This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
JUAN DIEGO SOARING EAGLE
The Hurry-up — Juan Diego finished 12-1 in 2015, and 5-0 in the 3A North. The Soaring Eagle defeated Morgan High School to claim the Class 3A State Championship.
It's hard to improve a team that won region and state titles, went undefeated against 3A competition, had an offense that scored 31 points per game and a defense that allowed only 15 points per game. That being said, that's what Juan Diego coach John Colosimo and his team are striving to do in 2016.
"We might be a better football team this year and not win it all," Colosimo said. "You can't always predicate your season on wins and losses. We might be a better team than last year in some aspects, and we're just trying to maximize that chance."
It's been said that the hardest thing to accomplish in sports is to repeat as champion. Colosimo is trying to keep that pressure off of the shoulders of his players, but he understands that that's the nature of the beast.
"We don't talk about the championship, we don't talk about repeating," Colosimo stated. "I know that's in the back of those kids' minds, I'm not kidding myself."
Still, the fact remains that many people (including the Soaring Eagle players) expect Juan Diego to win it all again in 2016. In order for them to do that, they are going to have to navigate an improved 3A North with Morgan High School nipping at their heels for the top spot.
"The best route to win the state title is to win your region," Colosimo said. "Everyone is chomping at the bit to win that region title and get that home playoff game."
Quarterbacks — The starting quarterback position has been up for grabs all Summer long, according to Colosimo. What started as a five-man competition has dwindled down to two, with senior Kolbee Gagon competing with junior Zach Hoffmann for the starting role. Colosimo hinted that one is ahead of the other as of now, but that could change in the coming weeks before the defending champs kick off against West Jordan.
Running backs — Senior Ryan Baker returns for his third straight year as a starter for the Soaring Eagle offense, after posting over 1,000 rushing yards last season. Senior Gavin Skirucha also returns with some varsity experience, including having started the 3A semifinal game with Baker out due to injury. Senior Stone Azarcon is also expected to contribute at tailback.
Receivers — Junior Dallen Davis has solidified himself as the team's best receiver, but not much else is known at the receiver position. Colosimo said that he is waiting on some players to assert themselves but that there is a lot of competition left to determine who will crack the rotation.
Offensive linemen — The offensive front has two returning starters in senior Conner Dumont and junior Quinn Brown, the rest will be unproven underclassmen. Juniors Kyle Abundo and Matt Kobs are expected to start, with the final starter still left to be determined.
Defensive linemen — Unlike most 3A teams, Juan Diego has the luxury of not having to share any starters between the lines. Junior tackle Alex Bemis is 310 pounds and the lone returning starter. He will be joined by seniors Tevita Mahe, Mike Howell and junior Chinonso Opara. Several other players are expected to contribute on the defensive front, but the rotation has yet to be finalized. "We have a lot of guys fighting for those positions," Colosimo said. "It's a good problem to have."
Linebackers — Senior Nicolas Bianchi is the lone returning starter for the linebackers, and will man the middle. Like most of Juan Diego's position groups, there is a lot of competition remaining to settle the final spots. Stone Azarcon and Gavin Skirucha are expected to contribute at outside linebacker, with players like Chasen Ongman, Jesse Trujillo and Moses Trujillo also vying for playing time.
Defensive backs — Senior Lucas Pino has solidified his starting role at corner, but there's a logjam of players still competing for the opposite corner spot. As of now, Dallen Davis and J.D. Allstrom are the front-runners to start, with several others competing for rotation reps. Both safety positions are still up in the air, but Colosimo said that whichever quarterback does not start between Gagon and Hoffmann will probably start at free safety.
Key Players
Ryan Baker, RB — Returning for his third year as a starter, Baker has proven that he is an elite running back in 3A. Now, without Hoffman and Hayward in the backfield beside him, he will have to shoulder a heavier load on the offense.
Dallen Davis, WR/DB — With no other known commodities at receiver, Davis will have to be the go-to guy for whichever quarterback ends up seizing the starting spot.
Nicolas Bianchi, LB — A defensive leader, Bianchi must make sure his defense is ready to handle the improved offenses gunning for them in the 3A North.
Key Losses
Alex Hoffman, QB — Hoffman did it all for Juan Diego in 2015. In his senior season, he amassed over 1,500 passing yards, over 500 rushing yards, and accounted for more than 20 touchdowns for the Soaring Eagle offense.
Kaden Hayward, RB/DB — Hoffman's favorite weapon last season, Hayward was a touchdown machine, with 20 to his name last season.
Josh Vasquez, WR/DB — A valuable asset on both sides of the ball last season, Vasquez led the team in interceptions with 10. He also blocked the Morgan field goal which was returned for a touchdown in the 3A title game.
Name To Know: Sophomore linebacker/tight end Sam Knudsen is a player that has impressed Colosimo throughout the offseason. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has shown some real potential and will probably see some varsity minutes to prepare him for next season.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — WEST JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Won, 43-33 in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Manti, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-0)
Sept. 8 — at Murray, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-7)
Sept. 16 — at Morgan, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-21 and 28-13)
Sept. 23 — UNION, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0)
Sept. 30 — GRANTSVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-7)
Oct. 7 — at Carbon, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-0)
Oct. 14 — EMERY, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-13)
Oct. 21 — CANYON VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 39-38)
Verdict: Juan Diego has to replace some extraordinary players from last season, including most of its starting offensive backfield. While they may not be the 3A juggernaut of last season, the Soaring Eagle's talent level and depth at several positions still makes them the team to beat in the 3A North. The only real challenge will be going to Morgan for its first region game.
Projected finish in region: 1st