This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Juab Wasps
The Hurry-up — Juab finished 9-3 in 2015, and 4-1 in league play. The Wasps lost to eventual champion Juan Diego in the quarterfinals of the Class 3A playoffs.
Coach Mike Bowring is itching for a state title, and so are his players. The last three years, the Wasps have made two semifinals appearances, and they feel it's time to go all the way. With a senior class that "just knows how to win," according to Bowring, the Wasps fit the profile of a program that will be back in the mix in 2016. But like every team, the Wasps will have to replace some important players — especially in the secondary and along both lines, which will be big questions heading into the new year.
"We hope we're in the mix this year," Bowring said. "The next step is to win a state championship. We've been knocking on the door for what … seems like forever."
Quarterbacks — As a junior, Ryker Osbourne threw for nearly 2,000 yards and found the end zone 16 times, but he also threw 13 interceptions. With another year under his belt, Osbourne is preparing for his best season yet, a vital factor if the Wasps really want to make a run at the title.
Running backs — Rushing for more than 500 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, the coach's son, Payton Bowring, appears ready for a memorable senior season. However, with the loss of two seniors who pitched in more than 500 yards of their own on the ground, Bowring is going to have to take on more responsibility and touches this year.
Receivers — Seniors Bowring and Jakota Snow will be the lead targets after losing last year's top wideouts Nolan Nielsen and Diego Carmona, but if Bowring can have a similar type performance from last season — pulling in 681 receiving yards and seven touchdowns — Osbourne should have no problem filling up the stat sheet.
Offensive linemen — The biggest question mark for Bowring is his lines. Without much size, Bowring says this year's group will rely on its athleticism and execution. Luckily, it will have senior center Dylan White back for another year to help anchor the middle.
Defensive linemen — Same story with the offensive line: Not very big, but is athletic. Replacing two-way linemen Jaxon Alred and Nick Wohlforth will be the main task heading into the season for this group. This situation does, however, lend itself to openings, which for a successful program like Juab should be manageable.
Linebackers — One shy of a team-leading 100 tackles, senior linebacker Ashton Seely is back and ready to lead again. Likely the most important leader on defense for this team, Seely will need to have another season like he did as a junior if the Wasps want to pose a defense worthy of a state championship run.
Defensive backs — It's not going to be easy replacing Nolan Nielsen and Tyse Ostler in the secondary. As seniors, the duo combined for eight interceptions. This might fall on the shoulders of Seely to step up in this role, but, for now, there is a void that will surely need to be filled.
Key Players
Ryker Osbourne, QB – There is room for improvement after throwing 13 picks as a junior, but with two senior receivers to help out, Osbourne should have another solid season.
Payton Bowring, RB – Finding the end zone wasn't a problem for Bowring last season. Coming off 500 yards on the ground last year with the potential for more touches this season, it looks like he will be a key contributor again.
Ashton Seely, LB – On a defense that has some questions to answer, Seely will be looked at to be someone who can provide stability and leadership. If he can get back to hovering around the century mark in tackles again, Seely will be able to do just that.
Key Losses
Jaxon Alred, OL, DL — With a "motor that just didn't stop," the two-way, playmaking lineman will be a hard leader to replace.
Nick Wohlforth, OL, DL — Another two-way lineman, Wohlforth is another integral piece from last year's lines that will be missed.
Nolan Nielsen, WR, DB — Not only did Nielsen account for 415 yards and three touchdowns, he also led the team in picks, with five.
Name To Know: It appears the Wasps defense will be in need of a leader who can help return this program back to a state title game. Senior linebacker Ashton Seely should be that guy. While the offense is shaping up to have another good year, it will be players like Seely who will be the difference between just making the playoffs and going deep in them.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — MILLARD, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-13, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Star Valley, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-20)
Sept. 2 — SALEM HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-21)
Sept. 9 — at Cedar City, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-20)
Sept. 16 — at Richfield, 7 p.m. (Won, 43-6)
Sept. 23 — at Delta, 7 p.m. (Won, 20-18)
Sept. 30 — CANYON VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 36-26)
Oct. 7 — at North Sanpete, 7 p.m. (Lost, 27-21 OT)
Oct. 14 — MANTI, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-12)
Oct. 21 — UNION, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-14)
Verdict: If the Wasps defense can get to a level where it can put together a deep playoff run, Mike Bowring and his returning seniors might get another shot to bring the hardware home, but they're going to have to go through a tough league that will feature a lot of teams with a good number of returners of their own.
Projected finish in region: First
hkim@sltrib.com
Twitter: @haydaykim