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A2 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | A3

DAILY HERALD

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Football is about always moving forward D

PHOTOS BY ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD; DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD AND MARK PHILBRICK, BYU

Clockwise from bottom: BYU defensive back Tanner Jacobson (25) runs with other players as they warm up before the spring scrimmage March 25 at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Running back Jamaal Williams (21) greets fellow players during Senior Night celebrations during the final home game on Nov. 26. BYU head coach LaVell Edwards, center, celebrates the 1984 national championship. Quarterback Ty Detmer drops back to pass against Miami on Sept. 8, 1990. BYU defensive back Micah Hannemann (7) gestures to the sky as he runs out with teammates before the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 21.

The time is now BYU football craves progress and is determined to advance to new heights JARED LLOYD

Daily Herald

Step into the world of BYU football and everywhere there are the ghosts of the past. Cougars who became pro stars … teams that won conference titles … legends who won national awards … coaches who changed the game … and, of course, the crown jewel: the 1984 National Championship trophy. BYU players and coaches are steeped in that legacy, but to them it isn’t haunting as much as it is a driving force. Their goal is to put their names alongside the heroes of the past. The Cougars are working now to take the next step toward achieving that level of success. “For me, the next step is to stay the course and keep bringing our guys along like we did last year,” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. “We want to compete and play and take care of each other. We’ve got something going well right now and it’s starting to grow in so many different ways.” Cougar junior quarterback Tanner Mangum emphasized that the measuring stick of progress is defined by results. “You can’t look too far

ahead,” Mangum said. “You’ve got to stay focused on the present and take it one game at a time, but I think that next step is being able to finish the season better than we have in the past.” He pointed to the fact that BYU has been consistently good — 9-4 in 2014 and 2015, 8-5 in 2012, 2013 and 2014 — but hasn’t broken through that ceiling recently. “We want to be able to get to double-digit wins, 10, 11, 12 wins, 13 if possible,” Mangum said. “We want to be able to give everything we can to ensure that we finish with the best record possible. That’s our goal and our mindset but it is one game at a time. We can’t look too far ahead. We want to be able to take that next step and get to that next level as a team.” Big strides begin with small improvements. BYU senior linebacker Fred Warner believes a key step is having everyone on the same page. “I think the next step is playing as a team and having everyone hitting in all phases,” Warner said. “On offense, defense and special teams everyone is doing their job and playing at a high level. We are taking steps during fall camp

for sure. I think the offense is getting more comfortable in their scheme, so is the defense, and we’ve got the players to compete at a high level. I’m optimistic about this season.” He explained that energy is the main method being used to reach those aspirations. “We are trying to simulate gameday every day in practice,” Warner said. “We want everyone competing at a high level. We talk about competition a lot, about making sure there is a lot of passion at practice, and having us bring that is going to help the whole team.” Sitake believes his guys are more prepared for the rigors of the season because of the way they have trained in the strength-and-conditioning program. “What we have done in the weight room has been huge,” Sitake said. “The transition that we are seeing in their bodies is something that I’ve been really impressed with.” Each position group has its own areas where the players want to take the next step. The wide receivers, for example, are coming into this year with relatively little experience. “The first thing for us is to meet our own expectations

and the coaches’ expectations,” BYU sophomore receiver Talon Shumway said. “The next step is proving that we can be the real deal, that we are ready to play, that we can play on the level we are expected to.” The work in the weight room and on the practice field is always vital to making progress as a program but other factors also come into play. In recent years, one of the pendulums that has both helped and hindered the Cougars is playing in close games. In 2016, BYU had eight of 13 games decided by seven points or fewer (four wins and four losses). “It’s much more fun to win, to be on the winning side,” Mangum said. “A lot of our guys have been through both exciting wins and tough losses. We understand what it takes because one play can change the outcome.” The junior quarterback said the biggest factor is to manufacture your own luck to be able to win more of those tight contests. “The main thing is execution,” Mangum said. “Going over the film of those close games, it just comes down to a few plays. It’s a guy not doing his job here or missing an

assignment there. If all 11 guys on the field can execute the way that we can, then we will put ourselves in a better position to win. It comes down to being able to finish those games, every play doing our job.” If — and it’s a big if — the Cougars can get the pieces to come together and can win the close ones, only then will they begin to approach what assistant head coach Ed Lamb classifies as the next step. “I would say that for the BYU football program, you can’t call it a next step until you accomplish something that hasn’t been accomplished here before,” Lamb said. “In my mind, at BYU a national championship has been won. That has to be the goal we chase. Anything less than that is less than what has been accomplished here before. At the point where we win two in a row, that would be a next step.” While that may seem like a pipe dream even to the most optimistic of Cougar fans, this is definitely the time of year to dream big. Who knows? Maybe the 2017 BYU football team will be able to do the impossible and be one that is remembered for decades to come.

ear Reader, In just a few days, we will reach one of the greatest transitions of the year: We will move from the offseason to football season. I savor this time, as I get to watch local college and high school athletes cash in on their i n ve s t m e n t of countless hours of we i g h t l i f t ing, running, practicing and studying. JARED The goal? LLOYD For some, it is to be the best in their classification. For others, it’s to be competitive. But for all, it is to be better in 2017 than they were in years prior. That’s why the theme of the Daily Herald’s annual football special section is “Next Step Forward.” Whether your favorite athlete played for a team that was undefeated or winless or somewhere in between in years past, they now have goals set to do more, to be better, to reach a higher point in their progression. Sometimes that means a team finishing with a better record during a season and sometimes it just means a player being more consistent with his technique than he was the week before. It’s something I admire about football players, coaches and programs — because it is a concept we all must embrace. They don’t always know what obstacles will appear or what they won’t be able to control but they forge onward, determined to be the best they can be. I hope we — both us as the Daily Herald sports staff and you as you face your individual challenges — can be as resolute and keep taking the next step forward. We have done our best to explore what progress you can expect to see during the college and high school football seasons. You can also find more articles, photos and analysis online at Heraldextra. com/2017Football. I’d like to express my thanks to writers Neil Warner, Darnell Dickson and correspondent Brian Preece as well as to the design team led by Phillip Morgan and David Revilla. I also want to recognize the excellent work on the photos done by photo editor Sammy Jo Hester and her staff, Dominic Valente and Isaac Hale. This section required a lot of dedication and effort but as always we aim to take our own step forward during the upcoming year by providing the best high school and BYU football coverage in Utah Valley. With high school games starting Aug. 17 and BYU kicking off the year Aug. 26, we will soon discover exactly what breakthroughs have been made and how it will shape the next four months. The next step forward will be seeing what happens on the field. Jared Lloyd Daily Herald sports editor

ON THE COVER: Tanner Mangum, right, and Fred Warner in the BYU locker room.

PHOTO BY:

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

DESGIN BY:

Phillip Morgan, Daily Herald

A4 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

ON BYU FOOTBALL

Cougars need that ‘special’ season to take next step T

he master plan for BYU football independence back in 2010 included two buzzwords — “access” and “exposure” — plus a whole lot of unknowns. Now heading into Year 7 of independence, BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe has once again lined up a schedule that is filled with possibilities. The only thing left to do is to take that next step. For BYU football, that next step is a New Year’s Six bowl game. Is this the year? The most optimistic Cougar fans can float along in their Big Blue Bubble and dream about an undefeated season or the college football playoffs, but getting to a New Year’s Six bowl would be a hallmark moment for the BYU program. What would it take? I think the Cougars would need DARNELL to win at least 11 of DICKSON their 13 games to be considered for a big-payday bowl game, and even then nothing is guaranteed. That’s the road BYU drives on these days. But 11 wins would be tough for the bowl committees to ignore. So how do the Cougars get to 11 wins? They have to get a terrific season from quarterback Tanner Mangum in Ty Detmer’s offense — even though the receivers and running backs are largely unproven. On defense, BYU needs a better pass rush and a collective effort to replace the ball-hawking skills of former safety Kai Nacua, now competing for a starting spot as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Some good breaks would help, as well. BYU lost four games by a total of seven points last season, but also won four games by a touchdown or less. The Cougars could have finished 4-8 or even 12-0, instead reaching nine wins in Kalani Sitake’s first season as head coach. BYU pretty much beat the teams it was supposed to beat and the other games were toss-ups.

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

BYU fans rush the field and celebrate a double-overtime win against Mississippi State on Oct. 14 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. To have a magical season, the Cougars need a magical victory or two against a Power 5 program. In six seasons as an independent BYU is 13-17 against P5 opponents. Only two of those 13 wins — Texas and Georgia Tech in 2013 – came against programs that finished the season with a winning record. Last year’s three P5 victories came against Arizona, Michigan State and Mississippi State, which combined for a 12-25 mark. Even BYU’s 2009 upset of No. 3 Oklahoma didn’t look quite so impressive when the Sooners finished the season at 8-5. The Cougars might have been their own worst

enemy in that scenario because of Coleby Clawson’s ferocious — and legal — hit on Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. The record-setting quarterback missed three weeks with an ACL sprain, then came back only to injure his shoulder and miss the remainder of the season. The opportunities have been there in independence. BYU lost to Notre Dame 17-14 in 2012 and the Fighting Irish finished the season 12-1. Utah and West Virginia were close losses last season, and those two teams combined to win 19 games. Here are some other sobering statistics: BYU hasn’t been ranked in

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the preseason AP Top 25 since 2009 (20th). The Cougars were ranked as high as No. 7 that season and finished No. 12 in the country. The highest rankings BYU has achieved in independence? Try 18th in 2014, 19th in 2015 and 25th in 2012. If Sitake and his program are to take the next step, they will need a marque victory against a ranked team that finishes the season well. LSU, Utah or Wisconsin this season would certainly seem to fit that bill. Is BYU good enough to win one or all of those games? With LSU at a neutral site and the Utes and Badgers coming to LaVell Edwards

Stadium, it’s a prime opportunity to step up on the national scene. This team is good enough to pull off the upset, but the early part of the season is such a grind, depth is a concern. When Holmoe and the BYU brass conceived the independent plan, this is what they saw, and really, a special season is overdue. The plan is in place, the pieces have been moved. The Cougars are poised to take that next step. Ready. Set. Go. Follow Darnell Dickson on Twitter @ darnellwrites or e-mail him at ddickson@heraldextra.com.

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1. “I’d rather lose and live in Provo than win and live in Laramie.”

10. “You can’t teach others if you are living the same way.”

2. “When you get in the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.”

11. “If what you did YESTERDAY seems big, you haven’t done anything TODAY.”

3. “Nobody who gave his best ever regretted it.”

12. “If you want to WIN, do the ordinary things BETTER than anyone else does them day in and day out.”

4. “The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.”

13. “If you’re not IN the parade, you WATCH the parade. That’s life.”

5. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

14. “Today I will do what others WON’T, so tomorrow I can accomplish what

6. “A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you always knew you can be.”

others CAN’T.”

7. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

15. “Work isn’t WORK unless you would rather be DOING something else.” 16. “It takes 20 YEARS to build a reputation and 5 MINUTES to ruin it.”

8. “Yes, risk-taking is pretty much failure prone. Otherwise it would be called surething taking.” 9. “When you’re GOOD at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re GREAT at something, they’ll tell you.”

17. “It’s not whether you get knocked DOWN, it’s whether you get UP.” 18. “We get one opportunity in life, one chance at life to do whatever you’re going to do, and lay your foundation and make whatever mark you’re going to make. Whatever legacy you’re going to leave; leave your legacy!”

THE END ZONE 1. LaVell Edwards; 2. Bear Bryant; 3. George S. Hales; 4. Steve Young; 5. Eddie Robinson; 6. Tom Landry; 7. Jimmy Johnson; 8. Jim McMahon; 9. Walter Payton; 10. Jim Brown; 11. Lou Holtz; 12. Chuck Noll; 13. Mike Ditka; 14. Jerry Rice; 15. Don Shula; 16. Peyton Manning; 17 Vince Lombardi; 18. Ray Lewis

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | A5

DAILY HERALD

BYU’s Opponent Breakdown Portland State Vikings HEAD COACH: Bruce Barnum (3rd season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(2-6 Big Sky)

7 Offense, 7 Defense

3-8

LSU Tigers

8-4

(2-6 SEC)

RETURNING STARTERS:

2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(5-4 Pac 12)

4 Offense, 5 Defense

Wisconsin Badgers 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(7-2 Big 10)

9 Offense, 6 Defense

Utah State Aggies 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(1-7 MWC)

5 Offense, 6 Defense

Boise State Broncos HEAD COACH: Brian Harsin (4th season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(6-2 MWC)

5 Offense, 4 Defense

Mississippi State Bulldogs HEAD COACH: Dan Mullen (9th season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(3-5 SEC)

5 Offense, 4 Defense

6-7

East Carolina Pirates HEAD COACH: Scottie Montgomery 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(1-7 AAC)

6 Offense, 5 Defense

3-9

Arden Key (Jr. DE), Derrius Guice (Jr. RB), D.J. Clark (Sr. WR), Donte Jackson (Jr. CB)

and Syracuse outside of the vaunted SEC.

