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Desert Hills Thunder

THE HURRY-UP

Desert Hills looks like the team to beat in Class 3AA South and will certainly be among the favorites to win it all. "We are a pretty talented team," said coach Carl Franke. We have a lot of athletes, with six or seven returning starters on both sides of the ball. Preseason rankings don't mean much to us. The only thing on our mind is Jordan in week one." The Thunder have a huge line and a veteran quarterback.

Offense

With seven starters returning on offense, including senior quarterback Nick Warmsley and star running back Nephi Sewell, Desert Hills should have plenty of weapons to use when it runs out of its spread offense. Linemen Justice Alo, Penei Sewell and Bundy Sewell should open some huge holes.

Defense

Desert Hills runs a base 4-3 defense. With eight starters returning from a solid semifinal team last season, it's going to be difficult for teams to score on the Thunder, even in tough Class 3AA South, where nearly every team runs a similar spread offense.

What to expect

When the 3AA state championship game is played, expect Desert Hills to be there. The Thunder have the size and the speed to be among the state's best teams. With Class 5A's Jordan and Roy on the non-league schedule, don't expect Desert Hills to go unbeaten, though.

Projected Finish in Region: 1

Big Shoes

Junior Nephi Sewell ranks among the most versatile players in Utah and seldom leaves the field. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder starts at running back and defensive back for the Thunder, and also is their top special teams player. He already has college offers from Nevada, Colorado, Weber State, SUU and Dixie.

2014 RANKINGS

Offense: Avg/Region/Class

Scoring: 33/3/6

Rushing: 235.4/1/4

Passing: 123/4/7

Total: 358.4/3/5

Defense

Scoring: 10.1/1/1

Rushing: 99.9/1/1

Passing: 103.1/1/2

Total: 203/1/1

Coaching Bio

Name: Carl Franke

Record: 30-8 overall in three years, including semifinal appearances in 2012 and 2014 and a 2013 state title.

Alma Mater: Minisink Valley High, Slate Hill, N.Y.; Wagner College, Southern Utah University.

Projected Starters

QB: Nick Warmsley (6-0, 200, Sr.)

C/DT: Justice Alo (6-0, 255, Sr.)

RB/DB: Nephi Sewell (5-11, 185, Jr.)

WR: Garrick Sharp (6-1, 175, Sr.)

WR: Josh Durr (6-1, 185, Sr.)

OL/DL: Penei Sewell (6-4, 288, So.)

OL/DL: Bundy Sewell (6-1, 295, Jr.)

WR/DB: Stetson Wood (5-8, 170, Sr.)

DB: Austin Hansen (6-0, 185, Sr.)

WR/DB: Quinn Kiser (5-10, 180, Jr.)

RB: Marco Jordan (5-9, 175, Jr.)

RB: Brock Parry (5-6, So.)

LB: Badge Morris (5-10, 175, Sr.)

WR/DE: Zak Fuchs (6-0, 185, Sr.)

LB: John Adams (5-9, 175, Sr.)

WR/DB: Cody Ricketts (5-7, 150, Sr.)

OL/DL/LB: Bo Nunley (5-8, 190, Jr.)

OL/DL: Max Schafer (6-2, 205, Sr.)

OL/DL: Chance Ewell (6-0, 215, Sr.)

OL/DL: Houston Stapley (6-1, 260, Jr.)

WR/DB: Braxton Porter (6-1, Jr.)

WR/DB: Logan Hokanson (Jr.)

DE/LS: Kyler Terry (6-1, 185, Sr.)

2015 SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time, 2014 Result

Aug. 21 Jordan 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 Foothill (Nev.) 7 p.m. Won, 41-0

Sept. 4 at Roy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Hurricane 7 p.m. Won, 213/ Lost, 17-14

Sept. 25 Dixie 7 p.m. Lost, 17-16

Oct. 2 at Pine View 7 p.m. Won, 35-21

Oct. 9 at Snow Canyon 7 p.m. Won, 7-3

Oct. 14 Logan 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 Cedar 7 p.m. Won, 45-7