This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Rich Rebels
The proverbial crosshairs are focused on the Rich Rebels as they attempt to repeat as the Class 1A champions. For Ashley Brown, who also guided the boys' basketball program to the championship last season, he understands defending the title is a difficult undertaking.
"It's always hard to repeat. You've got other teams, you know, you've got a target on your back from winning it the year before," Brown said. "There are some good teams in our classification. It's never easy to repeat. You have to make sure you stay healthy, so there are a few things that have to happen in order for you to do it."
Luckily for the Rebels, who typically are known for their production on the ground, the champs return a stable of running backs itching to contribute. Kyler Clark and Mitch Jarman should receive the majority of the reps in the backfield, while Koy Brown returns to call the signals again behind center.
Assignment • 1A North
Last year • 9-3, 3-0 in league play; won Class 1A championship, 20-0, against Diamond Ranch
Key returners • Koy Brown is back at quarterback along with Kyler Clark and Mitch Jarman in the backfield. Ryker Rex will also be in the mix at tailback, while playing in the defensive secondary. Brown, Clark and Jarman compose the highly-talented linebacking corps, which could fluster opposing offenses on a nightly basis.
Player to watch • Ryland Frandsen is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, and is tasked with mentoring four new players with little varsity experience between them.
Biggest hole • The offensive line.
Need to know • Rich enters the 2015 season riding a six-game winning streak. The Rebels started 0-2 last season before finding their rhythm, and will look to avenge the early loss against Summit Academy in the opener on Aug. 27.
Twitter: @trevorphibbs