This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Ben Lomond Scots
"Nowhere to go but up."
That sums up new Ben Lomond coach Eric Alder's approach to the 2014 season, one in which the Scots will try to end the state's second longest losing streak and begin to restore order in Ogden.
Alder inherits a program that went winless in 2012 and 2013, a streak of 20 consecutive defeats.
"It's an opportunity for me and for the kids," said Alder, who spent last season as the quarterbacks coach at Mountain View and before that a decade at Sky View. "It's a chance to start something new and change the culture."
Among the changes the Scots will unveil this season is a no-huddle spread offense, run by returning starting quarterback Rigo Vasquez.
The defense will also get a makeover, moving to a 4-2-5 scheme. That should allow athletic safeties such as Vasquez and Ambrosio Ramirez chances to make big plays on the defensive side of the ball — something that has been lacking in recent years for the Scots.
Last year • 0-10 (0-6 Class 3AA North)
Key returner • Senior Rigo Vasquez has put in a lot of time with new coach Eric Alder learning the offense. "He is smart and understands the game," Alder said. "He's football intelligent."
Players to watch • Running back Mario Anderson will get a ton of touches in the Scots' new offense, as will slot receiver Ambrosio Ramirez.
Biggest hole • The offensive and defensive lines are a bit of a mystery early in camp. "We are still looking for guys who want to play physical, nasty football," Alder said.
Need to know • The Scots have just three wins over the past five seasons, the most recent coming Oct. 19, 2011 with a 15-0 triumph against Tooele.