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South Sevier Rams
Coach Wes Zabriskie knows the clock will be ticking — in fact it already is — for the first region game for his Rams. That's on Sept. 18, when the Rams play at defending 2A South champ San Juan.
And what exactly are Zabriskie and his players out to beat the clock on?
The window of time to develop multiple skill position replacements.
The Rams' predicament is that three-year starter at quarterback Trevor Jones has graduated, along with all of South Sevier's top running backs and wide receivers.
The good news for Zabriskie is that returning linemen like Easton Roundy, Braxton Vakautakakala and Bridger Bagley might give the new guys some breathing room.
"If you're going to have some young skill players, you want to have some experienced linemen," Zabriskie said. "We'll have a few games to find out if the kids are ready to play or are shying away."
By the time region play kicks in, the Rams are hoping the offense has jelled.
"The way our schedule sets up, if we can get them some experience, we can make ourselves competitive," the coach added.
Assignment • 2A South
Last year • 6-5, 4-2 in league play; lost in semifinals to South Summit
Key returners • Roundy brings "a lot of experience" to the offensive and defensive lines, according to Zabriskie. Another senior, linebacker Davy Wagner, is undersized (5-foot-7, 145 pounds) but is capable of playing anywhere — like his several-game stint at guard a year ago. Defensive tackle Bagley (6-0, 260) brings size to the defensive line; junior Vakautakakala (6-0, 310) brings even more. Buddy Gardner will take over at quarterback in place of graduated all-stater Jones.
Player to watch • Tyson Chisholm is a good-sized freshman (5-11, 200) who will see time at strong safety.
Biggest hole • The Rams suffered huge graduation losses with their skill position players from 2014. Quarterback, running back and wide receiver are all positions that will see new faces.
Need to know • If capable replacements can be found for the ball-handling spots on offense, South Sevier could be trouble again come region play.