This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Lone Peak Knights
One year after finishing in a tie for the Region 4 championship, the Lone Peak Knights find themselves returning only one part-time starter, TE/DE David Flake. While there is a lot to be sorted out by Knights coach Mike Mower and his staff, optimism still surrounds their proud program.
"We've got a lot of work to do," coach Mower said. "We're just trying to keep things simple and execute well. I'm excited though — our excitement level is really high and we've got some really good skill kids."
Priority number one will be to find their starting signal-caller in what appears to be a three-man race. In past years, the Lone Peak offense has relied heavily on its quarterbacks' running ability, but this year looks to be different. "I think the key for us is to get the running game going with the running backs," Mower said. "We've got some good ones."
With such a young and inexperienced team, there will be no lofty goals, although they expect to keep building off of their tradition. Instead, the Knights will attack their season with a week-to-week and practice-to-practice approach.
"We're young, but we're very optimistic about our capabilities," Mower said.
Last year • 8-5
Key returner • David Flake will be looked upon to provide leadership as everyone else will be starting on varsity for their first time.
Player to watch • Sophomore running back Jackson McChesney will have to fight for playing time against two seniors, but he'll be too talented to keep off the field.
Biggest hole • Dual-threat quarterback Baron Gajkowski has graduated, and no matter which quarterback steps up, it will be hard to replace his throwing and running ability.
Need to know • With the quarterback race wide open, another Hansen will look to stake his claim to the position, with the possibility to lead the team for the next three years.