This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES
The Hurry-up — Timpanogos finished 1-9 overall in 2015, 1-5 in Region 7, and did not qualify for the postseason.
Second-year Timpanogos coach Daniel Tervort said, "Time is always good." When he took over the program, not much was expected and, as blunt as it sounds, that's exactly what occurred in 2015. Not much.
The Timberwolves struggled to remain competitive, but as time as passed, Tervort and his staff pieced together portions of the season they could pinpoint as little successes. Not all was lost. And as they've spent more time with the players, they've been able to build upon those highlights.
"We've had a chance to go way more in-depth with all the schemes and all the things we're doing, and we've also had a chance to get to know the kids and build rapport and create an offseason culture of lifting," Tervort said. "It's been a really good offseason to have that much time to work with the boys, to get out and talk to those boys that aren't playing and get them out to play football."
However, for a program that lost nine games by an average of 25 points in 2015 and allowed opponents to run rampant for 44 points per game, success doesn't blossom overnight. Tervort understands that, which is why he's preaching about focusing on the little things. Improvement every day is the only way to the top.
"We're still young. It's a building process. We've been talking to the kids about respecting the process," Tervort said. "We did a lot of good things last year that we hope to use as a stepping stone to do more good things and more competitive. We're going to be a little bit more confident than we were last year. Still a young program. A lot of culture changes need to be made still, but on a very, very positive track. I'm excited about the direction it's going."
Quarterbacks — Casey Hamilton, a converted quarterback who played receiver last year, will handle the reins of the offense. "He's an outstanding athlete," Tervort said. "We just feel the right thing [is] to have the ball in his hands more often. He's a playmaker and we're going through him on every play. He's been the clear choice."
Running backs — Gage Heward rushed for a 193 yards and one touchdown on 59 carries last year, but as the featured back this season, his production is expected to rise exponentially. "[He] was very good this offseason," Tervort said. "I saw him running with more confidence. He's a more mature running back. He's done a good job."
Receivers — Carl Pinegar, whom Tervort said "should give us some ability to stretch the field" will be an emphasis in the passing game alongside tight end Garrett Sweeten, who was second on the team in total receptions last season, and newcomer Max Roberts, who has been "phenomenal for the team. He's our slot receiver," Tervort said. "Shifty guy in the open, is really good with the ball in his hands. We're going to try to get him the ball in as many ways as we can."
Offensive linemen — After starting three games as a freshman, sophomore center Kaden Bretzing has emerged as the leader on the offensive line. "He has really responded well," said Tervort. "He knows the system very well and is very confident with all his responsibilities up front, so he navigates really well. He does a good job being a captain of that group." Carlos Bermudez, a returning starter, and Hunter Greer are also expected to start in the trenches.
Defensive linemen — Unable to platoon, Timpanogos will require players to double up on both sides of the ball. Greer, who bulked up 30 pounds in the offseason to check in around 6-foot-5, 230, highlights the defensive front. He's joined by Brett Dawson (who has "really excelled this offseason and proven to be a force"), Sione Kivalu and Tate Mason.
Linebackers — Adam Ahmu tallied 123 tackles, 12 for a loss, and three sacks in 2015. He'll once again be the leader as the "best defensive player. We're excited to see what he can do this year." Max Young, another new addition, as well as Gage Heward and Garrett Sweeten will see time, too.
Defensive backs — Aaron Jacot, Carl Pinegar, J.T. Thomas and Issac Davies will find their way into the defensive secondary, but the main storyline is Tyler Walker, a "6-foot-5 basketball player who we got to come out this year. He's a really good lockdown corner. He's been so helpful at that position."
Key Players
Adam Ahmu, LB — Had a dominant season as a junior. The Timberwolves surrendered an enormous amount of yardage and points last season. Ahmu is the first step of improving that number.
Casey Hamilton, QB — Led the team in receptions last season. He'll be the main priority on offense.
Kaden Bretzing, C — The vocal leader of the offense is expected to direct his counterparts on the offensive line despite being only a freshman.
Key Losses
Jaxson Smith, QB — Threw for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing with 636 yards and six touchdowns. Smith transferred to Pleasant Grove.
Mote Siufanua, WR — Did it all last season by leading the team in total collective receiving, rushing and returning yards, with 1,330.
Brayden Millet, DB — Second on the team with 98 tackles.
Name To Know: Casey Hamilton is poised for a huge season. Look for him to potentially lead the team in rushing at quarterback.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — PAYSON, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 — at North Sanpete, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-28, in 2014)
Sept. 2 — at West, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — SKYRIDGE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — at Mountain View, 7 p.m. (Won, 40-21)
Sept. 23 — CORNER CANYON, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-14)
Sept. 29 — at Timpview, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-0)
Oct. 7 — OREM, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-21)
Oct. 13 — at Alta, 7 p.m. (Lost, 69-7)
Oct. 19 — PROVO, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-0)
Verdict: The second year with the coaching staff will be beneficial in establishing more consistency at being competitive. However, this program is entrenched in one of the best regions in the classification, and the postseason is likely out of reach.
Projected finish in region: Sixth