This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

PAROWAN RAMS

The Hurry Up — Parowan finished 2-7 in 2015, and 0-4 in league play. The Rams did not make the playoffs.

First-year coach Anthony Chidester is offensive-minded, but according to him, his defense has stood out more in summer workouts. While the Rams are still searching for their leaders on both sides of the ball, Chidester seems confident that the veterans on defense — especially the defensive line — could have a good season. Taking over a program that struggled last season, Chidester is simply focused on making improvements and not overhauling anything schematically.

"We'll take our lumps," Chidester said. "But it's a process where we aren't going to really change anything … we're just going to do our thing and get better at we do."

Quarterbacks — The Rams are still figuring out the quarterback position, but Chidester says it will likely be a brand-new player who hasn't played at the varsity level. But with a big returning group of targets to throw to, whoever gets the start will have experienced receivers to rely on.

Running backs — Junior back Ethan Guyman will be the go-to man for the Rams. According to Chidester, "He's the kid we want to get the ball to." Last season, he led the team in rushing as a sophomore.

Receivers — Senior Hunter Little is the leading receiver returning from last season. Even with a new quarterback under center, Little should get a decent amount of looks. With Robinson now gone, Little appears to be the next man up to lead the receiving corps.

Offensive linemen — With a good defensive line, this group should have enough depth to get the job done. The question remains though, of who will get the start on this end. Still, it has some upperclassmen returning and room to grow.

Defensive linemen — Chidester believes this year's group will be one of the strong points on the team. With a group of seniors who don't pose a shortage of depth, look for this year's line to excel.

Linebackers — Depth is lacking for this group of linebackers, but according to Chidester, the starters are looking good. Paired up with a capable defensive line, this group will have some help up front, but it's going to be one of the question marks heading into the season.

Defensive backs — The Rams will play a senior at safety, but the rest of the backfield is still being figured out. Luckily, it has an anchor in its safety who can serve as the safety net over the top.

Key Players

Ethan Guyman, RB — Posted 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore, but as the lead man in 2016, watch out for Guyman to have a breakout season.

Nathan Goodman, FS, WR — Led the team in tackles last season, and will be the anchor in the secondary heading into his senior year.

Reagan Hunt, G, DE — Was second on the team in tackles last season with 24; will be returning as a veteran on both lines.

Key Losses

Brenen Rowley, QB — Threw for 708 yards and seven touchdowns as last year's starter.

Bubba Robinson WR, CB — The reigning 100-meter and 200-meter state champion at the Class 1A level, Robinson was one of the fastest kids not only on the team, but also in the league.

Name To Know: The numbers shouldn't fool you: Ethan Guyman will be the workhorse on offense, and with an untested quarterback taking the reins, Guyman will get a lot of touches as a junior. Even if the team doesn't rack up too many wins on the year, Guyman has all the makings for a notable season.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at North Sevier, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — Enterprise, 7 p.m. (Lost, 39-6)

Sept. 2 — at Altamont, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0)

Sept. 16 — Milford, 7 p.m. (Lost, 56-28)

Sept. 23 — Monticello, 7 p.m. (Lost, 45-7)

Sept. 30 — at Diamond Ranch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-0)

Oct. 7 — at Kanab, 7 p.m. (Lost, 51-12)

Oct. 14 — at Layton Christian Academy, 4 p.m. (Lost, 26-21)

Oct. 19 — Wayne, 7 p.m. (Won, 68-20)

Verdict: With a new coach and brand-new quarterback, Parowan will, in a way, be starting fresh. And while it will return some key players from last season, there will be a heavy reliance on them to make a huge leap as upperclassmen in order to see significant progress in 2016. After going winless in league play last season, the Rams will be playing with house money as they look to start a new chapter.

Projected finish in region: Fifth