The Utes have been close to winning the South

The Utes have a Division in the Pac-12 on multiple occasions but tough Pac-12 have always come up short. Utah has a lot of schedule, playing holes to fill but so do other teams, so they at Oregon and at hope to finally break through to the top. Washington, while hosting Stanford and Washinston State.

Troy Williams (Sr. QB), Zack Moss (So. RB), Lowell Lotulelei (Sr. DT), Chase Hansen (Jr. S)

The Badgers will play their brand of

Troy Fumagalli (Sr. BYU is not the only smashmouth football and dare anyone to keep team from the TE), Chris James up with them. They always seem to have the state of Utah to (Jr. RB), T.J. players they need to fill in voids and should face the Badgers in Edwards (Jr. LB), again be shooting to emerge atop the Big 10. 2017. Utah State Conor Sheehy (Sr. travels to Camp NT) Randall to open the season on Sept. 1.

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

HEAD COACH: Matt Wells (3rd season)

10-3

The Tigers just missed on being great last year, This is the first but brought in a new coaching staff. Now the time LSU and BYU new-look LSU squad will try to get all the have met. The Tigers will also face pieces together for another tough season in the SEC. Chattanooga, Troy

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

HEAD COACH: Paul Chryst (3rd season)

3-9

The Vikings endured a rough year in 2016 but aren’t far removed from their impressive 9-3 season in 2015 that included a seasonopening win against Washington State. While Portland State still has question marks, it should be expected to have a better season.

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

HEAD COACH: Kyle Whittingham (12th season)

11-3

The Vikings open the season on the road against BYU and Oregon State before getting into Big Sky play.

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7 Offense, 5 Defense

Utah Utes

9-4

Davond Dade (Sr. DE), Mitchell Thompson (Sr. RB), Darnell Adams (Sr. WR), Kahlil Dawson (Sr. WR)

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

HEAD COACH: Ed Orgeron (1st season) 2016 RECORD:

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

The heat is on the coaching staff to reverse the The Aggies and Kent Myers (Sr. direction of the program after it struggled last the Cougars return QB), Ron’Quavion fall. There are some talented pieces and to playing on the Tarver (Jr. WR), experience at key positions, so the Aggies Friday before LDS Jalen Davis (Sr. should get back to winning football games General CB), Dallin Leavitt Conference. more regularly. Utah (Sr. S)

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State and BYU also have five common opponents.

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2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: The week before Boise State plays BYU, the Broncos will host former BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall and the Virginia Cavaliers.

Brett Rypien (Jr. QB), Cedrick Wilson (Sr. RB), David Moa (Jr. DT), Cameron Hartsfield (Sr. S)

The Broncos continue to be one of the most consistent programs in the country as they added another 10-win season in 2016. Still, Boise State missed out on winning the Mountain West Conference for the second year in a row and will be gunning to be elite again.

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: Nick Fitzgerald (Jr. QB), Martinas Rankin (Sr. OL), J.T. Gray (Sr. LB/S), Leo Lewis (So. LB)

The Bulldogs and the Cougars have two common opponents. Mississippi State hosts both LSU and UMass in 2017.

The Bulldogs face another tough schedule in the SEC, but with Nick Fitzgerald at the helm Mississippi State has a leader who could help it improve. A title isn’t likely but the Bulldogs should be battling for another bowl berth.

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2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: Thomas Sirk (Sr. QB), Jimmy Williams (Sr. WR), Jordan Williams (Sr. LB), Travon Simmons (Sr. S)

The Pirates’ nonconference schedule includes games at West Virginia and at home against Virginia Tech.

The Pirates plan to take strides but it won’t be easy, since their schedule is pretty formidable. Six wins might end up being a successful year, particularly after the way East Carolina struggled in 2016.

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San Jose State Spartans HEAD COACH: Brent Brennan (1st season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(3-5 MWC)

6 Offense, 7 Defense

4-8

Fresno State Bulldogs HEAD COACH: Jeff Tedford (1st season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(0-8 MWC)

8 Offense, 6 Defense

1-11

UNLV Rebels 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(3-5 MWC)

7 Offense, 3 Defense

4-8

UMass Minutemen HEAD COACH: Mark Whipple (4th season) 2016 RECORD:

2-10

RETURNING STARTERS:

The Spartans have a young coaching staff but

San Jose State will be looking for that staff to spark SJSU on battles Utah, Texas both sides of the ball. The biggest question is and BYU in its nonwhether the players will be able to execute. conference. The There is talent but it might take time to get it Spartans and all moving the same direction. Cougars have five common opponents in 2017.

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: KeeSean Johnson Former Fresno State head coach (Jr. WR), Chason Pat Hill famously Virgil (So. QB), said the Bulldogs James Bailey (Jr. would play LB), Tobenna “anybody, Okeke (Sr. LB/DE) anywhere,

The Bulldogs are in rebuilding mode with new coaches and new outlooks. They struggled to get scores and stops in 2016, so being better in those areas might show the improvement Fresno State is hoping for even if the wins don’t come immediately.

anytime.” Well, FSU has Alabama in Week 2.

Devonte Boyd (Sr. WR), Armani Rogers (Fr. QB), Darius Mouton (Jr. CB), Mike Hughes (Sr. NT)

HEAD COACH: Nick Rolovich (2nd season) 2016 RECORD:

RETURNING STARTERS:

(4-4 MWC)

7 Offense, 5 Defense

The Rebels are still trying to figure out just

The Rebels travel exactly who they are and what they are going to The Horseshoe to be, but with a new stadium on the horizon to take on Urban Meyer and the Ohio this is a big time for UNLV. If the program can win a little more, it might be able to State Buckeyes in capitalize on some momentum. Week 3.

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: Adam Breneman (Sr. TE), Andy Isabella (Jr. WR), Steve Casali (Sr. LB), Da’Sean Downey (Sr. LB)

6 Offense, 7 Defense

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

7-7

Malik Roberson (Jr. RB), Justin Holmes (Jr. WR), Andre Cachere (Sr. CB), Frank Ginda (Jr. LB)

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

HEAD COACH: Tony Sanchez (3rd season)

2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE:

A fellow independent, UMass plays all over the country. The Minutemen play at SEC foes Tennessee and Mississippi State, as well as hosting Hawaii.

Independence is proving to be a much tougher road for the Minutemen than it is for other programs as UMass has really struggled. Still, it was competitive in a lot of games and hopes to get some breaks in 2017.

Hawaii opens the season at UMass, which is 5,021 miles from Honolulu. The Rainbow Warriors and Cougars share five common opponents.

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2017 PLAYERS 2017 SEASON OUTLOOK: TO WATCH: SCHEDULE: Dru Browm (Jr. QB), Diocemy Saint Juste (Sr. RB), John Ursua (So. WR), Jahlani Tavai (Jr. LB)

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The Rainbow Warrior offense should again be the hallmark of the team as Hawaii will fire the ball all over and score a lot of points. To really improve, however, Hawaii needs its defense to be able to get more stops.

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A6 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

Ready for Round II Kalani Sitake and the BYU football coaching staff hoping for big things in Year No. 2 JARED LLOYD

Daily Herald

There is no doubt that in one clear way, BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake wants to emulate his predecessor, Bronco Mendenhall, far more than he wants to emulate his mentor, legendary Hall-ofFamer LaVell Edwards. Some Cougar supporters might be thinking, “Wait, Mendenhall was a good coach but how could he be better than Edwards, the man who put BYU football on the map, changed the game itself and won a national championship?” The answer is simple: Sitake would much rather enjoy similar success to what Mendenhall did in his second year as the head coach at BYU than what Edwards did in his second year. Sitake and his staff are entering Year No. 2 as a coaching staff, which hasn’t generally been too kind to Cougar head

How BYU head coaches fared in their second season            

Alvin Twitchell (1922-24) C.J. Hart (1925-27) G. Ott Romney (1928-36) Eddie Kimball (1937-41, 1946-48) Chick Atkinson (1949-55) Hal Koop (1956-58) Tally Stevens (1959-60) Hal Mitchell (1961-63) Tom Hudspeth (1964-71) LaVell Edwards (1972-2000) Gary Crowton (2001-04) Bronco Mendenhall (2005-2015)

coaches. For example, Edwards’ team in 1973 ended up 5-6, the only time in his entire illustrious career that one of his squads finished below .500. It wasn’t much different for most of the other BYU head coaches in their second years, as Hal Mitchell went 4-6 in 1962, Tally Stevens went 3-8 in 1960, Chick Atkinson went 4-5-1 in 1950, C.J. Hart went 1-5-1 in 1926 and Alvin Twitchell went 2-5 in 1923. A few were able to have moderate success in their respective second years, including G. Ott Romney’s team going 5-3 in 1929, Eddie Kimball’s team going 4-3-1 in 1938 and

2-5 1-5-1 5-3 4-3-1 4-5-1 5-3-2 3-8 4-6 6-4 5-6 5-7 11-2

Hal Kopp’s team going 5-3-2 in 1957. Coach Tommy Hudspeth’s second-season squad was a modest 6-4 overall in 1965 but ended up winning the school’s first WAC championship that year. With that historical background, it’s clear why Sitake would much rather emulate Mendenhall than any of the others. In his second season in 2006, Mendenhall had arguably the best team of his entire 11-year career in Provo, guiding the Cougars to an 11-2 record, a Mountain West Conference title and a dominating 38-8 win against Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake addresses the team during fall football camp on July 27. Fast-forward back to 2017 and it’s easy to see why Sitake and CougarBlue Nation are dreaming of a repeat. Sitake believes he and his staff have made significant growth as they have gone through an entire football cycle and gotten comfortable with their respective roles. “The best part about them is that everyone is humble enough to be open,” Sitake said. “There are no egos among them. That was a big part of us hiring the right guys to be sure we brought the right dynamic.

They don’t care about themselves but they care about the team and the players.” It’s also been evident to the players, who see the coaches being more confident as they have worked in spring and fall camps. “I think the coaches are a lot more comfortable and confident in what they are doing, what they are telling us,” Cougar senior linebacker Fred Warner said. “They are still making little tweaks here and there to the defense but they are keeping it simple and we’re

playing fast. They know us and everything is moving quicker.” The BYU athletes see their coaches evolving and growing as they put in the work, both from a tactical and an emotional standpoint. “They understand what schemes work, what schemes give us a good chance to be successful,” BYU junior quarterback Tanner Mangum said. “Offensively, (offensive coordinator) Ty Detmer is more experienced calling games and understands how to put our players in good positions to succeed. It’s not just Xs and Os. It’s leadership, showing the grit and determination and the fight. Having them setting that example for us is paramount to us being successful on the field.” Mangum said the genuine heart that comes from Sitake and his staff makes a big difference. “We love these coaches,” he said. “They are so great with us, so that inspires us to fight for them and play even harder for them.” Daily Herald sports editor Jared Lloyd can be reached at (801) 344-2555 or jlloyd@heraldextra. com. Twitter: @JaredrLloyd. Instagram: @JaredrLloyd.

10 reason why BYU will be good in 2017

10 reason why BYU will be bad in 2017

 1. Passion, experience and talent combine to create something special  2. Tanner Mangum exceeds expectations, bringing comparisons to the Cougar greats  3. The BYU defensive front feeds off the energy of the linebacking corps, stonewalling opposing running backs  4. Offensive coordinator Ty Detmer shows tremendous growth and adaptation in his role, ramping up the offense’s effectiveness  5. The young players in the BYU secondary progress and become consistent playmakers  6. The Cougar tight ends re-emerge as dangerous threats who open up options for the other receivers  7. Depth and explosiveness on the defensive line create more havoc, forcing more mistakes  8. The BYU offensive line comes out stronger and nastier, opening holes for the running backs and giving Mangum time to throw  9. The Cougar special teams are solid all year, reliable in kicking, punting, receiving and coverage  10. BYU develops an identity as a fourth-quarter team, always finding ways to win the close ones

 1. Injuries, ineffectiveness and errors keep BYU from getting wins over its big-name opponents  2. Mangum struggles to stay healthy and move the chains, resulting in offensive stagnation  3. The Cougars get gashed up front, allowing opposing offenses to run effectively and put together long drives  4. BYU’s offense becomes predictable and easy to defend  5. The Cougar cornerbacks can’t stay with opposing receivers and get beat for big plays  6. BYU receivers and tight ends fail to get open and can’t hang on to the football consistently  7. The defensive line fails to shed blocks, forcing BYU to blitz to get any pressure on opposing quarterbacks  8. The athleticism of top opposing defenses overwhelms the Cougar offensive line, never allowing BYU to get in rhythm  9. Special teams failures result in good field position for opposing teams and missed points for the Cougars  10. The balance in tight games swings away from BYU as the Cougars always seem to fall apart down the stretch

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | A7

DAILY HERALD

BYU 1-ON-1

Just how good will BYU football be in 2017? 5 from a two-loss-or-better season. Reaching eight or nine wins in the regular season is more likely.

