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JUDGE MEMORIAL BULLDOGS

The Hurry-up — Judge Memorial finished 3-8 overall, 2-4 in 3AA North, and lost to Cedar City in first round of playoffs.

Coach James Cordova enters his 14th year as Judge Memorial's head man knowing that 2015 was a landmark season.

Not because the 'Dogs did anything like win a state championship, as they did in previous two years, but for an entirely different reason.

"It was a tough year," Cordova said. "We had to deal with a lot of injuries. We lost six full-time starters, and I mean lost them for the season."

Some positives are bound to occur in the long run though, as younger players are forced to accelerate their development.

And Judge now has a plenitude of athletes at some spots on the field. At quarterback, for instance, Cordova has three players he feels comfortable turning to.

"You're happy to have just one," he said.

Other positions are unsettled, but Judge shouldn't lack for possibilities — as long as something like last year doesn't happen again.

"We've never been so snakebit," Cordova said. "But these guys are excited to play."

Quarterbacks — Cordova calls Jack Boomer an impact player, and the big (6-4, 203) senior will be first up to be the Bulldogs' signal-caller, but he's not the only one who can play the position. Junior Parker Edgington (6-1, 190) got in a few snaps at quarterback last year, and sophomore Max Koszinowski (5-9, 175) will also back up Boomer.

Running backs — Sport Falemaka (6-0, 210) also has some good size and will either line up as a fullback or wing back in Judge's offense. For speed, the 'Dogs will look to a pair of seniors in Sam Cassel and Ryan Kenny, who both go 5-10, 150.

Receivers — Boomer and company will have some capable wideouts to throw the ball to in senior Alex Barnett as well as junior Kayden Milburn. Closer to the line of scrimmage, don't be surprised if juniors Johan Hester and Brandon Benson get some opportunities from the tight end position.

Offensive linemen — Cordova and the Bulldogs' coaching staff aren't settled on who will be protecting the passer or paving the way for rushes, but three seniors figure to be the building blocks on the line. Jackson Baird (6-1, 200) and Josh Ballard (6-0, 195) have similar size, while tall Jackson Roberts (6-6, 240) will also see major playing time. "Where they fit, we're not quite positive," Cordova said.

Defensive linemen — The Jacksons, Baird and Roberts, also will be the front wall in Judge Memorial's 4-3 defensive scheme. Baird will be a tackle, while Roberts' position is undecided. Like those two, Ballard might also play both offensive and defensive lines on a two-way basis — unless he's put at linebacker instead. Falemaka could also see time at end.

Linebackers — The Bulldogs may have more versatility and options at the linebacking corps than almost any other unit. Andreas Cordova got starting experience until he went down with injury and he'll be joined by two-way players like Falemaka, Barnett and Edgington.

Defensive backs — Running backs Cassel and Kenny won't likely stand pat if Falemaka gets the majority of carries on offense. They'll be needed somewhere in the secondary, along with Milburn. Cordova says that incoming transfer Alexander Ellis (5-10, 160), who moved to Utah from Alabama, will also be a regular along with fast sophomore Dang Dang (5-10, 145).

Key Players

Jack Boomer, QB — Boomer had never played quarterback until the start of the '15 season, but ended up throwing for 552 yards.

Sport Falemaka, RB/DE — A player that can be used "everywhere," according to his coach, Falemaka can be used offensively at fullback, wing back or slot receiver.

Alex Barnett, LB/WR — Barnett (6-3, 180) made 30 solo tackles a year ago and will provide some good size at wideout.

Key Losses

Xavier Price, WR/CB — The team's leading receiver in receptions, Price caught 16 balls and found the end zone three times.

Nick Cline, WR/S — Another graduated wide receiver, Cline also led the Bulldogs with 36 solo tackles in '15.

Keola Palau, LB/FB — Palau played in all 11 games, making his presence felt consistently from his middle linebacker spot.

Name To Know: Andreas Cordova (5-11, 175) is a senior for Judge looking for a whole season of playing time at linebacker after going out in the fifth game last year with a torn ACL.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Pine View, 7 p.m. (Lost, 30-24, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Woods Cross, 7 p.m. (Lost 26-6)

Sept. 2 — Provo, 7 p.m. (Lost 34-20)

Sept. 9 — Logan, 7 p.m. (Lost 38-12)

Sept. 16 — Stansbury, 7 p.m. (Lost 27-13)

Sept. 23 — at Ridgeline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 — at Park City, 7 p.m. (Won 47-25)

Oct. 7 — at Ben Lomond, 7 p.m. (Won 37-20)

Oct. 13 — Bear River, 7 p.m. (Lost 19-13)

Oct. 19 — at Tooele, 7 p.m. (Lost 26-21)

Verdict: Bouncing back to state championship contention might be a stretch, but the playoffs are certainly within reach if the Bulldogs escape last year's injury woes and gain confidence.

Projected finish in region: Fourth