This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
DIXIE FLYERS
The Hurry-up — Dixie finished 9-3 overall in 2015, 4-1 in the 3AA South, and lost to Logan, 26-15, in the 3AA championship.
As if traversing through the treacherous 3AA South wasn't a daunting task already, Dixie's preseason schedule is one of the most difficult slates in the entire state. In the opening week, the Flyers host Springville, a program that returns an array of contributors from an 11-1 campaign last year, before heading north to face Lone Peak and Alta — two legitimate championship contenders in higher classifications.
Add in the fact Dixie is currently molding an inexperienced, youthful roster in critical positions, and it's very likely the Flyers will be forced to escape an early 0-3 hole to start the 2016 season.
However, not shying away from quality opponents in the preseason often can provide the necessary experience needed to accelerate the learning curve. Take Logan last season for example. The Grizzlies were demolished against Sky View and Mountain Crest, which prepped them for the road ahead en route to the eighth title in school history.
"It is going to be difficult, but I feel like the kids will benefit by being pushed that much harder," said Flyers coach Andy Stokes. "If we can compete with those teams, I think that bodes well for us."
The first step in the process of acclimating athletes to the speed at the varsity level is to minimize avoidable errors.
"Kids make youthful mistakes. Making small mental errors can end up losing a game," Stokes explained. "Those are the kind of things we need to make sure we coach the kids up on and make sure they know their job inside and out so they're not making those small errors. We've got to stay away from that type of stuff and make sure our kids are comfortable with what they're doing."
But there are no excuses for a program that has won two state championships and advanced to the semifinals five times since 2009. The Flyers expect to challenge for another title.
"We've been in Rice-Eccles quite often, so the kids expect that. They know how to practice," Stokes said. "They know what's expected of them, as far as competing and making sure the job is done right. That's a good thing about the program. We have built a program rather than a team."
Quarterbacks — One of the main factors to Dixie's wealth of success has been quality quarterback play. The past five years, Zak Harrah, Ammon Takau and Blake Barney collectively accounted or 15,755 total yards and 170 touchdowns. Stokes feels he has another star in junior quarterback Jacob Barben. "He's going to be pretty good, I think," Stokes said. "He's very intelligent, pretty athletic and can run the ball. He's young. He's got to learn how to make the correct decisions and learn how to see through a defense."
Running backs — Perhaps the most difficult assignment on this team rests with sophomore Ammon Ahquin, who inherits the starting gig at running back after the departure of Tre Miller — one of the best rushers in the state the past two seasons. "He's a great athlete," Stokes said. "He's going to take some time to develop. Physically, as well as mentally. He's not going to be a Tre Miller this year. Five or six guys are going to need to take on that role."
Receivers — Hobbs Nyberg, one part of the three-headed trio that dominated the 3AA classification last season, is the only returning starter in the receiving corps. He hauled in 40 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns last season. Look for Josh Topham to emerge as the secondary target.
Offensive linemen — Gavyn Begay returns at right guard and Tim Miles is back at left tackle, but aside from those two, the offensive line is swarmed with youth. Whether the five up front can gel quickly is the biggest question mark hanging over Dixie right now. "Hopefully those two can anchor that down because that's another lot of young guys there," Stokes said. "Those two are really going to need to step up and make sure they lead that group."
Defensive linemen — Tyson Fisher headlines an unestablished defensive line. As a sophomore, Fisher recorded 59 tackles and 11.5 sacks. However, "the other two spots are wide open. We're working with six guys and trying to figure out which of those six is going to be the most consistent," Stokes said.
Linebackers — The Flyers advertise one of the best linebacker units in the classification. Malakai Fakahua, Cutler Thomas and Buddy Stevenson have seven years of starting experience between them.
Defensive backs — Payton Wilgar is back again, and Stokes is happy, calling him "a Division I kid. He'll be a junior. Stud. He's talking to all the in-state schools already. He's a special piece." Meanwhile, Sam Westfall is expected to start at corner.
Key Players
Jacob Barben, QB — Dixie is dependent on its quarterback, which isn't much different from the rest of the football world. But for a program predicated on an explosive offense, Barben is the detonator to the bomb.
Hobbs Nyberg, WR — One of the few players on offense with legitimate experience operating at a championship level.
Malakai Fakahua, LB — The quarterback of the defense is expected to shine this season once again.
Key Losses
Tre Miller, RB — It's hard to quantify exactly how detrimental of a loss Miller truly is. He changed the way opposing defenses schemed to stop the Flyers.
Bret Barben and Jaden Harrison, WR — The other two pieces of the trio in addition to Nyberg. The two accounted for huge chunks of offense.
Zak Harrah, QB — Threw for 2,775 yards and 27 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions.
Name To Know: Josh Topham is said to almost have an identical game as Bret Barben. If that's the case, he's poised to shred defenses on a nightly basis.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — SPRINGVILLE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-21, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at Alta, 7 p.m. (Won, 45-13)
Sept. 9 — at Canyon View, 7 p.m. (Won, 55-42)
Sept. 16 — at Pine View, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-28 and 28-23)
Sept. 23 — at Cedar, 7 p.m. (Won, 47-19)
Sept. 30 — DESERT HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 20-3)
Oct. 7 — at Snow Canyon, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-23)
Oct. 21 — HURRICANE, 7 p.m. (Won, 48-7)
Verdict: Expect Dixie to have a rough introduction to this season, with a likelihood of opening up 0-3. It's an unforgiving schedule, but the Flyers are equipped to recover from the potential blow. Talent is percolating across this program, and come season's end, they'll be in the thick of things once again.
Projected finish in region: Second