This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

KEARNS COUGARS

THE HURRY-UP — Kearns finished 8-3 in 2015, and 4-1 in league play. The Cougars lost to Alta, 31-23, in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Kearns coach Matt Rickards' resounding message to his team is simple: "Just get better." That mentality stretches from the football field, to the classroom to community service. Whether those strides are minimal or exponential isn't necessarily of interest. "That's kind of our motto through our program, is get a little better every day," Rickards said.

The Cougars are set to challenge for their first region title in 23 years as they boast some of the best depth in the league. Some of the positions are still a work in progress, but there are plenty of players eager to get a shot due to how deep this team can run.

QUARTERBACKS — John Bass played in seven games after the starter, Bailey Floyd, broke his foot. Bass showed that he can be an accurate enough passer to make plays with his arm. Isaac Matua may also see time as the signal caller in a multiple-formation offense that uses a lot of run/pass option.

RUNNING BACKS — Sese Felilia and Sam Fetzer will get the bulk of the carries for a group that could go five deep in terms of formidable runners. Felilia is a powerful back who punishes defenders, while Fetzer relies on his vision and speed to get around opponents. Saia Pupua is one of the top options behind the pair.

RECEIVERS — The running back position will overflow into the receiver corps, as some backs will be counted on to split out wide when they're not in the backfield. Peter Do, Jamil Thompson and Patrick Vigil are all true receivers who will get numerous reps.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN — Starters Michael Pacheco, Jake Proctor and Dawson Leatuatufu return to team with Logan Floyd and Willie Hendrix to create a strong crop of lineman. One of the more talented components to the Cougars, they won't lose many competitions in the trenches.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN — Nick Galo, Zion Solomona, Malakai Vaenuku and Alfredo Colin will start after all being in the rotation a season ago. Colin can really get after the quarterback, and Kearns has the luxury of depth with multiple offensive lineman able to play both ways.

LINEBACKERS — Jaeden Tonumaipe'a played in all 11 games, and Tarick Morris brings additional experience to the starters in the 4-3. Marcel Barcelon and Kalux Manuo are young and unproven, but both are athletic and will see significant playing time.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — A few tweaks to their coverage schemes have the Cougars adjusting. Journey Ebet-Buba played in nine games at safety as a sophomore, but the rest of the secondary will be filled out with players still learning the position.

KEY PLAYERS

John Bass, QB — Bass began his junior season as the starting signal caller before being replaced by a healthy Floyd, and completed 30-of-50 attempts for 397 yards and two touchdowns.

Sese Felilia, RB — Following his 806 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore, Felilia is in line to become the vocal point of the Cougars' ground game.

Jaeden Tonumaipe'a, LB — Tonumaipe'a led Kearns with four sacks and is the top returning tackler after tallying 65 as a junior.

KEY LOSSES

Sione Finau, RB — Finau accounted for 1,256 yards and 18 touchdowns on his way to all-state second team honors and an offer to play at BYU.

Kiko Faamausili, OL — Faamausili, likely the best guard in Region 6, will attend Snow College after a dominant season that saw him make the all-state first team. He received offers from Southern Utah and UNLV.

Graden Luckart, WR — Luckart was the Cougars' top receiver with 52 catches, while contributing 754 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns. He also led Kearns in tackles (102) and interceptions (four).

NAME TO KNOW

When a versatile player like Isaac Matua, who plays various positions well, comes along, a coach is forced to find ways to get him on the field. Whether he's seeing more snaps as a quarterback, wide receiver, safety or linebacker, Matua has plenty of ability to be a real playmaker for Kearns.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — at Stansbury, 7 p.m. 

Aug. 26 — GRANGER, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-13, in 2015)

Sept. 2 — at Cottonwood, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-12)

Sept. 9 — COPPER HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-0)

Sept. 15 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-14)

Sept. 22 — at Olympus, 7 p.m. (Lost, 44-14)

Sept. 30 — MURRAY, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-18)

Oct. 7 — at Skyline, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-21)

Oct. 14 — WEBER, 7 p.m. (Lost, 49-42)

Oct. 19 — CYPRUS, 7 p.m. (Won, 63-7)

VERDICT

Kearns is loaded up front on both sides of the ball, which is part of what allows Rickards and his staff the freedom to mix in so many different formations offensively, and, to an extent, get away with a lack of proven capability in the secondary. The Cougars should be much more competitive against the Region 6 favorite Olympus, and they have enough to win a playoff game or two.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION:  Second