This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
MOUNTAIN VIEW BRUINS
The Hurry-up — Mountain View finished 1-9 overall in 2015, and 1-5 in Region 7. It did not qualify for the postseason.
The first year with a new coaching staff is always a challenge. Typically, coaches taking over programs are inheriting tough situations and — more times than not — a losing tradition. So, in addition to implementing new terminology and schemes, coaches are forced to focus on switching the attitude of players.
For Tyler Anderson, who inherited the Bruins' program after coaching at his alma mater and crosstown rival Orem for several years, priority No. 1 is creating a culture of winning, which begins with confidence and belief.
"They've had, I think, six or seven different head coaches in the past 15 years, so there's been no consistency or leadership," Anderson explained. "It's hard for kids to have any kind of consistency when they're getting a new head coach every one or two years. The attitude is the biggest thing. Not coming in and saying it's going to be a building process. I've come in and told them, 'You guys need to expect to win. Not three or four years from now — but now.' It's all an attitude. Obviously it's going to take some time, but I've been impressed with their effort and progress so far, so we'll see how it goes. The attitude and believing in the things that win is the biggest thing we've got to change."
Priority No. 2, which correlates hand-in-hand with the first step, is improving participation. Last season, Mountain View had one of the smallest rosters in the 4A classification, making it nearly impossible for the Bruins to compete on a nightly basis. Anderson has already seen increased excitement.
"We're taking over a program that hasn't won in a while," Anderson said. "I know they had low numbers last year, so we've got our numbers up more than they have been, which is a good thing. We're going to be very young. We have six or seven seniors on the team. We have some good, young talent."
Quarterbacks — Three quarterbacks — Colin Schow, Duce Anderson and Nata Suguturaga — are battling for the starting spot behind center, and not one has played varsity football at the position.
Running backs — Noah Jensen, only a junior, will be a focal point in the backfield, especially with the incorporation of two-back sets this year. "He's a really good runner," Anderson said. "He played a lot of varsity last year. He's quick, good instincts, hits the holes hard."
Receivers — McKay Waite received extensive playing time last season, and Anderson is expecting his production to increase significantly this year. "He's one of the seniors who will be a good contributor," Anderson said.
Offensive linemen — Mountain View struggled mightily on offense last season, averaged a paltry 11 points per game. In order for that number to improve, the Bruins are at the mercy of the offensive line. The five up front need to perform better. Period. Look for Clayton Chun and Taylor Walker to set the tone. "Offensively, we're going to try and mix it up a little bit," Anderson said. "We have some pretty decent-sized linemen and some pretty good running backs. We're going to be in I and spread this year."
Defensive linemen — The Bruins had as difficult a time getting off the field defensively as they did finding the end zone last year. In a league peppered with programs running the spread offense, Mountain View needs to apply pressure from the defensive line to disrupt the rhythm of its opponents. Emi Cano and Aisea Unga highlight the defensive front.
Linebackers — The Bruins will face several of the top individual threats in the classification within Region 7 play alone. That means Grayson Pittard and Drason Havea have to prevent the flood gates from opening at linebacker. Missed tackles can easily lead to six points in this league.
Defensive backs — McKay Waite and Noah Jensen will double up in the secondary, alongside Riley Sinema.
Key Players
Noah Jensen, RB/DB — Arguably the top offensive threat the Bruins advertise.
McKay Waite, WR/DB — Leading receiver and top defensive back will be counted on to deliver plays on both sides of the ball.
Clayton Chun, OL — The Bruins are desperate for production on offense. That starts with the offensive line, and Chun is the leader in the trenches.
Key Losses
Martin Morgan, WR/LB — Best player on both sides last year.
Sam Magalei, QB — Mountain View struggled on offense, but replacing a quarterback is always difficult.
Jake Holland, LB — Led the team in sacks.
Name To Know: Noah Jensen really started to acclimate to the varsity level last season. Now, only a junior, he's being handed the reins of the offense.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Lost, 27-9, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at West Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 27-7)
Sept. 2 — WASATCH, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — at Provo, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-0)
Sept. 16 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 40-21)
Sept. 23 — ALTA, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-7)
Sept. 29 — at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m. (Lost, 52-22)
Oct. 7 — SKYRIDGE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — TIMPVIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-0)
Oct. 19 — at Orem, 7 p.m. (Won, 23-17)
Verdict: Optimism is a powerful attribute; unfortunately, Mountain View is still a long way from being competitive.
Projected finish in region: Eighth.