This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
CEDAR
The Hurry-up — Cedar finished 5-6 overall in 2015, 2-3 in the 3AA South, and lost, 45-0, to Logan in the quarterfinals.
Situated in the 3AA South, Cedar is often overlooked in the discussion. The programs residing in the heart of St. George have demanded the headlines with an onslaught of success the past decade. However, with an abundance of returning starters entering the second season under Josh Bennett — expectations have skyrocketed for Cedar. Is this team the sneaker capable of making a deep postseason run? Bennett thinks so.
"It's funny, this region never has us slotted up there. They always have us four, five or six in our region every year," Bennett said. "We want to be flying under the radar. We want to be that dark horse, but this is a team that can compete for a region and even a state championship if we can peak at the right time. This is a team to definitely keep an eye on this year."
In order to accomplish the lofty goals, Bennett has preached consistency. Cedar made huge strides last season by reaching the quarterfinals.
"We always feel like we're kind of an underrated school and nobody really looks at us, but we keep preaching that nothing is going to be given to us," Bennett said. "Obviously we're going to earn what we get by what we're doing in the offseason. We've really stressed the importance on our offseason lifting program and going to camps, and we've had a good bonding. We feel like that's something that is definitely going to transition over to the season."
Bennett feels the luxury of familiarity will help improve results this year. Instead of implementing new philosophies, players are already aware of assignments, correlating with reactionary performance.
"This year, the returning starters have played under that system, and they understand things a lot better," Bennett said. "It's been a smoother transition, and you can't really replace experience, so it should help quite a bit this year."
Quarterbacks — Mason Fakahua (6-foot-3, 210 pounds), who holds an offer from Utah State, completed 50 percent of his attempts for 2,520 yards and 16 touchdowns, but more importantly, he was only picked off once in 211 tries as a junior. He also led the team in rushing, with 1,250 yards and eight scores on 127 carries. "He's a great player," Bennett said. "It's surprising people don't know about him. He's definitely one of those kids who provides leadership."
Running backs — After being used sparingly last season as a junior, Travis Tait is expected to inherit a more significant role in the backfield this year. "He's probably one of the fastest kids on our team, if not the fastest," Bennett said. "He's a pretty physical kid." Tait rushed for 182 yards on 32 carries in 2015.
Receivers — Drake Lewis, who'll also contribute on the ground, will be a major emphasis this season at slot, while Derek Ball — at 6-3 — will require added eyes on the outskirts. Cedar will also utilize two tight ends that "we feel can play" in Shem Mackert and Parker Haynie.
Offensive linemen — "Offensive line is a question mark," Bennett admitted. This could be the downfall of the team if stability isn't established quickly. Ryder Bearnson returns at tackle alongside center Quaid Murray, but the other three positions are completely up for grabs.
Defensive linemen — Haynie and Mackert will start both ways this season, toggling responsibilities at tight end and defensive end. Another player who could emerge on the defensive front is Daniel Jordan, a quality wrestler who checks in at 6-3, 290.
Linebackers — Cedar advertises one of the best tandems of linebackers in the classification. Jade Bulloch was one of the most productive tacklers in the state last year, recording 144 tackles and 12 sacks, while Bailey Gray wasn't too far behind with 90 tackles.
Defensive backs — In order to counter the multiple spread-based programs within their region, the team is switching from a base 5-2 to a 4-2-5 scheme defensively. Braden Garrett, whom Bennett said was a great athlete who'll also see time at slot on offense, started the final four games of the regular season in 2015 at free safety. Tait and Trent Maurer complete the final two safety spots. Lewis will contribute in the secondary, and Jaden Tullis returns after snagging a team-high eight interceptions last year.
Key Players
Mason Fakahua, QB — Accounted for 77 percent of the offensive production as a junior. One of the top signal-callers in the class.
Jade Bulloch, LB — Tackling machine will be the heart of the defense. Last season, Cedar allowed nearly 30 points per game. It's imperative that decreases.
Drake Lewis, RB/WR/DB — Versatile player who will contribute in multiple ways after piling up 1,312 yards and 12 touchdowns collectively on the ground and through the air — along with 66 tackles and two interceptions — last season.
Key Losses
McCrae Murray, LB — Recorded 55 tackles and was second on the team with seven sacks.
Ian Keyes, SS — Second on the team with five interceptions, and with one more position added in the secondary, his presence will be missed.
Andrew Marchant, LB — Recorded 40 tackles and six sacks.
Name To Know: As previously mentioned, Tait will be a focal point in the offense this season. "He's definitely a guy who I think is going to have a breakout year," Bennett said.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Provo, 7 p.m. (Lost, 40-16, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Virgin Valley (Nev.), 7 p.m. (Won, 41-7)
Sept. 2 — CANYON VIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-41)
Sept. 9 — JUAB, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-20)
Sept. 16 — DESERT HILLS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 33-21)
Sept. 23 — DIXIE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 47-19)
Sept. 30 — at Snow Canyon, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-13)
Oct. 7 — HURRICANE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 44-20)
Oct. 21 — at Pine View, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-21)
Verdict: This is a very experienced roster, with arguably the most talent Cedar has had in years. Considering games against Desert Hills, Dixie and Hurricane are all at home, where the team went 4-1 last season (with the only loss against Class 4A's Provo in the season opener), this team is very capable of surprising the state as a legitimate threat.
Projected finish in region: Fourth