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SOUTH SEVIER RAMS

The Hurry-up — South Sevier finished 1-9 in 2015, and 1-4 in league play.

Rams coach Weston Zabriskie won't make any excuses for their struggles last season, but he knows how much of a difference experience can make. "We really only had four seniors," Zabriskie said. "And from the previous year, 2014, we lost a three-year starter at quarterback, our top seven receivers and our top six runners. … We should have about 19 seniors this year."

Additions from the basketball and baseball teams give South Sevier a much more well-rounded squad. How the pieces fit together is another question, but there's no doubt there's more talent on this team than there was a year ago.

Quarterbacks — Caleb Barton throws the ball well despite sitting out last season while he continued to play basketball and baseball. Buddy Gardner is in the mix also, but with his ability to play multiple positions means it looks like Barton will be the starter under center.

Running backs — Tyson Chisholm was starting as freshman before breaking his collarbone in the first game. He's a strong back that will see a lot of time at fullback. Carter Anderson and Kayson Borg are two solid options who will carry the ball a good deal. Jared Grant and Gardner will also be part of the rotation, as depth is crucial now that the Rams have moved to a wing-T offense.

Receivers — Zane Yergensen and Porter Dowell have impressed their coaches after coming out to camp in their senior year. Keeper Farnsworth returns after getting stronger, and so does leading pass-catcher Cooper Roundy, who will line up at tight end. Gardner can also fill in out wide to give the Rams a number of choices at the skill positions.

Offensive linemen — Braxton Vakautakakala is a three-year starter and has gotten looks from Weber State, Dixie State and Southern Utah. Mason Schaugaard is a large man who can move defenders back as a guard, and could see time as a lead blocker at fullback. Carson Parker missed most of last season with a shoulder injury after starting as a sophomore but will be back, and Porter Stanton has experience at guard.

Defensive linemen — Vakautakakala has been working on his game this summer and seems to be more agile in getting by blockers. He'll cause havoc at the nose guard spot in what is a 3-5 base defense that's frequently adjusting how many players are in the front. He'll be joined by fellow offensive lineman on defense depending on South Sevier's opponent.

Linebackers — Chisolm is a versatile player with excellent instincts who can fit into any of the Rams' normal five linebacker spots. Trayton Nielson returns with Roundy, who is the top returning tackler. Borg, Grant and Gardner can also hold their own.

Defensive backs — The additions of Yergensen and Dowell aid the Rams significantly in bolstering their secondary. Add them to a group that also brings back Farnsworth, Anderson and Gavin Tobler, and South Sevier is starting to feel confident in its man coverage.

Key Players

Tyson Chisholm, RB/LB — Zabriskie and his staff felt compelled to start Chisholm as a freshman, not only because of his athleticism but also how mentally aware of the game he was. An injury derailed his chance, but he'll be a contributor for the Rams in more ways than one if he can stay healthy.

Braxton Vakautakakala, OL/DL — A commanding 300-plus-pound presence on both lines, he commands double-teams from blockers and can control the line of scrimmage offensively. Vakautakakala will be playing at the next level.

Cooper Roundy, TE/LB — Roundy's 25 catches were far and away the most put up by a South Sevier player last year, and he added 51 tackles and a sack on the other side of the ball.

Key Losses

Davy Wagner, OL/LB — South Sevier's leading tackler was the school's only player to make one of the two all-state teams.

Bridger Bagley, DL — Bagley's 31 tackles and one sack helped him earn all-state honorable mention recognition.

Easton Roundy, OL/DL — Roundy's three sacks were the second best total for the Rams.

Name To Know: Kayson Borg had four sacks and 38 tackles as a junior, and he's in line to get more carries. A physical back who doesn't shy away from hits, Borg is a part of what could be a strong suit for South Sevier offensively.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — KANAB, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — RICHFIELD, 7 p.m. (Lost, 14-7)

Sept. 2 — at Summit Academy, 7 p.m. (Lost, 63-6)

Sept. 9 — SOUTH SUMMIT, 7 p.m. (Lost, 54-0)

Sept. 16 — at Grand, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-6)

Sept. 23 — BEAVER, 7 p.m. (Lost, 47-6)

Sept. 30 — SAN JUAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 52-12)

Oct. 7 — at Enterprise, 7 p.m. (Lost, 40-7)

Oct. 14 — at North Sevier, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-20)

Verdict: The Rams will be improved this season after being hampered by injuries and general inexperience in 2015. While San Juan and Beaver remain the class of 2A, how the rest of the league ends up is not easy to sort out.

Projected finish in region:  Sixth