This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

DUCHESNE EAGLES

The Hurry-up — Duchesne finished 8-4 in 2015, and 4-0 in the 1A North. The Eagles lost to Kanab in the 1A semifinal.

After winning four state titles from 2009-2013, the Eagles have been unable since to keep up with teams such as Kanab and Diamond Ranch at the top of 1A. While still considered an elite team in the classification, head coach Jerry Cowan admitted that 1A as a whole has vastly improved and that his team can no longer take some teams for granted.

"I think 1A has just gotten so much better, especially the upper-end teams. We've got to play solid for four quarters to beat those teams. Last year we were right there in a few games that we could have won on any given day, we just fell a little bit short. All you can do is keep working."

Quarterbacks — To say that Duchesne's quarterbacks are inexperienced would be putting it lightly. In actuality, the Eagles' starting quarterback has not played a single organized down at the position. Senior Steven Skewes will be taking over the offense after moving to from his usual tight end position. While raw, Cowan has described Skewes as strong, athletic and smart. With a strong stable of running backs at their disposal, don't expect too many issues at quarterback for the Eagles.

Running backs — Cowan claims that this year's group of running backs is a bit different than the backs that brought home state and region titles in recent years. "We have a different style of running backs this year, they're bigger, but not as skilled as we've had in the past." The junior tandem of Weston Poulson and Clay Giles will be the one-two punch for the offense with Poulson working as the big bruiser while Giles uses his lateral speed to cut through the defensive front. Fellow junior Ammon Graehl, who Cowan crowned as the fastest player on the team, will also make plays, while fullback Gatlin Thompson punches holes through the defensive front to create running lanes for his teammates.

Receivers — The leader of the receiving corps will be senior Chad Lewis, who Cowan called "athletic and a physical blocker." Sophomore Jaren Mortensen is also expected to make plays in the passing attack, as he moves to tight end after competing for playing time on the offensive and defensive fronts as a freshman.

Offensive linemen — Cowan has the luxury of returning three starters from last year's offensive line to create holes for his stable of running backs. Having started since he was a sophomore, senior Aaron Verduzco is the unquestioned leader of the pack. The Eagles also return starters Jack Roberts and Chris Bales on the offensive front.

Defensive linemen — The Duchesne defensive line will feature a lot of two-way players, with Verduzco and Roberts pulling double duty on both lines, while Thompson moves from fullback to defensive end when the ball gets turned over.

Linebackers — Senior middle linebacker Kenyen Kielbasa is the heart and soul of the Duchesne defense, according to Cowan. Kielbasa finished last season as the team's second-leading tackler with 78 total (22 solo) and five tackles for loss. Skewes will also be a playmaking linebacker alongside Kielbasa in the middle of the defense.

Defensive backs — Duchesne's defensive backfield has been completely reshuffled, with almost every player new to his position. Lewis, Mortensen and Kade Lamborn will all be key players, but expect them and others to rotate from corner to safety depending on defensive matchups.

Key Players

Steven Skewes, QB/LB — While Skewes has little experience at quarterback, he is athletic and has a number of backs to help him sustain the offense. His presence will be greatly felt on the defensive side, where he returns after leading the team in total tackles last season.

Kenyen Kielbasa, LB — Cowan calls his senior linebacker the heart and soul of the Duchesne defense. Second in tackles last season behind Skewes, Kielbasa is a do-it-all defender who causes havoc at the line of scrimmage. He finished last season with 78 tackles (five for loss), four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.

Aaron Verduzco, OL/DL — Verduzco returns as the leader of the offensive line, having started since he was a sophomore. The state champion wrestler is strong and can dominate opposing defensive lines. He's also effective as a defensive tackle, having recorded 27 tackles and two sacks last season.

Key Losses

Carson Reinhardt, QB/CB — The do-it-all quarterback accounted for 17 touchdowns through the air as well as four on the ground while also tallying 20 tackles and seven interceptions for the Eagles in 2015.

Layne Coil, RB/LB — As last year's rushing leader, Coil accounted for 811 yards and eight touchdowns with an astounding 9.1 yards per carry. He also amassed 46 tackles and three interceptions as a linebacker.

Wyatt Remund, WR/LB — Led the team in receiving with 547 yards and nine touchdowns on 27 receptions. Also racked up 48 tackles and 4 interceptions on the defensive end

Name To Know:

As a sophomore in 2015, Weston Poulson was unable to garner many meaningful carries with the slew of experienced backs in front of him. Still, he was able to gain 103 yards on 19 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. In 2016, with all the senior running backs now departed, look for Poulson to be instrumental to the Eagles' highly touted running attack.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at MILFORD, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-0 in 2015)

Aug. 26 — NORTH SUMMIT, 7 p.m. (Lost, 15-14)

Sept. 2 — DIAMOND RANCH ACADEMY, 7 p.m. (Lost 34-30)

Sept. 9 — at KANAB, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-0, and lost, 16-14)

Sept. 16 — at MONTICELLO, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-0)

Sept. 30 — at LAYTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4 p.m. (Won, 57-0)

Oct. 7 — at RICH, 4 p.m. (Won 27-7)

Oct. 14 — WAYNE, 7 p.m. (Won, 40-0)

Oct. 19 — ALTAMONT, 7 p.m. (Won, 48-0)

Verdict: The Eagles come into 2016 having lost their starting quarterback, three of their top rushers and four of their top receivers from last season. Replacing that much production won't be easy, but Cowan has proven time and again that he can rebuild and reload. The Eagles are still the class of the 1A North, and will likely be competing for another state title come November.

Projected finish in region: 1st