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Beaver Beavers

Part of a three-way logjam in second place one year ago, Beaver seems poised to not only break that tie but contend for a region championship.

"We only had a few seniors last year and we've only got one starter lost from defense," said coach Steve Hutchings. "I feel like we're in a pretty good spot, a pretty good mindset."

At the end of the 2014 season, Beaver may have been the best team out of the 2A South region. Summit Academy, en route to the championship game, squeaked out a three-point win over the Beavers before shutting out region champ San Juan 24-0 in the semis.

Hutchings' crew will have some moving parts to start the '15 campaign. But talent and experience, once starting assignments have been settled, could lead to a big season.

Assignment • 2A South

Last year • 7-4, 4-2 in league play; lost to Summit Academy in quarterfinals

Key returners • Matt Roberts is a dual threat from the quarterback position. Like Roberts, tight end Brantson Blackburn is a senior who was a first-team all-state selection a year ago. Brennan Hutchings, the coach's son, is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior who is hard to handle at both running back and defensively at cornerback. Junior Dillon Smith is also a big kid whose presence will be felt at fullback and linebacker. Kord Snyder, even bigger at 6-4, 290, is a returning starter in the trenches.

Player to watch • Rusty Limb not only has a great name for a football player, or a pirate, but the senior will also be an important part of both the offensive and defensive lines.

Biggest hole • Hutchings would love to move his son to wide receiver, but another strong presence at running back would have to emerge.

Need to know • Even if Brennan Hutchings stays in the backfield, his athleticism will make things tough for opposing defenses.