This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
MORGAN TROJANS
2014 RECAP
Morgan finished 6-4 overall, 3-2 in 3A North; lost to Manti in state quarterfinals.
OFFENSE
It might have been the case anyway, but with no varsity experience coming back at the quarterback position, it'll be the running attack that will bear the offensive load for the Trojans — at least at the beginning of the season.
Senior running back Spencer Larson will be a go-to option for Morgan, and he's got some experienced linemen to run behind in the form of senior center Bridger Snyder as well as tackles Carson Rupe and Hunder Beddoes.
Also look for senior Wyatt Ekblad to get an opportunity for some yards at the fullback spot.
Quarterback is still a spot to be resolved for Morgan, as would-be potential starter Nick Porter moved to Lehi. In his stead will be a pair of juniors, Tucker Skinner and Connor Savage, vying for time at signal-caller.
Whoever wins the job will have one tall target at tight end in 6-foot-6 senior Brock Spens, as well as two more senior receivers — Ryan Milburn and slot-man Logan Cameron.
DEFENSE
The defensive push starts with Ekblad at one tackle position, where the senior will anchor the line along with the likes of Spens and fellow senior Chucko Kane at defensive end spots.
If Morgan can stop opponents with the same kind of success it did in 2014, it'll give the offense time to develop a consistent attack. Last season, the Trojans gave up only 13 points a game — best in Class 3A.
Senior Bridger Snyder and junior Conley Breshears are set to patrol the middle from inside linebacker positions while another junior, Austin Francis, is likely to start at the outside.
Some of the same personnel who look to move the ball offensively for the Trojans will also be looking at thwarting other offenses' passing attacks. Larson and Milburn will return as starting cornerbacks, and Cameron will roam as a safety with some linebacker responsibilities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Although Morgan exited the 3A North playoffs in the first round, the Trojans clearly weren't all that far outside of the inner circle for the classification. Manti, which beat Morgan 12-7, fell to eventual champ Judge Memorial by a couple of touchdowns in the semis. Judge itself, which waltzed to a 63-14 championship game win over Juab, only beat Morgan by five points three weeks earlier.
"We're not too shabby. We don't have a ton of experience, but we have a few who helped out last year," Morgan coach Kovi Christiansen said. "We've got a good group of leaders in the senior class. They're competitive — I like that."
BIG SHOES
Wyatt Ekblad didn't see any time on offense last year. But if his performance on that side of the line approximates what he does on defense, it could be a big year for the senior. Ekblad has size (6-0, 235) that could cause would-be tacklers trouble when he gets the ball at fullback. But it's as a tackler that Ekblad will spearhead the Trojans as he tries to replicate his all-state junior year at defensive tackle for his final season.
RETURNING LEADERS
Rushing: Spencer Larsen, 39-200 yds, 5 TDs
Receiving: Ryan Milburn, 5-28 yds
Tackles: Wyatt Ekblad, 54
Sacks: Wyatt Ekblad, 6
2014 RANKINGS
Offense
Scoring: 26.7 ppg (2nd in 3A North) (4th in 3A)
Rushing: 170.2 ypg (3rd in 3A North) (5th in 3A)
Passing: 115.8 ypg (3rd in 3A North) (6th in 3A)
Total: 286 ypg (3rd in 3A North) (6th in 3A)
Defense
Scoring: 13.5 ppg (1st in 3A North) (1st in 3A)
Rushing: 134.6 ypg (1st in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
Passing: 109.6 ypg (3rd in 3A North) (4th in 3A)
Total: 244.2 ypg (2nd in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
COACHING BIO
Name: Kovi Christiansen, 9th year
Record: 6-4
Career Record: 60-31
Alma mater: Lovell H.S. (Wyo.); Wyoming
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Tucker Skinner (5-10, 150, Jr.)
RB: Spencer Larson (5-10, 180, Sr.)
FB: Wyatt Ekblad (6-0, 235, Sr.)
WR: Ryan Milburn (6-2, 170, Sr.)
WR: Logan Cameron (5-11, 175, Sr.)
C: Jarred Carrigan (6-0, 265, Sr.)
OG: Caleb Richins (6-0, 185, Sr.)
OT: Carson Rupe (6-1, 200, Sr.)
OT: Hunter Beddoes (6-2, 240, Jr.)
OL: Chucko Kane (6-3, 225, Sr.)
TE: Brock Spens (6-6, 215, Sr.)
DEFENSE
DT: Wyatt Ekblad (6-0, 235, Sr.)
DE: Chucko Kane (6-3, 225, Sr.)
DE: Brock Spens (6-6, 215, Sr.)
OLB: Austin Francis (6-0, 175, Jr.)
ILB: Bridger Snyder (6-0, 185, Sr.)
ILB: Wyatt Ekblad (6-0, 235, Sr.)
OLB: Tyler Hansen (5-10, 180, Sr.)
CB: Spencer Larson (5-10, 180, Sr.)
CB: Ryan Milburn (6-2, 170, Sr.)
S: Logan Cameron (5-11, 175, Sr.)
S: Connor Savage (6-1, 165, Jr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
P-PK: Dallen Calder (5-9, 150, Sr.)
KR-PR: Spencer Larson (5-10, 180, Sr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 Bear River, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 at South Summit, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Ben Lomond, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Delta, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Juan Diego, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Emery, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Carbon, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 Union, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 North Sanpete, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Grantsville, 7 p.m.