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LOGAN GRIZZLIES
THE HURRY-UP
Logan finished 7-4 overall, 4-2 in league play, and lost to Skyline, 29-13, in the first round in 2014.
OFFENSE
Logan coach Mike Favero said quarterback Hunter Horsley athletically is "as good [of a quarterback] as we've had." Let's take a moment to let that comment marinate.
The past nine quarterbacks at Logan — Ben Macey (2003), Riley Nelson ('04-05), Chaz Housley ('06), Jeff Manning ('07-08), Tyler Stevens ('09), DJ Nelson ('10-11), Luke Falk ('10 and '12), Chase Nelson ('13) and Kinkade Wildman ('14) — combined to throw for 34,442 yards and 396 touchdowns and run for 8,856 yards and 148 touchdowns.
If that statement proves accurate — watch out.
"He's really similar to DJ Nelson, as an athlete," Favero said. "I'm not going to say he's going to be as good as DJ Nelson, but they're very similar the way they play."
Favero said success offensively this season lies with Horsley performing well and five new offensive linemen acclimating to the varsity level. However, with the scheme the Grizzlies employ, it's all about attacking the gaps in the defense. Watch for Hartman Rector and Spencer Corbett as the next line of great receivers from Logan.
"To me, the No. 1 guy is the guy who performs the best," Favero said.
"Our offense isn't predicated upon necessarily throwing it to a particular person. It's a scheme, a weakness of the defense or a void in the defense. We call the play on the structure of the defense and try to attack."
DEFENSE
The Grizzlies have the potential to be special defensively this season with seven returning starters, but as Favero accurately stated, potential and performance are two separate entities. Troy Murray — a beast of a defensive end — returns after recording 14.5 sacks last season. Colton Hatch is back, too, after totaling 107 tackles from his strong safety position. Eric Laub, who corralled four interceptions in 2014, commands an improved secondary with fellow returning starters Clay Thompson and Hatch.
"Each year, in my opinion, one of the beauties of high school football — it's kind of like playing poker," Favero said. "You get a new hand dealt to you each year, and each hand is slightly different. The job is trying to put the pieces together and get them in the right spot."
WHAT TO EXPECT
Logan is one of the favorites in Class 3AA. Period. After moving down in classification, with the talent returning on both sides of the ball, the Grizzlies will put up huge numbers and challenge for the state title immediately.
BIG SHOES
Chad Artist is gone after catching 50 balls for 909 yards and 14 scores. "He was such a vertical, speed threat that you could really stretch the defense. Of course if they loosened up because they were nervous about his vertical threat, it could open things up underneath. We won't be able to replicate that elite speed," Favero said.
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH IN REGION: 1
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Hunter Horsley (Sr.), 53-102-692-2, 7 TDs
Rushing: Hunter Horsley, 168 att., 1,013 yds., 10 TDs
Receiving: Hartman Rector (Sr.), 58 rec., 735 yds., 7 TDs
Tackles: Colton Hatch (Sr.), 107
Sacks: Troy Murray (Sr.), 14.5
Interceptions: Eric Laub (Sr.), 4
2014 RANKINGS
OFFENSE AVERAGE REGION (of 7) CLASS (of 13)
Scoring: 26.4ppg 4 7
Rushing: 107.2ypg 5 9
Passing: 220.6ypg 1 2
Total: 327.8ypg 4 7
DEFENSE
Scoring: 22.5ppg 3 6
Rushing: 162ypg 3 5
Passing: 205.4ypg 7 13
Total: 367.4ypg 5 10
COACHING BIO
Name: Mike Favero
Years with school: 16
Alma mater: Utah State
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Hunter Horsley (Sr.)
RB: Taylor Baker (Sr.)
WR: Hartman Rector (Sr.)
WR: Kaden Jones (Jr.)
WR: Spencer Corbett (Sr.)
WR: Troy Murray (Sr.)
WR: Joey Miller (Sr.)
OL: Zach Miller (Sr.)
OL: Kade Parrish
OL: Isaac Ruiz (Sr.)
OL: Bracken Willie (Sr.)
OL: Adam Ringler (Sr.)
DEFENSE
DE: Troy Murray (Sr.)
DT: Richard Mendez (Sr.)
DT: Josh Rollins (Sr.)
DE: Levi Atuatasi (Sr.)
LB: Chance Corless (Jr.)
LB: Ben Miller (Sr.)
LB: Kevin Ly (Sr.)
DB: Eric Laub (Sr.)
DB: Kaden Freeman (Sr.)
WS: Clay Thompson (Sr.)
SS: Colton Hatch (Sr.)
FS: Will King (Sr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Clay Thompson (Sr.)
P: Kevin Ly (Sr.)
R: Colton Hatch (Sr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Date, opponent, time (2014 result)
Aug. 21, Box Elder, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-21 OT)
Aug. 28, Sky View, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-13)
Sept. 4, at Mountain Crest, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-14)
Sept. 11, Judge Memorial, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18, Ben Lomond, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, at Tooele, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, at Bear River, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-16)
Oct. 8, Stansbury, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14, at Desert Hills, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23, at Park City, 7 p.m.