This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
BONNEVILLE LAKERS
The Hurry-Up — Bonneville finished 2-9 overall in 2015, 1-4 in Region 5, and did not qualify for the postseason.
Bonneville improved exponentially last season. Yes, the Lakers finished last in Region 5, but they weren't a weekly cakewalk. They competed. They challenged. Take the loss against Highland for instance. Bonneville ultimately fell in triple overtime on the road against a team that advanced to the semifinals.
Now coach Jantz Afuvai is hoping to launch the next phase of the process by claiming stake to more wins. He feels as his roster is talented enough to do exactly that.
"We've a good core that look like they can play on Friday nights, and we're going to try and bank on that," Afuvai. "It's going to be some really good football for people to watch."
The Lakers are also counting on their scheme to help this season. Spread-based offenses aren't unique. Quite the contrary. The system is the darling of football across the high school landscape everywhere, well, except Region 5. Bountiful, Box Elder, East and Highland all operate in run-heavy schemes, with Woods Cross as the only other program utilizing the spread.
"That's why we run it. We feel like that's a huge advantage," Afuvai said. "We want to spread the field and try to exploit some weaknesses. For us, a change of a pace and an accommodation of the kids we have. We don't have very many big guys, so we're going to have to use angles and spread people out and try to be smart about our play-calling to try and get our kids in the best position to be successful."
Quarterbacks — Andrew Kemp, who received some experience last year, will be calling the shots this year. "I feel really happy about him," Afuvai said. "He's got pretty good speed that we haven't had for a couple of years. He's another dimension. You're going to have to account for him as a running back, as well. Hopefully he's going to do some good things for us."
Running backs — Bronson Fox, a converted hockey player who Afuvai said "has a motor that won't quit," and Josh Spivey are fighting for time in the backfield. Jaxson Sears will also be in the mix.
Receivers — Afuvai said receiver Sage Thornock is "one of the fastest kids in Utah," so the Lakers plan to use him over the top. Tate MacFarlane and Kobe Davis are additional targets, specifically Davis, whom Afuvai said "we'll look to him to be a clutch receiver when we need a first down."
Offensive linemen — Carson Rowser and Hendrick Buckway are both three-year starters on the offensive line. Kyle Carter, Caden Smith and Jeff Montague round out the troops.
Defensive linemen — Jalen Eberhard and Terik Lopaz comprise the two bookend positions, and Murtadah Mohisn will play on the interior.
Linebackers — Spivey, Sears and Colton Shock are expected to stop the run, a huge responsibility in Region 5, where some of the top rushing programs in the state reside. "They're really good," Afuvai said. "We take particular interest in our linebackers. They've got to be aggressive to fill a gap and be downhill players. We feel these are probably some of the best linebackers we've had in a couple years."
Defensive backs — MacFarlane and Marcus Cutler, a transfer from Bear River, will start at cornerback, Thornock and Davis will range the field at safety.
Key Players
Sage Thornock, WR/DB — The speedster is going to be used in a variety of ways.
Andrew Kemp, QB — Adding the ability to hurt defenses with his legs is a huge attribute for the spread offense.
Carson Rowser and Hendrick Buckway, OL — Two three-year starters on the offensive line provide invaluable experience.
Key Losses
Braxton Wright, QB — Threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
Kobe Beatty, RB/DB — Truly did it all for the Lakers last years, whether that was leading the team in rushing, locking down receivers as a defensive back, or igniting the team with electrifying special team efforts.
Tyrus Peck, WR — Caught 73 passes for 760 yards and five touchdowns.
Name to Know: Thornock is a track athlete with breakaway speed, and the Lakers are counting on him in stride a few times down the sidelines this year. "He's deceivingly fast because he's long," Afuvai said. "He keeps that pace up and guys think they can keep up with him and he leaves them. He's got a five-yard cushion everywhere we send him on a route. He could be something special."
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Fremont, 7 p.m. (Lost, 24-10, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — NORTHRIDGE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-34)
Sept. 2 — at Weber, 7 p.m. (Lost, 37-29)
Sept. 9 — WOODS CROSS, 7 p.m. (Won, 30-18)
Sept. 16 — at Ogden, 7 p.m. (Won, 48-7)
Sept. 23 — at East, 7 p.m. (Lost, 54-31)
Sept. 28 — SPRINGVILLE, 5 p.m.
Oct. 7 — at Bountiful, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-21)
Oct. 14 — BOX ELDER, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-14, and lost, 7-0)
Oct. 19 — HIGHLAND, 7 p.m. (Lost, 41-35, in 3OT)
Verdict: Bonneville was much more competitive last season, despite the lack of results in the win column. The Lakers could be one of those teams to pull off an upset this year, but besides that, the postseason still seems very unlikely.
Projected finish in region: Sixth.