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 Cougars this year:

What do you think is the most important next step for the BYU football program heading into the 2017 season? LLOYD: The Cougars have to find a way to get all of the pieces to come together more consistently. Last year, BYU’s defense was pretty solid, but struggled against Toledo and West Virginia. The offense had its moments of brilliance, but couldn’t turn turnovers into points like it needed to. Even the special teams were great in winning games against Arizona and Toledo, but failed against Boise State. I like the talent and depth the Cougars have for 2017, but costly lapses could easily result in another season with four or more losses. DICKSON: In the big picture, I think the Cougars need to get to a New Year’s Six bowl game. Winning 10 or 11 games might be enough, but there has

JARED LLOYD

DARNELL DICKSON

to be other breaks along the way. Another eight- or ninewin season isn’t going to sit well with the fans. They want progress and getting to another ho-hum bowl game before Christmas is going to feel like a step back with all the forward momentum Kalani Sitake has going in his program.

LLOYD: I keep waiting for the magic to reappear, to experience a year like 1996 or 2001 or even 2009. Very few teams go undefeated, so I don’t think it will happen for BYU this season. The schedule makes me doubt it can be a one-loss year but I think the Cougars have a legitimate shot at only two defeats and some national publicity. The key is taking advantage of opportunities, since high-caliber opponents (LSU, Wisconsin, Mississippi State, etc.) won’t give the Cougars very many.

BYU last lost just two games in 2009, What does junior quarterback Tanner had its last one-loss Mangum have to do season in 1996 and hasn’t gone undefeated to solidify himself in since 1984. Do the Cougars the upper echelon of BYU break any of those streaks quarterbacks? this year? LLOYD: Well, a national DICKSON: The schedule championship would certainly is difficult, even though BYU do it. Honestly, though, I think gets LSU at a neutral site and it will be harder for Mangum to Utah and Wisconsin at home. get in the same conversation as It’s a fabulous opportunity for Ty Detmer, Steve Young, Jim the Cougars to pick up some McMahon and other Cougar big, big wins and get into the greats than some might think. national conversation early. Part of it is the offense, which I think this program is on the isn’t going to put up the numrise but probably a year away bers BYU did back in the days

when it played a unique brand of football. Detmer, now as the offensive coordinator, also values the running game and thus Mangum won’t just be chucking it around. Also, the recent history for the Cougars has been good but not great, so he doesn’t come in with the same national notoriety. He needs to do something special against an elite opponent, then back it up for the rest of the season.

DICKSON: It’s kind of a funny question to answer, considering how Mangum completed two Hail Marys in his first two games against Nebraska and Boise State in 2015. Usually quarterbacks struggle early then make big plays and get big wins in their junior or senior seasons. I think Mangum is capable of a 4,000yard, 30-touchdown season, but his biggest contribution will be as a leader. Taysom Hill and Jamaal Williams were such dynamic personalities. They will be missed off the field as much as on it. Mangum must step forward as a leader to rally his teammates when things get tough.

What will be the biggest key for the BYU defense to maintain or improve on its

performance from 2016 when it was 34th in the nation?

Which game do you believe will be the best indicator of the type of team BYU has DICKSON: BYU caused in 2017? 31 turnovers last season and many of those were created by LLOYD: I’m not going to go Kai Nacua. He’s moved on and with the obvious choices but making a good impression in instead I’m going to say the the Cleveland Browns train- home game against Wisconing camp as a free agent. I’m sin in Week 4. The Cougars will not sure there’s one player on have unique situations in their the BYU roster who can make second and third games (playup for Nacua’s ball-hawking, ing LSU in its season opener but causing turnovers will and hosting the rivalry game create better opportunities against Utah), whereas the for Mangum and the offense. Badgers will come into Provo Last year’s offense didn’t take knowing quite a bit about what advantage of those turnovers BYU wants to do. Wisconsin consistently. That will be a wants to play the same type of challenge for Mangum and game as the Cougars, meaning that if BYU can impose its will company this season. and get the win, it will be an LLOYD: Pressure, pressure, excellent sign for the rest of pressure. BYU was excellent in the year. forcing turnovers but didn’t have great sack totals last fall. DICKSON: Utah. The Utes The more the defensive front have dominated this series and can do to disrupt the timing of won six games in a row. Only opponents, the more oppor- one of those victories has been tunities it will create to keep by more than a touchdown. getting takeaways, but also at It’s time for the Cougars to get getting off the field. BYU will a win. If BYU is truly making play some bruising, physical progress as a program under opponents who will wear down Sitake, a win against Utah is a defenses if they are allowed to way to keep that momentum go on long drives, so the Cou- going. If the Cougars can clear gars need to knock them off that hurdle — which is almost stride and force punts to limit more mental than physical the damage. right now — the sky’s the limit.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

A play unfolds during BYU football’s fall camp on July 27.

MARK A. PHILBRICK, BYU PHOTO

BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe talks during his semi-annual press conference with the media on Jan. 29, 2016.

Hype vs. Reality: Cougars are in for a big year ... or not DARNELL DICKSON

Daily Herald

One side is the height of optimism. On the other is your pessimistic brother-in-law (everybody has one, right?) who always looks at the negative side of things. If you believe the hype, good for you. If you are more likely to face reality, don’t let it keep you up at night. Here are some key storylines for the BYU football program for the 2017 season from both points of view: Hype: Everything will be better in Kalani Sitake’s second season. Reality: Sitake is making changes but still playing with Bronco Mendenhall recruits. There appears to be plenty of forward momentum in Sitake’s second season but BYU might still be a year away. In 2018, Sitake’s recruits will start to contribute more and more. Any coach feels more comfortable with the guys he and his current staff brought into the program. Still, Sitake has been pretty good with Bronco’s guys. Hype: Tanner Mangum is going to have a terrific junior season. Reality: Mangum has not impressed the past two times he has played. We’ve seen what Mangum can do. His freshman season back in 2015 was sometimes spectacular, but there were moments he struggled, too. The Ty Detmer offense seems tailor-made for Mangum’s skills, but his last two appearances — the Poinsettia Bowl in 2016 and the spring game — didn’t give a lot of indications he was the

BYU addressed its pass rush issue with the return of Sione Takitaki, a 245-pound whirling dervish of a player who can reach the quarterback faster than you can blink. If he rounds into form the Cougars will start giving opposing quarterbacks nightmares. As Hype: BYU will be ef- for the big-play ability, former fective with a “run- safety Kai Nacua had that in ning-back-by-committee” spades but he’s auditioning format. for the NFL now. Reality: Jamaal Williams was one of a kind. Hype: BYU’s schedule is There’s no doubt Williams still front-loaded but easier was an all-timer at BYU and than last year. was a big workhorse last seaReality: There are marson. The Cougar backfield con- quee games at home but the sists of a lot of question marks schedule is still formidable. in 2017. So far, no one player What’s crazy about BYU’s has stepped up to be “the man.” schedule is that no one in the It’s likely the most experienced country faces a similar slate, player — junior Squally Can- except maybe Notre Dame. ada — will start to open the The difference is that most season, but he’ll be pushed by teams will play a home-andsome talented youngsters. All I home with the Irish, whereas know is Williams made Detmer getting P5 teams to come to — a first-year college offensive Provo is harder than advanced coordinator last season — look calculus. Kudos to Wisconsin awfully smart in most games. for accepting that challenge this season. Hype: The wide receivers will have a breakout year. Hype: Independence is Reality: Last year’s wide working. receiver group was historReality: BYU needs a conically below average. ference. Here’s the sobering stat of Give credit to Director of the day: Athletics Tom Holmoe for his Last season, Nick Kurtz led behind-the-scenes work in BYU receivers with 541 yards. independence. He’s developed That’s the second-lowest total good relationships with other to lead the Cougars since 1971, ADs and scheduled some great when BYU was still running games for now and the future. the single wing and LaVell Ed- But to truly get the access this wards was an assistant coach. program needs — and frankly, The new batch of receivers is deserves — conference affiliatalented but largely unproven. tion must become a reality at some point. Hype: The defense will be able to carry the team. Follow Darnell Dickson on TwitReality: Two problem ar- ter @darnellwrites or e-mail eas are pass rush and big- him at ddickson@heraldextra. com. play ability.

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next great BYU quarterback. His backs and receivers have yet to establish themselves as threats, and the offensive line won’t have Jamaal Williams to make them look good. It’s a big year and a big test for Mangum and the Cougar offense.

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A8 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

Cougars will set tone early in 2017 BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd predicts each of BYU’s 13 games this year JARED LLOYD

Daily Herald

One of the greatest things about the college football season is just how many different ways things can play out. BYU fans know this as well as anyone, since the Cougars were four plays from being undefeated and four other plays from having a losing record in 2016. So what is going to really happen when BYU takes the field in 2017? There are many factors that impact the results, most of which are difficult to predict: n Who will get hurt? (See Hill, Taysom) n Will weather impact the game? (See BYU vs. Virginia, 2013) n What penalties will the officials call? (See BYU vs. Utah, 2016)

Portland State

n Who will come in hungrier to get the win? (See BYU vs. San Jose State, 2015) Even with all those unknowns, football is still generally a pretty simple game with a simple formula that guarantees victory most of the time: Score 10 more points off turnovers than your opponent. It’s not enough to just force the takeaways, exemplified by the 2016 Cougars getting three more turnovers at Utah but only getting six more points and losing 20-19. But there are exceptions, like BYU last fall scoring 24 more points off turnovers at Boise State but still losing to the Broncos, 28-27. It is cliché and the ultimate in stating the obvious, but it remains the only certain way to determine victory: Score. More. Points. With that in mind, it’s time to delve into the upcoming matchups for the 2017 Cougar football season.

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

AUG. 26 Time: 1 p.m. TV: ESPN

At LaVell Edwards Stadium

Still in the hunt: The Cougars don’t overlook the Vikings and cruise to victory, ironing out some of the first-game issues along the way. Bump in the road: Portland State hangs around longer than expected and BYU suffers some costly injuries. Jared says: The Vikings got overwhelmed by Washington and San Jose State last year and their 2017 season will start the same way in Provo.

Prediction DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

The BYU football team runs onto the field during a game against Boise State on Oct. 20 in Boise, Idaho.

Wisconsin

Utah State

Boise State

BYU 51 Portland State 7 Cougars are 1-0

LSU

Utah

Mississippi St.

SEPT. 2

SEPT. 9

SEPT. 16

SEPT. 29

OCT. 6

OCT. 14

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Time: 8:15 p.m.

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Time: 6 p.m.

Time: 8:15 p.m.

Time: TBA

TV: ESPN

TV: ESPN Networks

TV: ABC or ESPN

TV: CBS-Sports

TV: ESPN

TV: TBA

2 3 4 5 6 7

At NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

At LaVell Edwards Stadium

At Maverik Stadium, Logan

At LaVell Edwards Stadium

At Davis Wade Stadium

Still in the hunt: The Cougars stymie the vaunted Tiger rushing attack and force some key turnovers, stunning the pro-LSU crowd. Bump in the road: The Tigers have too much athleticism and BYU never gets the offense going. LSU’s big plays on offense give the Tigers the momentum. Jared says: The Cougars will be well-prepared and give LSU all it can handle but the Tigers capitalize on a late BYU mistake to escape with the win.

Still in the hunt: Years of frustration are avenged as the Cougars launch an all-out assault, rolling to a big win over their rivals. Bump in the road: With BYU beaten and battered from the LSU game, the Utes grind out another low-scoring win by moving the chains and forcing turnovers. Jared says: The Cougars come in with more experience and are playing at home but Utah will be ready. It will again come down to the end but this will be the year BYU ends the Ute winning streak.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars match the Badger physicality on the lines and stuff Wisconsin’s run game, resulting in more time of possession and more points. Bump in the road: The visiting Badgers take advantage of limited Cougar depth on the defensive front and create plenty of gaps. Jared says: Wisconsin has been consistently good and even though the Badgers lost key pieces, this will be a slugfest. BYU will force a key turnover to secure the upset.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars come off the early bye week confident and determined, again taking advantage of Utah State mistakes. Bump in the road: The Aggies start strong and put BYU on its heels, then deny every Cougar rally. Jared says: Utah State is looking for a bounce-back year and will be fired up to host BYU. The Cougars can’t let the home team build momentum, but the BYU veterans will be up to the challenge.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars avenge the 2016 heartbreaking loss to the Broncos with a complete performance, including several big offensive scoring drives. Bump in the road: Boise State QB Brett Rypien gets time in the pocket and picks apart the BYU secondary, creating big plays. Jared says: Both the Cougars and the Broncos want this to be a game with national implications and it could live up to the billing. Just like the last couple, this will be a thriller but Tanner Mangum will find some more magic.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars come in hot and get off to a good start, then hold off the Bulldogs to get another win over an SEC opponent. Bump in the road: Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald learns from his mistakes in Provo in 2016 and uses his versatility to confuse the BYU defense. Jared says: The Bulldogs may not be the top dog in the SEC but they are athletic and talented. The Cougars will battle and give themselves chances but the home team will again emerge victorious.

Prediction

LSU 22 BYU 17 Cougars are 1-1

BYU 28 Utah 24 Cougars are 2-1

BYU 17 Wisconsin 14 Cougars are 3-1

BYU 35 Utah State 27 Cougars are 4-1

BYU 40 Boise State 37 Cougars are 5-1

East Carolina

San Jose State

Fresno State

UNLV

UMass

Mississippi State 29 BYU 23 Cougars are 5-2

Hawaii

OCT. 21

OCT. 28

NOV. 4

NOV. 10

NOV. 18

NOV. 25

Time: TBA

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Time: 1 p.m.

