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Manti Templars
The Hurry-Up
Manti finished 7-5 overall, 4-1 in league play, and lost to Judge Memorial, 35-21, in the Class 3A semifinals in 2014.
OFFENSE
The Templars have a major rebuilding job on offense, with only one returning starter. Quarterback Derek Wright will be the key. He is a solid player who is likely to provide the leadership a young offense needs, especially early in the season. Coach Cole Mecham is in the process of juggling players and moving some former skill players to the offensive line in an effort to find just the right mix.
DEFENSE
Manti runs a 4-4 base, but often puts five out front as well depending on the team the Templars are defending against. Defense could be key to another deep run in the playoffs, with returning players Doug Schiess and Jordan Howell playing key roles.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Manti coach Cole Mecham runs a quality program, but the Templars will have to rebuild their offensive line quickly. Expect Manti to battle Canyon View, North Sanpete and Richfield for second behind Juab in 3A South.
BIG SHOES
Senior quarterback Derek Wright will need to have a great year as the lone returning offensive starter. He passed for 956 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 244 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH IN REGION: 2
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Derek Wright (Sr.), 51-114-956-4, 7 TDs
Rushing: Derek Wright, 98 att., 244 yds., 3 TDs
Receiving: Stuart Lott (Sr.). 17 rec., 232 yds., 1 TD
Tackles: Jordan Howe (Sr.), 94
Sacks: Douglas Schiess (Sr.), 7.5
Interceptions: Jordan Howe, 4
2014 Rankings
OFFENSE AVERAGE REGION (of 6) CLASS (of 12)
Scoring 21.3 5 8
Rushing 171.3 2 4
Passing 86.5 5 9
Total 27.8 5 8
DEFENSE
Scoring 21.5 3 5
Rushing 147.8 2 4
Passing 113.1 3 6
Total 260.9 1 3
COACHING BIO
Name: Cole Mecham
Years with school: 21 (16 as head coach)
Alma mater: Richfield High, Snow College, SUU
2015 SCHEDULE
Date, Opponent, Time (2014 result)
Aug. 21, Carbon, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28, at Juan Diego, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4, at Pine View, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11, Emery, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Canyon View, 7 p.m. (Won, 24-14)
Sept. 25, at North Sanpete, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-21)
Oct. 2, at Delta, 7 p.m. (Won, 22-21)
Oct. 9, Richfield, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-0)
Oct. 23, Juab, 7 p.m. (Lost, 40-14)