This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
LEHI PIONEERS
The Hurry-up — Lehi finished 3-7 in 2015, 1-5 in Region 4, and did not qualify for the postseason.
The knee-jerk reaction from a nearby school swooping in and inheriting half the population of your school is one of helplessness. Numbers play a pivotal role in the success of football, a violent collision sport that requires depth to survive the brutality of the season.
That, however, isn't the case with Lehi. Coach Ed Larson views the situation, with first-year Skyridge, as an unintended blessing that removed players who were not committed to the program. Now the Pioneers can officially move forward with players invested in the philosophies and strive to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2004, despite not being able to field a sophomore program because of low numbers.
"I think the school split helped us out because it took a lot of kids out of our program. We're really thin, but we're pretty good," Larson said. "Obviously we'd love to have more depth. I think if we lose a starter, we're going to really drop."
The Pioneers were far more competitive than in years past last year, and Larson and Co. are hanging their hat on the little success stories from 2015 in an attempt to build confidence this year. Everything, expectation-wise, has elevated.
"You take the experience with the kids coming back and challenge them to get to the next level. We increased our competition periods," Larson said. "We've always put an award and punishment for winning or losing to try to get them to start thinking about winning and losing and understanding there are consequences involved. You try to do it in practice and give them a sense of urgency and try to weed out the kids, as much as you can, that are not there for the right reasons."
Quarterbacks — Cammon Cooper returns under center as a national Class of 2018 recruit. As a sophomore, he threw for 2,563 yards and 22 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions. Larson is banking the extra year of development and majority will greatly decrease the number of turnovers this year. "Just to have him in the system, going on his third season, is huge," Larson explained. "We're able to talk things as we watch film together and install things. To be able to see the bigger picture and get us to a better place. He's huge that way. That's a big-time deal for us."
Running backs — Grayden Hadfield, whom Larson said is "not a big back, but can get the ball out to the edge," and Lincoln Bunk, a transplant safety who is "an inside-the-tackle ballcarrier," will play the role of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in terms of change of pace.
Receivers — The Pioneers lost some production from its receiving corps to Skyridge, but Larson is extremely high on Kade Moore, a two-year starter who is "really coming into his own. He's going to blow up into a big player this year." Two new faces will pace the hashes, as well, with Trajon Alton, a transfer from West, and sophomore Brenton Southard. However, the biggest strength of this unit, is the dueling tight ends: Carson Terrell, another national recruit, and Dallin Holker, who Larson said is "a stud. He moved here from Westlake and was only allowed to play JV ball last year, otherwise he would have started for us as a sophomore.
Offensive linemen — Lehi is stacked at the skill positions, but the biggest outlier is the strength up front. Can the Pioneers physically compete with a notorious black-and-blue Region 4 is the true question on whether this team will be in contention for a postseason berth. Carson Bell, at center, and Hayden Erickson, at right tackle, are back as returning starters, while Jase Andersen has impressed as a new addition.
Defensive linemen — Terrell and Andersen will buckle up on both sides of the ball at the two ends, while the interior is still unestablished. "We're in the middle of finding D-tackles," Larson said. "We'll see what they're made of. That's what we're looking at right now. We've got several guys competing for that spot."
Linebackers — Colton Carter recorded 79 tackles as a junior, and he highlights a strong corps of tacklers in Zach Bingham, Brayden Purtscher and Holker.
Defensive backs — The Pioneers inherited one of the top defenders in the state when Will Overstreet transferred from Pleasant Grove. He's a real talent who can shut down opponents' No. 1 option, help in the run game, and track the field in a blur. He's joined by Qi'Sean Rust, whom Larson is expecting big things from this season.
Key Players
Cammon Cooper, QB — One of the top pocket passes for the junior class in the nation. He has natural skills and an ability to make the difficult throws, but it's paramount he cuts down on interceptions.
Will Overstreet, DB — Shutdown defender who can single-handily influence quarterbacks to look the other direction.
Carson Terrell, TE/DE — Collegiate programs are heavily pursuing Terrell, who will provide a safety cushion on offense.
Key Losses
Cody Frampton, WR — Explosive target on the hashes who is now wearing orange at Skyridge.
Braden Calton, SS — Led the team in interceptions, with four.
Wyatt Parkinson, WR — Another threat through the air who decided to transfer to play for the Falcons.
Name To Know: Especially considering Frampton and Parkinson are no longer stealing touches, Moore is poised for a massive year on the outskirts after leading the team with 48 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-12, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Springville, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-10)
Sept. 2 — GRANGER, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-28)
Sept. 9 — at Riverton, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-34)
Sept. 16 — PLEASANT GROVE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-14)
Sept. 23 — at American Fork, 7 p.m. (Lost, 26-21)
Sept. 30 — VIEWMONT, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-22)
Oct. 7 — LONE PEAK, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-13)
Oct. 14 — at Herriman, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-7)
Oct. 19 — WESTLAKE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 37-28)
Verdict: Lehi will certainly be more competitive this season, with some of the top skill position talents in the state. However, there are legitimate concerns about depth and the ability to sustain the push at the line of scrimmage.
Projected finish in region: Fifth.