Time: 8 p.m.

TV: TBA

TV: ESPN Networks

TV: CBS-Sports

TV: BYUtv

TV: CBS-Sports

8 9 10 11 12 13

At Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium

At LaVell Edwards Stadium

At Bulldog Stadium

At Sam Boyd Stadium

At LaVell Edwards Stadium

At Aloha Stadium

Still in the hunt: The Cougars use their physical dominance in the trenches to wear down the Pirates, pulling away in the second half. Bump in the road: Two trips east in two weeks plus injury concerns result in a flat BYU performance and ECU is only too happy to take advantage. Jared says: The Pirates will rebound from a down year in 2016 but they won’t have the firepower to defeat the Cougars.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars remember how close the Spartans came to getting the upset in 2015 and this time leave no doubt which team is better on the field. Bump in the road: San Jose State keeps the game close, frustrating BYU and amping up the pressure as the Spartans get the advantage at the end. Jared says: The Spartans still have a ways to go to get back on track and the Cougars will be ready for their visit to Provo, taking care of business and playing a lot of guys.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars maintain their high level of performance, using the running game to set up play-action and finding plenty of gaps. Bump in the road: Fresno State’s defense rises to the challenge and the Bulldog offense moves the chains, giving the home team a chance at the upset. Jared says: Fresno State wasn’t quite as bad as its 1-11 record from 2016 indicates but the Bulldogs won’t be able to stay with BYU.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars complete their run against Mountain West foes with an impressive showing in Las Vegas. Bump in the road: UNLV gets some key passing plays to complement its potent running game, moving the chains and putting points on the board. Jared says: The Rebels appear to be moving in the right direction but head coach Tony Sanchez has yet to make the big strides needed for UNLV to be truly dangerous. It isn’t easy, but BYU gets another road win.

Still in the hunt: The battle of independents isn’t much of a contest as the Cougars are simply too deep and talented for the Minutemen. Bump in the road: UMass comes in without hype or fanfare but plays a scrappy, aggressive game that keeps it close. Jared says: Like last year, BYU and the Minutemen simply aren’t in the same football stratosphere at this point. The Cougars roll.

Still in the hunt: The Cougars close out the season with a strong offensive showing in paradise as Tanner Mangum has a big day against the overmatched Warrior defense. Bump in the road: Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich draws on his playing-days magic to lead the Warriors to another big home upset. Jared’s says: This matchup was a tremendous rivalry for years but time and changes in recruiting have lessened the drama. Hawaii will be gunning for the Cougars but won’t be able to keep up.

Prediction

BYU 38 Fresno State 6 Cougars are 8-2

BYU 30 UNLV 21 Cougars are 9-2

BYU 56 UMass 3 Cougars are 10-2

BYU 41 Hawaii 25 Cougars are 11-2

BYU 37 East Carolina 19 Cougars are 6-2

BYU 45 San Jose State 10 Cougars are 7-2

The Daily Herald staff looks into the crystal ball What will BYU’s Who is BYU’s record be in 2017? best 2017 foe?

Who will win the national title?

Who is the best Who will Who will Who will be Who will lose in a Who will lose in a Who will win Who will lose former BYU player the runner up? national semifinal? national semifinal? win the Pac-12? win the Heisman? Super Bowl LXII? Super Bowl LXII? in the NFL??

JARED LLOYD Sports Editor

11-2

Jalon Hurts, Alabama

Ziggy Ansah, Lions

DARNELL DICKSON Sports Writer

10-3

Saquon Barkley, Penn State

Ziggy Ansah, Lions

NEIL K. WARNER Sports Writer

9-4

Jalon Hurts, Alabama

Jamaal Williams, Packers

PHILLIP MORGAN Social Media Editor

12-1

Sam Darnold, USC Trojans

Kyle Van Noy, Patriots

SCOTT TITTRINGTON Managing Editor

10-3

J.T. Barrett, Ohio State

Jamaal Williams, Packers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | A9

DAILY HERALD

CougarBreakdown

A POSITION-BY-POSITION LOOK AT THE 2017 BYU FOOTBALL TEAM

By Jared Lloyd | Daily Herald

OFFENSIVE LINE

DEFENSIVE LINE

• Projected Starters: Thomas Shoaf (6-5, 275, So.) Keyan Norman (6-3, 305, Sr.) Tejan Koroma (6-0, 290, Sr.) Tuni Kanuch (6-3, 320, Sr.) Keiffer Longson (6-7, 321, Fr.)

• Projected Starters: Corbin Kaufusi (6-9, 285, Jr.) Tevita Mo’unga (6-3, 335, Jr.) Kesni Tausinga (6-1, 300, Sr.) Sione Takitaki (6-2, 245, Jr.) The injuries the Cougars suffered in 2016 should pay dividends in 2017, since many younger players got more playing time than they otherwise would have. Kesni Tausinga, Tevita Mo’unga and Handsome Tanielu will be big in the middle, while Corbin Kaufusi, Trajan Pili and Sione Takitaki look to make plays off the edge.

BYU’s offensive success might hinge on how elite this experienced group can become. Center Tejan Koroma anchors a line that features seven guys who have had extensive playing time and some talented athletes hungry for their turn. If this unit gets the combination of skill and nastiness right, it could be a special season.

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: TEJAN KOROMA

HANDSOME TANIELU

LINEBACKERS

WIDE RECEIVERS

• Projected Starters Francis Bernard (6-1, 240, Jr.) Butch Pau’u (6-0, 230, Jr.) Fred Warner (6-4, 230, Sr.)

• Projected Starters: Jonah Trinnamann (6-0, 190, Sr.) Talon Shumway (6-3, 205, So.)

BYU’s most dynamic unit is the trio of Fred Warner, Butch Pau’u and Francis Bernard, all of whom have proven they can be brilliant playmakers. While not as high-profile, don’t underestimate the strength of the depth chart, either, as guys like Morgan Unga, Adam Pulsipher and Isaiah Kaufusi will make things happen as well.

This unit might have the least game experience of any on the entire team, since only Jonah Trinnamann and Aleva Hifo caught more than a couple of passes in 2016. Talon Shumway, Beau Tanner, Micah Simon and Akile Davis are talented enough for Cougar fans to be cautiously optimistic, but this group has a lot to prove.

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: D+

JONAH TRINNAMANN

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: A+

BUTCH PAU’U

SECONDARY

TIGHT ENDS

• Projected Starters: Dayan Ghanwoluku (5-11, 195, So.) Micah Hannemann (6-0, 190, Sr.) Matt Hadley (6-0, 205, Sr.) Troy Warner (6-1, 195, So.)

• Projected Starter: Tanner Balderee (6-3, 250, Sr.) or Moroni Laulu-Pututau (6-4, 232, Jr.)

The question facing the BYU secondary is how well did the young guys learn the lessons after being pushed into action. Troy Warner, Dayan Ghanwoloku and Chris Wilcox could be special if they build off their experience. Safety will be intriguing as Micah Hannemann and Matt Hadley are proven, but guys like Austin Lee and Zayne Anderson will push for time on the field.

BYU’s tight end production has been lacking in recent years but the hope is it will improve in 2017. Moroni Laulu-Pututau moved from wide receiver, Matt Bushman was impressive in the spring game and Tanner Balderee is looking to be a bigger threat. The potential is good but there are a lot of unanswered questions.

MORONI LAULU-PUTUTAU

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: C-

DAYAN GHANWOLOKU

BYU needs to replace the program’s all-time career rushing leader but hasn’t completely established an heir apparent. Squally Canada comes in with the most experience but others, like KJ Hall, Riley Burt, Trey Dye, Ula Tolutau and Kavika Fonua, could all become contributors.

BYU brings back top kickers (Rhett Almond, Corey Edwards, Andrew Mikkelsen), its punter (Jonny Linehan) and its long snapper (Matt Foley), but has some question marks at holder and in the return game. Kicking distance and long-range accuracy are concerns, but the Cougars should expect to be solid.

B JONNY LINEHAN

QUARTERBACKS

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: A-

2017 PRESEASON GRADE:

COACHING

• Projected Starter: Tanner Mangum (6-3, 220, Jr.) There is little doubt this is Tanner Mangum’s team heading into the 2017 season, which means the Cougars know what to expect from the starter. Mangum has shown he can be a special talent and the hope is he learned from watching for most of last fall. The backup position still has question marks since Beau Hoge, Koy Detmer and the others have very little experience.

TANNER MANGUM

• Projected Starters: PK Rhett Almond (6-4, 203, Jr.) P Jonny Linehan (6-0, 205, Sr.) KO Corey Edwards (6-0, 210, Sr.) LS Matt Foley (6-1, 220, Jr.) H Gavin Fowler (6-0, 195, Sr.) PR Tanner Jacobson (5-10, 185, Jr.) KOR Matt Hadley ( 6-0, 205, Sr.) Aleva Hifo (5-10, 187, So.)

• Projected Starters: Squally Canada (5-11, 205, Jr.) Brayden El-Bakri (6-0, 240, Jr.)

2017 PRESEASON GRADE:

SPECIAL TEAMS

RUNNING BACKS

SQUALLY CANADA

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: B+

The overall sentiment after the first year under Kalani Sitake is undeniably optimistic, since the Cougars won nine games and all four losses were by a touchdown or less. Sitake seems to have an excellent camaraderie with both the players and the staff, while coordinators Ty Detmer and Ilaisa Tuiaki should be more comfortable in their roles.

KALANI SITAKE

2017 PRESEASON GRADE: B+

A10 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

Hunt for a red November

MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham directs his team from the sideline during the first half against California on Oct. 1 in Berkeley, California.

Utah looking for elusive Pac-12 championship and beyond “We’ve had three pretty good seasons the last three years, but we’ve fallen just short in each of those years. We’ve got to find a way to get over the hump and try to win a Pac-12 South Championship.”

DARNELL DICKSON

Daily Herald

Utah is a contender. Playing in the Pac-12 has given the Utes an opportunity to grow their program, and Coach Kyle Whittingham has taken full advantage. The growing pains of joining a Power 5 conference were obvious, but Utah continued to improve. Whittingham’s charges are 46-30 overall since joining the Pac-12 and have posted a 25-29 league record. The Utes go bowling every year, have beaten BYU six straight times and the past three seasons have produced 28 wins. Utah finished 9-4 last season, including a victory against Indiana in the Foster Farms Bowl. Despite losing 16 players to the NFL Draft or free agency, the Utes are considered one of the top teams in the Pac-12 South Division in 2017. The

Kyle Whittingham, Utah football head coach

league’s media picked Utah second in the South behind USC. “I’m excited about this season,” Whittingham said. “We’ve had three pretty good seasons the last three years, but we’ve fallen just short in each of those years. We’ve got to find a way to get over the hump and try to win a Pac-12 South Championship.” The revolving door that has been the Utes’ offensive coordinator position was spinning again this offseason.

Troy Taylor — last year at Eastern Washington — is the ninth offensive coordinator at Utah since the 2008 season. His forte is the passing game, which Whittingham admitted has held the Utes back recently. Troy Williams returns as the starter at quarterback after throwing for 2,757 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. But he’ll be pushed by athletic sophomore Tyler Huntley and Alabama graduate transfer Cooper Bateman.

“It was a tight enough race where those three will continue to get reps, at least for the first week or two in fall camp,” Whittingham said. “Then we’ve got to make a decision and get things pared down to two guys who are going to be getting all the reps and the one guy who is going to be the guy.” Joe Williams, who quit the team for a month early last season, returned to rush for more than 1,300 yards and was drafted in the fourth round by the San Francisco 49ers. Zach

Moss and Armand Shyne were both injured last season but are healthy and competing for playing time at running back. The receivers group received a big boost just before fall camp when Darren Carrington — who was dismissed from the Oregon program after a DUI on July 14 — joined the program. Carrington had 112 receptions for the Ducks in his career in Eugene and can play immediately. The offensive line is replacing three starters, including first-round NFL draft choice Garrett Bolles. Whittingham’s teams are known for their defense, and this year’s crew will be led by one of the top defensive tackles in the country in senior Lowell Lotulelei. Defensive end Hunter Dimick (14.5 sacks) graduated but Kylie Fitts, who sat out most of last season with

a foot injury, could have a big season. Junior safety Chase Hansen is out for an undetermined amount of time after an unspecified injury in fall camp. He’s a big playmaker and leader in a secondary that is replacing everyone else. The Utes have the rivalry matchup against BYU in Provo on Sept. 9 and get Stanford, UCLA and Colorado at home, with challenging road games at USC and Washington. “We feel we’ve recruited the right way the last several years,” Whittingham said. “We have a lot of young players coming up through the ranks and ready for their opportunity to show what they can do, so we’ll see what happens.” Follow Darnell Dickson on Twitter @darnellwrites or e-mail him at ddickson@heraldextra. com.

The Battle of the Shumways Daily Herald

WHO KNOWS ...

