This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

SKYLINE EAGLES

THE HURRY-UP — Skyline finished 4-7 in 2015, and 1-4 in league play. The Eagles lost to Timpview, 55-21, in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

New Skyline coach Zac Erekson understands the level of prestige associated with the football team in the past. "Skyline's got probably the best high school football tradition in the state of Utah," Erekson said. "And to be able to come and be a part of that, and try to get the program back to that type of a level was a challenge I was excited about."

The Eagles have 14 state titles in their history, but haven't won their league since 2012. A Utah native, Erekson said his time as offensive coordinator at Roosevelt High School in Lubbock, Texas, gave him a new perspective on what it takes to create an elite program. He's asking for greater dedication from his players – while still encouraging them to play other sports and participate in extracurricular activities – to build the foundation for success.

"When they're committed to do whatever it is they're committed to do, they need to do it wholeheartedly," Erekson said.

After doubling the amount of players on the roster since he arrived near the end of March, Erekson and his staff are revitalizing a program that's been a sleeping giant in recent years.

QUARTERBACKS — Andrew Hockman played in three games as a junior, and will control the huddle in a pro-style offense that integrates multiple formations. Erekson said Hockman "has one of the best arms I've ever seen." An intelligent decision maker, Hockman has also shown an ability to make plays with his feet and isn't easy to bring down.

RUNNING BACKS — Seth Kaelin and Saione Matagi will split the bulk of the carries. Matagi missed much of his sophomore season due to a nagging injury, but is fully healthy heading into the opener. Both are physical backs that run well between the tackles.

RECEIVERS — Taylor Larsen caught 50 passes as a sophomore, and his move from running back to wide receiver has been seamless for the most part. Briggs Binford caught 18 passes in just five games as a sophomore, and creates a strong duo with Larsen out wide. Nick Scott is a solid defensive back who will contribute as a pass catcher as well. Yioti Karahalios has good hands and can play receiver or tight end. Ben Knight and Garrett Parcell add to the depth the Eagles boast.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN — Paul Afamasaga, estimated to be about 6 feet 9 inches tall and around 315 pounds, is the lone senior on what will be a young starting front. Ethan Hockman will start at right guard next to the improved Afamasaga, with Dax Lowe in his third year starting at center, Zach Boyd at left guard and Christian Espinel at left tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN — One of the deepest positions on the opposite side of the ball for Skyline, Erekson was coy when discussing who he'll start along the defensive front. The first-year head coach conceded that the Eagles will mostly vacillate between a 3-4 and a 4-3 base, but said he didn't want to go into much detail here because he's "hoping to surprise some people." Sam Tauteoli had three sacks in four games as a junior, and is solid playing in the interior or on the outside as an end.

LINEBACKERS — Inside linebackers Wil Peters and Jaxson Waite are good in pursuit and wrap up well. Taylor Larsen's versatility gives Skyline an outside linebacker with good vision, who can tackle and be a menace in coverage.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Brody Burke is one of the standouts of this group, and is beginning to receive offers to play at the next level. He doesn't have otherworld athleticism, but is sound in his assignments and plays the run effectively. Nick Scott returns as a three-year starter at the other safety position. Garrett Parcell and Ben Knight round out the secondary at the two cornerback spots.

KEY PLAYERS

Seth Kaelin, RB — Kaelin's 785 yards of offense were the second-highest total for Skyline in 2015.

Nick Scott, DB — Scott leads a defense that lost four starters. The Eagles' top returning tackler had two interceptions as a junior.

Taylor Larsen, WR/LB — Skyline's top returning pass catcher is also a capable ball carrier, and will look to add to his five touchdowns from a year ago.

KEY LOSSES

Riley Sharp, TE — Sharp's six touchdown catches led the Eagles, as he was named to the all-state first team.

Jet Leineke, OL — A tree of a man in the trenches, Leineke consistently overpowered defenders on his way to the all-state first team.

Jordan Crofts, DL — Crofts had 78 tackles and two sacks to earn all-state second team honors.

NAME TO KNOW

After being limited last year, Saione Matagi has the ability to be a difference maker offensively and will have plenty of opportunities to do so. The junior has good speed and doesn't hesitate when he sees a gap.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — at Hurricane, 7 p.m. (Won, 17-3, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — SPANISH FORK, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — WEST JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-16)

Sept. 9 — WASATCH, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-16)

Sept. 16 — MURRAY, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-28)

Sept. 23 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-14)

Sept. 30 — at Cyprus, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-17)

Oct. 7 — KEARNS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-21)

Oct. 14 — at Olympus, 7 p.m. (Lost, 24-17)

VERDICT

Skyline is in the process of trying to get back to where the program has been in the past. Despite what is sure to be a season full of adjustment and growing pains, the Eagles have a deep enough roster to win multiple league games and qualify for the playoffs.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION:  Third