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AMERICAN LEADERSHIP EAGLES

The Hurry-up — American Leadership finished 4-6 overall in 2015, 1-4 in 2A North, and lost to Enterprise in opening round of the 2A playoffs.

School records for the Spanish Fork private school went falling by the wayside last year, although third-year coach Billy Nixon readily admits that some of those feats were small by other teams' standards.

Nevertheless, American Leadership did get four wins in '15. That was a school record, as was the Eagles' defense shutting out opponents two times.

Those efforts were the first two games of the season, and ALA gradually came back to earth through the rest of the slate, falling to Enterprise 37-6 in the playoffs.

"That was the winningest season in school history," Nixon said. "We would've had more, but we had to suspend kids for violating team rules. That kind of threw a wrench into things."

Expect the Eagles to once again rely on a wishbone attack, or something very close to it, that will try plow its way to the end zone.

"I love power running — it gives us the best chance of winning," Nixon said.

Quarterbacks — Jackson Shockley isn't necessarily the greatest throwing quarterback around, but he doesn't need to be in ALA's running-oriented scheme. What he is, according to the coach, is a "manager of the offense" who is very physical and took over the starting job in the fifth game of last year's campaign. In the wings is talented freshman Trey Alvarado, who could step into action at some point.

Running backs — Dallen Short was one of the fastest guys on the American Leadership squad a year ago, and now he's added bulk and some extra power to his arsenal, so look for Nixon to employ the senior at fullback. At the tailback positions, which will often be two in number, junior Owen Huff will be the leading candidate for carries, as he led the team in yardage in 2015. Finding a third runner, Nixon said, is the team's August project, although junior Truman Henderson might fill the need.

Receivers — Although the Eagles sometimes only throw in a pinch, they have senior tight end Baker Henry (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) to turn to, as well as senior wideout Connor Bowen, whose athleticism is potent but whose potential has so far outpaced his reliability.

Offensive linemen — Other than the third running back, this is the most dire situation for ALA. Junior Holland Morely (5-11, 300) is in his third year as a starter and will line up at guard along with fellow junior Trey Twitchell (6-0, 200). The Eagles also have a standout on the line in Michael Van Wagoner, who will hold down one tackle position. But two positions, the other OT and center spots, are to be determined, and Nixon confesses the talent pool for that and the reserve slots "is very shallow."

Defensive linemen — In American Leadership's 3-4 defensive scheme, they have just enough good players — barring injuries — to make a solid front line. Van Wagoner is probably overall the best defender up front, and he'll have big help with Morely and Twitchell alongside.

Linebackers — Huff and Short will more or less occupy the same spots defensively they do on offense — a few yards behind the line of scrimmage — as they are slated for inside linebacker positions. This will be a change for Short, who led the team in interceptions as a defensive back last season. Shockley is likely to go two ways as well, at one outside backer spot, while Henderson might be the leading man for the other.

Defensive backs — Like the offensive line, much of the secondary is up in the air as far as probably starters. Bowen, though, will at least provide experience at one cornerback position. Nixon feels like a couple of transfer students might end up being necessary to shore up the defensive backfield.

Key Players

Dallen Short, RB/LB — Short put up good numbers last year, over 500 yards rushing, but expect the 5-10, 200-pound fullback to do the dirty work inside.

Owen Huff, RB/LB — Huff (5-10, 180) is a standout in rugby and will likely threaten to repeat his 1,000-yard rushing totals from a year ago.

Michael Van Wagoner, OT/DT — Nixon calls his 6-2, 220-pound senior, "arguably one of the best linemen in the state," and Van Wagoner will be utilized to the max as he'll be a mainstay both ways.

Key Losses

Ben Pruden, OT/DE — Pruden, now a walk-on at BYU, was a force for ALA on both lines, and his 30-plus tackles will be missed.

Preston Bergquist, C — Bergquist was only a starter offensively for the Eagles, but it's vital that Nixon finds a good snapper and blocker to replace him in the heart of the O-line.

Isaac Williams, OG — Another starter on the offensive line, Williams was generally on the strong side of American Leadership rushing plays last season.

Name To Know: Quarterback Jackson Shockley (6-2, 185) will be very important as the engineer to the Eagles' offensive attack, but also has a major role as the strong-side outside linebacker.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Altamont, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Layton Christian, 4 p.m. (Won 47-0)

Sept. 2 — Grand County, 7 p.m. (Lost 28-14)

Sept. 9 — at North Sevier, 7 p.m. (Won 34-14)

Sept. 16 — at South Summit, 7 p.m. (Lost 52-9)

Sept. 23 — Millard, 7 p.m. (Lost 19-14)

Sept. 30 — Gunnison Valley, 7 p.m. (Won 28-14)

Oct. 7 — North Summit, 7 p.m. (Lost 42-13)

Oct. 14 — at Summit Academy, 7 p.m. (Lost 30-8)

Verdict: The potential for the Eagles might be as high as third in a tough region, but it's unlikely the depth-challenged group will hopscotch through the schedule with the limited amount of injuries necessary for that.

Projected finish in region: Fourth