This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

DESERT HILLS THUNDER

The Hurry-up — Desert Hills finished 5-5 overall in 2015, and 4-1 in the 3AA South, and lost to Snow Canyon, 17-13, in the quarterfinals.

Excuses are an illness, even if there is a legitimate copout. Taking responsibility is an attribute often leading to success. Desert Hills coach Carl Franke isn't backing away from the truth. Last year was a setback in terms of expectations for the program.

The Thunder were decimated by injuries last year, yet nearly fought their way back from death and were a few minutes away from punching a ticket to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Doesn't matter. Desert Hills has built the reputation as a yearly title contender, so finishing 5-5 doesn't cut it.

'No one is going to hand you anything in life," Franke said. "It doesn't matter if you're the best-looking or the wealthiest person in the world. It doesn't matter if you've got all the tools. You still have to put in the work. There is no other formula besides hard work. Accountability and hard work create opportunities for success."

Entering this season as the odds-on favorite to win the state championship once again, Franke is focused on instilling an attitude back into his troops.

"I think sometimes what happens is you're dealing with teenage boys who expect to win when they hit the field. We've kind of lost a little bit of our edge," Franke said. "We used to be a little bit nastier, more edgier on the field, played with a little bit more tenacity and grit. We see that out of a lot of teams because we have a bull's-eye on our back. We haven't stepped up and played to that same level of intensity. When you win a lot early, you start to become complacent. It's hard to overcome that, at times. We're obviously trying to get back to the roots."

Quarterbacks — Quinn Kiser is expected to emerge from a battle against Kobe Sattiewhite for the rights to command the huddle. No matter who gets the designation, replacing three-year starter Nick Warmsley is no easy solution. "They're both really athletic kids," Franke said. "Quinn is a gamer. I expect him to do some pretty good things."

Running backs — Franke didn't hesitate to proclaim his team "will be better at running back" this season. Nephi Sewell returns with medical clearance after he suffered a broken neck in the opening week of the season last year. He will contribute extensively in the backfield along with his numerous other duties, while Marco Jordan, freshman Noah Sewell and Brock Parry "are all kids that are going to come in and play really well for us," Franke explained.

Receivers — Logan Hokanson and Braxton Porter stretch the field on the hashes, and Franke believes, with Nephi Sewell adding another dimension in the throw-game, that his wideouts will eclipse the production from last season, too.

Offensive linemen — Desert Hills, without question, has the best interior talent in the classification, which is why many are pegging this program as the front-runner to claim the state title. Penei Sewell, who is entering his junior season, is a national recruit and it's a very real possibility he could become the most-recruited player in the history of Utah. Add Bundy Sewell, Houston Stapley — two next-level talents — and Leonidas Jacobsen, who should be honored on the all-name team, to the equation, and the Thunder are stacked up front.

Defensive linemen — Many of the offensive linemen will suit up defensively, too, while other names to keep an eye on are Adeeb Jaouni (whom Franke said "is 6-4, 280 [pounds] and can run") and Tyler Warner.

Linebackers — The middle core of the defense is young and inexperienced, but is not devoid of talent. Look for Jake Stokes and Noah Sewell to be the primary contributors.

Defensive backs — Nephi Sewell highlights a deep secondary at corner. Ryan Hoppie and Giovanni Vaifanua will also provide significant challenges for opposing coordinators trying to figure out Desert Hills' ever-changing defense.

Key Players

Penei Sewell, OL/DL — Class of 2018 prospect has offers from major programs throughout the nation.

Quinn Kiser, QB — Inheriting a ton of responsibility behind center, but if Kiser can manage the talent beside him — and better yet, capitalize on his own talent — Desert Hills will be extremely difficult to defeat.

Nephi Sewell, RB/CB — Sewell will be everywhere on the field this season. It's abundantly clear his return from injury instantly makes the Thunder a better football team.

Key Losses

Nick Warmsley, QB — Threw for 1,649 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, but more importantly he provided three years of leadership and experience behind center.

Zak Fuchs, LB — Multifaceted talent who provided a boost both on offense and defense.

Justice Alo, C — Three-year starter was the voice of the offensive line, and Franke admitted he is nearly impossible to replace.

Name To Know: Everyone is aware of the last name Sewell, and Noah Sewell is the next great talent in the family. Only a freshman, he's already 6-4, 240. "He's going to be something special," Franke said.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 54-34, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — SALEM HILLS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Foothill (Nev.), 7 p.m. (Won, 50-6)

Sept. 9 — at Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — at Cedar, 7 p.m. (Won, 33-21)

Sept. 23 — HURRICANE, 7 p.m. (Won, 37-10)

Sept. 30 — at Dixie, 7 p.m. (Lost, 20-3)

Oct. 7 — PINE VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-10)

Oct. 21 — SNOW CANYON, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-0, and lost, 17-13)

Verdict: This team is loaded with talent and refocused on the task at hand. The Thunder will start the season ranked first in the 3AA classification, and many expect them to finish first, too.

Projected finish in region: First