This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

OLYMPUS TITANS

THE HURRY-UP — Olympus finished 7-4 in 2015, and 5-0 in league play. The Titans lost to Corner Canyon, 27-0, in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Olympus coach Aaron Whitehead doesn't mince words when laying out how he envisions the conclusion of a new season. "We expect to win region each year," Whitehead said. "We've won four of the last five years. We expect to make it up to Rice Eccles every year. … Every decision we make in our program falls in line with those two expectations."

The Titans return to the gridiron with heavy hearts after the death of offensive line coach Eric Gunderson in June. The players have decided to do two service projects a month in his memory, while dedicating the opening game and any money they're able to raise to Gunderson's family.

QUARTERBACKS — Sawyer Pierce will lead the wing-T offense from under center. Having already received an offer from the Air Force Academy to play quarterback, Pierce enters his second season at Olympus after transferring from California. A gifted athlete, Pierce has demonstrated good decision-making and is a rather accurate passer for how much of a threat he is to beat defenders with his feet.

RUNNING BACKS — Ben Bywater, a BYU commit as an outside linebacker, takes over for last year's Region 6 top rusher, Quinn Meier, as the featured back. Bywater is a big, physical back who doesn't go down easily. Sam Sherwood offers a nice change of pace as a smaller, more nimble ball carrier. Jerrick Kaye is a prototypically bruising fullback with decent quickness. One of the Titans' deepest positions offensively, a number of runners are in line for touches as well.

RECEIVERS — Special teams ace Tyler Smith, who had two kickoff returns for touchdowns as a junior to make the all-state second team, will be one of Pierce's preferred targets. Noel Lokiru is also a burner like Smith, and can lose defenders with speed alone. Christian Condon and Sherwood are capable options who will also be split out wide, and Cameron Latu is a tall, lanky tight end with excellent strength.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN — Starters Kade Roberts, Zach Richman and Jake Fuhriman return to anchor the line following a campaign in which they helped pave the way for the Titans to gain more than 2,200 yards rushing. Malosi Neria and Kyle Schmerse have limited experience, but both look solid in filling in the other two spots up front.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN — Jerrick Kaye had three sacks a year ago and will use his speed in the pass rush off one of the ends, while Nate Ete has a tackle position locked down. Cameron Latu, a junior who has already committed to BYU, is 6 feet 5 inches tall with plenty of power. Marcus Perkins is also in the mix at end after registering three sacks as a junior.

LINEBACKERS — Ben Bywater has stellar instincts and is a playmaker at one of the two outside slots. Chase Thatcher is similar in size to the towering, thick Bywater, and the duo will be looked to for leadership. Isaac Watts and Watson Hoggan are in competition for playing time to round out this group.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Sawyer Pierce made the all-state first team with three interceptions at safety as a junior. He'll be spelled more frequently this season to protect his health. Christian Condon will start at one of cornerback spots, with Tyler Smith and Sam Sherwood rotating in on the other side.

KEY PLAYERS

Sawyer Pierce, QB/DB — After transferring to Olympus from California prior to last season, Pierce distinguished himself as an eventual bonafide No. 1 quarterback.

Kade Roberts, OL — Roberts was a standout along the line in 2015, landing on the all-state second team as a result of how crucial he was to the Titans' offensive success.

Chase Thatcher, LB — While Bywater has already cemented his shot at Division I football, Thatcher won't be overlooked. A multi-sport athlete, Thatcher will be the next lengthy linebacker to excel at a position where Olympus has continually had difference makers.

KEY LOSSES

Quinn Meier, RB — Meier ran 201 times for 1,345 yards and 16 touchdowns on his way to all-state first team honors and an eventual roster spot as a preferred walk-on at the University of Utah.

Nate Hoole, LB — One of the top linebackers in 4A, Hoole amassed 115 tackles and a team-best five sacks to garner all-state first team recognition.

Dallin Bettilyon, LB — Bettilyon slightly bested Hoole with 118 tackles to lead Olympus.

NAME TO KNOW

A ruptured kidney kept Ben Bywater out of five games in 2015, so while the future BYU Cougar hasn't seen as much playing time as his ability dictates he should, he's worked hard to become one of the Titans' most well-rounded players.

2016 SCHEDULE

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

Aug. 26 — at Highland, 7 p.m. (Lost, 24-3)

Sept. 2 — at Davis, 7 p.m. (Lost, 44-7)

Sept. 9 — NORTHRIDGE, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-31)

Sept. 16 — at Cyprus, 7 p.m. (Won, 43-0)

Sept. 23 — KEARNS, 7 p.m. (Won, 44-14)

Sept. 30 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-28)

Oct. 7 — at Murray, 7 p.m. (Won, 33-22)

Oct. 14 — SKYLINE, 7 p.m. (Won, 24-17)

Oct. 19 — RIVERTON, 7 p.m.

VERDICT

Olympus has its sights set on repeating as region champs and competing for the 4A championship. The Titans have loads of talent, and despite some untested players in necessary spots, another first-round exit in the playoffs is unlikely.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION:  First