This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

BOUNTIFUL BRAVES

The Hurry-Up — Bountiful finished 7-5 overall in 2015, 3-2 in Region 5, and lost to Timpview, 42-34, in the 4A quarterfinals.

For the first time in 31 years, Bountiful will feature another coach other than Larry Wall donning the headset and stalking the sidelines this season.

Randy Johnson — not the big lefty who imploded the bird while playing for the Diamondbacks — but the one who led Clearfield to the state championship in 1992. With 17 years of head coaching experience, Johnson is no rookie and the perfect replacement. Why? Because he won't try to be something he's not.

"That's one of the first things we did. In fact, even in the interview, that was one of the questions: what would change?" Johnson explained. "I told them almost everything. The way we do summer conditioning, the way we do two-a-days, the way we practice, what kind of offense and defense package we'll introduce. That was one of the first things we had to establish with the kids. I think so far they're on board with everything we do. They're pretty excited and they show up and they work hard. I'm pretty happy so far."

Johnson is introducing the Wing-T offense, which he ran with the Falcons, and switching his base defense to a 4-2-5 personnel. He's also abandoning the traditional Florida State spear the Braves have plastered on their helmets for years in favor of a replica of Utah's drum and feather, which circles the Bountiful "B" instead.

Like he said, everything is changing, but he also isn't snuffing out the flame of tradition.

"Following Larry Wall — his name is three-foot letters on the scoreboard," Johnson said. "There is quite a bit of tradition he established here. There's a lot of expectations, certainly, and we're going to do our best to live up to that."

The players, Johnson said, have adapted to the new philosophies admirably, but this team is swarmed with youth, having lost the majority of the main pieces from last season's unit. Yet quarterback Kohle Newbold said the goals and aspirations haven't shifted for the proud program.

"The coaches demand excellence from us, and with that, I think we can go as far as the state championship, and maybe get a title this year, which would be awesome," Newbold said.

Added two-way starter Hunter Munk: "We're a little bit underestimated, I think, because we lost a lot of starters. We're in one of the hardest regions, but I think we're up for that challenge. We're going to surprise some people."

QUARTERBACKS — Newbold saw limited action when the incumbent starter at quarterback, Austin Parkinson, went down with an injury. Johnson said he's "very comfortable" with him leading the offense, which Newbold quickly learned. "It wasn't as difficult as I thought it was going to be," Newbold said. "The coaches keep it pretty simple. It's come down to making your reads, and if you can do that, then it's going to be effective."

RUNNING BACKS — Bountiful has primarily either been an I-back team or an option team throughout its history, both of which emphasize the run. The Wing-T is no different, though Johnson said he'd prefer the team to be 50-50 run-pass. Norris Tukuafu will start at fullback alongside Hunter Munk. The rest of the backfield is unestablished.

RECEIVERS — Cooper Parkinson, Davis Stobbe and Jaxon Wood collectively account for the receiving corps, but the three combined for three receptions for 26 yards — all of which provided by Parkinson last year. In the new offense, there has to be at least a threat through the air, otherwise the defense will stack the box and shutdown the run. That places an enormous responsibility on the receivers.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Mike Hart, Dawson Hair and Taufa Felila all saw time at the varsity level last year. The offensive line helped carve out 2,411 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground last year.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — Several of the offensive linemen will play both ways, while Seth Sudweeks is also expected to start up front defensively. "We'll try and rotate them as much as we can. We've got a couple of young kids that are going to be juniors," Johnson said.

LINEBACKERS — Boon Huish will fill one of the two linebacker positions, as Johnson said "we got a couple of juniors that look really good right now" that are competing for the other spot.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Hunter Munk will start at saftey, making the transition from outside linebacker. The three receivers — Parkinson, Stobbe and Wood — will suit up both ways at corner.

KEY PLAYERS

Kohle Newbold, QB — As a first-year starter with a brand new offense, it's critical Newbold commands the huddle and directs his teammates.

Boon Huish, LB — The 4-2-5 scheme places pressure on the linebackers to control the run. Huish needs to a consistent gap-stuffer.

Norris Tukuafu, RB — The Wing-T is designed to attack on the ground. Tukuafu, at fullback, will be the main priority on offense.

KEY LOSSES

Max Tooley, RB/S — Named to the All-Tribune team, the BYU signee rushed for 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 93 tackles, two sacks and one interception.

Kaden Simmonds, RB — Part 2 of the Braves' formidible rushing attack last season. Simmonds accumulated 947 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brandon Bott, LB — Led the team with 116 tackles — 10.5 for a loss — three sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

NAME TO KNOW — Hunter Munk will be a priority this season on both sides of the ball. "We didn't use him offensively [last year], but he's got a lot of skills that way," Johnson said.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — LONE PEAK, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Viewmont, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-13)

Sept. 2 — SYRACUSE, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-14)

Sept. 9 — HIGHLAND, 7 p.m. (Lost, 14-7, in OT)

Sept. 16 — at Woods Cross, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-7)

Sept. 23 — PLEASANT GROVE, 7 P.M. (Lost, 35-10)

Sept. 30 — at East, 7 p.m. (Lost, 25-23)

Oct. 7 — BONNEVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-21)

Oct. 13 — at West Jordan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 — at Box Elder, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-28)

VERDICT — Bountiful is very young. There is no way around that fact. "In practice, we try and simulate game situations as much as we possibly can. Nothing, though, replaces game experience," Johnson said. "We're going to do the best we can up until that first game. Unfortunately, we open up with Lone Peak. We'll be introduced to it real quick." If the Braves can adjust to the speed at the varsity level as region play approaches, they have enough talent to secure a spot in the postseason.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: Third.