This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Duchesne Eagles

For the first time in four years, Duchesne failed to retain the crown from the 1A classification. The Eagles' 48-game winning streak, the longest in UHSAA history, was snapped in the second game of the season against North Summit en route to an uncharacteristic 6-4 season that ended in the quarterfinals. The four losses equaled the total losses the program suffered in the previous five seasons combined, which included four titles and five consecutive championship-game appearances.

After the one-year hiatus, Duchesne coach Jerry Cowan is ready to return to the throne.

"Win a state championship. That's the goal. I think that's why you play," Cowan said. "Obviously we're looking to have a good experience, have fun and all that, but bottom line is we want to win every game and we want to win a state championship. That's always going to be our goal."

When asked if he thought the goal was plausible, Cowan said, "Absolutely. I think we're as deep as we've been in a long time. If people step up like I think they can, I think we can compete in every game we play."

The Eagles are tasked with an unusual but favorable problem, said Cowan. With so many talented, yet unproven, commodities in the program, the coaching staff is tasked with sorting out the tightly-contested battles on the depth chart before the Aug. 21 opening-night meeting against Milford.

Assignment • 1A North

Last year • 6-4, 2-1 in league play; lost to Kanab, 27-21, in quarterfinals

Key returners • Wyatt Remund, whom Cowan referred to as "one of our main guys," played quarterback last season, but is slated to see time at tight end and running back in 2015. Layne Coil should also split reps at tailback while playing safety in the defensive secondary. Jacob Plummer returns as the strength upfro nt on both sides of the ball, along with center Shaydon Summarell.

Player to watch • Remund finished second in total rushing last season while primarily playing behind center; with potentially full-time responsibilities in the ground game, his influence could increase significantly.

Biggest hole • Dylan Despain is gone (graduation), forcing Remund to relinquish his spot at quarterback to contribute in the backfield, which conversely leaves questions at quarterback.

Need to know • Cowan credited his offensive and defensive lines as having the ability to "be physically dominant," and added: "I think our size is going to be as big as we've been up front for a long time." Having the strength in the trenches could propel the Eagles back to the heights they're accustomed to.

Twitter: @trevorphibbs