This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
WESTLAKE THUNDER
The Hurry-up — Westlake finished 5-5 overall in 2015, 2-4 in Region 4, and did not qualify for the postseason.
There is a new face in charge of Westlake this season, but he's certainly not new to the local high school football landscape.
Louis Wong was hired from Mountain View to lead the program popularly believed to be a sleeping giant, yet the Thunder have never won a playoff game since their inception in 2009, and haven't reached the postseason since 2012.
Wong, who has a longstanding policy of not speaking with the media, certainly has experience in the playoffs. He led Timpview to four consecutive state championships from 2006-09, and won a region championship all seven years he was in Provo, where he finished with an overall record of 77-10.
After resigning amid controversy, however, Wong did not enjoy the same success at Mountain View. Plagued by barren participation numbers, the Bruins slumped to an overall record of 3-17 in the two years under Wong. That's the first thing offensive coordinator Gary Clark pointed out about coaching in Saratoga Springs.
"First of all, there is a lot more athletes on the field, so that's a huge difference," Clark said.
Now the task at hand, according to Clark, is to teach new techniques to the kids.
"One of them would be trying to break the old habits, so that makes it a little difficult," Clark said. "Secondly, you got to change a culture, as far as trying to adapt to what believe in and what feel is important. It's not an easy thing to do. Thirdly, try and bond with the kids and getting comfortable with us."
It won't be an easy journey in Region 4. The coaches and players understand they're situated in the deepest league in the state of Utah.
"Our expectations are very high and at the same time realistic," Clark said. "This is a toughest region to be in right now. The athletes understand that, the coaches understand that, so what we need to do is believe in what we're doing, so they can be successful."
Quarterbacks — Reggie Sio will voice the offense this season, and Clark is very impressed with his progress thus far. "He's very smart," Clark explained. "He's a decent runner, and he makes good decisions, so that's really going to help us."
Running backs — This is a major area of concern after incumbent starter Chris Urbina was lost for the season with an knee injury. If this were social media, the shrug emoji would be inserted here, as Clark said, "we're not sure right now."
Receivers — Clark, on the other hand, is "very pleased with our receivers." Jaxon Moody has emerged as the main weapon on the hashes, but Shamon Willis, an electric athlete, will receive numerous touches in an array of ways.
Offensive linemen — Wong has notoriously produced effective offensive lines throughout his coaching history, so D.J. Toilolo and Noah Smith are in good hands. Although the three other spots are still in competition, Clark said "we think we are going to be solid" up front.
Defensive linemen — The Thunder are thin in the defensive trenches right now. Austyn Fisher is the lone guaranteed starter here.
Linebackers — Clark said this position is the "mainstay" of the defense, with Kawika Sa'aga, a multiple-year starter at middle linebacker, and Mikey O'Connor and Jacob Nugent, two talented headhunters, pacing the middle tier of the defense.
Defensive backs — Willis, who has generated looks from the next level, is the headliner in the secondary. Brad Larsen, who Clark said is "very smart. He's calling our defensive calls," will start at safety.
Key Players
Reggie Sio, QB — It's a huge undertaking to learn a new offensive scheme, with different terminology and reads. Sio needs to adjust quickly for Westlake to compete.
Kawika Sa'aga, LB — With several years of experience at the varsity level, Sa'aga is the vocal leader of the defense.
Shamon Willis, WR/CB — Shutdown corner who will contribute extensively on the offensive side this season.
Key Losses
Chaz Ah You, DB — One of the top recruits in the nation transferred to Timpview for his senior year.
Saia Taufatofua, QB — Another transfer out of the program, now playing in Idaho after throwing for 1,226 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year.
Dallin Pili, LB— Led the team with 53 takedowns last season.
Name To Know: Willis will be a major focal point on both sides of the ball. He burst onto the scene this offseason, receiving a couple Division I offers, and with increased responsibilities, he may generate even more attention.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — BINGHAM, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-0, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-9)
Sept. 2 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-6)
Sept. 9 — AMERICAN FORK, 7 p.m. (Lost, 24-17)
Sept. 16 — at Herriman, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-3)
Sept. 23 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m. (Lost, 42-7)
Sept. 30 — RIVERTON, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-26)
Oct. 7 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 46-34)
Oct. 12 — PLEASANT GROVE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 34-2)
Oct. 19 — at Lehi, 7 p.m. (Won, 37-28)
Verdict: The Westlake community is excited about the arrival of Wong and his staff, but that doesn't change the fact that this program is still behind the curve in Region 4. That necessarily isn't a reflection on the Thunder, but rather a testament to the talent in the league. Advancing to the postseason would be a tremendous accomplishment.
Projected finish in region: Sixth.