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RIDGELINE RIVERHAWKS

The Hurry-up — This is the first year of football for the new school in Millville, and the team will compete in the 3AA North region.

The helmet designs are done, the roster is rounding into form and the first edition of the Ridgeline Riverhawks are looking forward to challenging for a region title.

That may seem like lofty expectations for a brand new program, but Ridgeline is different than many fledgling squads in one major way: This is a team that is not composed of raw, young players.

In fact, coach Christopher Howell says that the 'Hawks are actually a senior-laden team — primarily composed of players from playoff-tested Mountain Crest in Class 5A.

"We actually started our offseason lifting program last February. It was kind of a weird situation, but we used the weight room at Mountain Crest," Howell said.

Howell is from Logan originally, and has a previous stint as the Sky View head baseball coach. Most recently, he was the head football coach at Star Valley, Wyo.

The elements for Ridgeline haven't been in place long, but the first coach for the school is happy with what he's seen.

"From a character perspective, they're a great group," Howell said.

Quarterbacks — Not a big player, senior Payton Thomas (5-9, 155) nevertheless has all the necessary skills, according to the coach. "He's very competitive, very intelligent," Howell said. "A tough kid who's quick and athletic — a good leader." Junior Brady Stuart is also expected to get some snaps, as Howell would like to have both players on offense at the same time occasionally.

Running backs — Expect senior Levani Damuni to be the primary rusher of choice for the Riverhawks once he gets on the field. Damuni broke a leg in the summer, but is expected to be in action once Ridgeline gets into region play. In the meantime, senior Cody Olsen and big junior Kody Pope (6-1, 230) figure to get an ample amount of reps, while senior Mitch Stott could also get some handoffs.

Receivers — Olsen and Stott are also set to be part of the spread offense as wideouts, and will be joined by senior Bensen Hill (6-1, 170). Howell says that Hill is a possession-type receiver, while Jayden Olsen, not related to Cody, has "great measurables." Senior Davis Nixon (6-3, 180) also has good measurables, while Theron Wallentine (6-3, 210), a senior as well, will be a target from the tight end position.

Offensive linemen — The first O-line for the Riverhawks won't be lacking in size, as senior Caleb Lawver (5-10, 220) will anchor the unit from the center position. He'll be joined by tough senior Mason Fiefia (5-10, 260) at one guard slot, and the other guard might be the job of senior Jared Van Ypren (5-10,180). At one tackle, big junior Oliver Taylor (6-3, 270) brings some starting experience from Mountain Crest, while the other tackle will likely either be junior Tayten Tenton (6-2, 270) or sophomore Trevor Hobbs (6-3, 210).

Defensive linemen — The one sure thing about the defensive line is that Fiefia will anchor the 3-4 scheme from the nose guard position. Beyond that, several athletes — six, according to Howell — will vie for spots. That group will be comprised of Taylor, Lawver, Wallentine, Tenton and Hobbs.

Linebackers — Damuni's forte is on defense, where he was part of 39 tackles as a junior at Mountain Crest — and where he's expected to play at a D-I school eventually. Until Damuni is completely healthy, Stott and Nixon will hold down the fort at outside 'backer. At inside positions, Pope will be joined by senior Matt Larsen (5-11, 180) and senior Landon Weston (5-11, 190).

Defensive backs — Unlike their days at Mountain Crest, most of the stalwarts on Ridgeline will go both ways. Look for Cody Olsen (5-11, 175) to be the starting free safety for the 'Hawks, while Thomas and Stuart will see time at strong safety. Hill and Jayden Olsen will be joined by senior Nathan Oakden and junior Hayden Williams in manning the cornerback positions.

Key Players

Payton Thomas, QB/CB — Thomas was the starting safety at Mountain Crest last year, but will have major additional duties leading the Ridgeline offense.

Levani Damuni, LB/RB — Colleges are in hot pursuit of the 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior, who will be a load to handle on offense and defense.

Cody Olsen, WR/FS — Olsen is a speedster who was a starter at free safety last season for Mountain Crest.

Key Losses Mason Fiefia plied his football trade a year ago as the starting tackle for Mountain Crest and, for his senior season, will add Ridgeline offensive guard to his résumé.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Skyridge, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 — at Provo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — Spanish Fork, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — Bear River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — Tooele, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — Judge Memorial, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 — Stansbury, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 — at Park City, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 — at Logan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 — at Ben Lomond, 7 p.m.

Verdict: The Riverhawks don't play a league game until the fourth week, and then have four straight region games at home — highly favorable for a talented, experienced group perhaps needing a little time to jell.

Projected finish in region: First