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Dixie Flyers

The Hurry-Up

Dixie, which has one of Utah's top football pedigrees, lost a lot of players off its state 3AA title team from a year ago, as well as head coach Blaine Monkres, who moved to Dixie State University as its offensive coordinator. Long-time assistant Andy Stokes takes over, with most of Monkres' assistants staying on staff. "Any time you win a state championship, you will need to rebuild," said Stokes.

Offense

The big question mark in Dixie's potent spread offense is who will be the quarterback. The Flyers were still experimenting to see who might fill that position. Running back Tre Miller, one of the state's top players from a year ago, returns, and if he can come close to matching his 1,115 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, Dixie could be very good. Receiver Bret Barben is also coming off a big season.

Defense

"Our defense is going to be good," said Stokes. "We have a good number of kids returning." The two stars promise to be nose tackle Jeff Martinez, who led the Flyers in sacks a year ago with 6.5, and Jaden Harrison, who had 61 tackles and three interceptions. Mason Oki also is a top returning prospect.

What to expect

Dixie should battle Hurricane for second place in Class 3AA South. If the Flyers can find a quarterback and peak at the right time like they did a year ago, they could very well be in the mix for another state title run.

Projected Finish in Region: 2

Big Shoes

Senior Flyer running back Tre Miller ranks among the state's best. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder led Dixie to its second state title in three years by rushing for 1,515 yards and 17 touchdowns. "I feel great," said Miller. "We lost a lot of guys, but we have a lot of guys coming in for the ones we lost."

Returning Leaders

Passing: Jaden Harrison 29-52 394 yds 2 TD 4 int.

Rushing: Tre Miller 169 carries 1,515 yards 17 TD

Receiving: Bret Barben 54 catches 829 yards 12 TD

Tackles: Jaden Harrison 61

Sacks: Jeff Martinez 6.5

Interceptions: Jaden Harrison, Mason Oki 3

Coaching Bio

Name: Andy Stokes

Record: First Year

Alma Mater: Pine View High, Dixie Junior College, William Penn, Iowa.

Trivia: Stokes was the last player drafted in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Projected Starters

(Positions determined thus far)

Offense

RB: Tre Miller (6-1, 215, Sr.)

WR: Bret Barben (6-4, 185, Sr.)

WR: Mason Oki (5-10, 165, Sr.

SB: Jaden Harrison (6-0, 180, Sr.)

Defense

DT: Jeff Martinez (6-0, 250, Sr.)

SS: Jaden Harrison (6-0, 180, Sr.)

CB: Mason Oki (5-10, 165, Sr.)