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WEST JORDAN JAGUARS

THE HURRY-UP

West Jordan finished 3-7 overall, 1-4 in league play, and did not qualify for the postseason in 2014.

OFFENSE

West Jordan made incremental steps in development last season. Then coach Dan DuPaix resigned to pursue career opportunities outside of football. The program could have easily taken a step back, so finding the right replacement was crucial. They found that in Mike Meifu — one of the top players to ever prep for the Jaguars.

"I expect us to go out and compete," Meifu said. "We've got a good group of seniors. That's really all I'm looking at. Obviously, improving upon last season. I think our team has prepared to do so. I'm real excited about it."

Meifu's offense won't back away from a fight, and with the offensive line he's working with, it shouldn't. Tryce Leuluai and Scott Clayburn shore up the blindside of the offensive line as returning starters, while Fitu Kaivelata, Cody Farrell and Steve Moea'i have shown to be physically imposing additions. The strength up front will allow Keenan Galea'i — an all-purpose back — to find open space, which should lead to impressive numbers.

Meifu is pleased with the progression of junior quarterback Dylan Krans, whom he said has commanded the huddle and fully taken over the reins. The Jaguars were fully one-dimensional last season, only averaging 54.2 yards per game in the air. That needs to change for the program to make the next step and qualify for the postseason. Krans' main target will likely be senior Hunter Christensen on the outskirts.

DEFENSE

West Jordan has beef in the trenches on defense, too. BYU commit Atunaisa Mahe spotlights the strength at noseguard, while Alden Tofa and Moea'i are expected to add significant pressure from the rush ends. A wealth of experience returns in the back end, with Dalton Kelsch and Adam Beales both returning to their inside linebacker positions, and Michael Ponce, Julius Rivera, Galea'i, and Mack Wakley all returning for another season in the secondary.

"It definitely allows us to have multiple coverages and stunts, and do some different things," Meifu said of his defensive unit's experience. "They're used to being in tough situations. That's definitely a big advantage for us, especially in the secondary. Our corners and safeties are real smart and understand where they fit in the scheme of things."

Now acclimated to the varsity level, the Jaguars should improve wholeheartedly on the dark side of the ball — because, really, the only way is up. West Jordan ranked near the bottom in Class 5A in scoring, rushing, passing and total defense in 2014.

WHAT TO EXPECT

West Jordan is a sneaky, scary team. Region 3 is the deepest region in the state, top to bottom, with Bingham, Brighton and Jordan appearing one step ahead of the other four. Right now, the Jaguars are on the cusp of returning to the playoffs.

"These teams we're playing against have real good depth, and so for our guys, a lot of them play both plays, is building that depth underneath, to where when our starters go out of the game there's not a big drop in production," Meifu said. "I think that's going to be critical for us. Getting into the playoffs, we've got to knock off some teams that have normally been at the top."

BIG SHOES

Krans isn't necessarily inheriting large shoes at quarterback, but he is gaining huge responsibilities. West Jordan was dreadful at moving the ball in the passing game, and it has to be more balanced this year to keep opposing defenses honest.

PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH IN REGION: 4

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Keenan Galea'i (Sr.), 1-1-50

Rushing: Keenan Galea'i, 74 att., 465 yds., 4 TDs

Receiving: Keenan Galea'i, 19 rec., 185 yds., 3 TDs

Tackles: Keenan Galea'i, 78

Sacks: Three players tied with 1

Interceptions: Julius Rivera (Sr.), 2

2014 RANKINGS

OFFENSE AVERAGE REGION (of 7) CLASS (of 28)

Scoring: 20.7ppg 7 21

Rushing: 258.5ypg 1 3

Passing:  54.2ypg 7 26

Total: 312.7ypg 5 17

DEFENSE

Scoring: 36.5ppg 5 24

Rushing: 217.2ypg 4 22

Passing: 204.4ypg 5 25

Total: 421.6ypg 5 25

COACHING BIO

Name: Mike Meifu

Years with school: first year

Alma mater: Snow College

PROJECTED STARTERS

OFFENSE

QB: Dylan Krans (6-3, 170, Jr.)

RB: Keenan Galea'i (5-7, 170, Sr.)

WR: Dalton Kelsch (6-3, 190, Sr.)

WR: Hunter Christensen (6-3, 195, Sr.)

WR: Mack Wakley (Jr.)

TE: Dallin Jamison (6-3, 170, Jr.)

LT: Tryce Leuluai (6-3, 280, Sr.)

LG: Scott Clayburn (Sr.)

C: Fitu Kaivelata (5-10, 265, Jr.)

RG: Cody Farrell (Sr.)

RT: Steve Moea'i (6-4, Sr.)

DEFENSE

DE: Alden Tofa (6-4, 265, Jr.)

DT: Atunaisa Mahe (6-1, 295, Sr.)

DE: Steve Moea'i (6-4, Sr.)

LB: Hunter Christensen (6-3, 195, Sr.)

LB: Dalton Kelsch (6-3, 190, Sr.)

LB: Adam Beales (6-3, 220, Sr.)

LB: Skyler Caldwell (6-0, 175, Jr.)

DB: Michael Ponce (5-11, 170, Jr.)

DB: Julius Rivera (5-7, 140, Sr.)

S: Keenan Galea'i (5-7, 170, Sr.)

S: Mack Wakley (Jr.)

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Andrew Giordani (Jr.)

P: Tanner Petersen (5-9, 150, Jr.)

KR: Mack Wakley (Jr.)

PR: Keenan Galea'i (5-7, 170, Sr.)

2015 SCHEDULE

Date, opponent, time (2014 result)

Aug. 21, Juan Diego, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28, at Mountain View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4, Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11, Bingham, 7 p.m. (Lost, 56-6)

Sept. 18, at Cottonwood, 7 p.m. (Won, 20-19)

Sept. 25, Taylorsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2, at Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-16)

Oct. 8, Brighton, 7 p.m. (Lost, 66-26)

Oct. 22, at Copper Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-17)