This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

Uintah Utes

The Hurry-up — Uintah finished 2-8 in 2015, and 1-5 in league play. The Utes did not make the Class 4A playoffs.

It's only been a few years since Uintah moved up a classification to join Region 8. Last season, it showed. In his first year as head coach, Austin Heaps felt like his players — naturally — underestimated the move up, and simply wore out by the end of the season despite being close towards the end of many games. So, in 2016, Heaps and the Utes are hoping to start taking steps forward in the region with an understanding of what it takes to compete at this level. The challenge this season will be to find a way to replace its entire linebacker corps and starting quarterback.

"We're hoping to have some of those games that we were either just a little behind or had the lead at halftime, we can finish those games off and win some more ball games," Heaps said.

Quarterbacks — There is a lot of optimism surrounding junior Kyle Henderson. The son of Unitah's track and field coach, Henderson is very mobile and, according to Heaps, "When he gets in a groove, it's scary." It might take Henderson a few games to get going, but Heaps says he plans on making it a priority to get his quarterback's confidence up early in every game with some easy completions and short passes, which should help the growing process.

Running backs — Michael Jones may be small, but he's stout, has strong legs and is hard to bring down. The Utes' offense will be centered on him in 2016. Jones will be expected to consistently move the chains and be the foundation for everything else this offense does.

Receivers — Replacing Tyson Colton won't be easy, but the Utes will have returnees Kedric Coonis and Corban Allen to lean on. The question will be whether or not these two and a new rotation will be able to make the leap from getting a few touches to being the main targets. Last season, the leading three seniors alone accounted for over 80 of the 125 total receptions.

Offensive linemen — With three returnees and a core group ready to lead, the offensive line appears to be in good shape. Led by Jarrod Runnels, Austyn Murray and Jackson Koy, the goal for this year's group will be integrating a few new players who may have received some varsity reps last season, but will be taking on a much bigger role in 2016.

Defensive linemen — Alex Foster is a Division I-caliber talent who isn't yet an upperclassman. And with Corbin Allen returning as a junior, the defensive line also looks to be in good hands. Foster alone may be able to provide stability game to game.

Linebackers — This group will have a complete makeover in 2016, after losing a trio of three-year starters. That means newcomers like Trevor Slaugh and Hunter Willer have a lot of work ahead of them to try and fill the void. The rest of the defense already has its identity, so this will be the group that will be a wildcard.

Defensive backs — Chemistry will be a non-factor for this end of the field. Not only will the Utes return their corners, it will have twin brothers Dustin and Dallin Breakfield anchoring the secondary. Heaps is very confident the two will do well.

Key Players

Michael Jones, RB — Jones is going to be the marquee name on this roster. Last season, he rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries. This season, he should be getting the majority of touches, which projects a fine year on the stat sheets.

Alex Foster, DT — The fact that Foster is already being touted as a potential Division I player says enough. While only a sophomore, Foster will be expected to rise as the leader of the defensive line. Heaps has no doubts Foster will be able to do just that despite the lack of experience.

Kyle Henderson, QB — If everything holds true about the junior quarterback, Henderson may open some eyes this season. As a dual-threat quarterback with natural speed, it sounds like Henderson has the skills to thrive in his first starting season.

Key Losses

Kedric Coonis, QB — Threw for over 1,000 yards and connected on five touchdowns in 2015.

Tyson Colton, RB — Rushed for over 700 yards and found the end zone eight times as the lead back in 2015.

Brayden Lewis, WR — Led the team in receptions with 33 for 322 yards and two touchdowns in 2015.

Name To Know: Academic ineligibility sidelined Dorian Walters before. But this season, the versatile athlete has been cleared to play and is a player Heaps intends on using on both sides of the ball. Walters may not specialize in one position enough to rack up notable stats, but he will be an important player for this team.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Snow Canyon, 7 p.m.

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

Sept. 2 — Union, 7 p.m. (Lost, 23-15)

Sept. 9 — at Payson, 7 p.m. (Won, 40-21)

Sept. 16 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-17)

Sept. 23 — Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-13)

Sept. 30 — at Maple Mountain, 5 p.m. (Lost, 43-8)

Oct. 7 — Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Lost, 33-21)

Oct. 12 — Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-0)

Oct. 19 — Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-14)

Verdict: It will be another year of development and adjustment for Heaps and Uintah. There is a possibility that this team will be able to take some steps and remain competitive with a better perspective of what to expect, but the Region 8 is going to be tough once more, and wins won't be easy to come by.

Projected finish in region: Fifth