This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

SUMMIT ACADEMY BEARS

The Hurry-up — Summit Academy finished 6-3 overall in 2015, 3-2 in 2A North, and lost to San Juan in the 2A state quarterfinals.

Les Hamilton voluntarily went from a head coaching gig at a Class 5A school, Pleasant Grove, to Class 2A's Summit Academy.

Looking for reasons? Hamilton was interested in the new school when it first opened four years ago. Now, the Bluffdale school is installing artificial turf for its field for 2016 and, sure, maybe that was a little extra incentive.

Hamilton arriving to lead the Bears, along with the turf, has also attracted the interest of players looking to transfer to Summit. How many of those get their paperwork approved will likely play into how much success Hamilton will have in his first year.

As for coaching at a smaller school, that's not much of a problem for a guy that has had jobs at Grantsville, Alta, Hunter and PG before this most recent transition.

"It's different, but it's also more intimate," Hamilton said. "It's kind of nice when you have 60 kids top-to-bottom and you really get to know them."

Quarterbacks — Isaac Hamilton is the coach's son, and he is making the father-and-son switch complete by going to Summit for his senior season. Hamilton (6-4, 215) was the starting quarterback for Pleasant Grove in 2015. "It's hard to leave your school, but he wanted to stick it out with his dad one more year," Les Hamilton said. If necessary, junior Hunter Housel could step in, as he was the regular junior varsity signal-caller for the Bears a year ago.

Running backs — Even while running a no-huddle, shotgun spread offense, Hamilton had a 1,000-yard rusher at Pleasant Grove last year, and he believes that sophomore Joe Sili (5-9, 145) might have that kind of potential for his new team. "He's got kind of a rugby-style, with high knees, and he also catches the ball well," said Hamilton, who also is hoping for additional transfer help in the backfield.

Receivers — New students in the Bears' fold will undoubtedly help at receiver, where Summit Academy will need multiple threats. Right now, they have good options in seniors Baylor Harding (6-1, 155), who is the leading returning pass-catcher with over 300 yards in receptions, and Jeff Denos (6-1, 170), while Brandon Soto will provide a consistent threat from a slot position.

Offensive linemen — The Bears only have three returning starters, but two of them are on the O-line, as senior center James Walker and junior Jesse Hooper will be vital to line success. Hooper will hold down one offensive guard spot, while promising sophomore Jacob Munger is expected to start at tackle.

Defensive linemen — In Hamilton's planned no-rest offense, there's little time for linemen to recover, and the new coach isn't planning on using them at all on defense if he can help it. New blood in the form of transfers will be key, but Hamilton is already planning on using senior Matt Endicott (6-4, 215) regularly. "He hasn't played a lot of football, but he's got a big, strong body," Hamilton said.

Linebackers — Jesse Hooper (5-11, 235) will likely see more than occasional duty as a two-way player, as he will be needed in the middle of Summit's 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Hooper will get help on the linebacking corps from Talmage Brown (5-9, 190), who is only a sophomore. "Physically, he's a varsity player," Hamilton said of Brown.

Defensive backs — Unless Housel is forced into playing at quarterback, his most frequent appearances on the field will be in the defensive secondary, where he'll be joined by Denos. "[Denos] can really run. He's long and athletic," said Hamilton, who will be forced to wait until the beginning of the season to settle on the rest of the unit.

Key Players

Isaac Hamilton, QB — As a junior at Pleasant Grove, Hamilton threw for 2,733 yards and found receivers for 24 touchdowns last year.

Jesse Hooper, OG/LB — Hooper will go both ways for his new coach, although Les Hamilton says, "I really need him to be focused on offense."

Brandon Soto, WR — Although he didn't get many touches last year, the new coach is impressed by his undersized (5-5, 150) senior. "He's little, but is really shifty. If you can get the ball in his hands, he can really go," Hamilton said.

Key Losses

Justin Miller, QB — Bears supporters won't have to get used to a new kind of attack, as Miller, with a whopping 3,359 yards passing, had plenty of success last year as a senior.

Darrin Gethers, RB/CB — Gethers found the end zone 17 times in 2015 and accumulated 1,243 yards receiving on 71 catches.

Kholten Bills, WR/S — Although a defensive back, Bills led Summit Academy with 31 solo tackles while offensively hauling in 58 catches for 744 yards.

Name To Know: At 6-3 and 225 pounds, lineman Jacob Munger is still only a sophomore and "one of the strongest kids in the weight room," according to Hamilton.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Emery, 7 p.m. (Lost, 57-44, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Union, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — South Sevier, 7 p.m. (Won 63-6)

Sept. 9 — at San Juan, 7 p.m. (Lost 41-14)

Sept. 16 — at Millard, 7 p.m. (Won 16-7)

Sept. 23 — at North Summit, 7 p.m. (Lost 28-13)

Sept. 30 — South Summit, 7 p.m. (Lost 49-21)

Oct. 7 — at Gunnison Valley, 7 p.m. (Won 70-7)

Oct. 14 — American Leadership, 7 p.m. (Won 30-8)

2016 Schedule Hardly a spot on the field exists that won't be affected one way or another by potential transfers. One certain one is Isaac Hamilton, and his quarterback prowess should help the Bears to their fair share of wins.

Projected finish in region: Third