This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

GRANTSVILLE COWBOYS

The Hurry-up — Grantsville finished 1-9 in 2015, and 1-4 in the 3A North. The Cowboys did not make the Class 3A playoffs.

Last season, first year head coach Curtis Ware took over the program at his alma mater with the hope of returning it to the contender status that it had once been when he strapped on a Grantsville Cowboys helmet. Things didn't quite pan out as he had hoped.

With an offense that only scored 10.5 points per game and a defense that allowed more than 41 points per game, the Cowboys weren't even in very many games last season.

Fast forward to now and suddenly Ware and his players are talking about restructuring the status quo in the 3A North. And with 19 returning starters, they have the players to do it.

"We've had a great camp … from the first day of camp to the last, we had a 180-degree turnaround," Ware said. "They've bought into what we're doing now, they're playing together as a team, they're cheering each other on, they're correcting each other, it was a real amazing thing to see."

After implementing a culture change and an offseason workout regiment, Ware has his players believing that they can make one heck of a turnaround compared to the 1-9 mark from last season.

"They finally bought in, they've seen the benefits of what we're doing and that really became evident at camp. They were very excited leaving camp, and that makes me hopeful for this year. I thought maybe I was two years out from turning this program around, but I think we're going to make some noise this year."

Quarterbacks — Junior Cody Johnson returns as the starting signal-caller for the Cowboys in 2016. Johnson finished last season with a 14-1 interception-to-touchdown ratio, but a new offensive system and offseason program should help the underclassman make some dramatic improvements.

Running backs — Grantsville will be returning both of its top two rushers from last season. After leading the Cowboys in rushing with 394 yards on 104 carries in 2015, senior Riley Smith returns as the workhorse for what should be an improved offense. Fellow senior Andrew Floyd will offer a shiftier running style compared to Smith and will be dependable passing target. Junior AJ Rainer will be the youngster rounding out the rotation.

Receivers — Southern Utah University commit Gavin Eyre returns as a senior tight end after leading the Cowboys in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2015. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Eyre should be Johnson's favorite downfield target. In contrast to Eyre's size and strength, AJ Rainer will utilize his downfield quickness. The 140-pound speedster fished last season with 199 yards on 16 receptions as a sophomore.

Offensive linemen — There is no question that the strength of this year's Grantsville squad lies in the offensive line. Ware said that this year's group is "hungry" and "excited to prove their talent." The entire offensive front returns from last year, including Eyre, who should be just as effective at run blocking as he is at pass catching. The core of the offensive line will be led by seniors Jake Williams, Bronco Cloward and Seth Anderson, and will also feature junior Derrian Bennett and sophomore Colten Gill.

Defensive linemen — Not to be outdone by the size of Eyre, 6-3, 215-pound senior Jonah Bartley should be a monster at defensive end, with O-line starters Jake Williams and Seth Anderson adding to the size and strength of the Cowboy defensive front.

Linebackers — The Grantsville linebackers would beg to differ about the offensive line being the strength of this year's team. Like the line, the entire starting lineup returns from last season. Senior Burke Boman led the team in tackles last year with 52 and will pair up with junior Conner Ware to man the middle. At the outside spots, senior Riley Smith finished last season with 7.5 sacks and will pair up with junior Jake Paxton.

Defensive backs — The Cowboys' defensive secondary will feature an all-junior lineup, with AJ Rainer and Braxton Hansen returning to the corner positions in addition to Spencer Brown and Brady Arbon locking down the safety spots.

Key Players

Gavin Eyre, TE — The SUU commit racked up 93 receptions for 601 yards and five touchdowns last season. Whether the ball is being moved through the air or on the ground, chances are that Eyre will have something to do with it for the Cowboys.

Riley Smith, RB/LB — Like last year, Smith will be relied upon heavily to make the offense go. With more weapons around him and the entire offensive front returning, look for Smith to bump up his 3.8 yards per carry average from last season.

AJ Rainer, WR/DB — According to Ware, Rainer clocked in a legit 4.40 40-yard time this offseason. That kind of speed, paired with a defense looking to lock down Eyre, should lead to a lot more receptions than the 16 Rainer was able to haul in last season.

Key Losses

Colton Adams, OL/DL — The current SUU player finished with 41 tackles and led the team with 12 sacks.

Kyle Peterson, RB/DB — Peterson supplemented Smith and Rainer on the offense but his defensive presence is what will be sorely missed. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 47.

Name To Know: Ware had a lot of good things to say about newcomer Justin Richardson. After moving to Utah from Indiana, Richardson has quickly moved up the depth chart and is expected to play at several positions. He is currently competing for a spot with the linebackers, but could also see time at running back and offensive line.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Cyprus, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 — at Tooele, 7 p.m. (Lost, 50-6)

Sept. 2 — at Stansbury, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — DESERT HILLS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — UNION, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-16)

Sept. 23 — CARBON, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-13)

Sept. 30 — at Juan Diego, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-7)

Oct. 7 — at Emery, 7 p.m. (Lost, 50-13)

Oct. 14 — at Morgan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 51-0)

Oct. 19 — DELTA, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-6)

Verdict: With 19 returning starters this season, the Cowboys are set up to challenge Morgan and Juan Diego at the top of the 3A North. The offense should be markedly improved from last season and will be able to supplement the success of a loaded defense. The coaching is there, the athletes are there, the experience is there, the only question remaining is can the Cowboys put it all together?

Projected finish in region: 3rd