This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
PROVO BULLDOGS
The Hurry-up — Provo finished 8-3 in 2015, 5-1 in Region 7, and lost to Murray, 26-17, in the first round of the Class 4A postseason.
The Tony McGeary magic is sweeping through the Provo program. The revered coach has already started to transform the Bulldogs into championship contenders, as evidenced by the 4.5-game improvement from Year 1 to Year 2, and by the Bulldogs challenging for a region title, ultimately finishing second in Region 7.
Now the challenge is continuing to build.
"Work, work, work," McGeary said when asked how the program takes the next step this season, including winning its first playoff game since 2006. "We've got some good kids coming back, a lot of key players. We're returning five [starters] on offense and five on D. Our sophomores were undefeated last year, so we're expecting [them] to step in and kind of keep the ball rolling. These guys understand last year's team had a good year and these guys haven't accomplished anything yet. We're trying to keep them focused and working hard."
The momentum from last season, however, has resonated within the program. The players are fully invested in the process. The coaching staff is no longer preaching about success, they're able to showcase it. Results speak for themselves.
"We've tried to carry that attitude into that season. Our seniors have high expectations, so the culture has changed," McGeary said. "We're trying to get better at what we do, and I think it's all coming together. Our sights are always high. Obviously we want to win every game we play. As the end of the season comes, we'll see what cards we dealt ourselves, and we'll go from there."
Quarterbacks — Spencer Jorgensen, a two-year starter in the defensive secondary, is making the transition to quarterback this season. "We won the Ute Shoot this year and he got some great experience during that and some great success as well," McGeary said. "We're really happy with his progress, but 7-on-7 is just that. There's no linemen out there, so we've got to make that transition."
Running backs — All of the Bulldogs' rushing production from 2015 was virtually wiped out from graduation. Tevita Ika, who led the team with 57 receptions, will play more running back after contributing sparingly in the backfield last year. Tasi Lesa will also handle carries, and although they're not as experienced at running back, McGeary said he "feels good about them."
Receivers — Ika will continue to be a threat in the passing game after racking up 712 yards and nine touchdowns, especially with Washington commit and reigning All-Tribune honoree Ty Jones back on the hashes. Jones racked up 989 yards and 14 touchdowns on 53 receptions. Kelton Bertagnini, whom McGeary said is a "big, strong kid" will handle duties at tight end, and junior Braiden Loevell adds another element on the outskirts.
Offensive linemen — Chandler Mitchell and Talmage Robertson return up front, but overall, the offensive line is young and inexperienced. "We've got a few new guys right there, and so that's going to be the biggest challenge," McGeary said. "We'll have to see who emerges."
Defensive linemen — Whereas the offensive line is young, the defensive front is battle-tested. McGeary described this unit as "pretty stout," with Danilo Ortolano, Joey Tolutau and Kalen Robertson all returning after starting last season. "We're excited about that," McGeary said.
Linebackers — This is an extremely thin area on the defense right now, with Tasi Lesa as the only returning stater. He'll be playing more on both sides of the ball this season, but luckily for the Bulldogs — he was extremely productive, with 84 tackles, 2.5 sacks and four interceptions last year.
Defensive backs — Another area of concern on the defense, not because of lack of talent, but rather unproven talent. McGeary said they have the pieces, but simply need more time to evaluate how to utilize them. One option is having Jorgensen double-up. "He may play a little bit both sides of the ball, we'll just have to see," McGeary said. "We've got some young guys in the secondary who are working really hard and trying to figure it out."
Key Players
Spencer Jorgensen, QB/DB — McGeary has a proven track record of producing quarterbacks. Will Jorgensen be the next all-state-caliber talent calling the shots in the huddle?
Ty Jones, WR — One of the top deep threats in the state. He presents an array of problems for defenders, both with his speed and his height.
Tasi Lesa, RB/LB — While he'll have help offensively, he'll need to help absorb the natural growing pains of his younger teammates on defense in the earlier portion of the season.
Key Losses
Viliami Iongi, QB — The only quarterback to play for McGeary at Provo. He accounted for 4,227 passing yards and a 46-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio the past two years.
Dallan Olsen, DE — Recorded 33 tackles and led the team with 14 sacks.
Daniel Kelly, RB — Left a significant void in the backfield after topping the team in rushing yards, with 848. He also found the end zone nine times.
Name To Know: Danilo Ortolano should already be known after recording 11 sacks last year. This season, with experienced counterparts on the defensive line, Ortolano's sack total could increase.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — CEDAR, 7 p.m. (Won, 40-16, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — RIDGELINE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at Judge Memorial, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-20)
Sept. 9 — MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-0)
Sept. 16 — TIMPVIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-7)
Sept. 23 — at Skyridge, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 — at Orem, 7 p.m. (Won, 24-21)
Oct. 7 — at Alta, 7 p.m. (Won, 48-28)
Oct. 13 — CORNER CANYON, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-18)
Oct. 19 — at Timpanogos, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-0)
Verdict: Provo is extremely young, especially on defense. This could lead to unavoidable headaches at the beginning of the season, but eventually talent will supersede inexperience. The young Bulldogs will acclimate to the varsity level, and will be in the postseason conversation in the deepest league in the 4A classification once again.
Projected finish in region: Fourth