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Layton Christian Eagles

Layton Christian is moving down in classification, but that doesn't mean the transition is a walk amongst cupcakes. The Eagles bowed out in the first round of the playoffs the past two seasons, showing they have the talent to qualify for the postseason, but if the season opener of those past two years is any indication of what is to come: It could be a struggle.

Duchense, which is now in the same region as Layton Christian, waxed the Eagles by a combined score of 50-16 the past two years.

"We don't feel like it's a step down to go to 1A," Layton Christian coach Doyle Holt explained. "It's going to be a struggle. We'd like to make the playoffs and go as far as we can. We want to be competitive, play hard, play fast. That's something we worked on all summer."

Unfamiliarity serves both as an advantage and disadvantage. The Eagles are something fresh, and could surprise 1A teams with new schemes. But the same goes for the opponents. The main area of concern is the amount of travel required.

"We're going to log about 2,500 miles on our away games," said Holt, who explained they have strict rules about traveling, including study sessions. "That's a little bit different than 2A. We had some long trips in 2A, but nothing like the 1A trips, that's for sure."

Assignment • 1A North

Last year • 3-7, 2-4 in 2A North; lost to Enterprise, 55-14, in first round

Key returners • Grayson Jackson returns as a three-year starter running the show behind center. Holt said he "expects a lot of big things" out of Rodrigo Santos (three-year starter) and Jaymen Ervin (two-year starter).

Player to watch • Jackson will make the world spin for the Eagles. How he settles into the 1A classification will determine the season outcome.

Need to know • The Eagles have a solid group of senior leadership, which has fueled offseason workouts to new heights. Many opposing programs expect Layton Christian to contend immediately.

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