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UNION COUGARS
2014 RECAP
Union finished 9-3 overall, 4-1 in 3A North; lost to Juab in state semifinals.
OFFENSE
In Matt Labrum's third year as head coach for Union, everything began to click offensively for the Cougars. The spread attack consistently moved the ball both through the air and on the ground, ranking No. 1 in both categories for yards per game in the 3A North region.
Now Labrum will see if his team can replicate that success behind new quarterback Vil Lutui, who will move behind center from his slot receiving position last year.
Weston Horrocks was also a slot receiver in 2014 and will move to running back. Meanwhile, the receiving corps will feature seniors Henrique Moreira and Everet Miller.
"I like what we have," Labrum said. "We've got some great skill guys, just not a lot of depth."
On the line, a trio of seniors will stave off opposing tacklers. Center Brayden Harding will have guards Korbyn Bertoch and Troy Tauaalo at his sides while Union tries out new personnel at the offensive tackle spots.
DEFENSE
The Cougars were extremely stingy, by today's standards, in pass defense as they allowed only 94 yards per game through the air.
Fortunately for Union, its defensive backfield has plenty of returning experience with Miller and Lutui at cornerback while Horrocks and Moreira will man the safety spots.
Moreira proved to be a ballhawk in '14, as he recorded six interceptions.
The proficiency in the secondary will have to make up for some lack of experience along the line and in the linebacking corps.
Defensive end Troy Tauaalo does bring some starting experience to one side of the line, while Harding and big junior Noki Kafusi are likely to see plenty of time in the middle of the trenches.
While Labrum looks for upcoming talent at the other D-end spot and at one outside linebacker slot, he'll get Bertoch back at middle linebacker and junior Tyler Swain at one outside 'backer.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Cougars are fast developing a reputation as a physical team on the 3A North schedule and Union's coach thinks that's a key facet for his team to be successful.
In the end, it'll be a balancing act — playing tough, but hoping that doesn't come with a cost.
"We have to be physical," Labrum said. "But remaining healthy is key for us also. We're not as deep as last year. We've got to have execution and understanding what we do well and then do it."
BIG SHOES
Taking Vil Lutui away from his slot receiver spot has negative possibilities because, after all, Lutui caught 50 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. But the Cougars think it's worth the risk to move Lutui to quarterback, where they hope he'll be even more of a threat. The athletic senior's forte early will be running the ball as he develops his throwing game. On defense, Lutui might end up catching some balls after all as he's one of the secondary regulars for Union.
RETURNING LEADERS
Rushing: Weston Horrocks, 71-481 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: Vil Lutui, 50-464 yds, 3 TDs
Tackles: Korbyn Bertoch, 64
Sacks: Troy Tauaalo, 2.5
Interceptions: Henrique Moreira, 6
2014 RANKINGS
Offense
Scoring: 32.3 ppg (1st in 3A North) (1st in 3A)
Rushing: 237.8 ypg (1st in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
Passing: 160.2 ypg (1st in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
Total: 398 ypg (1st in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
Defense
Scoring: 19.6 ppg (2nd in 3A North) (2nd in 3A)
Rushing: 145 ypg (2nd in 3A North) (3rd in 3A)
Passing: 94.8 ypg (1st in 3A North) (1st in 3A)
Total: 239.8 ypg (1st in 3A North) (1st in 3A)
COACHING BIO
Name: Matt Labrum, 4th year
Record: 19-15
Career Record: 36-45
Alma mater: Union H.S., Southern Utah
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Vil Lutui (5-10, 175, Sr.)
RB: Weston Horrocks (5-10, 175, Sr.)
WR: Henrique Moreira (6-1, 170, Sr.)
WR: Everet Miller (6-1, 170, Sr.)
WR: Tyler Swain (5-11, 165, Jr.)
C: Brayden Harding (5-11, 200, Sr.)
OG: Korbyn Bertoch (5-11, 210, Sr.)
OG: Troy Tauaalo (6-0, 200, Sr.)
OT: Noki Kafusi (6-3, 275, Jr.)
DEFENSE
DE: Troy Tauaalo (6-0, 200, Sr.)
DT: Brayden Harding (5-11, 200, Sr.)
DT: Noki Kafusi (6-3, 275, Jr.)
OLB: Tyler Swain (5-11, 165, Jr.)
ILB: Korbyn Bertoch (5-11, 210, Sr.)
CB: Vil Lutui (5-10, 175, Sr.)
CB: Everet Miller (6-1, 170, Sr.)
S: Weston Horrocks (5-10, 175, Sr.)
S: Henrique Moreira (6-1, 170, Sr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Everet Miller (6-1, 170, Sr.)
KR: Weston Horrocks (5-10, 175, Sr.)
PR: Vil Lutui (5-10, 175, Sr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 at Park City, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 at Hurricane, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 Uintah, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 at Richfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Grantsville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Juan Diego, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Emery, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Morgan, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 Juab, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Carbon, 7 p.m.