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HURRICANE TIGERS

The Hurry-up — Hurricane finished 6-4 overall in 2015, 3-2 in the 3AA South, and lost, 35-7, to Tooele in the quarterfinals.

Hurricane is a proud program. Since 2008, the Tigers have recorded one losing season, in 2013. However, as time has passed, the memories of a four-year stretch of playing in the state championship from 2008-11 — where the program posted an overall record of 48-7 — are fading.

Make no mistake: Hurricane is still very much considered a powerhouse in the 3AA classification, but it has lost the intimidation factor after slumping to a 16-20 record the past three seasons, including 14-10 the past two years.

Yet that hasn't changed the mindset within the program.

"We always try to set the bar really, really high because we know we have to in order to be in a position to be where we want to be in the postseason," said Tigers coach Steve Pearson. "Region championships are really difficult to come by in our region — and they always have been."

Hurricane is the smallest school in the 3AA South, based on 2014 enrollment, with a population of 872 students. Pearson noted that for the Tigers to return to the top, staying healthy is of utmost importance — a difficult task with lower numbers.

"We have to manage our assets the best we can and try and stay healthy and try not to have that injury bug plague us," Pearson said. "We don't have the depth that a lot of people have, so we have to be especially mindful of injury management. Aside from that, we have to embrace what we do as well as we possibly can."

Regardless of the recent history and disadvantage of a smaller roster, Hurricane expects to contend for a region championship this season.

"We have a chance to be a good football team again," Pearson said. "Obviously our goal is to get into the playoffs and see what we can do. We're in an incredibly tough region, and we're going to have to work really, really hard."

Quarterbacks — Josh Parker returns behind center as a three-year starter. He's surrounded by young players, so Hurricane will rely heavily on his experience and leadership. "We expect Josh to pass for over a thousand yards again like he did last year, and probably take on a little bit more of a leadership role because he is a senior," Pearson said. "He has great athleticism, he has a great arm, and he knows our system very well. He's very comfortable."

Running backs — The Tigers will once again operate out of the wing-T offense, which sets a major emphasis on the ability to carve out chunks of yardage on the ground and gradually wear down opponents. Jaron Cordova will be the fullback, while the rest of the backfield will be by committee. "We're going to be young in the backfield this year," Pearson said. "That can be a great thing, it can also be a challenge. You like to be senior-heavy, but nothing wrong with young men getting experience as juniors to carry you into the next year."

Receivers — Although the passing game is second fiddle at Hurricane, without it — opposing defenses can stack the box and clog the running lanes. Cale Landis, Michael Lacy and Orin Hutchings will be in charge of making the defense play honest. Tobie Swenson provides another target at tight end.

Offensive linemen — While youth is the overwhelming theme this year, where the Tigers are most experienced is in the location that wins the most games. Tackles Cameron Anderson and Wyatt Fischer, guards Gavin Atkinson and Shane Farnsworth and center Tyler Mitchell all have extensive varsity action attached to their résumés. "I feel really optimistic about our offensive line this year," Pearson said.

Defensive linemen — Quando Ieremia, a three-year starter, and Isaiah Johnson, a two-year starter, highlight a talented defensive front that could provide a stable pressure presence.

Linebackers — Aside from Tobie Swenson, Hurricane's linebacking corps is unestablished. "We are really young there, so we're going to be by committee," Pearson said.

Defensive backs — Analogous to the linebackers, the defensive secondary is still in limbo. Noah Humphrey will play at corner and Josh Parker will see time at safety.

Key Players

Josh Parker, QB — The captain on the offensive side. Surrounded by a relatively young group, Parker must lead the troops every Friday.

Quando Ieremia, DL — One of the top defensive talents in the classification.

Tobie Swenson, TE/LB — Big presence on both sides of the ball.

Key Losses

Kirt McDaniel, DB/RB — First-team all-state selection in the secondary. Led the team in interceptions and contributed extensively in the backfield on offense.

Nick McDaniel, DB/RB — Another presence on both sides of the ball that will be difficult to replace. Was named second-team all-state.

Kyle Williams, WR — One of the main targets through the air.

Name To Know: Jaron Cordova is poised to inherit a significant amount of carries. "He's going to be our starting fullback and will also play linebacker." Pearson said. "I think we should be hearing his name quite a bit."

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Skyline, 7 p.m. (Lost, 17-3, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Canyon View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Moapa Valley (Nev.), 7 p.m. (Won, 17-14)

Sept. 9 — at Carbon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — SNOW CANYON, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-21)

Sept. 23 — at Desert Hills, 7 p.m. (Lost, 37-10)

Sept. 30 — PINE VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-35)

Oct. 7 — at Cedar, 7 p.m. (Won, 44-20)

Oct 21 — at Dixie, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-7)

Verdict: Hurricane is young, but still very talented. However, with road games against the toughest competition in the 3AA South, this could be the year where the Tigers might slip down the ranks.

Projected finish in region: Fifth