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Cedar City
THE HURRY-UP
Cedar finished 5-6 overall. 1-5 in league play, and lost to Pine View, 45-10, in the quarterfinals in 2014.
Cedar City begins a new era with successful track coach and long-time assistant Josh Bennett taking over from veteran Todd Peacock. Numbers of players out are good and Bennett may add some new wrinkles. "I feel like we are getting buy-in from the community, parents and kids," said Bennett. "We are improving and putting ourselves in a position to win. We've had one of our best off-season programs. We are hoping that carries over."
Offense
Expect Cedar City to run out of a spread this year that will be similar to others in Class 3AA South. "I felt like we have the athletes to do that," said Bennett. "We have a good offensive line, with three starters back from last year." Mason Fakahua will run the offense at quarterback. Running back Brock Oldroyd will be the team's most effective returning runner. Expect Cedar to throw the ball more and open up its offense more than in past seasons.
Defense
Cedar likes to run a 5-2 defense, but will often modify that to a 3-4 when playing the spread offense that most of the teams in its league enjoy using. Star players include lineman Koalman Kimber and linebacker Jaden Robinson, a three-year starter at middle linebacker.
What to expect
Cedar City finds itself as a good team in a great league. If Bennett's new offensive scheme works and the defense holds, Cedar City might be a surprise in Class 3AA South. Expect Cedar City to battle Snow Canyon and Pine View for the fourth and final playoff spot in this brutal league.
Projected Finish IN REGION: 6
Big Shoes
Koalman Kimber, a 6-0, 230-pound senior, will anchor both sides of the line. He had 11 solo tackles and 28 overall tackles as well as one sack last year. "We have a new system with a new coach and new energy," he said. "I feel like everyone is buying into it."
Returning Leaders
Passing: Mason Fakahua, 3-8, 20 yards, no touchdowns
Rushing: Brock Oldroyd, 440 yards, 76 carries, two touchdowns
Receiving: Berick Englestead five receptions, 85 yards, two touchdowns
Tackles: Jayden Robinson
Sacks: Koalman Kimber: one sack
Interceptions: Ian Keyes
Coaching Bio
Name: Josh Bennett
Record: First Year
Alma Mater: Millard High, SUU
Projected Starters
OFFENSE
QB: Mason Fakahua (6-3, 2-5, Jr.)
TB: Brock Oldroyd (6-0, 180, Ssr.)
WR: Ian Keyes (6-0, 160, Sr.)
SR: Bodrey Allred (5-10, 150, Sr.)
LT: Mike Kastanas (Sr.)
LG: McCray Murray (5-10, 190, Sr.)
C: Quaid Murray (Jr.)
RG: Koalman Kimber (6-0, 230, Sr.)
RT: Andrew Marchant (6-0, 200, Sr.)
TE: Berick Englestead (6-4, 178, Sr.)
Defense
(Only Starters Determined at this point)
MLB: Jayden Robinson (5-8, 190, Sr.)
DT: Koalman Kimber (6-0, 230, Sr.)
DE: McCray Murray (5-10, 190, Sr.)