This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

Spanish Fork Dons

The Hurry-up — Spanish Fork finished 5-6 in 2015, and 3-3 in league play. The Dons lost to East 63-6 in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Spanish Fork is going to be young, but talented. Its goal is going to be finding a way to bridge the two under first-year head coach Preston Parrish. But Parrish comes from a culture of winning at his previous school, Davis, so the expectations will be to build that type of culture with the Dons.

"We're going to be very young," Parrish said. "But there's talent there if we can just stay healthy. I come from a program which — up in Davis — where we're competing for region every year. That's what I expect here."

Quarterbacks — While he's going to be more of a game manager at first, junior Carson Chappell will get the nod for the 2016 season. Being a first-year starter, Parrish is planning to ease him in, but he believes that once he gains some confidence and sees the field, Chappell will turn out to be a good starter.

Running backs — Like many of the groups this year, the Dons' backfield will be by committee until further notice. Underclassman like Noah Conway will be in the mix early on, but the jury is still out on what exactly the Dons plan to do here.

Receivers — Parrish likes what he's seen from his wideouts, who are one of the more talented units on the team. With a trio of targets like Colt Condie, Jaxon Higginson and Wei Stanton — all upperclassmen returners — Chappell will have plenty of options to move the chains through the air.

Offensive linemen — In some ways, the offensive line is a microcosm of the entire roster: talented, but young. While Parrish sees this line as the deepest group on the team, the reality is it won't likely start any seniors. This should be an intriguing rotation to watch as the season progresses.

Defensive linemen — Similar to its offensive counterpart, the defensive line is going to be young, but it doesn't lack talent. Parrish believes, with reps, this line has the depth to be successful. But until then, this group remains untested.

Linebackers — Landan Jensen is one of the few returning starters, and he'll be back as the lead linebacker. He's in line to also possibly get some carries in the backfield, making him one of the Dons' most versatile players.

Defensive backs — According to Parrish, the secondary will be the biggest question mark heading into the season. While Condie and Stanton will start as a corner and safety, the Dons' secondary does not yet have an identity, which is something it will need to eventually find if it wants to compete in the region.

Key Players

Carson Chappell, QB — As a first-year starter, Chappell will likely experience his fair share of ups and downs, but if Parrish's evaluation of him is right, the junior will have a good season once he gets going.

Landan Jensen, LB, RB — The most important two-way player for the Dons this season, Jensen will have to do a lot in order for this team to win games, a responsibility he should be ready for as one of the few veteran returners.

Colt Condie, WR, CB — Another key two-way player, Condie will not only have to help Chappell as a main target, he will also have to try and solidify an unproven secondary.

Key Losses

Nate Keisel, QB — Threw for 1,794 yards and 13 touchdowns; was the leading rusher with 451 yards in 2015.

Solofa Funa, TE, OLB, DE — Recorded 35 total tackles and rushed for 357 yards in 2015.

Isaac Pendleton, WR — Was just shy of 400 receiving yards and caught two touchdowns as the lead receiver in 2015.

Name To Know: With how many reps Landan Jensen will get on both sides of the ball, the upperclassman should have the opportunity to emerge as the leader of this team. If he can help anchor the linebacker corps, Jensen very well may be the defensive standout for the Dons, too.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Mountain View, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-9 in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Ridgeline, 7 p.m

Sept. 9 — Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-14)

Sept. 16 — at Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 16-14)

Sept. 23 — Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Lost, 13-11)

Oct. 7 — at Uintah, 7 p.m. (Won, 33-21)

Oct. 13 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-20)

Oct. 19 — Payson, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-14)

Verdict: The Dons can't be truly evaluated until they reach the meat of the season. That's when its young crop of players will make or break Parrish's goal of competing in this league. Until then, it will be a wait-and-see situation with a young, but talented roster.

Projected finish in region: Fourth