For this year’s version of “Who Knows?” I decided to choose two players with the same last name who are not related: Wide receivers Talon and Rickey Shumway. How they are not related when both athletes grew up in Utah County and played for local high schools – Talon at Lone Peak and Rickey at Timpview – during relatively the same time frame is a mystery. Both also played basketball with distinction while in high school and are terrific athletes. Here’s how it works: I asked both Shumways 10 questions about each other. They score a point per correct answer and the winner gets to start against Portland State. Just kidding, I don’t have that kind of power. Here we go. Let’s ask Rickey Shumway first. Q: What is Talon Shumway’s favorite movie? Rickey: “Let’s go with Lord of the Rings.” (Talon sez: “Count of Monte Cristo.”) Points: 0 Q: What is Talon’s favorite TV show? Rickey: “The Office.” (Talon sez: “Cops.”) Points: 0 Q: Does Talon use Twitter, Instagram or Facebook more?

Rickey: “Instagram.” (Talon sez: “Facebook for the funny videos.”) Points: 0 Q: What is Talon’s favorite restaurant? Rickey: “Tucanos.” (Talon sez: “My wife and I go to Cheesecake Factory.”) Points: 0 Q: What is Talon’s favorite NFL team? Rickey: “He doesn’t have one.” (Talon sez: “I don’t have one. I don’t watch the NFL.”) Points: 1 Q: What is Talon’s favorite kind of music? Rickey: “He likes country music.” (Talon sez: “I like 80’s music.”) Points: 0 Q: Is Talon a truck or a car guy? Rickey: “He drives a car.” (Talon sez: “I’m a car guy.”) Points: 1 Q: What is Talon’s favorite outdoor activity other than football? Rickey: “Fishing.” (Talon sez: “Fly Fishing.”) Points: 1 Q: At a BBQ, is Talon a ribs, chicken, hamburger or hot dog guy? Rickey: “Chicken.” (Talon sez: “Chicken.”) Points: 1 Q: Who has the higher

DARNELL DICKSON

JAREN WILKEY,BYU

JAREN WILKEY, BYU

BYU’s Talon Shumway, right, evades tackles after a catch during a team scrimmage in 2016.

BYU’s Rickey Shumway, right, battles defensive back Troy Warner for the ball during a team scrimmage.

GPA, you or Talon? Rickey: “I think I do.” (Talon sez: “Rick does overall, but only slightly. Both GPAs are high, but this year I had the higher GPA.”) Points: 1 Now Talon answers questions about Rickey. Q: What is Rickey’s favorite movie? Talon: “Oh, I know this one! Rick likes weird movies. I’ll say Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” (Rickey sez: “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”) Points: 0 Q: What is Rickey’s favorite TV show? Talon: “Flight of the Conchords.” (Rickey sez: “Arrested Development.”) Points: 0 Q: Does Rickey use Insta-

earns .5 for this answer Q: Is Rickey a car or a truck guy? Talon: “Rick drives a Ford Taurus, a blue one.” (Rickey sez: “I am a car guy.”) Points: 1 Q: What is Rickey’s favorite outdoor activity other than football? Talon: “Man, Rick doesn’t go outside. He just makes beats.” (Rickey sez: “Hiking.”) Points: 0 Q: At a BBQ will Rickey choose ribs, chicken, hamburger or hot dog? Talon: “Rick is a ribs guy, he gets food all over his face.” (Rickey sez: “I’ll eat a hamburger.”) Points: 0 Q: Who has the higher GPA, you or Rickey?

gram, Facebook or Twitter more? Talon: “Instagram.” (Rickey says: “Instagram.”) Points: 1 Q: What is Rickey’s favorite restaurant? Talon: “Betos.” (Rickey sez: “Texas Roadhouse.”) Points: 0 Q: What is Rickey’s favorite NFL team? Talon: “I don’t think Rickey has a favorite NFL team.” (Rickey sez: “I don’t have one.”) Points: 1 Q: What is Rickey’s favorite kind of music? Talon: “Rick makes his own music. St. Rickalaus, that’s him.” (Rickey sez: “Any music, really.”) Points: Judges say Talon

Talon: “Rickey, but only slightly.” (Rickey says: “I do.”) Points: 1 Final score: Rickey 5, Talon 4.5. For two unrelated guys who spend a lot of time together on and off the field in team meetings, not bad. Due to his close victory, Rickey gets to pick a starting five for basketball from the BYU football team. Rickey sez: “Me (6-foot-2), Talon (6-3), Corbin Kaufusi (6-9), Neil Pau’u (6-4) and Moroni Laula-Pututau (6-4). Then Austin Hoyt (6-8) as the sixth man.” Follow Darnell Dickson on Twitter @darnellwrites or e-mail him at ddickson@heraldextra. com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | A11

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PHOTOS BY DOMINIC VALENTE; ISAAC HALE AND MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD

LEFT: Springville High running back Payton Kelepolo (34) takes the ball up the field during a 4A divisional semifinal game between Springville and Alta on Nov. 11 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: The Lone Peak High football team hoists its state championship trophy after defeating Fremont at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Nov. 18, 2011. Orem High offensive coordinator Lance Reynolds Jr. talks with players in a huddle during the Tigers’ first day of football practice July 31 at Orem High School.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Realignment opens opportunities for key players and teams to kick off breakout season NEIL K. WARNER

Daily Herald

or most teams winning comes in steps. Having a winning record is the first step. Qualifying for the playoffs is another step and playing on the turf at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium is another step forward. For programs to become elite in their classification, it takes consistency, work ethic, chemistry and talent. Here’s a look at teams ready to take a big step in their progression. Realignment figures to help Orem succeed in Class 4A. The Tigers managed to be competitive after the last realignment despite being one of the smallest 4A schools. Over the past five years Orem has had an overall record of 25-31. The Tigers shared a region title twice and made the playoffs four times, but advanced past the first round just once, in 2012. Now Orem is prepared to take a giant step forward.

“I think we will definitely benefit from the new realignment,” said Orem coach Jeremy Hill. “We should be the favorite to win the region but when it comes to playoff time, I don’t think there is a lot of difference between the top 4A and 5A teams.” The Tigers are counting on the continual progression of junior wide receiver Puka Nacua, who topped 900 yards receiving last year despite missing parts of three games with a concussion. Nacua has the talent and athleticism to be as good as any player in 4A. “I believe we’ll win our region and hopefully we’ll get a chance to play Desert Hills in the playoffs,” Nacua said. “The key for us is to be more disciplined. Last year we had a lot of holding penalties and unnecessary penalties on defense.” Cooper Legas emerged as the starting quarterback midway through the season. He was 4-1 as a starter. Legas has a good connection with Nacua, and with three returning starters on the offensive line in Cole Watts, Ryan

To’a and Hunter Hill, the Tigers have all the pieces in place for the program to take a step from playoff contender to title contender. Just when Springville had elevated its program to an elite 4A team, the deck was reshuffled and the Red Devils were promoted to 5A. Since East — which beat Springville in last year’s 4A title game — is now in 6A, the Red Devils should be able to continue their success. But they will still have the likes of Timpview, Jordan and Lehi to deal with. “I think we’ve been able to take another step forward because of the combination of mainly two things,” said Springville coach Willy Child. “Our kids have seen the older players work hard and they know what’s expected, and our players have been unselfish. They don’t care who gets the ball on the 1-yard line, or how many passing or rushing yards someone has. Those are things that I think this year’s team will do with again.” Lakei Kolomalu and Bradyn Jackson return for Springville. Both started on

the offensive line last year ,and running back Cole Bowers proved to be an effective option when he got the ball. If the defense can maintain its stingy style of giving up few points, the Red Devils could have enough talent returning to take a step up to contend in 5A. Lone Peak and Bingham played for the 5A championship last year, but now both teams find themselves in 6A and in the same region. The Knights were hit hard by graduation and by the loss of head coach Mike Mower, but Bart Brockbank was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach and is hoping to keep the program at the top of any classification. Lone Peak played for the 5A state championship in consecutive years. “Sometimes teams tend to think the success just happens,” Brockbank said. “The key for us to take the next step is we need to stay hungry and continue to work hard at getting better. We’ve been one of two teams left standing for the last two years, now we want to be the last team standing.

“This group is talented and deep but we don’t have a lot of guys returning with varsity experience. We have been confident and loose in practice, but when the lights go on we will have to keep from tightening up.” While teams like Lone Peak, Springville and Timpview, which has been in the 4A state championship game the past five of the past six years, are hoping the 2017 season doesn’t mean a step back in their consistency, the new realignment has opened the door to struggling programs like Payson, Timpanogos and Mountain View, all hopeful the kickoff to a new season brings with it the hope they can regain their competitiveness. ON THE COVER: Puka Nacua of Orem High, top, Kobe Freeman of Lone Peak, middle, and Cole Bowers, Springville, bottom.

PHOTO BY:

Dominic Valente, Daily Herald

DESIGN BY:

David Revilla, Daily Herald

VALLEY TOP 5: TIMPVIEW BEGINS SEASON ON TOP OF RANKINGS

1. Timpview Thunderbirds should have Utah Valley’s best defense

2. American Fork Barron’s back; Cavemen hopeful they can take the Shipp

3. Lone Peak Coming off back-to-back 5A title appearances

4. Pleasant Grove Christiansen poised to put fear into defensive backs

5. Lehi DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO

Timpview High’s Britain Covey holds the state championship trophy as the team celebrates following its victory over Roy in the 4A football state championship game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Nov. 21, 2014. Timpview won 28-7 to claim its third state title in a row.

Pioneers have the offense needed to take the next step

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | B3

DAILY HERALD

PREP 1-ON-1

MAKING SENSE OF THE JUMBLED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCENE 1 5 Lone Peak and Springville made it to their respective state title games in 2016. Which Utah Valley team do you believe has the best chance to take the next step and win a state title this fall? WARNER: I would say Springville. The Red Devils have several key players returning, including Cole Bowers, Ben Schreiner, Bradley Nicol and a pair of returning starters on the offensive line in Bradyn Jackson and Lakei Kolomalu. Lone Peak is largely inexperienced and is under the direction of first-year head coach Bart Brockbank. LLOYD: I certainly expect both Springville and Lone Peak to reload, since both have developed solid programs that always have guys waiting for their opportunities. I also think Orem and Salem Hills could be danger-

JARED LLOYD

NEIL WARNER

ous in Class 4A, but the team I’m picking as having the best shot is Timpview. The Thunderbirds may have been a little below their own standards in 2016 but the only team to beat them at state was East. Now that the Leopards are in Class 6A for football, look for Timpview to be locked in and gunning to take advantage of the void. If you were picking teams, school-yard style, which of the talented quarterbacks in the area would you select to build around? LLOYD: I like Jake Jensen

at Pleasant Grove and James Nelson at Salem Hills, but to me Lehi’s Cam Cooper and American Fork’s Bronson Barron are the top two guys. I think it’s virtually a toss-up, since both are incredibly talented, but I think I would take Barron. He did a nice job of rallying the Cavemen at the end of the year, getting them all the way to the state semifinals, and I like that type of big-time showing. WARNER: I would take Lehi’s Cam Cooper. He’s cool under pressure and will find a variety of different targets, not just one or two. I just hope I’m not playing against the team that has American Fork quarterback Bronson Barron. Skyridge had a strong first year in its inaugural season last fall. Do you believe the Falcons will be better, worse or about the same in 2017?

WARNER: Sometimes we just assume progression continues without interruption but that’s rarely the case. However, Skyridge seems more than capable of improving on last season’s success. I expect this team will be in the playoffs. LLOYD: Falcon head coach Jon Lehman has reason to be optimistic about this group, which has a decent amount of returning talent. My big concern is the quarterback position, which doesn’t have a clear starter. With how Skyridge likes to sling it around and get points on the board, the Falcons need to be strong at that position. I’m going to predict that they get it figured out and finish in the Top 3 in Region 8. Westlake, Timpanogos, Mountain View, Spanish Fork and Payson all had four wins or fewer

in 2016. Which of those squads will finish with the most wins this season? LLOYD: Mountain View, Spanish Fork and Payson will all be playing against each other in Region 10, so that means there will be wins out there. It’s going to be much tougher for the Thunder and the Timberwolves, who are in Class 6A and Class 5A, respectively. The smart money is on Spanish Fork to get the most wins but I expect the Bruins to end their losing streak and get a couple of victories. WARNER: I think Spanish Fork is the best of this group. The Dons were better than their overall record last year and Mountain View and Payson struggled to be competitive. Westlake is playing in Region 4 so that will make it difficult for the Thunder to improve on last year’s win totals. Realignment and the ad-

dition of another classification has jumbled up traditional rivalries and opened new doors. Which of the new regions are you most interested in? WARNER: Region 4 still has Lone Peak, American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Westlake. Now the addition of Bingham makes this region hands down the best in the state. It’s a good thing that four of the five teams make the playoffs. LLOYD: It’s certainly hard to ignore the elite level of football in Region 4 but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Region 8. Springville looks like the team to beat but I can see just about everyone else in the league giving the Red Devils all they can handle. I doubt anyone goes undefeated in league play and that will make the final weeks exciting.

