This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Ogden Tigers
THE HURRY UP – Ogden finished 0-10 in their first season as a football independent in 2015. The Tigers were not eligible to qualify for the state playoffs in any classification.
With their last victory coming in September of 2013, it's unavoidably disheartening to say that the Ogden High football program has come pretty close to hitting rock bottom over the past two seasons.
Because of a general lack of football knowledge and participation in the heart of Ogden, head coach Kent Taylor and his staff have to work tirelessly to make sure their players are picking up the football in's and out's usually learned in little league.
"We never stop focusing on the fundamentals," Coach Taylor said about his daily practices. "It's nonstop implementation. Repetition, repetition, repetition so that they understand where they need to be. Because of our numbers, we cannot replicate the physicality and the speed that happens on a Friday night."
With between 50 and 60 participating players out of a school of around 1,400 students, coach Taylor has to squeeze every ounce of football ability out of his inexperienced group. That includes six of his seniors that have never played a down of organized football before. That being said, Taylor feels like he has seen some things during this offseason that give him optimism for the upcoming season.
"My team's unity this year has been fantastic. The guys that are here are here because of their love for the game and their love for their school," Taylor said. "I don't have a star, there's no prima donna attitudes. They just want to get better."
QUARTERBACKS – Junior Carson White returns after starting all 10 games for Ogden last year as a sophomore. With a strong arm and quick feet, White will be the most effective weapon on the Tiger offense. Coach Taylor also praised his quarterback's accuracy, intelligence and poise in and around the pocket.
RUNNING BACKS – Dallin Shobe is one of coach Taylor's six seniors that are completely new to football, but you would have a tough time pointing him out based on that fact. While his football IQ might still be lacking, Shobe is a punishing runner that will not give up after first contact. Fellow senior Nicholas Scalise will most likely backup Shobe with newcomers Skylar Fox and AJ Washington also vying for time at tailback.
RECEIVERS – Junior Aden Cleverly is a returning starter and will be the most experienced aerial weapon out wide for White to throw to. Senior McKay Turpin and junior Sam Lawrence are expected to see time at receiver but will be challenged by sophomores Jonah Lowry and Irving Gastelum.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN – The offensive front has both of its' starting tackles returning in seniors Harrison Pickett and Hayden Furgeson. Junior Alfredo Munoz will most likely start at center with juniors Kyle Christensen and Isaac Hernandez at the guard spots, but a lot can change before week one according to coach Taylor.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN – Pickett will start both ways as a defensive end but everything else on the defensive line is "fluid" according to coach Taylor. 6-foot-3 230 lb. senior Gavin Hill could be an option at tackle and sophomore Jeff Orris has surprised the Ogden coaches with his speed off of the edge.
LINEBACKERS – Like the defensive line, coach Taylor defined the linebacker situation as fluid. Senior Miguel Gonzalez will most likely start with fellow seniors Dallin Shobe and Oscar Saenz as probable's alongside him, but Taylor admitted that he would like to see someone step up and take Shobe's place so that he can focus his efforts at running back.
DEFENSIVE BACKS – Nothing is certain in the defensive backfield according to coach Taylor. He would prefer to not insert two way players into those spots but said that he would if he had to. Senior Francisco Loredo saw some time last year and could be an option corner but everything else is up in the air.
KEY PLAYERS
Carson White, QB – As a sophomore, White was only able to complete 48 of his 135 passing attempts (36%). Now a year older, stronger and wiser, White will have to make that completion rate rise pretty sharply if the Tigers want to be in any games this season.
Harrison Pickett, OL/DL – While a starter on both lines, Pickett will leave his biggest impression on the defensive front. As a defensive end last season, Pickett finished with 25 tackles and a sack. With a suspect group of linebackers and defensive backs, Pickett will have to lead an improved defensive line if the Tigers want to stop anybody.
Hayden Furgeson, OL – At 6-foot-5 and 250 lbs., Furgeson is one of the few players on Ogden's roster with the size similar to what they will face against mostly 4A competition this year. Furgeson will have to be a dominant run blocker and pass protector for White if the offense is to have any success.
KEY LOSSES
Tyler Buck, WR/DB – One of several two way players, Buck finished as the team's third leading receiver and tackler. He finished with 140 yards through the air on nine receptions and 43 tackles on defense.
Bobby Aiken, WR/DB – Last season's leading tackler, Aiken finished with 63 tackles at corner including 39 solo tackles and four tackles for loss.
Paul Rodriguez, OL/DL – At 6-foot-2 and 245 lbs., Rodriguez's size will be sorely missed on the line. He also finished as last season's sack leader.
NAME TO KNOW
Running back Dallin Shobe has never played organized football before this season. Known for his skills as a wrestler, Shobe takes that tough wrestling mentality and transfers it to the football field. "He's mean," Coach Taylor said about his new running back. "He's a punishing runner and he seeks out contact, which I love. I think he will probably surprise a lot of people. From what I see in practice, he should do some good things for us this season."
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 – at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Lost, 33-14)
Aug. 26 – PRESTON, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 – BEN LOMOND, 7 p.m. (Lost, 36-10)
Sept. 9 – SNOW CANYON, 7 p.m. (Lost, 45-0)
Sept. 16 – BONNEVILLE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 48-7)
Sept. 23 – at Payson, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-14)
Sept. 30 – BOX ELDER, 7 p.m. (Lost, 59-0)
Oct. 12 – at Uintah, 7 p.m. (Lost 27-0)
Oct. 19 – at Taylorsville, 7 p.m.
VERDICT
Ogden decided to ditch the UHSAA in favor of an independent schedule so that they could avoid having to play in the 4A classification. Unfortunately, piecing together their own slate of games has left them no choice but to play a 4A loaded schedule in 2016. While the Tigers will surely see some improved performances in the quarterback, running back and line positions, the fact remains that they need the whole team functioning in order to see any sort of success on the field. With a lack of skill at key positions, a lack of depth and a tough schedule, it's difficult to see the Tigers making their big turnaround this season.
PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: N/A