This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Salem Hills Skyhawks
The Hurry-up — Salem Hills finished 5-8 in 2015, and 3-3 in league play. The Skyhawks lost to Highland 41-7 in its Class 4A playoff game.
Coach Joel Higginson was fired up at summer workouts, and for good reason. Thanks to returning the majority of last year's team, Salem Hills believes it has what it takes to compete for a Region 8 championship and possibly more. This team has a few Division I-bound players, and has the luxury of being able to carry over momentum and chemistry from last season. Despite having to replace its starting quarterback, the Skyhawks are confident that they will be right back in the mix as a competitor in this league.
"We're excited about our group because we return so many guys," Higginson said. "Last year was kind of a reset year for us. We felt like we could have done some other things. This is one of those teams that's kind of a sleeper team. I think this team is capable of competing for a region championship, and that's a great goal for them."
Quarterbacks — Tristen Swenson has moved on, but the Skyhawks aren't too worried about being able to fill the void. With two promising quarterbacks — Higginson believes both are ready to start at the varsity level — in James Nelson and Ricky Ferrel, the Skyhawks will be better off than most teams that are having to replace a long-term starter. In addition, Nelson received reps last season when Swenson went down, so whoever wins the job should be ready.
Running backs — One of the most highly touted players in the state, Vili-Manulea Wolfgramm is ready to wreak havoc. A rare four-year starter at the varsity level, Wolfgramm has all the tools and talent to dominate in this league. Still, by the numbers, he has plenty of room to grow and it doesn't appear he's going to shy away from the challenge heading into his senior year.
Receivers — Wideout Kaden Kun and tight end Jacob Rolff are back and ready to be the main targets. Both received quality reps last season and are expected to take their games to a climax as upperclassmen.
Offensive linemen — Four of five starters from last season are back, and they are all seniors who have started for two years. One of the most seasoned groups on the team, Higginson has no worries that his group will produce in the trenches game in and game out.
Defensive linemen — At the end of last season, the entire team voted on who it thought was the best overall defensive player. That honor went to defensive end Kaden Stewart. But that's not the entire story of this strong line, because on the other end, the Skyhawks feature Rolfe, another returning starter who injured his shoulder as a junior. According to Higginson, this might be the strongest unit on the team.
Linebackers — Wolfgramm may be the lead back, but he's also the best linebacker on the roster. With the exact same skill set that helps him be a devastating back, Wolfgramm is expected to produce at a high level once more as a versatile linebacker.
Defensive backs — Athleticism, experience and IQ — the Skyhawks' secondary poses all of these traits. One of the best overall athletes, Kunz, will be one of the corners; returning starter Jackson VanTassell will anchor the safety spot; and Garret Lloyd, who Higginson claims is one of the best lockdown corners in the state will take one side of the field. If the line doesn't live up to being the best overall unit on the team, the secondary likely will.
Key Players
Vili-Manulea Wolfgramm, RB, LB — The four-year starter led the team with 136 total tackles and rushed for just under 400 yards in 2015.
Jackson VanTassell, TE, S — Caught for 314 yards as the starting tight end and recorded 86 total tackles in 2015.
Garret Lloyd, CB — Didn't record an interception in 2015, but led the team with 15 passes defended as the lead corner on the team.
Key Losses
Cooper Smith, WR — He was a three-year starter who caught 47 passes for a team-high 717 yards in 2015 and is now playing at Southern Utah University.
Sam Callister, WR, LB — Another three-year starter, Callister was second in receptions on the team and caught for 169 yards and a touchdown in 2015.
Ryan Stones, OL — A veteran on the offensive line, Stones was a vocal leader who Coach Higginson said the team will miss.
Name To Know: There is a reason why Vili-Manulea Wolfgramm is likely Division-I bound. A star player on both sides of the ball, Wolfgramm will not only lead the Skyhawks as a two-way senior player, but he will also have the stage to validate the state-wide hype.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Delta, 7 p.m. (Won, 47-14 in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Desert Hills, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at Juab, 6 p.m. (Lost, 38-21)
Sept. 9 — at Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-14)
Sept. 16 — Unitah, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-17)
Sept. 23 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 23-10)
Sept. 30 — at Payson, 5 p.m. (Won, 28-3)
Oct. 7 — Westlake, 7 p.m. (Lost, 46-34)
Oct. 13 — Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-16)
Oct. 19 — Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Won, 22-0 and 7-6)
Verdict: The Skyhawks will be competitive in Region 8, but it will be tough for them to overcome the top-tier teams. Competing for a region championship is an attainable goal for this year's team, but it will have to take everything this program has and more than likely, a bit of good fortune.
Projected finish in region: Second