This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Mountain Crest Mustangs
Young is the operative word when it comes to Mountain Crest for 2014. But talented is an adjective that could creep into the lexicon this year.
Take Levani Damuni, for instance.
Damuni is only a sophomore, but he got enough carries as a freshman to gain 300 yards a year ago.
Although he just turned 15 in June and his growth spurts might be far from over, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound back is already getting looks from colleges, according to Mustangs coach Mark Wootton.
"He's had a good summer, going to camps and things like that," Wootton said. "He could end up being pretty special."
Others on the offense are almost as young. The quarterback position is up for grabs between junior Tanner Schwab and sophomore Payton Thomas.
Junior Jayden Thompson will join Damuni in the backfield, while junior Colten Ferguson at wide receiver and junior Chris Tuckett at tight end are likely to be prime passing targets. Senior Carson Tolman (6-0, 210) provides some seasoning from his offensive tackle position.
Tuckett (6-0, 210) is also slated to start at linebacker for Mountain Crest, and he'll be joined defensively by tackle Andrew Anderson (6-2, 240) — one of the team's few seniors.
"We're going to actually be real young," Wootton said. "We had a bunch of injuries last year, so it's kind of nice that these kids got a lot of playing time."
Last year • 2-9 (2-4 in Region 5)
Key returner • As one of the team's few seniors, DT Andrew Anderson (6-2, 240) will be called upon to set the tone on defense.
Player to watch • Junior Jayden Thompson (5-10, 190) will get some carries, and will also play some linebacker.
Biggest hole • Mountain Crest's quarterback will inexperienced at this position on the varsity level. Junior Tanner Schwab is technically the incumbent, but he went out with an injury during the first game of the 2013 season.
Need to know • The Mustangs are only slated to have four senior starters this year.