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JUAN DIEGO SOARING EAGLE
2014 RECAP
Juan Diego finished 5-5 overall, 5-1 in 3AA North; lost to Hurricane in quarterfinals.
OFFENSE
If competition makes the whole lot better, look out for whoever survives the battle for the team's starting running back spots. Juan Diego has "six to eight kids that can play the position," according to Soaring Eagle coach John Colosimo.
Leading the group is junior Ryan Baker, while seniors Kaden Hayward and Colin Milton will also likely get some carries. Juniors Stone Azarcon and Gavin Skirucha give Juan Diego even more rushing depth.
Passing targets for Hoffman this season, aside from the cadre of running backs, include senior Cullen Woodley, Colton Bailey, sophomore Zach Hoffman, junior Chantz Hower and senior Devin Johnson.
One point of concern, at least as far as returning experience is concerned, might be the line. Jorge Rico (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) and Brian Kelly (6-5, 245) are seasoned and have size, leading the way respectively from tackle and guard positions.
DEFENSE
While Juan Diego routinely moved the chains on offense, the defense gave up 378 yards a game last season — including an alarming 220 yards a contest to opposing rushing attacks.
The Soaring Eagle defensive unit charged with turning that stat around will include Rico at linebacker and Kelly at a defensive tackle slot. Seniors Paul Neeley and Anthony Van Ekelenberg will also man the line, along with sophomore Kyle Abundo.
At linebacker, look for Azarcon, Caden Salazar and Brandon Alex to help out Rico.
The secondary has a rare returning starter in Danny Wilson, as the senior will return as a cornerback. He'll get help from Woodley, Hoffman and Bailey while Hayward, Baker and Josh Vasquez are among the pool of candidates to play at safety.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It's back to the 3A level for Juan Diego, which will have to reacquaint itself with some old foes after being in 3AA the last few years.
"We played a lot of those teams 10 years ago," said Colosimo, the only head coach in JD's young history. "But we've evolved and they've evolved."
What's become usual for the Soaring Eagle is graduating plenty of starters yet remaining very competitive the following year.
"We lost a lot of kids from last year's team, but that's pretty typical of our team," Colosimo said. "I've got a group of seniors who are ready to step up."
BIG SHOES
The quarterback position will have a different look for the Soaring Eagle in 2015, as 6-foot-5 Alex Hoffman succeeds Gabe Colosimo as Juan Diego's triggerman. Hoffman did get some playing time at QB in a few games, and coach Colosimo calls him a "good leader who throws well." Look for the senior to also see some action at a cornerback spot on defense.
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Alex Hoffman, 22-41-308 yds
Rushing: Ryan Baker, 72-376 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Cullen Woodley, 2-12 yds
Tackles: Blake Moore, 67
Sacks: Jorge Rico, 3.5
Interceptions: Danny Wilson, 1
2014 RANKINGS
Offense
Scoring: 26.0 ppg (4th in 3AA North) (7th in 3AA)
Rushing: 227.0 ypg (3rd in 3AA North) (4th in 3AA)
Passing: 152.0 ypg (3rd in 3AA North) (6th in 3AA)
Total: 379.0 ypg (2nd in 3AA North) (4th in 3AA)
Defense
Scoring: 32.8 ppg (5th in 3AA North) (12th in 3AA)
Rushing: 220.8 ypg (5th in 3AA North) (10th in 3AA)
Passing: 157.6 ypg (5th in 3AA North) (8th in 3AA)
Total: 378.4 ypg (5th in 3AA North) (10th in 3A)
COACHING BIO
Name: John Colosimo, 16th year
Record: 145-35
Career Record: 191-110
Alma mater: Judge Memorial H.S.
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Alex Hoffman (6-5, 210, Sr.)
RB: Ryan Baker (5-10, 175, Sr.)
RB: Kaden Hayward (5-10, 175, Sr.)
RB: Stone Azarcon (6-0, 180, Jr.)
WR: Zach Hoffman (6-0, 165, So.)
WR: Colin Milton (5-5, 150, Sr.)
WR: Chantz Hower (6-1, 175, Jr.)
OT: Jorge Rico (6-1, 215, Sr.)
OG: Brian Kelly (6-5, 245, Sr.)
DEFENSE
DE: Paul Neeley (6-0, 200, Sr.)
DT: Anthony Van Ekelenberg (6-2, 190, Sr.)
DT: Kyle Abundo (6-0, 200, So.)
OLB: Stone Azarcon (6-0, 180, Jr.)
ILB: Jorge Rico (6-1, 215, Sr.)
ILB: Blake Moore (6-1, 205, Sr.)
CB: Danny Wilson (5-10, 180, Sr.)
CB: Cullen Woodley (5-10, 180, Sr.)
CB: Alex Hoffman (6-5, 210, Sr.)
S: Chantz Hower (6-1, 175, Jr.)
S: Ryan Baker (5-10, 175, Sr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK/P: Dillon Savage (5-10, 170, Sr.)
KR/PR: Ryan Baker (5-10, 175, Sr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 at West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 Manti, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Snow Canyon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Murray, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Morgan, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Union, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Grantsville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Carbon, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Canyon View, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Emery, 7 p.m.