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WOODS CROSS WILDCATS

The Hurry-Up — Woods Cross finished 3-8 overall in 2015, 1-4 in Region 5, and failed to qualify for the postseason.

Woods Cross isn't sugarcoating its 2015 season. After advancing to the semifinals in the two prior years, finishing 3-8 and missing the postseason was an ultimate letdown.

"Everything about last year has been a motivation," Wildcats coach Justin Spencer said. We're putting it together with the goal of not being where we were last year."

However, the struggles provided necessary growing pains to younger underclassmen. Last season, Woods Cross had 14 seniors. This year, it features 35 seniors. Overall the program is experienced and learned valuable lessons from a disappointing campaign.

"We recognized we weren't as strong as we needed to be last year," Spencer said.

"Maybe that was because we were young, so we're putting in a lot of work in the weight room and conditioning and we're hoping that will help us get back to a more competitive level."

Now it's time to put the past behind and focus on the upcoming season, according to three-year starting offensive lineman Walker Holgreen.

"We try and forget about last year," said Holgreen, who said the team is focused on winning a region title now. "We don't want to use that as trying to get us better. We've got a new unit and a new team. We want to focus on this year and not look in the past."

QUARTERBACKS — Ashton Fornelius saw limited action as a sophomore last season, and now, one year later, the huddle belongs entirely to him. "We rotated him in to get him experience. We're excited about him. He's young, but he's experienced, so that's a positive," Spencer said.

"There is a lot of pressure coming from the amount of success we've had in the past years," said Fornelius, who added he's ready for the spotlight.

RUNNING BACKS — Jeremy Sperry and Jace Feller, who didn't account for many yards or carries last year but both "played starter minutes," according to Spencer, will be the featured runners in the backfield this year.

RECEIVERS — The Wildcats are hoping Luke Johnson will be available this season. He broke his collarbone last season and again in 7-on-7 in June. Judge Samuelu provides another threat on the hashes, as Spencer said "he's the real deal. He has a chance to be a D1 guy if he can get his stuff together and prove he can do it. We're excited about him."

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Davin Clement, Jake Watkins and Walker Holgreen, whom Spencer said is "poised to be a fantastic anchor for that group," all return as starters on the offensive front.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — Many of the offensive linemen will pick up extra duties on defense alongside Jaxson McBride, who started every game last year, and Jack Liston, who saw extensive action. "We are solid again," Spencer said. "We played so many young kids last year that we have a lot of returning experience."

LINEBACKERS — Spencer said Mitch Dalley is "one of our best players," and Jeremey Sperry has a chance to be productive on this side of the ball, however, his role could be limited depending on how much his number is called offensively this season.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — The secondary is a big question mark. "Everyone is new," Spencer said. "That's one area we don't have as much experience." Cameron Tagge showed potential last year, and should be penciled into one of the starting spots, while Jeff Sperry, who is the twin brother of Jeremy, should see action after suffering a season-ending injury midway through last year. Jace Feller and Reace Williams are also in the equation.

KEY PLAYERS

Ashton Fornelius, QB — Despite being only a junior, big things are expected out of Fornelius this season.

Mitch Dalley, LB — Stopping the run is critical in the run-heavy Region 5, so the Wildcats will rely heavily on Dalley's tackling ability.

Walker Holgreen, OL — As a three-year starter, Holgreen is the voice of the offense. Fornelius stated he's looked toward Holgreen as the leader.

KEY LOSSES

Braxton Gunter, RB/DB — Huge compenent in helping the Wildcats advance to the semifinals twice. The Utah State signee truly did it all.

Ian Selin, QB — Transferred to East. He was a huge emphasis on offense.

Jordan Orozco, WR — Transferred to Cottonwood. Led the team in receiving.

NAME TO KNOW — Especially with Orozco playing elsewhere, keep an eye on Judge Samuelu, who could emerge as a legitimate target in the passing game.

2016 SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 — MAPLE MOUNTAIN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-18, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — JUDGE MEMORIAL, 7 p.m. (Won, 26-6)

Sept. 2 — at Viewmont, 7 p.m. (Lost, 36-7)

Sept. 9 — at Bonneville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 30-18)

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

Sept. 23 — at Box Elder, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-17)

Sept. 39 — HIGHLAND, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-17)

Oct. 14 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m. (Lost, 37-21)

Oct. 19 — EAST, 7 p.m. (Lost, 56-14)

VERDICT — Woods Cross benefited from suffering. Strange concept. The Wildcats gained valuable experience and weeded out the acclimation period to the varsity level. Although the players are talking region championship, that is likely out of reach, but they should return to the postseason.

PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: Fourth.