This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

CANYON VIEW FALCONS

The Hurry-up — Canyon View finished 5-6 in 2015, and 2-3 in league play. The Falcons lost to Delta, 48-26, in the Class 3A play-in game for the fourth seed.

The term turnover will take on a new meaning for Canyon View in 2016, as it tries to replace 20 starters. Only returning one starter on each side of the ball, the Falcons will essentially be playing an entirely new roster that has some experience and promise, but will take time to develop.

"Our kids last year were really surprised how good they were at one point and they sort of settled and didn't improve towards the end of the season," Canyon View coach Robby Robinson said. "This group is different. They're going to be a nasty group … not necessarily as physical as we have been, but they are really mentally sharp."

Quarterbacks — Stockton Rigby saw the field in the last five games to end the season after starter Mike Musto went down. Now, as a junior, Rigby, who Robinson says has "got a little gamer in him," will have an entire season to showcase his playmaking abilities.

Running backs — The backfield will be entirely new, but it can count on upperclassman Isaiah Shearer to transition smoothly and quickly. Already getting some looks from the next level, Shearer will be a staple in the Falcons' option offense.

Receivers — The Falcons are traditionally a run-first program, but with senior wideout Abe Huxford lining up alongside Rigby, Robinson said he plans on drawing up more designed plays to make sure that one-two connection doesn't go to waste. Expect Huxford to get looks when the Falcons offense wants to switch up the pace with a designed throw.

Offensive linemen — Lacking size and experience, this year's offensive and defensive line will be the "Achilles heel," according to Robinson. It will be a question mark heading into the season as the Falcons pose a few offensive threats who will undoubtedly be slowed down if the linemen up front can't provide holes and throwing time.

Defensive linemen — The entire defensive line will be replaced this season. Seniors Dallen Smith and Tyler Haley, who play both ways, will be looked to step up as the voices and leaders this season, and if they do, maybe the preseason worries will be put to rest.

Linebackers — The defensive line might be a concern, but that is not the case with the linebackers. Returning junior middle linebacker Porter Miller, the only returning starter on defense, Tyler Nelson and Arizona transfer Barlow Johnson should emerge as one of the pillars of the team.

Defensive backs — The Falcons' secondary will be loaded this season. Shearer will rotate between corner and safety, senior Braden Dastrup will fill in at the other corner spot, and Colton Gochies, who sat out all of last season with a severe concussion, will return and pitch in as a safety. Robinson expects this group to make a lot of plays in 2016.

Key Players

Isaiah Shearer, RB, CB, S — The numbers didn't point to a star player last season, but with key losses on offense, Shearer will have all the opportunities to mold into the go-to option on offense and one of the leaders on defense.

Porter Miller, LB — The only returning starter on defense, Miller will be counted on to anchor a completely new rotation of players, but with a few upperclassmen who are already showing promise, Miller should receive help.

Stockton Rigby, QB — Robinson is excited to see what Rigby can do after filling in the last five games of the 2015 season. He's a playmaker who will pair up nicely with Shearer in the backfield

Key Losses

Mike Musto, QB — A two-year starter, now playing at Southern Utah University, who racked up 1,269 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Keith Clark, OT, DT — At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds., Clark was the rock for both lines during his tenure, with good size and playing experience.

Jackson Vasi, RB — Now a walk-on at SUU, Vasi led the team with 1,744 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015.

Name To Know: With so many projected reps on both sides of the ball, Isaiah Shearer has the potential to be the do-it-all leader who will dictate how far the Falcons go this season. If he can emerge as the type of player who Robinson has high expectations for, Shearer has the potential to be one of the standouts in the league.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Beaver, 7 p.m. (Won, 44-28, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — HURRICANE, 7 p.m. (Won, 53-20)

Sept. 2 — at Cedar City, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-41)

Sept. 9 — DIXIE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 55-42)

Sept. 16 — at Manti, 7 p.m. (Won, 55-28)

Sept. 23 — RICHFIELD, 7 p.m. (Won, 62-27)

Sept. 30 — at Juab, 7 p.m. (Lost, 36-26)

Oct. 7 — at Delta, 7 p.m. (Lost, 36-32)

Oct. 13 — NORTH SANPETE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 55-24)

Oct. 21 — JUAN DIEGO, 7 p.m. (Lost, 39-38)

Verdict: Everything will depend on the development of both lines, but if they can hold their own, Canyon View should have a strong enough run-game and secondary to have a similar outing to last season and make a push for the postseason.

Projected finish in region: Fourth