This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

ALTAMONT LONGHORNS

The Hurry-up — Altamont finished 4-7 in 2015, and 2-2 in the 1A North. The Longhorns lost to Kanab, 41-0, in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Altamont made some pretty vast improvements under first-year head coach Ben Felder last season, winning four games and earning a playoff spot after going winless in 2014. With a change in culture and some important starters returning to the field, the Longhorns seem poised to challenge the status quo in 1A.

In order to make that leap, the Longhorns have to be able to compete and win against 1A North stalwarts Duchesne and Rich. In Felder's mind, that only happens if his team continues to play disciplined style that he has implemented since taking over the Altamont program. "It was a year about discipline," Felder said about his team's 2015 season. "We're going to add onto that this year — it's all about discipline and simplicity. Our kids need to put in the extra time to know where to be and where to be blocking. If we can get our kids to be very consistent with their decision-making, then we can compete for the top."

Quarterbacks — After taking over as the starter last season due to an injury, junior Parker Rust returns as the starting quarterback with confidence and knowledge not normally found in an underclassman. "He knows what to do in the system and he knows how to control the game," Felder said of his young quarterback.

Running backs — Altamont's offensive backfield will feature two youngsters as the primary backs in sophomores Mckay Foy and Wyatt Jesson, with junior Danny Thompson also seeing time at halfback. Foy is a north-south type of runner while Jesson is more elusive and shifty. Thompson will augment both of them while also playing as a slot back in the passing game.

Receivers — After missing nearly all of last season due to injury, junior Riley Braman will look to make up for lost time as he returns to the Longhorn offense. Fellow juniors Lane Benson and Zack Hanson will also start at receiver.

Offensive linemen — A season-ending injury to tackle Dillon Goode spelled disaster for the Longhorns last season, as they lost every game after his departure. As a junior, Goode returns as the leader of the offensive line, along with fellow junior Cody Miles.

Defensive linemen — Goode will also shoulder a hefty portion of the defensive responsibility as a tackle on the defensive side. Sophomore Legrand Stegall will also look to clog running lanes as a big tackle.

Linebackers — Zack Hanson will be an "anchor on the outside," according to Felder, and will be joined by youngsters Foy and Jesson.

Defensive backs — Braman will be moving from linebacker to corner and is expected to cover opposing offenses' best receivers. Benson will shift around but will be used heavily as the defense's ball-hawking safety. Felder is still deciding on other rotational players.

Key Players

Parker Rust, QB/DB — The junior returns after starting most of last season under center. Now a team leader, Rust needs to make an impact on both sides of the ball for his team to be successful.

Riley Braman, WR/DB — Returning to the field after nearly a year, Braman is confident that he can make an impact as the Longhorns' go-to receiver and defender in the backfield.

Mckay Foy, RB/LB — The sophomore is going to shoulder a lot of responsibility on both sides of the ball for an underclassman. Staying healthy will be paramount to his team's success.

Key Losses

BoDell Jesson, QB/LB

Dainen Parry, OL/DL

Austin Abbott, TE/DE

Name To Know: Junior Russell Mitchell is another player looking to make a valiant comeback after missing some time last season due to injury. Mitchell is strong, athletic and can be the valuable utility player so many 1A teams desire. Look for him to spend time as a fullback and guard on offensive while playing at linebacker or tackle on defense.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-0 in 2015)

Aug. 26 — LYMAN, 5 p.m. (Won, 48-24)

Sept. 2 — PAROWAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-0)

Sept. 9 — at MILFORD, 7 p.m. (Lost, 29-20)

Sept. 16 — at WEST WENDOVER, 7 p.m. (Won, 33-6)

Sept. 23 — at LAYTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4 p.m. (Won, 21-8)

Sept. 30 — MONTICELLO, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-0)

Oct. 7 — WAYNE, 7 p.m. (Won, 20-2)

Oct. 14 — RICH, 7 p.m. (Lost, 54-6)

Oct. 19 — DUCHESNE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-0)

Verdict: Altamont is looking to continue its growth as a football program and hopefully make as big of a leap in quality this season as it did last season. Like most 1A programs, the Longhorns struggle with depth, and injuries to some key players could derail any shot of a winning season. But if the Longhorns remain healthy, the amount of returning talent at their disposal could make them a dark horse in the 1A North.

Projected finish in region: 2nd