Utah Valley’s Top Returning Performers PASSING 1. Cammon Cooper, Lehi: 4,059 yards 2. Bronson Barron, American Fork: 3,357 yards

RUSHING 1. Owen Huff, American Leadership: 1,039 yards 2. Kekoa (Tai) Kauwe, Pleasant Grove: 818 yards

3. Jake Jensen, Pleasant Grove: 2,671 yards

3. Joey Aagard, Juab: 643 yards

4. James Nelson, Salem Hills: 1,584 yards

4. Cooper Legas, Orem: 550 yards

5. Brock Cloward, Wasatch: 1,434 yards

5. Kobe Freeman, Lone Peak: 538 yards

B4 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

THE GREAT ZUKE

Zuke previews top prep football teams for 2017 season T he Utah High School Activities Association constantly fields complaints about me. It’s gotten so bad that UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cuff has assigned a special task force to address those complaints, but no matter what realignment the UHSAA comes up with, there is just no way to get the Zuke out of your region. I score more often than Cam Cooper finds a receiver in the end zone. My winning percentage resembles T i m pv i ew ’s, and you are more likely to break an ankle NEIL trying to tackle WARNER me than you are Orem receiver Puka Nacua. But as each season kicks off, there is (false) hope for those who try to dethrone the Zuke. Before the annual Beat the Zuke contest begins, I thought I would give you a little help, with the hope that this year I might get some competition.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Timpview High cornerback Mahonri Falo (24) congratulates quarterback Chaz Ah You (3) on his touchdown during the first round of the 4A state tournament in a game against the Salem Hills Skyhawks on Oct. 28 at Timpview High School in Provo. The new realignment has changed the high school football landscape. The UHSAA

added the sixth classification and that’s great news for all of the teams that competed at the

4A level last year because East is now a nightmare matchup for teams likes Bingham,

Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Lone Peak in 6A. Timpview may not have to contend with East anymore, but the T’Birds will still have traditional powers like Alta and Jordan to deal with in 5A. Timpview has the bulk of its defense back in Jackson Cravens, Jacob Bosco, Karene Reid, Braxton Whitney and Terrence Faumui, so that means the offense will be on the spot. Amoni Tuha gives the T’Birds an experienced running back to help the team break in a new quarterback, but the big news surrounding the offense involves the wide receiver spot, where Timpview coach Cary Whittingham convinced basketball player Hunter Erickson to play football. He didn’t play last year, but his addition to the offense could help the T’Birds get back to the championship game. Springville will be breaking in a new quarterback in Ty Eriksson, and filling the shoes of departing quarterback Jantsen Thorpe will be like getting Springville assistant coach Doug Bills to make just one trip

through the buffet line, but the Red Devils return my favorite running back to watch in Cole Bowers. Lehi is happy to be out of Region 4 and the Pioneers have plenty of returning talent to keep their momentum going from last year’s 8-4 season. Quarterback Cam Cooper’s favorite targets return in Kade Moore and Dallin Holker, who both topped 1,000 receiving yards last year. No team is set up quite like Orem in 4A. The Tigers have brought in half of BYU’s alumni as assistant coaches and tapped into the Reynolds genealogy tree to compile an all-star staff that features Nacua, 4A’s most explosive receiver, and quarterback Cooper Legas is prepared to get him plenty of touches. There you go, a little free sample, but that’s all the help you get. Look for my picks each week and prepare to be dazzled. Daily Herald sports writer Neil K. Warner can be reached at nwarner@heraldextra.com. Twitter: @theGreatZuke

Utah Valley’s Top Returning Performers RECEIVING

TACKLES

1. Dallin Holker, Lehi: 1,295 yards

1. Jackson Cravens, Timpview: 160 tackles

2. Kade Moore, Lehi: 1,072 yards

2. Terrence Faumui, Timpview: 153 tackles

3. Puka Nacua, Orem: 977 yards

3. Owen Huff, American Leadership: 117 tackles

4. Farrell Dean, American Fork: 796 yards

4. William Overstreet, Lehi: 93 tackles

5. Chase Roberts, American Fork: 738 yards

5. Brook Vaitohi, Salem Hills: 88 tackles

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | B5

6A SEASON PREVIEWS AMERICAN FORK

Head Coach: Aaron Behm 2016 record: 9-5 overall, 3-3 Region 4 Playoffs: Lost to Lone Peak, 66-19, in 5A semifinals Players to watch: Bronson Barron (Sr. QB), Braydin Shipp (Sr. OL), Ian Filoso (Sr. OL), Easton Adamson (Sr. LB/TE), B.J. Ireland (Sr. LB) Outlook: American Fork turned an up-anddown region season into a strong state tournament run, ending up in the 5A semifinals. The ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD Cavemen now look to build on their success. American Fork High quarterback Bronson Barron (10) runs the ball up the field as Lehi middle “There were a lot of positives coming out of linebacker Zach Bingham reaches out to try to take him down during a game on Sept. 23 at American last year with the good run in the playoffs and Fork High School. an undefeated JV team,” American Fork head

PLEASANT GROVE

Head Coach: Mark Wootton 2016 record: 6-5 overall, 4-2 Region 4 Playoffs: Lost to Fremont, 27-7, in 5A first round Players to watch: Jake Jensen (Jr. QB), Dayne Christiansen (Jr. RB), Tyler Trotter (Sr. DL), Tane Fanaika (Sr. DL), Cooper Caldwell (Sr. DB), Ty Smith (Sr. DB) Outlook: Pleasant Grove is coming off a good year in which the Vikings were competitive but had some rough moments. They believe those lessons will pay dividends in 2017. “As most people know, last year we were pretty young and with a new coach, too,”

coach Aaron Behm said. “We have a lot of good kids who are back and have experience. That’s what you want.” He likes having quarterback Bronson Barron back running the offense, as well as a lot of other leaders. He believes the key will be playing to their potential. “I think the potential to be a great football team is there,” Behm said. “Rather than focusing on how good other teams are, we are focusing on maximizing our potential and what we can do every Friday night.” The next step: “The next step for us is to be a regular team at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a team that people expect to see there. We’ve been to the playoffs three years in a row now, so that is getting more consistent. It would also be a big deal to be in contention for a region championship at the end of the year every year, rather than battling for the fourth spot.” — Aaron Behm, head coach

WESTLAKE Pleasant Grove senior lineman Tyler Trotter said. “That can be a recipe for disaster. Now that we have some experience and a feel for our coach, it feels like things are going to go a lot better.” Head coach Mark Wootton said staying healthy and getting better every week are the goals. “We don’t want to take a step back from where we were last year,” Wootton said. “Hopefully in our first game this year we will be at the same level as the end of last year. If we keep improving, by the time the state playoffs get here we should be experienced and explosive.” Wootton said four of the top seven teams in the state could be from Region 4 and might all make the state 6A semifinals. He believes that no matter how it shakes out, the league squads will be battle-tested. The next step: “The next step for us is to get to Rice-Eccles Stadium. That’s something we plan on doing. I think we have the kids who can do it and so if they play with confidence, we definitely have a chance to be there.” — Mark Wootton, head coach

JARED LLOYD, DAILY HERALD

Head Coach: Louis Wong 2016 record: 4-6 overall, 1-5 Region 4 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Blain Ballard (Jr. WR), Wyatt Brennan (Sr. RB), Cameron Byrd (Sr. OL), Noah Smith (Sr. OL), Stephen Kanuch (Sr. DL) Outlook: The Thunder come into 2017 as almost an afterthought, particularly with the powerhouses that headline the new Region 4. But Westlake senior offensive lineman Cameron Byrd said he and his team don’t mind being overlooked. “I feel like it keeps us fo-

The Westlake High football team practices on Aug. 7 as it gets ready for the 2017 season. cused, keeps us driven,” Byrd said. “I like it. They are nationally ranked. Those guys who I will be blocking are some of the best in the country and will play Division I football. If I can block them, then I can play Division I.” The senior believes the skill positions have plenty of talent and that, if the Thunder can stay healthy, they can be strong in the trenches. “The defensive line is all returning starters,” Byrd said. “In seven-on-sevens, the guys have been pretty solid.

We’re just focused on the first game.” The next step: “We’ve got to keep guys in our system. We have guys who will be with us all through the youth leagues but then will go to Lehi or Lone Peak or somewhere else. If we can keep all of our guys together, we would be up there with the best. Coach (Louis Wong) is doing a good job because he is so involved with everything. He’s creating that community of football.” — Cameron Byrd, senior offensive lineman

Building a Better Community JARED LLOYD, DAILY HERALD

The Pleasant Grove High football team practices on Aug. 7 as it gets ready for the 2017 season.

LONE PEAK

Head Coach: Bart Brockbank 2016 record: 12-2 overall, 6-0 Region 4 Playoffs: Lost to Bingham, 17-10, in 5A championship Players to watch: Thomas Bateman (Sr. LB), Andrew Ostler (Sr. LB), Kobe Freeman (Jr. RB), Brigham Trowbridge (Sr. WR/DB) Outlook: Lone Peak made it to the state 5A championship game for the past two seasons. If the Knights hope to make it back to the title game, they will need their inexperienced players

to get up to speed quickly. Brockbank was the offensive coordinator last year. He took over as head coach after Mike Mower decided to step down. Braden Siri and Brock Jones are competing for the starting quarterback spot. Freeman took over as the featured running back for the last three games of the 2016 regular season and was the top rusher in the playoffs. Cody Collins, Trowbridge and Kaden Clemens were all in the wide receiver rotation last year. The defense starts with Bateman, Ostler and Logan Greer at linebacker. Kevin West, Michael Daley and Jonah Vimahi will anchor the defensive line. The next step: “The key for us to take the next step is we need to stay hungry and continue to work hard at getting better. We’ve been one of two teams left standing for the last two years, now we want to be the last team standing.” — Bart Brockbank, head coach

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Lone Peak High running back Kobe Freeman (24) reaches for extra yards as he’s taken down by Lehi’s Dallin Holker (5) during a football game between the Lehi Pioneers and the Lone Peak Knights on Oct. 7 at Lehi High School.

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DAILY HERALD

5A SEASON PREVIEWS

LEHI

Head Coach: Ed Larson 2016 record: 8-4 overall, 4-2 Region 4 Playoffs: Lost to Bingham, 37-14, in 5A quarterfinals Players to watch: Cammon Cooper (Sr. QB), Dallin Holker (Sr. TE), Will Overstreet (Sr. S), Lincoln Bunker (Sr. LB/RB), Jase Andersen (Sr. OL/DL), Hayden Erickson (Sr. OL/DL) Outlook: Lehi has a proud football tradition, and after years of struggling, there is a new sense of optimism around the program heading into 2017. “Having kids being looked at collegiately is

exciting,” Lehi head coach Ed Larson said. “The nice thing that we talk about is that it’s great and to have a good time with it, but with rankings, none of it matters with the playoffs system.” Now Larson said the team has to reload from the excellent showing in 2016 and build to being even better. He believes he has pieces but is looking to the guys to push themselves harder and develop even more leadership. The Pioneers will be in a league with Salt Lake schools, which means there are new opportunities but also new challenges. Larson believes the opposition will be strong and said his guys will need to be ready. The next step: “The next for us is to build off of last year and go deeper in the playoffs than we did. I think everyone’s goal is to get to the carpet at Utah. That’s the next step for us to keep going DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD in the right direction. — Ed Larson, Lehi High quarterback Cammon Cooper (12) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during a game on head coach Sept. 16, in Lehi.

WASATCH

Head Coach: Steve Coburn 2016 record: 6-5 overall, 3-3 Region 8 Playoffs: Lost to Alta, 49-7, in 4A first round Players to watch: Brock Cloward (Sr. QB), Bob Schick (Sr. OL), Hunter Guymon (Sr. OL), Grayson Wynne (Jr. WR), Kaden Baxter (Sr. LB), DJ Cohen (Sr. DL) Outlook: Wasatch rode the running game last year to a playoff spot, but this year the Wasps will be airing it out more behind the arm of

Cloward at quarterback. He should have time to pick out a receiver since the strength of the team centers on the offensive line. The Wasps return three starters in Schick (6-5, 270), Guymon (6-3, 210) and Mitch Nelson (6-2, 270). Wynne, Carson Myers and Daymon Vargas provide options at wide receiver. The running game will be inexperienced, but Wasatch coach Steve Coburn is counting on Jaden Parkinson, Dawson Givens and Gerson Cabrera to grind out some yards on the ground. The defense will be counting on Wylder Smith, Nate Zabel and Cohen on the line. Cabrera, Baxter, Isaac Young and Parkinson give Wasatch a deep and active group at linebacker. The secondary will be relying on Wynne, Myers, Vargas, Bry-

dger Purdy, Keegan Sabey, Kaden Smith and Givens. “The line (offensive and defensive) will be our strength. As those guys go, the team will go,” Coburn said. “I also think the quarterback position will be a strength. Last year we were focused heavily on the run because we had a young quarterback. We’re still game-planning to be a running team but I think we will be able to throw the ball a lot more.” The next step: “We’ve been in the playoffs every year but one (in the last five years) but we haven’t made it out of the first round. We’ve got to continue to develop our kids and be more consistent staying on the field offensively and shutting down big plays on defense.” — Steve Coburn, head coach

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Timpview High players break through a Halloween-themed banner that reads “RIP Salem Hills” as they run out onto the field before a 4A state tournament first-round game against Salem Hills on Oct. 28 at Timpview High.

