This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

KANAB COWBOYS

The Hurry Up — Kanab finished 10-4 in 2015, and 3-1 in league play. The Cowboys fell to Diamond Ranch 23-20 in the Class 1A title game.

For a lot of title winning teams, it usually takes a few heartbreaking losses to get them over the hump. That could very well be the case for Kanab in 2016. After seeing rival Diamond Ranch hoist the Class 1A trophy two separate times in close battles, the Cowboys are itching to bring home hardware of their own. With the majority of their main contributors returning as upperclassmen, Kanab is as ready as it can be to close the deal.

"We've been hungry to win a state championship for the last two or three years," coach Bucky Orton said. "That's all the motivation this group of kids need — just the way the last two seasons have ended."

Quarterbacks — The starting quarterback position will most likely be junior Tavin Ott, who got the No. 1 reps during camp. With confidence that the recent JV signal-caller can take over two-year starter Layne Anderson's lead duties in the huddle, Kanab appears ready to hand over the keys to its up and coming junior. 

Running backs — With the loss of lead back Brandon Southwick, the versatile offense from a year ago will now need to find someone else to rely on. Considering Anderson racked up a good number of yards on the ground last season, he might be a player Orton opts to fill the void.

Receivers — Anderson thrived under center for the past two seasons, but with Ott transitioning into the role, the senior standout can now focus on his more preferred position as a wideout. While it's uncertain where the multifaceted athlete will get reps on defense, it is clear that Anderson will be one of the Cowboys' main targets in 2016. 

Offensive linemen — At 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, soon-to-be four-year starting man Morgan Barton has been a continual pillar on the offensive line. Heading into his final season, Barton will be expected to be just that and fine-tune an already proven game, which is nothing but good news for the vital play up front.

Defensive linemen — Considering most of the offensive linemen will double down on this end of the field, the Cowboys will be in good hands. But they will have to figure out how to replace Danion Barnson, who was one of Orton's best defensive players last season.

Linebackers — Derrik Fox has been one of the classification's top players the last two years, and will be looked to deliver one last time as an inside linebacker who has consistently been at the core of the Cowboys' defense. 

Defensive backs — Whether Orton decides to play Anderson at safety or corner, last year's weakest link on defense will at least have one of its best athletes as a safety net in the back. This will be one of the more intriguing storylines as this group looks to make more of an impact in 2016.

Key Players

Layne Anderson, WR — The senior will be a centerpiece to everything the Cowboys do this season. A leader on both sides of the ball, and possibly an emerging leader on a subject secondary, Anderson will be the name to look out for at all times.

Tavin Ott, QB — The jump from junior varsity to starting varsity quarterback will be a lot to digest, but Orton seems confident Ott has the chops to do it. During a year where Kanab has the talent and experience to potentially make it back to another state title game, there will be little room for error under center.

Derrik Fox, LB — Don't be surprised if Fox makes First Team All-State. The unquestioned leader of the Cowboys defense, Fox could very well have his best season in 2016, which is bad news for opposing offenses.

Key Losses

Alex Foster, LB, RB — A three-year All-State selection, Foster is a seasoned two-way player who will be missed on both sides of the ball.

Brandon Southwick, WR, RB —  The speedster on last year's roster, Southwick was an integral piece to a high-powered offense as a back and receiver. Orton admits it will be hard to replace him.

Danton Barnson, DE —  Coach Orton called Barnson "an animal" on the defensive line who will be a missed voice up front.

Name To Know: The way Orton describes Anderson's role, it seems obvious that the senior will be the engine of this year's roster — they go as he goes. And for a player who had to swallow falling to rival Diamond Ranch in the title game, Anderson will surely be hungry and ready to make sure that doesn't happen again.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 – at South Sevier, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 – Beaver, 7 p.m.  (Lost, 14-13)

Sept. 2 – at Gunnison Valley, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-12)

Sept. 9 – Duchesne, 7 p.m. (Lost, 14-0)

Sept. 23 – at Wayne, 7 p.m.  (Won, 42-0)

Sept. 30 – Milford, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-7)

Oct. 7 – Parowan, 7 p.m. (Won, 51-12)

Oct. 14 – @ Diamond Ranch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-0)

Oct. 20 — at Monticello, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-0)

Verdict: The stage is set for Kanab to get over the hump and bring home a state title. With a plethora of upperclassmen and bitter taste from the past two outcomes in the final game of the year in their mouths, the Cowboys are more than ready to achieve their ultimate goal.

Projected finish in region: First