This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
BEN LOMOND SCOTS
The Hurry-up — Ben Lomond finished 4-5 overall, 1-5 in 3AA North, and did not make the playoffs.
In his second year at Ben Lomond, head coach Eric Alder led the Scots to four wins. That may not seem like such a big deal, but it was the best season in a dozen years for the Scots, who are looking to write a completely different chapter in the school's football history book.
Ben Lomond returns 11 players that started in 2015, either on offense or defense or both.
"I think any coach would feel good with the amount of returning starters we have," Alder said. "Not only are they committed, they're talented. They want to make a new standard at Ben Lomond."
While some of the losses last year were of the lopsided variety, the Scots were actually about one touchdown (witness a 29-25 defeat to Bear River) from having a winning regular season mark.
"We fell short in a couple of games. Hopefully, we can close the gap," Alder said. "I think they felt the pain of falling short. Now you take that pain and build on that."
Quarterbacks — A multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and baseball, senior Kenyon Harris (6-0, 160) will lead the Scots' offensive attack. "He did well in his other sports and had a tremendous time at the summer camps," said Grajek, who admits that the offense is currently structured to fit Harris. "We're looking to find a backup. If (injury to Harris) happens, we'll have to alter the system a little bit."
Running backs — At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Angelo Rios has the stocky body that Alder says is perfect for the single back in his team's spread offense. As a senior, Rios will be looking to repeat his feat of topping 1,000 yards rushing. In fellow senior Demitrius Sanders, the Scots have a "very capable back as well," Alder said.
Receivers — In on slot position, look for senior Deontay Nish to be a game-changer, as he builds on his productive junior season. Nish won't be the only one in the receiving corps who has experience. Senior Adrian Perez also was a starter at the other slot ,while seniors Mickey Dunkley and Connor Barrow will line up wide with a year as a starter under their belts as well.
Offensive linemen — Ben Lomond has several candidates to fill spots along the O-line, including senior Seth Ellis (6-0, 210) at one tackle and junior Alex Christofferson (6-3, 210) at the other. Another junior, Garrett Leatherow (5-11, 215) is expected to line up at center, while senior Michael Corrigan and junior Dane MacDreyor are first in line at the guard spots. Senior Brayden Ashment came into the picture late in the 2015 season and will also be an asset for the Scots up front.
Defensive linemen — In the 3-4 scheme employed by Alder, expect that Christofferson, Ellis, Leatherow and Ashment will all have significant roles up front. Ben Lomond should also benefit from the return of senior Darius Mitchell (6-0, 200), who was not on the team last year when he temporarily moved to another school.
Linebackers — Senior Johnny Gallegos (5-10, 170) had looks at both inside and outside linebacker spots in '15, but is slated to be on the outside for now, along with Demetrius Sanders. Another senior, Cota Jones (6-0, 190), is a returning stater at inside 'backer while the other spot in the middle might be taken up by MacDreyor (5-9, 185).
Defensive backs — Offensive receiving regulars Perez and Nish are expected to spend some time at cornerback for the Fighting Scots, while senior Connor Barrow will be employed as well. Angelo Rio is the prime candidate for strong safety as Mickey Dunckley will provide support at free safety.
Key Players
Angelo Rios, RB/S — As a junior, Rios ran for 1,300 yards and 23 touchdowns and will again be the feature back for 2016.
Kenyon Harris, QB — Harris started every game at signal-caller for the Scots a year ago and threw for over 1,000 yards as a junior.
Deontay Nish, WR/CB — Nish (5-7, 160) has "an amazing ability to create space between him and the defender," Alder said.
Key Losses
Sean Smith, OT — At 6-6, 270, Alder isn't exaggerating when he says Smith had a "big ol' body."
Israel Garcia, OL/DL — Garcia didn't have the large physical presence of Smith, but nevertheless was also a solid contributor on both lines.
Kadence Rentmeister, DE/WR — Rentmeister recorded 20 solo tackles and also was a receiving target last year for Harris.
Name To Know: In Demetrius Sanders, the Scots have a player who could excel at running back if not for Rios. But Sanders should see plenty of action at outside linebacker and possibly even tight end on offense.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Richfield, 7 p.m. (Won, 50-14, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — Carbon, 7 p.m. (Won 31-6)
Sept. 2 — at Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won 36-10)
Sept. 9 — at Park City, 7 p.m. (Won 42-29)
Sept. 16 — Logan, 7 p.m. (Lost 49-21)
Sept. 23 — at Bear River, 7 p.m. (Lost 29-25)
Sept. 30 — at Tooele, 7 p.m. (Lost 70-49)
Oct. 7 — Judge Memorial, 7 p.m. (Lost 37-20)
Oct. 13 — Stansbury, 7 p.m. (Lost 56-20)
Oct. 19 — Ridgeline, 7 p.m.
Verdict: All of that returning experience should translate into more region wins, but the Scots might still be on the border between playoff and non-playoff team.
Projected finish in region: Fifth