TIMPVIEW

Head Coach: Cary Whittingham 2016 record: 9-3 overall, 5-2 Region 7 Playoffs: Lost to East, 47-34, in 4A quarterfinals Players to watch: Karene Reid (Sr. LB), Jackson Cravens (Sr. DL), Jacob Bosco (Sr. DL), Hunter Erickson (Sr. WR), Jake Biggs (Sr. QB),

Amoni Tuha (Sr. RB) Outlook: With a solid core of returning starters on defense, Timpview should have enough talent to contend for a 5A title. Cravens and Bosco are returning starters at defensive end. The T’Birds bring back Reid, Braxton Whitney and Terrence Faumui at linebacker, and Beau Tu’ua figures to make an impact at safety. Timpview coach Cary Whittingham was mum on the starting quarterback position but it could be Biggs, a senior who has a legitimate 4.47-second 40 time, and that could give the T’Birds a running threat at quarterback. The bulk of the carries

should go to Tuha and Brian Stone. Jacob Jeffries and Canaan Yarro are returning starters on the offensive line. Erickson could be the biggest surprise in 5A. He hasn’t played since his sophomore year but now that he’s a senior he decided to put the pads on, and Timpview plans to make him a key to the passing attack. The next step: “The key is for us to stay healthy. If we had a few injuries to key players, we could be in trouble. Our defense has a lot of confidence but our offense has a bunch of new guys who will need to gain some confidence, and if that happens I think we’ll do well.” — Cary Whittingham, head coach

JARED LLOYD, DAILY HERALD

Wasatch High football players practice on the field in Heber City on Aug. 4, 2016.

2A SEASON PREVIEW

AMERICAN LEADERSHIP

Head Coach: Nate Porter 2016 record: 4-6 overall, 1-4 2A North Region Playoffs: Lost to South Sevier, 40-7, in 2A first round Players to watch: Owen Huff (Sr. RB), Jackson Shockley (Sr. TE), Holland Morley (Sr. DT), Ethan Morley (Sr. QB) Outlook: Porter steps into the head coaching role for the Eagles after spending the last seven years coaching every position group except quarterback at ALA. “This year we’re trying to redefine an identity,” Porter said. “The school has gone through so many head coaches in the past eight or nine years. We’re trying to get the kids to believe in the system. I think we’re

moving in a positive direction.” Porter is installing a new offense to take advantage of the talents of senior running back Huff, one of the state’s elite rugby players. Huff, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season, will be a focal point in a spread Wing T. “We’re going to line him up at fullback and let him go bruise people,” Porter said. Last year’s quarterback, Shockley, has moved to tight end and newcomer Ethan Morley, a senior, is a solid 5-foot-11, 195-pound speedster who will call signals. Defensively, big Holland Morley (6-0 ,295) will anchor both lines. The next step: “We’re creating our younger kids’ program. The overall numbers are not great, but the shining point is that we’re really starting to build up our younger kids. We have about 15 freshmen on this team. Our goal is to get 15 kids from each class, so instead of sitting on 35-40 kids my goal is to be at 70-80 kids in the next three or four years.” JARED LLOYD, DAILY HERALD — Nate Porter, head coach ALA football players run out of the tunnel at the stadium for practice in Spanish Fork on Aug. 10, 2016.

DAILY HERALD

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5A SEASON PREVIEWS

MAPLE MOUNTAIN

Head Coach: Brad Burtenshaw 2016 record: 7-6 overall, 5-1 Region 8 Playoffs: Lost to East, 64-13, in 4A semifinals Players to watch: Joe Biesinger (Sr. OL), Alex Knudsen (Sr. OL), Spencer Nelson (Sr. OL), Ethan Nelson (Sr. QB) Outlook: Burtenshaw was busy with graduation cards last spring. Maple Mountain’s senior class was huge and took with it plenty of great players. That includes All-State linebacker Garred Blanthorn — who also rushed for 13 touchdowns as a running back — versatile athlete Dawson Buetler and rugged linebacker Zack Mower. “That was a good group we had,” Burtenshaw said. “I believe that every good program always has a good senior class. It’s something we’ve tried

PROVO

Head Coach: Tony McGeary 2016 record: 7-5 overall, 4-3 Region 7 Playoffs: Lost to Maple Mountain, 27-20, in 4A first round Players to watch: Bryce Orton (Sr. QB), Kelton Bertagini (Sr. TE/DE), Brock Heideman (Sr. OL), Nick Stoddard (Sr., WR), Ho’ola Arakaki (Sr. RB) Outlook: Even with the loss of big-time playmakers Ty Jones, Spencer Jorgensen and Tevita Ika, the Provo program has reached a new level where it reloads versus being in a perpetual rebuilding mode. This senior class was undefeated as sophomores and possesses solid talent from

to work on. We don’t have a lot of experience coming back but we do have some good athletes and some good players returning.” Burtenshaw has a strong base of three returners to anchor the lines in Biesinger, Knudsen and Spencer Nelson, but newcomers will have to step up at virtually every other position. Ethan Nelson — last year’s JV quarterback — and Cameron Dorny — last year’s sophomore signal caller — are competing to replace varsity starter Tyson Denison. After losing its first five games last season, Maple Mountain recovered to win seven in a row. The Golden Eagles advanced to the state semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion East. Just getting back to the playoffs would be a nice accomplishment for a very young team. Maple Mountain is now in Class 5A Region 8 with Provo, Skyridge, Springville, Timpanogos and Wasatch, a pretty tough league when it comes to football. The next step: “Hopefully, success breeds success. It’s really just about getting the players in the right DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD spots and asking them to do the things physically and mentally so they can be successful.” Maple Mountain High’s Joe Biesinger (55) reacts as he and his teammates kneel on the field after the — Brad Burtenshaw, Golden Eagles lost their final game of the season in the 4A playoffs to East High on Nov. 11 at Ricehead coach Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

top to bottom. Even more important is there is excitement about the program in the school and throughout the community. Athletes who used to specialize in just one sport have joined the program, and the youth teams have good numbers and enthusiasm. Head coach Tony McGeary has a strong coaching staff with two former head coaches as assistants and other coaches with experience. With East up at 6A and Timpview in Region 7, Provo fans are dreaming big of competing for a league title and a deeper playoff run. However, Provo has to get over the hurdle of winning that first-round state playoff game, something the Bulldogs have not done since the 2006 season. The next step: “The next step for us would be getting through that first round of the playoffs. We have improved immensely, but collectively we have to get over that hump.” — Tony McGeary, head coach

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Provo High running back Tevita Ika (9) catches a pass near midfield during a game between Provo and Skyridge on Oct. 25, in Orem.

TIMPANOGOS

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

The team captains lock arms and head onto the field for the first time during the first Skyridge football home game against Ridgeline High on Aug. 18, 2016, in Lehi.

SKYRIDGE

Head Coach: Jon Lehman 2016 record: 6-5 overall, 4-3 Region 7 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Alex Palmer (Sr. DB), Colby Samuels (Sr. WR), Ben Read (Sr. OL), Kalil Hunkin (Sr. OL), Josh Hadfield (Sr. RB) Outlook: The Falcons burst onto the scene with a solid inaugural season, making waves with five wins in their first six games, followed by a dramatic shootout loss to Alta. Now Skyridge faces the challenge of maintaining or exceeding that success without some key faces. “I think we caught some people off-guard last season,” head coach Jon Lehman said. “But we played a lot of youth,

so we are excited to be in situations with guys who have been there before.” One of the things Lehman enjoys is seeing new leaders emerge, and he has high hopes for guys like Palmer, Samuels, Read and Hunkin as they take on that mantle. The Falcons will compete in Class 5A in a solid region, but Lehman is confident his guys will be ready for the challenge. The next step: “We are ready to take the next step. We believe that talent and hard work will lead to progress. We have a lot of talented kids and an incredible coaching staff. We want to push our guys to get the most out of them in every situation. I expect our team to be a really good team. We are ready to take the next step where we aren’t surprising people but are a good football team that is physical and disciplined that plays at a high level week in and week out.” — Jon Lehman, head coach

Head Coach: Daniel Tervort 2016 record: 3-7 overall, 1-6 Region 7 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Hunter Greer (Sr. DE), Seth Trowbridge (Sr. LB), Matt Harris (Sr. LB), Kaden Bretzing (Jr. OL), Rory Ziegra (So. RB), Kaleb Ashdown (Jr. RB/C) Outlook: Timpanogos head coach Daniel Tervort is doing the right things to bring the Timberwolves along, and keeping potential football players living in the boundaries from going elsewhere is key for Timpanogos going forward. Numbers are up in the program as is the quality of ath-

letes. Many players had to play varsity as sophomores and even as freshmen, but those players are bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced for the 2017 campaign. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves are in Region 8, a league that has depth, and that means no region game will be easy. It might be a stretch for Timpanogos to break into the top four in Region 8 and make the playoffs this season, but certainly proving doubters wrong is on the minds of the players and coaches. Still, if the Timberwolves can be competitive and win a league game (or two), as well as some preseason tilts, that could go a long way in the rebuilding process. The next step: “The next step would be getting over .500 and qualifying for the playoffs. Having that chance to play when it matters and competing for the region championship is our goal.” — Daniel Tervort, head coach

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Timpanogos High football players takes time to focus and prepare in the locker room before a Timpanogos home game against Payson on Aug. 19, 2016, in Orem.

SPRINGVILLE

Head Coach: Willy Child 2016 record: 12-1 overall, 6-0 Region 8 Playoffs: Lost to East, 48-20, in 4A championship Players to watch: Ty Eriksson (Sr. QB), Cole Bowers (Sr. RB/DB), Lakei Kolomalu (Sr. OL), Bradyn Jackson (Sr. OL) Ben Schreiner (Jr. WR) Bradley Nicol (Sr. DL) Outlook: The Red Devils are coming off one of the greatest seasons in school history. They took a perfect season into the state 4A championship game against East before setISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD tling for second. Springville High players take a break in their locker room during halftime of a game against the Orem Springville returns seven players with Tigers in the first round of the 4A state football tournament on Oct. 29 at Springville High School. starting experience. Bowers will take over

the bulk of the rushing duties. He will be counting on Kolomalu and Jackson, a pair of returning starters on the offensive line, to open up some holes. Schreiner returns at wide receiver and Eriksson will take over at quarterback. He started one game at quarterback when Jantsen Thorpe was hurt last year. Nicol is a returning starter at defensive end. Bowers and Schreiner will both play in the secondary along with Griffan Slavens. “We have good team speed on offense and defense,” said Springville coach Willy Child. “The guys who got playing time last year know what it’s like to be successful and those who didn’t are hungry to prove themselves.” The next step: “I think we’ve been able to take another step forward because of the combination of mainly two things. Our kids have seen the older players work hard and they know what’s expected and our players have been unselfish. They don’t care who gets the ball on the 1-yard line, or how many passing or rushing yards someone has. Those are things that I think this year’s team will do well in.” — Willy Child, head coach

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4A SEASON PREVIEWS

DAILY HERALD

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Head Coach: Tyler Anderson 2016 record: 0-10, 0-7 Region 7 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Noah Jensen (Sr. RB/WR), Riley Sinema (Sr. DB/WR), David Herring (Jr. OL), Gabe McNeff (Sr. OL), Nata Suguturaga (Sr. WR) Outlook: The Bruins experienced a ton of growing pains and didn’t win a game last fall, but Mountain View has reason to hope it has turned a corner. “We’ll have some experience back,” head coach Tyler Anderson said. “We played a lot of young kids last year. I’m excited by what I’ve seen in the offseason. This summer’s at-

tendance has been better than last year and they’ve been working hard.” The biggest concern is depth. Anderson believes his starters are good enough to be competitive but hopes the next unit will be able to step in when needed. Mountain View changed classifications and Anderson likes the fact that his guys will be battling against schools of similar size, some of which have faced similar challenges. “Going down a classification will help us compete,” Anderson said. “We won’t be going against Alta and Corner Canyon and Timpview. It’s not going to be a cakewalk, but in that way it will be good for us.” The next step: “The next step for us is to get a few wins. It was hard because you tell the kids that their hard work is going to pay off but that it might not be in football. It might be in life after football. But if we could get some wins, get some confidence and get that monkey off their back, that would be the next step for ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD Mountain View.” — Tyler Anderson, Mountain View High running back junior Noah Jensen (31) drives past Spanish Fork linebacker Hunter head coach Clark during a game Aug. 19, 2016, at Spanish Fork High School.

PAYSON

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Salem Hills’ High head coach Joel Higginson talks to his players at halftime of a 4A first-round playoff game against Timpview on Oct. 28 at Timpview High in Provo.

