This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Delta Rabbits
The Hurry-up — Delta finished 4-8 in 2015, and 2-3 in league play. The Rabbits lost to Juan Diego, 31-8, in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Delta's record was bit deceiving in 2015. Winning four of its last five games, the Rabbits' young roster started to peak at the right time. Now, with nine returners on defense and eight on offense, this team is optimistic about their chances to grow in 2016.
"We expect to hopefully pick up from where we left off last year," Delta coach Russ Fowles said. "Our biggest asset is we have pretty good experience; most everybody has played quite a bit, if not started. Hopefully we can just fine tune a little bit more than we have the past couple years."
Quarterbacks — Throwing more picks than touchdowns last season, Jake Day experienced growing pains as a sophomore. But with another year under his belt, a strong backfield and an experienced offensive line, Day will have all the necessities to have a better year.
Running backs — Dallan Draper is one of the best 100-meter runners in his classification. With more than 1,500 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns as a sophomore, Draper has the projections to be one of the most lethal backs in the classification for the next two seasons. In addition, senior Reygan Riding will split carries in the backfield, which should make for an exciting tandem.
Receivers — The receiving corps took a hit losing lead receivers Rhett Shamo and Dakota Dutson to graduation, but it returns junior wide out Trevor Burton, who was a secondary option last season. Already producing as a sophomore, Burton is expected to emerge as the top target in 2016.
Offensive linemen — The line returns three starters and will feature junior Brett Roundy. This year's line is poised to accentuate the weapons in the backfield.
Defensive linemen — Reigning first-team All-State selection Jack Dutson will lead the Rabbits' defense this season. Senior Brett Walker will also help round out the defensive front, which should pose one of the more experienced lines in the league.
Linebackers — Outside linebacker Ryland Day is the notable name among the linebacker group, but Delta also welcomes back senior Gordon Seui. In all, this group will feature three returning starters, and could well be the best overall group on this side of the field.
Defensive backs — The secondary will play some familiar faces this season, and while it didn't create many turnovers, it will carry experience.
Key Players
Dallan Draper, RB – It's special anytime a sophomore back runs for more than 1,500 yards. Now, as a junior, Draper will have more confidence and preparation to lead this offense as the Rabbits continue to feed him touches.
Jake Day, QB – It's going to be a big year for Day as he looks to grow from a learning sophomore season. With Draper in the backfield, Day won't be asked to do too much, but that doesn't mean the Rabbits won't try and use the junior quarterback a bit more this season.
Jack Dutson, DL – Dutson will be expected to lead the defense again in 2016. He'll have plenty of returners to help, too, which should only make his job easier.
Key Losses
Rhett Shamo, MLB, WR – A do-it-all player on offense, Shamo led the team in receiving yards, with 359, and also ran for 423 yards and six touchdowns.
Russell Styler, OL – A first-team All-State lineman, Styler was the voice and leader up front, and will be a player Draper will surely miss.
Dakota Dutson, WR – A reliable third option in the air; also recorded an interception as a two-way player.
Name To Know — If people didn't already know the name Dallan Draper, they will in 2016. Projected to be the main guy on offense, the runner already eclipsed the 1,500-yard mark as a sophomore and will be even more dangerous with another year of experience.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — SALEM HILLS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 47-14, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — MILLARD, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-14)
Sept. 2 — at Emery, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-14)
Sept. 9 — MORGAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-13)
Sept. 16 — at North Sanpete, 7 p.m. (Lost, 70-36)
Sept. 23 — JUAB, 7 p.m. (Lost, 20-18)
Sept. 30 — at Manti, 7 p.m. (Lost, 39-16)
Oct. 7 — CANYON VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 36-32 and won, 48-26)
Oct. 13 — RICHFIELD, 7 p.m. (Won, 36-8)
Oct. 21 — at Grantsville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-6)
Verdict
After finishing strong to close out last year's season, the Rabbits are justifiably optimistic that they will make a jump in 2016. But in a tough league with many teams that are fortunate to return key players, it will be another year of wait and see. A lot will hinge on how much Day can improve as a rising junior quarterback.
Projected finish in region: Third
hkim@sltrib.com
Twitter: @haydaykim