This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
GRAND COUNTY DEVILS
The Hurry-up — Grand County finished 6-5 in 2015, and 3-2 in league play. The Devils lost to North Summit, 19-14, in the Class 2A quarterfinals.
Grand County coach Dennis Wells is a realist. Entering his 15th year as the coach of the Devils, he knows what a team that will compete for a state championship looks like versus one continuously making progress toward that ultimate goal. "I think we're still one year away from really coming on," Wells said. "We have a really good freshman class, a decent sophomore and junior class. We will eventually start turning the corner and getting better again. We may be one year away from that. I think we could still put together a pretty decent year."
The Devils may not make much noise in 2A this year, but with one of the best groups of underclassmen in their league, the results they hope for could come sooner than later depending on how some of the untested players perform in bigger roles.
Quarterbacks — Taylor Horton takes over under center in a wing-T attack that was efficiently run by his predecessor, Dalton McElhaney. Horton isn't as big as McElhaney but earned playing time as a junior in the defensive backfield, while also appearing on offense in two games.
Running backs — Nick Downard can play fullback or tailback and is a strong runner. He's not the fastest but can surprise defenders with elusive moves in the open field. Nolan Beeman is an athlete who could see some reps at quarterback, and offers a nice change of pace to Downard's more downhill style. Junior Dakota Johnson is much smaller than the two aforementioned seniors and is effective in space.
Receivers — Josh Jones moves to wide receiver after getting reps as the backup quarterback in 2015. He's a multi-sport star and is one of the reasons Grand's junior class is loaded. Also in that same group is Brayden Schultz, who's the fastest player on the team and has good hands. Kenyon Birdwell is coming off knee surgery in January and has just received clearance to resume his play at tight end.
Offensive linemen — Two seniors graduated from a front that was rather inexperienced last season. Jacob Johnston, Gage Hansen and Jared Smith return with a better feel for the position. Derrick Tsosie developed arthritis in his foot playing baseball, and depending on his health, he or Brody Williams will start at center. Jarom Shumway is one of the most skilled lineman the Devils will feature.
Defensive linemen — Hansen, Smith and Shumway will also start along the defensive line in Grand's 4-4 base, with another of their fellow offensive linemen joining them. The Red Devils demonstrated improvement against the run toward the end of the season and will look to build on their strides as part of a league that favors the ground attack.
Linebackers — Downard and Birdwell will start at middle linebacker and form a partnership that will be leaned on to organize Grand's sets. Johnston and Johnson will line up on either side of them. Much of the success of the defense will come down to how they play.
Defensive backs — Horton and Jones will start at the corners, with Brayden Schultz and Bruin Meador competing for time both at safety and corner. They're all largely unproven in the defensive backfield but have range and showed flashes of playmaking ability when they were given a chance.
Key Players
Nick Downard, FB/LB — Third in rushing on a run-heavy team as a sophomore, Downard is poised to have his number called more frequently, and, at the same time, is one of the two best Devil linebackers.
Nolan Beeman, RB — One of the players that can fill multiple roles on both sides of the ball if needed, Beeman will get an exponentially greater workload at running back following his 7.5 yards per carry a season ago.
Jarom Shumway OL/DL — Only a sophomore, Shumway is the latest in his family to play a major role for the Devils. Wells called him "probably one of my best linemen" despite his youth.
Key Losses
Dalton McElhaney, QB/LB — McElhaney was the primary ball carrier in an offense that saw him score 20 total touchdowns while accounting for 1,716 yards.
Seth Holyoak, TE/LB — Holyoak's 120 tackles were nearly two times as many recorded by any of his teammates, which helped him garner first-team all-state honors.
Joseph Shumway, RB/CB — Shumway averaged 8.5 yards per carry on his way to 657 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, and led the Devils with four interceptions.
Name To Know: Knowing that he'd play a much more significant role this season, Horton has been working diligently to not only be one of the Devils' difference-makers on the field, but also a leader off it. His coaching staff has been impressed with the effort he's put in, and have trust in him even though he hasn't played a lot.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Monticello, 7 p.m. (Lost, 29-20, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — MONTEZUMA-CORTEZ, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at American Leadership Academy, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-14)
Sept. 9 — GUNNISON VALLEY, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-35)
Sept. 16 — SOUTH SEVIER, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-6)
Sept. 23 — at North Sevier, 7 p.m. (Won, 62-0)
Sept. 30 — at Enterprise, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-14)
Oct. 7 — BEAVER, 7 p.m. (Lost, 51-0)
Oct. 14 — SAN JUAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-7)
Verdict: Grand isn't quite at the point where it can challenge San Juan and Beaver for the league title, but with the talented sophomore and junior classes the Devils possess, it wouldn't be too much of a shock to see them get past the state quarterfinals.
Projected finish in region: Third