This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

EAST LEOPARDS

The Hurry-Up — East finished 11-2 overall in 2015, 5-0 in Region 5, and defeated Timpview, 49-14, to win the Class 4A state title.

East has exited the locker room, arms locked in rows, moments before kickoff as a pre-game ritual under the direction of coach Brandon Matich for years, but perhaps the Leopards should add to the tradition and blast "The Imperial March" as the reigning champions.

The program has evolved into the death star, leaving their opponents in wreckage, and ascending to the top to claim the title of statewide villain. Success and controversy — two subjects East is rather familiar with — typically build haters. The Leopards know their status. They know they're at the top of their opponents' hit list. Yet they're not shying away. It's more motivation.

As the saying goes: Hate us 'cause you ain't us.

"We embrace that. We have to. For some reason, people do like to hate us. We're kind of like Darth Vader on the hill up here, and that's OK," Matich said. "We're alright with that. We know who respects us and who likes us, and that's our family. We keep that close and use the other stuff to fuel our motivation."

Added right tackle and defensive end Sam Vakalahi: "There is a big target on our back. I know a lot of schools want to get us. … It seems like everybody hates us. We're just good, I guess. We embrace the hate."

Quarterback Ian Selin, who transferred from Woods Cross, has felt the tension from other programs, but has equally felt inclusion within the East program. It's the prototypical "us against them" mentality.

"Ever since my transfer, I've had a lot of friends that felt indifferent about my move here, but it's one of those things, I feel like I need to embrace it," Selin said. "Everybody takes us as a villain, but really we're a family-oriented team."

As the defending champions, East's perception across the state is an additional tool Matich has used to ensure his program is focused. It's an entirely new season, and despite being heavy favorites to repeat — nothing is guaranteed.

"The hardest thing has been to make sure these kids don't get complacent and satisfied. I don't think that's the case. I feel really good about this group," Matich said. "You're either going to that way or the other way, where the kids are extra hungry and want to do it again. I think that's where this team is headed. It's fun. There's a lot of pressure, and I think these kids thrive off of pressure."

QUARTERBACKS — Three players are tasked with the incredibly difficult task of replacing Johnnie Lang at quarterback, who was easily one of the most electric players the state of Utah has ever witnessed. Here is how Matich assessed the three signal callers:

Ben Ford has "been in our program for a few years, and he's run the option really well. He seems very hungry. He's worked his tail off this entire offseason and made football really important. He's a guy that can win a lot of games for us."

Ian Selin came "here from another program. He's exceptionally athletic. He's battling right there with Ben, he's just trying to learn the offense. If he learns the offense, I think the sky is the limit for him. He could be as good as we've had. He just needs to make sure he learns his reads."

Nic Harris is "probably our best passer. He's got a really nice arm. He slings the ball well."

RUNNING BACKS — Jaylen Warren, one of two running backs honored on the All-Tribune team, is back in the fold. As a junior, despite missing two games of action, Warren rushed for 1,974 yards and 19 touchdowns on 209 carries, which is nearly 10 yards per carry. The wealth of talent doesn't end at Warren's feet, as he's joined by Sione Molisi, who started at wing-back before blowing his ACL in the final game of the regular season, Saia Hamilton, another starter, and Charlie Vincent, who replaced Molisi and scored two touchdowns in the state championship as a freshman.

RECEIVERS — Although East is one of the most lopsided teams in terms of rushing production compared to passing totals, the ability to catch defenses sleeping is critical. Josh Nielsen will be the No. 1 target on the hashes. Matich said he has "tremendous hands. He's going to work really well for how we throw the football and the routes we run. Best hands I've had in this program." Liam Stenberg, Nick Bowne and Johnson Hansen, whom Matich said he thinks could end up being a superstar round out the receiving corps.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Easily the biggest strength of the program is the five running the show in the trenches. Almost assuredly all five offensive lineman — Paul Maile, Sam Vakalahi, Pate Langi, Fusi Teisina and Junior Angilau — will play Division 1 football.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — Two interior players return: Fusi Teisina and Moa Heimul, but replacing two superior book ends will be Jordan Lolohea and Tau Tuakalua's responsibility.

LINEBACKERS — The Leopards function from a base 4-2-5. Sati Tu'uhetaufa is a returning starter, and Viliami Tausinga, whom Matich said "has a chance to be really good if he learns how to read guards," is expected to suit up next to him.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Three-year starter Helaman Su'esu'e anchors the secondary, which Matich said is "the deepest we've ever been, but the experience will be low." Lachlan Zuchetto, Ben Ford, AJ Iloa, Saia Hamilton and Mekelee Gautavai are competiting for the other four positions.

KEY PLAYERS

Jaylen Warren, RB — One of the top talents in the state could easily exceed his outrageous 2015 production this year as the main option.

Pate Langi, C — Matich praised Langi as the best center he's coached at East. He's the leader of arguably the deepest offensive line in the state.

Sati Tu'uhetaufa, LB — Stopping the run is the first step to defensive success. Look toward Tu'uhetaufa to hold down the fort.

KEY LOSSES

Johnnie Lang, QB — One of those generational players that completely changed how opponents schemed and operated.

Loa Kaufusi, TE/DE — National recruit who ultimately signed with Stanford was a force on both sides of the ball.

Johnny Maea, OL — The Leopards return four of the five starters on the offensive line, but the one who is gone happened to be a three-star recruit who signed with Utah.

NAME TO KNOW — Sati Tu'uhetaufa's name has popped up repeatedly throughout this preview. "Even though he started last year and had a great year, he's still flying under the radar," Matich said. "I think he's an offer guy based on leadership and ability. He's a real physical kid. I think he's a guy the state needs to watch out for."

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — SYRACUSE, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-10, in 2015)

Aug. 27 — at Orem, 4 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Clearfield, 7 p.m. (Won, 45-7)

Sept. 9 — PULASKI ACADEMY (Ark.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — at De La Salle (Calif.), 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 23 — BONNEVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 54-31)

Sept. 30 — BOUNTIFUL, 7 p.m. (Won, 25-23)

Oct. 7 — at Box Elder, 7 p.m. (Won, 36-15)

Oct. 14 — at Highland, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-6)

Oct. 19 — at Woods Cross, 7 p.m. (Won, 56-14)

VERDICT — East is far and away the favorite to repeat as champions, but that's an incredibly heavy burden to carry. The Leopards preseason schedule is one of the most difficult in the state, highlighted by games against Pulaski Academy — a program famous for never punting and kicking onside kicks — and national powerhouse De La Salle, but it's the in-state games that truly matter. There is a very good chance East extends winning streak against local opponents to 23 by season's end.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: First.