This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

MORGAN TROJANS

The Hurry-up — Morgan finished 10-3 in 2015, and 4-1 in the 3A North. The Trojans lost to Juan Diego in the Class 3A State Championship game.

Some unfortunate and unlikely plays from the Trojans kept the team from taking control early in last year's 3A state championship game. A fumble in the red zone and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown gave Juan Diego a lead it never surrendered.

"We had a couple of mental breakdowns and the momentum swung. It hurts to be right there and not get it done," Morgan coach Kovi Christiansen lamented. "This year, we're a lot more focused on what we want to do, where we want to be, and getting a different outcome."

With several returning seniors at some crucial positions, Christiansen and his Trojans know that winning a state title is the only acceptable conclusion to the 2016 season. "It's not about getting there anymore, we have to win it," Christiansen stated. "We're going to make another run at it, I guarantee."

Quarterbacks — After starting as a junior last season and taking his team to the 3A state title game, senior signal-caller Tucker Skinner will return with the hopes of finishing what he started last year.

Running backs — The Morgan roster is loaded with weapons at this position. With anywhere from six to eight players vying for playing time, Christiansen called the backs his deepest position group. Returning seniors Conley Breshears and Austin Francis will be the featured backs, and both have power between the tackles, speed on the outside and can catch the football, according to Christiansen. Davis High transfer Sam Fisher rounds out the starting backfield at the fullback position.

Receivers — Christiansen expects four to five players to contribute to his receiver rotation, which will be led by 6-foot-2 senior Ben Millward. With a returning quarterback and a stable of running backs to keep the defensive front seven occupied, expect Millward to be the team's big-play receiver. Senior Brayden Hatt is another returning senior who should contribute to the Trojan passing attack.

Offensive linemen — The line is where the Morgan coaching staff will have to replace the most talent from last year. Senior Hunter Beddoes is the only definitive returning starter, but will be joined by another Davis High transfer in senior Colton Jeffery, as well as junior Chase Trussell.

Defensive linemen — Trussell will also be starting at nose guard, where he started last season as a sophomore. Seniors Cade Moore and J.J. Morley will start at the defensive end positions, with other lineman rotating in and out.

Linebackers — The Trojans will start a trifecta of seniors at the linebacker spots. One of the state's best wrestlers in Owen Pentz will start alongside Sam Fisher and Brennan Norman.

Defensive backs — The defensive backfield is largely a question mark for the Trojans. Christiansen has some returnees with varsity experience, but they would be two-way players, and he would like to limit as much potential for injury as possible. One known commodity will be senior Austin Francis, who Christiansen called the best safety in the region, but expect some younger players to get their first shot in the secondary.

Key Players

Tucker Skinner, QB — After enduring the growing pains of being thrust into the starting position as an underclassman, Skinner returns to prove that he can bring a state title to Morgan High School.

Austin Francis, RB/S — After finishing 2015 as the team's second-leading rusher, Francis returns as a dynamic offensive weapon as well as one of the best defensive backs in the 3A North. Keeping him healthy will be a key factor if the Trojans hope to get back to the 3A state championship game.

Conley Breshears, RB — Just another of the fantastic options Skinner has the option to pass or hand off to. Opposing defenses will struggle to key in on the senior tailback while also trying to keep an eye on Francis and Skinner. Expect Breshears to be the beneficiary of any unorganized defense.

Key Losses

Spencer Larsen, RB/DB — As the leading rusher and receiver for the Trojans last year, Larsen was one of the most dangerous weapons in all of the 3A classification. A thousand-yard rusher and a 20-plus touchdown scorer, his production totals will be hard to replicate by any Morgan player this season.

Wyatt Ekblad, FB/DB — A valuable contributor on both sides of the ball, Ekblad's leadership and hard-nosed playing style will be sorely missed.

Jarred Carrigan, OL/DL — As the leader of the offensive line last season, Carrigan is just one of numerous linemen that Christiansen will have to replace in order to protect his senior quarterback and open up lanes for his dynamic running backs.

Name To Know: Throughout camp and Summer practices, Christiansen has been pondering the possibilities of where to play senior Cade Moore. At 6-3 and just under 200 pounds, Moore has the size to be an effective playmaker at his usual defensive end position. But, his speed is what has his coach contemplating new positions for him to try. Christiansen said to expect to see the senior at several different positions throughout the season.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Bear River, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-12)

Aug. 26 — SOUTH SUMMIT, 7 p.m. (Lost, 14-7 2OT)

Sept. 2 — at Payson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Delta, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-13)

Sept. 16 — JUAN DIEGO, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-21 and 28-13)

Sept. 23 — EMERY, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-13)

Sept. 30 — at Carbon, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0)

Oct. 7 — at Union, 7 p.m. (Won, 26-21)

Oct. 14 — GRANTSVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 51-0)

Oct. 19 — at North Sanpete, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-21 and 43-22)

Verdict: Morgan has some notable players returning and should still be very good at the skill positions this season. The biggest question remaining for the Trojans is can they get over the hump and beat Juan Diego? With the Soaring Eagle visiting Morgan for the first region game of the season, the Trojans will be tested early. Do they have enough talent and depth to overcome last season's 3A juggernaut?

Projected finish in region: 2nd