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SPRINGVILLE RED DEVILS
THE HURRY-UP
Last season, the Red Devils finished with a 7-5 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in Region 8, good for a third-place finish. Springville made the playoffs, winning its first-round matchup against Bountiful, 21-17, but then the Red Devils lost to Corner Canyon 27-7 in the second round to end their season.
OFFENSE
The Red Devils return a few key players on offense, most notably three of their starting offensive linemen and their entire backfield from last season on a team that rushed for just over 182 yards per game. Andrew Slack, Junior Mulipola and Shay Church return as starters on the line, while Scott Averett and Devyn Tate return as the ball-carriers. While they have a first-year starter under center in Jansten Thorpe, their experience on the line and running the football will help the junior quarterback in the passing game. Just don't expect the Red Devils to use Thorpe's arm too much, as they only passed for 139.8 yards a game last season. And with his inexperience and a depleted receiving corps, it's only natural that they may rely heavily on their run game.
Despite most of their receivers from last season leaving for graduation, they should have plenty of options on the outside for Thorpe if the Red Devils decide to be a little more balanced offensively. Defensive leaders such as Noah McCray and Adam Rodriguez will help bolster the passing game, playing on both sides of the ball as a receiver and tight end, respectively. And while many of the receivers didn't see a lot of time last year, the prospective starters will all be juniors and seniors, so there likely won't be a major drop off for Springville in that regard.
DEFENSE
Much like last season, this season's defense will be very good with eight starters returning to a team that ranked in the top 10 in total defense last season in the classification. The Red Devils return three defensive linemen, all three starting linebackers, and both of their safeties, including All-State safety Noah McCray, who is the leading returning tackler after notching 102 last season. McCray, who's being recruited by several of the Division I schools in Utah, will definitely be a key player on defense, along with fellow seniors Adam Rodriguez at defensive end and Andrew Slack at tackle. Rodriguez, who had 10 sacks a year ago, should have a huge year anchoring a stacked defensive front seven that held opponents to 138 yards rushing a season ago.
At linebacker, Vili Kolomalu, Daxton Poulsen and Devyn Tate bring back a lot of experience and leadership to the middle of the defense. The trio combined for 143 tackles and 10.5 sacks last season, with Tate leading the way with 51 on his own. They did lose Kaleni Neiufi to graduation, but this linebacker corps won't miss a beat, picking up right where the All-state honorable mention left off. In the secondary, fellow All-state pick Kaden Hillstead, who had 36 tackles and four picks last season, is also gone, but in his stead at cornerback will be Bryce Nelson and Dre Matelski. Nelson had 17 tackles last season in limited playing time, but him and Matelski's lack of time on the field shouldn't be cause for concern.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Red Devils' defense will surely be the strength of the team once again, and will likely be even better than it was last season. Noah McCray, Scott Averett and Adam Rodriguez will be the players with the biggest impact, as all three will play on both sides of the ball. While their defense will be very strong, don't sleep on Springville offensively, as they have enough players returning to make life difficult for opposing defenses and push for a Region 8 crown and another trip to the playoffs.
BIG SHOES
Bryce Nelson will be asked to step up to replace Hillstead, who was a great defensive back during his time at Springville. Nelson only had 17 tackles last season, but will need to replace a guy who totaled four interceptions and 36 tackles as a cornerback. But with such a strong group around him, including two very good safeties, there won't be as much pressure on him.
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH IN REGION: 1
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Tristan Swensen (Sr.), 35 yards, 2 TDs, 2-of-11
Rushing: Scott Averett (Sr.), 556 yards, 128 attempts, 7 TDs
Receiving: Devyn Tate (Sr.), 70 yards, 7 catches, 2 TD
Tackles: Noah McCray (Sr.), 102 tackles
Sacks: Adam Rodriguez (Sr.), 10 sacks
Interceptions: Scott Avarett (Sr.), 3 INT
2014 RANKINGS
OFFENSE
Scoring: 21.9 ppg – 4th in Region 8/16th in 4A
Rushing: 182.5 ypg – 5th in Region 8/14th in 4A
Passing: 139.8 ypg – 2nd in Region 8/11th in 4A
Total: 322.3 ypg – 2nd in Region 8/12th in 4A
DEFENSE
Scoring: 22.1 ppg – 2nd in Region 8/8th in 4A
Rushing: 138 ypg – 3rd in Region 8/11th in 4A
Passing: 149.5 ypg – 1st in Region 8/7th in 4A
Total: 287.5 ypg – 2nd in Region 8/6th in 4A
COACHING BIO
Name: Willy Child
Years with school: 4th year, Overall record: 15-16
Alma mater: Springville H.S.
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Jansten Thorpe (6-1, 160, Jr.)
RB: Scott Avarett (Sr.)*
WR: Clayton Snyder (5-11, 160, Sr.)
WR: Tanner Pererro (Sr.)
WR: Brennan Rymer (5-10, 150, Jr.)
TE: Adam Rodriguez (6-3, 225, Sr.)*
LT: Andrew Slack (Jr.)*
LG: Gavin Diede (Jr.)
C: Shay Church (Sr.)*
RG: Junior Mulipola (6-1, 270, Jr.)*
RT: Gunther Snodgress (Sr.)
DEFENSE
DE: Adam Rodriguez (6-3, 225, Sr.)*
DT: Andrew Slack (Jr.)*
DT: Junior Mulipola (6-1, 270, Jr.)*
DE: Demetrius Mutini (6-0, 235, Jr.)
LB: Devyn Tate (Sr.)*
LB: Vili Kolomalu (5-10, Jr.)*
LB: Daxton Poulsen (Sr.)*
DB: Dre Matelski (5-7, 165, Sr.)
DB: Bryce Nelson (5-10, 170, Sr.)
SS: Scott Averett (Sr.)*
FS: Noah McCray (6-0, 200, Sr.)*
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Adam Rodriguez (6-3, 225, Sr.)
P: Adam Rodriguez (6-3, 225, Sr.)
KR: Bryce Nelson (5-10, 170, Sr.)/Vili Kolomalu (5-10, Jr.)
PR: Bennett Hullinger (Jr.)/Scott Averett (Sr.)
(*=Returning starter)
2015 SCHEDULE
Date, opponent, time (2014 result)
Aug.21, Dixie, 7 p.m. (Won, 37-30 )
Aug. 28, at Lehi, 7 p.m. (DNP )
Sept. 4, Mountain View, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11, Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-7 )
Sept. 18, at Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-7 )
Sept. 25, Uintah, 7 p.m. (DNP )
Oct. 2, at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-10 )
Oct. 9, at Payson, 7 p.m. (DNP )
Oct. 14 vs. Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-7 )