SALEM HILLS

Head Coach: Harry Schwenke 2016 record: 6-5 overall, 4-2 Region 8 Playoffs: Lost to Timpview 66-19 in 4A first round Players to watch: Garrett Lloyd (Sr. RB/DB), James Nelson (Sr. QB), Brook Vaitohi (Sr. RB/LB), Jacob Rolfe (Sr. DE) Outlook: Schwenke, the Skyhawks’ offensive coordinator the past two years, steps in to replace Joel Higginson as the head man in Salem. “We’re going to be physical,” Schwenke said. “That’s one of the things we’ve struggled with in the past, so we’re trying to change the culture. We want kids that are more mentally tough. I think we’ve always had the talent and skill to win games, but that’s never gotten us far enough in the playoffs.” The Skyhawks said good-

bye to one of the state’s most productive players in running back/linebacker Vili Wolfgramm, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards, totaled 113 tackles and was named firstteam All-State. Nelson passed for 12 touchdowns last season and is a 6-foot-6 playmaker who will cause defenses fits. Big bruiser Vaitohi and speedster Lloyd will rotate at running back. Vaitohi and Rolfe will anchor a defense that returns six starters. The Skyhawks landed in Class 4A Region 10 after realignment along with Mountain View, Orem, Payson, Spanish Fork and Uintah. Reaching the semifinals — which are held at the University of Utah — for the first time in school history would be a huge step for the program. The next step: “You can ask any of our players or coaches, our goal is to get to Rice-Eccles (Stadium). If we can get there, anything can happen. We’ve implemented an offseason program where the kids are getting stronger and quicker. They are buying into what we’re selling earlier.” — Harry Schwenke, head coach

Head Coach: Derek Campbell 2016 record: 1-9 overall, 0-6 Region 8 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Matt Van Moos (Sr. QB), Jaidon Tueller (Sr. LB/K), Isaac Robbins (Sr. OL/DL), Riley Hansen (Jr. WR), Chase Muniz (Jr. RB/LB) Outlook: Campbell’s rebuilding project had a tough start. The Lions won just one game last season (47-21 over Ogden) but the work continues in south county. BYU recruit Tyler Batty was a big force last season, playing both tight end and defensive end. Batty has moved on but Campbell has a large group of young players who are hungry to turn Payson into a winner. “Last year we struggled,” Campbell said. “We didn’t

have a lot of returners, three total, and then looking at the first game and we had two of them injured. A lot of the guys were thrown into the fire. We now have good depth and good team chemistry, I think we have a better team than last year.” The Lions are in Region 10 with Mountain View, Orem, Salem Hills, Spanish Fork and Uintah, which Campbell believes is a great fit for a program that is trying to build. “I think this new region is going to be a great fit for us,” he said. “It’s made up of schools who can compete against each other. Knowing that it is open to everyone is a huge moral boost to the players.” The next step: “In the long run, we have team goals with our main goal to be region champs. I think that is everyone’s goal but we had to put that as our goal so the players can see why we are putting all the hard work in. For us to get to the next level, we are trying to develop our strength. That will pay dividends in the future.” — Derek Campbell, head coach

NEIL K. WARNER, DAILY HERALD

Payson High goes through a set of drills in practice. Derek Campbell is hoping he can help the Lions be more competitive in his first year as head coach.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Orem High junior defensive back Vincent Higgins, right, shadows senior defensive back Chris Daley during the Tigers’ first day of football practice July 31 at Orem High School.

OREM

Head Coach: Jeremy Hill 2016 record: 5-7 overall, 4-3 Region 7 Playoffs: Lost to Springville, 42-17, in 4A first round Players to watch: Puka Nacua (Jr. WR), Cooper Legas (Jr. QB), Cayne Sau’toa (Sr. DL) Peter Kenese (Sr. LB), Billy Tenney (Sr. LB) Outlook: Orem rallied last year to make the playoffs. The Tigers won their last three region games to earn a play-in game against Corner Canyon. The Tigers won that game but lost to Springville in the first round of the playoffs to finish the season at 5-7. “We were 5-7 last year but really we were more like an 8-4 type of team. MaxPreps ranked our schedule last year as the toughest schedule of any team in Utah,” said Orem

coach Jeremy Hill. “We don’t have as much depth as we did last year but we have a lot of talented players with experience returning.” The defense should be solid with the return of Sau’toa at defensive tackle and Kenese and Tenney at linebacker. Cole Watts, Ryan To’a and Hunter Hill all started on the offensive line and Dylan Petersen also worked in the rotation. The line also features freshman Kingsley Suamataia, who has already been offered a scholarship by Brigham Young and Utah State. Legas emerged as the starting quarterback midway through the season. He was 4-1 as a starter. Legas has a good connection with wide receiver Nacua, who was 17 yards short of 1,000 receiving yards last year. The next step: “I think we will definitely benefit from the new realignment. We should be the favorite to win the region but when it comes to playoff time, I don’t think there is a lot of difference between the top 4A and 5A teams.” — Jeremy Hill, head coach

SPANISH FORK

Head Coach: Preston Parrish 2016 record: 4-6 overall, 2-4 Region 8 Playoffs: None Players to watch: Gavin Campbell (Sr. DE), Carson Chappell (Sr. QB), Wei Stanton (Sr. P/WR), Mateen Lomax (Sr. RB), Jarom Jones (Sr. OL), Vai Tukuafu (OL) Outlook: Though the newly formed Region 12 will have familiar faces, the Spanish Fork faithDOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD ful have to be hopeful the change to 4A will Spanish Fork High defensive lineman Jared VanSchyndel (52) looks to the crowd during a Spanish Fork bring better fortunes. football home game against Maple Mountain on Sept. 23 in Spanish Fork. When last in 3AA, which is most like the cur-

rent 4A, Spanish Fork made a trip to the state championship game. That might be a lofty expectation this season, but last year the Dons beat three teams in their new league while many teams that beat them are now in 5A. The Dons have a bevy of returning starters and others who have varsity experience. Head coach Preston Parrish is in his second year at the helm, and there should be more comfort in the offensive and defensive systems and overall program philosophy. The Dons also should be solid on special teams with an all-state punter and dynamic return specialist. On top of that, the entire offensive line returns with varsity experience. Expect the Dons to return to the playoffs and to have a good chance of advancing in the bracket. The next step: “The next step would be competing for the region title and a run in the playoffs. We have enough guys coming back to make a run into state.” — Preston Parrish, head coach

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | B9

B10 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 | B11

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Prep Football Schedules REGION 4 Lone Peak

8/18 at Herriman 7 p.m. 8/25 at Dixie 7 p.m. 9/1 vs Lehi 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Highland 7 p.m. 9/14 at Kearns 7 p.m. 9/22 vs American Fork 7 p.m. 9/29 at Bingham 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Westlake 7 p.m. 10/12 at Pleasant Grove 7 p.m.

Pleasant Grove

American Fork

8/18 at Weber 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Timpview 7 p.m. 9/1 at Servite, Calif. 5 p.m. 9/8 vs Herriman 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Westlake 7 p.m. 9/22 at Lone Peak 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Granger 7 p.m. 10/6 at Pleasant Grove 7 p.m. 10/13 vs Bingham 7 p.m.

Westlake

8/18 vs Corner Canyon 7 p.m. 8/25 at Fremont 7 p.m. 9/1 at Jordan 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Riverton 7 p.m. 9/15 at Bingham 7 p.m. 9/22 at Hillcrest 7 p.m. 9/29 at Westlake 7 p.m. 10/6 vs American Fork 7 p.m. 10/12 vs Lone Peak 7 p.m. 10/18 at West Jordan 7 p.m.

8/18 vs West Jordan 7 p.m. 8/25 at Provo 7 p.m. 9/1 at Corner Canyon 7 p.m. 9/8 vs East 7 p.m. 9/15 at American Fork 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Bingham 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Pleasant Grove 7 p.m. 10/6 at Lone Peak 7 p.m. 10/13 vs Cyprus 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Taylorsville 7 p.m.

REGION 6

REGION 7

Lehi

Timpview

8/18 at Alta 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Pine View 7 p.m. 9/1 at Lone Peak 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Springville 7 p.m. 9/15 at Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Olympus 7 p.m. 9/29 at West 7 p.m. 10/6 at Highland 7 p.m. 10/13 vs Murray 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Skyline 7 p.m.

8/17 vs East 7 p.m. 8/25 at American Fork 7 p.m. 9/2 at Del Oro, Calif. 4:30 p.m. 9/8 vs Provo 7 p.m. 9/22 at Corner Canyon 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Alta 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Brighton 7 p.m. 10/12 at Jordan 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Cottonwood 7 p.m.

REGION 8 Maple Mountain

Provo

Skyridge

Springville

Wasatch

Timpanogos

8/18 at Woods Cross 7 p.m. 8/25 at Uintah 7 p.m. 9/1 vs Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Salem Hills 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Lehi 7 p.m. 9/22 at Springville 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Provo 7 p.m. 10/6 at Wasatch 7 p.m. 10/13 vs Skyridge 7 p.m. 10/18 at Timpanogos 7 p.m.

8/18 vs Riverton 7 p.m. 8/25 at Murray 7 p.m. 9/1 vs Roy 7 p.m. 9/8 at Viewmont 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 9/22 at Provo 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Timpanogos 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Springville 7 p.m. 10/13 at Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 10/18 at Wasatch 7 p.m. 8/25 at Mountain Crest 7 p.m. 9/1 vs Mountain View 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Skyline 7 p.m. 9/15 at Cottonwood 7 p.m. 9/22 at Timpanogos 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Springville 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 10/12 at Provo 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Skyridge 7 p.m.

8/18 at Cedar 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Westlake 7 p.m. 9/1 at Riverton 7 p.m. 9/8 at Timpview 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Orem 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Skyridge 7 p.m. 9/29 at Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Timpanogos 7 p.m. 10/12 vs Wasatch 7 p.m. 10/18 at Springville 7 p.m. 8/18 vs Dixie 7 p.m. 8/25 at Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 9/1 at Sky View 7 p.m. 9/8 at Lehi 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Jordan 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 9/29 at Wasatch 7 p.m. 10/6 at Skyridge 7 p.m. 10/12 vs Timpanogos 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Provo 7 p.m. 8/18 at Payson 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Mountain View 7 p.m. 9/1 at Canyon View 7 p.m. 9/8 vs West 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Uintah 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Wasatch 7 p.m. 9/29 at Skyridge 7 p.m. 10/6 at Provo 7 p.m. 10/12 at Springville 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Maple Mountain 7 p.m.

REGION 10 Spanish Fork

Orem

Mountain View

Payson

8/18 vs Ridgeline 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Springville 7 p.m. 9/1 at Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 9/8 at Uintah 7 p.m. 9/15 at Skyridge 7 p.m. 9/22 at Salem Hills 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Payson 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Mountain View 7 p.m. 10/18 at Orem 7 p.m.

8/18 vs Hurricane 7 p.m. 8/25 at Timpanogos 7 p.m. 9/1 at Wasatch 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Union 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Payson 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Orem 7 p.m. 9/29 at Uintah 7 p.m. 10/6 at Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 10/12 at Salem Hills 7 p.m. 10/18 at West 7 p.m.

Salem Hills

8/18 vs Ben Lomond 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Desert Hills 7 p.m. 9/1 vs Juab 7 p.m. 9/8 at Maple Mountain 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Orem 7 p.m. 10/6 at Payson 7 p.m. 10/12 vs Mountain View 7 p.m. 10/18 at Uintah 7 p.m.

8/18 at Bingham 7 p.m. 8/26 vs Sutter, Calif. 4 p.m. 9/2 vs Bakersfield, Calif. 1 p.m. 9/8 vs Corner Canyon 7 p.m. 9/15 at Provo 7 p.m. 9/22 at Mountain View 7 p.m. 9/29 at Salem Hills 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Uintah 7 p.m. 10/12 at Payson 7 p.m. 10/18 vs Spanish Fork 7 p.m.

8/18 vs Timpanogos 7 p.m. 8/25 at Carbon 7 p.m. 9/1 at Emery 7 p.m. 9/8 vs Park City 7 p.m. 9/15 at Mountain View 7 p.m. 9/22 vs Uintah 7 p.m. 9/29 at Spanish Fork 7 p.m. 10/6 vs Salem Hills 7 p.m. 10/12 vs Orem 7 p.m. 10/18 at Logan 7 p.m.

3A SOUTH

2A NORTH

Juab

ALA

8/18 vs Delta 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Cedar 7 p.m. 9/1 at Salem Hills 7 p.m. 9/8 at Ben Lomond 7 p.m. 9/15 vs Richfield 7 p.m. 9/22 at Manti 7 p.m. 9/29 vs Summit Academy 7 p.m. 10/6 at Juan Diego 7 p.m. 10/13 vs North Sanpete 7 p.m.

8/18 vs Duchesne 7 p.m. 8/25 vs Layton Christian 7 p.m. 9/1 at Grand 7 p.m. 9/8 vs North Sevier 7 p.m. 9/15 vs South Summit 7 p.m. 9/22 at Millard 7 p.m. 9/29 at Gunnison 7 p.m. 10/6 at North Summit 7 p.m. 10/13 vs Delta 7 p.m.

B12 | SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017

DAILY HERALD

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