobiasson (6-7) and Braden Christensen (6-4).

Funa should anchor the team on defense at linebacker.

“One thing I’ve been impressed with is we have great team chemistry.

We have a good mix of seniors and underclassman, who are buying in with what we want to do,” Smith said. “Traditionally, Spanish Fork has been a team that is expected to make the playoffs and that’s our expectation for this year’s team. I think we could be right there among the top two teams battling for the region title.”

ZUKE SAYS: HIGGINSON WILL HELP THE DONS BE THE BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE REGION.

WASATCH WASPS

HEAD COACH: Steve Coburn 2014 RECORD: 4-7 overall, 2-4 Region 8 (T-third) PLAYOFFS: Lost to Spanish Fork 21-0 in three-way play-in game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Garrett Davis, Sr. QB; Skyler Southam, SR. K/P; Ben Bos, Sr. OL/DL. OUTLOOK: It’s a new start for a Wasatch football team looking to challenge in the newlook Region 8 — but it’s not going to be easy.

“We are very excited about the 2015 team,” Wasp head coach Steve Coburn said. “Players are working very hard getting ready for a very demanding preseason schedule.

We have many holes to fill with the loss of many seniors from the 2014 team.”

There are some nice pieces in place for Wasatch to build around,

including threeyear starter Garrett Davis at quarterback and elite kicker/ punter Skyler Southam, a BYU commit.

Coburn pointed to consistent QB play as a key for this year’s team, as well as being able to establish the running game. On defense, he’s looking at more consistency as well, plus he’s hoping the team overall will be able to stay healthy.

The goals for the Wasps are simple and straightforward, according to Coburn: They want to finish in the top four in region play and make a playoff appearance.

ZUKE SAYS: DAVIS ARMED TO HELP WASPS MOVE UP IN THE STANDINGS.

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