This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

PLEASANT GROVE VIKINGS

The Hurry-up — Pleasant Grove finished 7-5 overall in 2015, 4-2 in Region 4, and lost to Sky View, 40-30, in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Reinvigorated. Mark Wootton has an extra giddy-up to his step. After 12 seasons coaching Mountain Crest — and 25 overall years of head coaching experience, including 13 at North Sanpete — Wootton admitted to falling into the trap of auto-drive.

That changed with a new scenery and a new challenge when he took over the Pleasant Grove program vacated by Les Hamilton, who elected to move onward to Summit Academy.

"I told my wife this morning it was like Christmas morning again," Wootton said. "It's exciting. You get in a zone and doing things repetitively, but it's been fun. It's been a good experience already. The people have been amazing and receptive and so good to us. It's lit a fire again."

Wootton said the kids at Pleasant Grove have a similar quality with the kids he became accustomed to at his two other programs: a hard-working mentality. That, plus the instant recognition of talent across the board, has Wootton switched into championship gear.

"To win every game," Wootton said when asked what the expectations for the season are. "The kids are really young, but I think we have kids that really work hard and play with confidence. It's the mental part you don't really know until you get into a game, but we're going to try and win every game, and from what I've seen — that's something we can do, if the kids execute and play really well. It's hard to really say, but they do have a ton of potential."

Quarterbacks — Wootton has built a reputation as a quarterback-groomer, and he has three prospects to work with this season. Sophomore Jake Jensen, junior Easton Casper and Jaxson Smith, a transfer from Timpanogos.

Running backs — Similar to the situation at quarterback, Pleasant Grove is far from depleted at running back. Wootton said Kainoa Maldonado, Tai Kauwe and Dayne Christiansen will all see the field, with all three being "quick, shifty kids" and "good receivers."

Receivers — Braxton Rapp played sparingly last season, but has emerged as the top target on the outskirts, in addition to Christiansen, who hauled in 28 receptions for 483 yards and five touchdowns last year. "We're pretty young out there," Wootton said. "We'll have some sophomores and juniors playing. They're all kids that had a real good summer."

Offensive linemen — The first word Wootton used to describe his offensive line was "big." Tayton Smoot and Jacob Sly highlight the unit. "People who have followed the program, for some reason we've never been really huge, but these kids are pretty big and they move well," Wootton said.

Defensive linemen — Brandon Closson is a prized athlete for Pleasant Grove's legendary wrestling program, and according to Wootton, he captured an individual national championship in the sport this summer. He'll be joined by Tane Fanaika — former Utah linebacker Jason Fanaika's brother — who was offered by BYU this summer. Other names to remember: Isaac Thacker, Kaino Pula and Tyler Trotter, who Wootton said "is just going to be a beast."

Linebackers — The middle tier of the defense is extremely inexperienced. Currently, Logan Allen, sophomore Maika Tauteoli and Adam Rymer, are slotted at the positions. Region 4 is relentless, which places and emphasis on the linebackers. Without them, it's hard to win in this league.

Defensive backs — Losing Jacob Doman to graduation and Will Overstreet to transfer hurts the secondary, but Wootton has high expectations for Hunter Walker and Neal Thomas to fill the void.

Key Players

Brandon Closson, DL — Physical presence will help dictate the line of scrimmage.

Jacob Sly, OL — The offensive line will need to provide enough time for the skill players to find their rhythm as they acclimate to new terminology and assignments.

Jake Jensen or Easton Casper, QB — These two appear to be the frontrunners to earn the voice in the huddle. Both are underclassman, but with the guidance from Wootton, either one could enjoy a fairly productive season.

Key Losses

Malik Oversteet, WR — Accounted for 1,042 yards and 14 touchdowns on 68 receptions, while also contributing significantly in the return game.

Koy Wilkinson, RB — Led the team with 1,023 yards and 10 touchdowns on 211 carries.

Tate Briggs, LB — Finished his senior season with 64 tackles and a team-high 10 sacks.

Name To Know: Tane Fanaika is already starting to generate attention from the next level. As a junior, he has a 6-foot-3 frame, which will fill out over time. His athleticism will be difficult to contain as he receives more playing time this year.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-19, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — ROCKY MOUNTAIN (Idaho), 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-21)

Sept. 9 — LONE PEAK, 7 p.m. (Lost, 44-7)

Sept. 16 — at Lehi, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-14)

Sept. 23 — at Bountiful, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-10)

Sept. 30 — HERRIMAN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 21-7)

Oct. 7 — RIVERTON, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-0)

Oct. 12 — at Westlake, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-2)

Oct. 19 — at American Fork, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-24)

Verdict: Wootton is a proven winner, but he's trying to piece together the puzzle. Implementing schemes, formulating trust and relationships, and instilling a new culture takes time. Pleasant Grove has the talent to compete in Region 4, and if the players gel with the coaching staff quickly, this could be a dangerous bunch.

Projected finish in region: Fourth.