This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

Wasatch Wasps

The Hurry-up — Wasatch finished 8-3 in 2015, and 5-1 in league play. The Wasps lost to Bountiful 42-17 in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Wasatch High School still plays with a chip on its shoulder. Historically a small-town school, the Wasps have only recently reversed the perception that school size equates to success. In scheduling only 4A and 5A schools for 2016, coach Steve Coburn is doing everything he can to keep a winning tradition and keep his team on its toes at all times. Turnover is going to be a question for the Wasps in 2016, but it has a tested and unified class coming in that is ready to take over the program.

"The expectations were set with the team last year," Coburn said about his first class that he had for all four years. "These guys understand that expectation even though it's a new team. The perception is still Heber City, small school, small town … we do play with a chip on our shoulder."

Quarterbacks — Grayson Wynne outplayed two other quarterbacks to win the starting job. Groomed under Coburn since his little league days, Wynne is an untested but promising prospect that the program is excited to let loose at the varsity level.

Running backs — Nash Jones, Hayden Richards and Ritchie Heywood will make up the backfield. The trio is experienced and had over 1,000 yards combined last season, which should make for one of the strongest and deepest rotations on the team.

Receivers — Jones will certainly see time in the backfield, but as a hybrid receiver — a position that Coburn says will get the most touches — he will likely be the lead wideout for Wynne. Considering Jones is a multi-faceted athlete who will play offense, defense and special teams, this should bode well for the Wasps' offense.

Offensive linemen — They're the biggest and tallest line that the Wasps have seen in recent memory. They're also very young. While this year's line has played in front of Wynne since their freshman and junior varsity days, it does not boast many reps at the varsity level. But with a few upperclassmen that will get into the mix and good overall size, Coburn is understandably excited to see what this unit can do.

Defensive linemen — Losing three-year starter Ben Boss will be tough. Having said that, Coburn plans to play a rotation of about 8-10 players. This group will be a puzzle to try and piece together, but with so many talented linemen on the other side, it may not be so hard to stitch together a solid group.

Linebackers — Antonio Rino is returning and junior Kaden Baxter will help round out the linebacker corps. Rino being one of the better defensive players on this team, this year's group shouldn't have too much trouble finding a productive rotation.

Defensive backs — Skyler Southam is going to be missed in the secondary. And while Nash will try to help secure this side of the field, there are a lot of holes to fill, according to Coburn. While the lines may be young, the secondary is one of the most important questions to address heading into the season.

Key Players

Grayson Wynne, QB — He's confident and enters the varsity starting role with the very offensive line he's played with all throughout high school. Assurance may be too optimistic without any reps, but Wynne has all the support to grow into the role and thrive as the next Wasatch quarterback.

Antonio Rino, MLB — The returning voice on defense, Rino is an integral piece to the Wasps' long-term success. There are going to be a lot of new faces from the junior varsity level getting their first crack at the next stage, and Rino is going to have to be one of those leaders to help integrate them into the culture.

Nash Jones, RB, KR, CB — If playing one side wasn't already hard enough, Jones will be seeing reps on offense, defense and special teams. The numbers may end up getting spread thin because of that, but don't get it mixed: Jones is going to be one of Coburn's most important role players.

Key Losses

Ben Boss, T, DT — Three-year starter and reigning wrestling state champion who recorded 29 tackles in 2015.

Garrett Davis, QB — Three-year starter who threw for 1,410 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2015.

Skyler Southam, S — A three-year starter and All-American kicker, Southam recorded four interceptions in 2015.

Name To Know: It's going to be entertaining to watch Nash Jones play offense, defense and special teams this season. Coburn has harped on him to get in shape, and expects his senior to produce in many ways.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won, 33-14 in 2015)

Aug. 26 — Westlake, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-9)

Sept. 2 — at Mountain View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Skyline, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-16)

Sept. 16 — Payson, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-13)

Sept. 23 — Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 23-10)

Sept. 30 — at Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 27-17)

Oct. 7 — at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Won, 22-7)

Oct. 13 — Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-20)

Oct. 19 — at Uintah, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-14)

Verdict: A lot will be riding on the rapid development of Garyson Wynne and his accompanying line from junior varsity, but if the two can transition to this level smoothly, things are looking good for the Wasps. It's hard to say if they will have enough depth and experience to repeat its successful season from a year ago, but Coburn should have enough to work with.

Projected finish in region: Third