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LONE PEAK KNIGHTS
THE HURRY-UP
Lone Peak finished 5-6, 2-3 in Region 4; lost to Hunter in 5A 1st round
OFFENSE
Optimally, the Knights would like to get both Talmage Gunther and Dakota Hansen in for every offensive play. But since both are quarterbacks, Lone Peak coach Mike Mower will have to be inventive.
At least he has options. Gunther started last year at signal-caller and threw for over 1,000 yards and rushed for 461. Hansen is a junior who "throws a very good ball," Mower said.
Up front, the Knights have three juniors (Ethan Schofield, Ryan Schoen, Nate Nelson) on the offensive line along with senior leadership from center Caleb Rodriguez.
Those players will try to free up running and receiving weapons for Lone Peak. Jackson McChesney will be a primary ball carrier along with senior Tyler Kap — who might be the best all-around athlete on the squad.
Receiving threats include returning starter Jon Christensen along with fellow seniors Tyson Doman and Todd Paskett.
DEFENSE
Lone Peak's defense was polar opposite in success, when it came to defending the run against the pass, in 2014.
The Knights didn't allow too much via the air, as they ranked No. 1 among Region 4 members. However, their porous effort against opponents' ground games more than made up for that as Lone Peak was dead last in allowing 262 yards a contest rushing.
Mower believes that aspect of the defense will be much improved and the Knights will look to senior twins Terrell and Terrence Levy, along with senior Parker Magee, to lead the line play.
Another senior, Michael Cannon, is the leader of the linebacker contingent from his middle backer spot and he'll get help from seniors Tyler Everett and Britton Bettridge
Mower thinks his secondary will be a strong suit again for Lone Peak as senior Lennon Fotu is a returning starter and junior Ammon Hannemann also got some regular season action at cornerback in '14. The last line of defense for the Knights will be Seth Corry and Nate Bennett at safeties while quarterback Gunther might also see action in the secondary.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Mower didn't like the way the season ended, with a 43-20 opening-round playoff loss to Hunter, but was heartened overall by the progress his team made toward the end of the campaign. If Lone Peak can carry that forward, another postseason appearance is certainly within reach. "We kinda got thumped (by Hunter), but we're hoping to be back in the thick of things," Mower said. "We struggled a little bit last year at the beginning of region but came back strong."
BIG SHOES
Only a junior, Jackson McChesney figures to be the feature back in Lone Peak's spread offense. McChesney is a returning starter with "good speed, quick feet," according to Mower, and has several colleges, including Brigham Young, taking a good, long look at him. In 2014, McChesney averaged over seven yards a carry and also caught 26 balls for 284 yards.
Projected Order of Finish: 5
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Talmage Gunther 86-157-1262 yds, 11 TDs
Rushing: Talmage Gunther 61-436 yds, 3 TDs
Receiving: Jon Christensen 35-513 yds, 3 TDs
Tackles: Tyler Kap 84
Sacks: Terrell Levy 3
2014 RANKINGS
Offense
Scoring: 25.0 ppg (5th in Region 4) (13th in 5A)
Rushing: 129.5 ypg (4th in Region 4) (16th in 5A)
Passing: 204.7 ypg (3rd in Region 4) (8th in 5A)
Total: 334.2 ypg (5th in Region 4) (11th in 5A)
Defense
Scoring: 27.0 ppg (5th in Region 4) (20th in 5A)
Rushing: 262.3 ypg (7th in Region 4) (28th in 5A)
Passing: 135.9 ypg (1st in Region 4) (7th in 5A)
Total: 398.2 ypg (6th in Region 4) (23rd in 5A)
COACHING BIO
Name: Mike Mower, 3rd year
Record: 13-11
Career Record: 13-11
Alma Mater: American Fork H.S.; Brigham Young
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Talmage Gunther (6-0, 185, Sr.)
RB: Jackson McChesney (6-0, 185, Jr.)
RB: Tyler Kap (6-0, 190, Sr.)
WR: Jon Christensen (6-2, 195, Sr.)
WR: Tyson Doman (6-1, 185, Sr.)
TE: Todd Paskett (6-2, 205, Sr.)
OT: Ethan Schofield (6-5, 275, Jr.)
OG: Ryan Schoen (6-3, 280, Jr.)
C: Caleb Rodriguez (5-10, 300, Sr.)
OG: Connor Pay (6-5, 255, So.)
OT: Nate Nelson (6-3, 285, Jr.)
DEFENSE
DE: Preston Lewis (6-2, 225, Jr.)
DT: Terrence Levy (6-0, 230, Sr.)
DT: Parker Magee (6-3, 225, Sr.)
DE: Terrell Levy (5-11, 225, Sr.)
OLB: Tyler Everett (6-1, 225, Sr.)
MLB: Michael Coleman (6-0, 205, Sr.)
OLB: Britton Bettridge (6-0, 210, Sr.)
CB: Ammon Hannemann (6-1, 185, Jr.)
CB: Lennon Fotu (6-0, 185, Sr.)
S: Nate Bennett (5-10, 165, Sr.)
S: Seth Corry (6-1, 195, Jr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Tom Rossi (5-8, 145, Jr.)
P: Austin Peck (6-1, 175, Sr.)
PR: Seth Corry (6-1, 195, Jr.)
PR: Lennon Fotu (6-0, 185, Sr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 Bountiful, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 at Timpview, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 at West, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Riverton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Westlake, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 American Fork, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 Lehi, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Woods Cross, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 at Herriman, 7 p.m.