This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

EDITOR'S NOTE • This is one in a series of previews of Utah's high school football programs. They will run throughout the summer leading up to the 2014 regular season, which begins Aug. 21.

Juab Wasps

With a taste of the 3A Final Four in 2013, the Wasps are looking for more this year. Juab fell 41-20 to eventual state champ Judge Memorial in the semifinals.

In that season finale, Wasps quarterback Nick Robins was hurt in the team's second offensive series and never got back in the game.

"We would've had trouble stopping them, because they were so explosive," Juab coach Mike Bowring said. "But the same could've been said for [Judge's defense], had we not become kind of one-dimensional. But it was good to get that kind of experience."

Robins is well now and, along with fellow senior Dedrick Davidson, will carry the offensive load for the squad.

"He's excited," said Bowring of Robins. "He's gone to camps and he's throwing a good ball."

Davidson and senior Kayden Whiting (5-foot-9, 180 pounds) are slotbacks in the Juab offense, and both will look for running room behind the likes of senior left tackle Jake Hatfield (6-1, 185) and senior center Ethan Phillips (6-0, 210).

Defensively, big junior Nick Wohlforth (6-5, 200) will lead the Wasps at defensive end, while Hatfield will line up at the other D-end position. Whiting will also contribute at linebacker along with junior Ty Ostler.

"Offense is our strength," Bowring said. "We've got some guys coming back. I think we've got the ability to score some points. I think Nick and Dedrick are going to be weapons."

Last year • 8-4 (4-1 in 3A South; lost in semifinals)

Key returner • Senior Dedrick Davidson (5-8, 165), will carry most of the offensive load at RB, and will also play at FS.

Player to watch • Junior Ty Ostler (6-0, 175) will play a big role at LB and contribute as a WR also.

Biggest hole • The Wasps will have two new cornerbacks on defense, as well as newcomers to the linebacking corps.

Need to know • QB Nick Robins, who has added 30 pounds to his 6-5 frame, and Davidson are the major weapons in the offense that figures to keep Juab in games.