This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Payson Lions

The Hurry-up — Payson finished 1-8 in 2015, and 0-6 in league play. The Lions did not make the Class 4A playoffs.

Turnover has hit Payson hard heading into the 2016 season. Having lost all of their seniors, the Lions are going to need to lean on their three returners and a new group of rotational players, some who are tested and some who aren't.

As of now, both the quarterback and running back spots are in flux, with a number of new names vying for starting duties. But first-year head coach (and last year's defensive coordinator) Derek Campbell says he's ready to start a new chapter of Payson football, which he knows will take time.

"It's kind of like building the program from the ground up," Campbell said. "There's a lot of excitement right now. We have high expectations for this year … just try to build up support and the tradition, which takes time."

Quarterbacks — The Lions aren't going to be relying heavily on whoever gets the nod as the starter. Most likely, they'll be going with a two-quarterback rotation, with last year's starter Buck Frazier — now a senior — and backup Matthew Van Moss. Campbell wants the two to focus on limiting turnovers and being more of a game manager than weapon.

Running backs — The backfield will be getting a complete makeover in 2016. With an entirely new group of backs in the mix — most of them being untested at the varsity level — the Lions will begin with a blank slate, which could be a good thing considering its leading back from last season only rushed for 275 yards.

Receivers — Whoever ends up getting reps at the quarterback, he will have two main targets who are proven: the most athletic player in Frazier and the team's most versatile player Tyler Batty. Batty, who will play both ways, is a talented tight end and already gaining interest from BYU, Utah and Utah State.

Offensive linemen — Weston Banks is one of the few returners, and he'll be anchoring the offensive line. There were a lot of key losses in this group, and it will fall on the shoulders of unproven players to immediately step into the trenches and perform.

Defensive linemen — Batty will produce as the starting tight end, but he will shine most as the leader on defense. With good size and experience, Batty will have all the opportunities to be a standout player in the league, regardless of the win and loss columns.

Linebackers — While the linebacker corps will return one, it will also be filling its rotation with a new group. This will be another big question mark, considering this was a solid group last season.

Defensive backs — The Lions will be looking to replace senior corners Josh Sorenson and Isaac Birchetts. Frazier will likely take over the safety spot, but this will be another area where Coach Campbell is going to have to deal with turnover.

Key Players

Buck Frazier, WR, S — Aside from Batty, Frazier will be the other do-it-all player who Campbell will be relying on to perform at a high level. But with so many losses in the secondary and linebacker positions, Frazier's biggest challenge may come as anchoring the defense as a safety.

Chayse Loveless, OLB — It won't be easy, but Loveless will look to lead a new linebacker corps. As the lone returner, Loveless certainly has the experience and chops to do just that, but he's going to need to get his other rotational teammates up to speed as soon as possible.

Tyler Batty, DT, TE — There isn't anything Batty can't do. Undoubtedly the best player for the Lions, Batty will stuff the stat sheets no matter what. Expect big numbers from him on both sides of the ball as he hits the field a lot.

Key Losses

Bryson Tanner, RB — Was the lead back for the Lions with 275 rushing yards in 2015.

Isaac Birchett, WR, CB — Was the second-leading receiver in 2015 and started as a corner.

Kolten Mortenson, WR — Leading receiver in 2015 with 184 yards and five touchdowns.

Name To Know: Tyler Batty is en route to playing at the Division I level, and while the Lions may have another season of rebuilding, he will have the platform to shine. Campbell won't take for granted having a talent like Batty around for one more season.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Timpanagos, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 — Emory, 7 p.m. (Lost 23-0 in 2015)

Sept. 2 — Morgan, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 — Unitah, 7 p.m. (Lost, 40-21 in 2015)

Sept. 16 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-13)

Sept. 23 — Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-14)

Sept. 30 — Salem Hills, 5 p.m. (Lost, 28-3)

Oct. 7 — Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-0)

Oct. 13 — Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-7)

Oct. 19 — at Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-14)

Verdict: Tyler Batty is likely going to be one of the standout performers in the league, but the rest of Campbell's team will be in rebuilding mode as it lays the groundwork for the long-term future.

Projected finish in region: 7th