Region 3 football preview: Brighton Bengals

Brighton started the 2015 season ranked No. 2 in the state. They opened the year with a solid win against eventual state champion Herriman. Fast forward to the end of the year, and the Bengals lost 30-0 against Bingham — the only team ranked higher than them to start the year — and followed suit with an embarrassing exit in the first round against those same Mustangs.

Football is fickle. The downward spiral — not of all of it — can be easily traced back to health, however. Brighton caught the injury bug as hard any program in the state, losing several key contributors throughout the season.

"Get more kids and not play everybody two ways," Brighton coach Ryan Bullet quipped when asked how the program avoids the costly injuries this year. "That's just part of it. I think the year we did make the title run, that's why we did. We didn't have injuries. Last year was just unfortunate. That group of seniors had a number of injuries. That's all part of it. You get hurt. Kids get hurt."

Now, unlike last season, the Bengals are flying under the radar. The talented and hyped senior class of 2015 is long gone.

"We've had some good players come through here, so I would kind of think, I hope people know who we are," Bullet said. "We've won a lot of games the last five years. We still haven't done anything. We don't have any trophies. Hopefully this group of kids can bring us home a trophy."

Although graduation stole several college-bound players from the roster, Brighton still has headliners to challenge once again.

"We want to come and improve and get better each week," Bullet said. "It's a tough preseason schedule. Compete and get better from Week 1 to Week 2. Hopefully we have a chance to play for a region title. I think an important goal is to get better each and every week."

Quarterbacks — Andrew Covey was tossed into the fire last year. This season, with experience running the huddle, his performance is expected to run more smoothly. "He's had a full year to actually take reps at quarterback," Bullet said. "He's playing really nice." Alex Zettler — who transferred from Copper Hills to Summit Academy and then to Brighton — is also in the equation.

Running backs — Four-star athlete Sione Lund, who is committed to Stanford, is one of the best players in the state of Utah, and this year Brighton plans to limit him on defense in preference of him carrying the load more offensively. Kimball Reece will provide a steady change of pace.

Receivers — How do you replace Simi Fehoko, one of the best receivers in state history? One place to start is with his brother, Jeremy, who will be one of the main options through the air alongside Marcus Vehikite. "They'll be solid. We can throw the ball. We're way ahead in our pass game this year," Bullet said. "Obviously last year we had Simi, who you just had to get the ball off to him. We really struggled with arm strength late in the year. We were pretty limited, but now we can really throw the ball down the field."

Offensive linemen — Zach Lowry, at center, Emmett Koozer, at guard, and Josh Davis, at tackle, bring experience and cohesiveness to the offensive lien, correlating with Bullet saying the unit "should be one of our strengths as the season goes on."

Defensive linemen — Unable to platoon, Brighton will have some of its offensive line play both ways, though Bullet said, "we're going to try and keep those kids fresh." Look for Taemour Djahanbani to emerge as a threat, too.

Linebackers — The Bengals advertise a special linebacking corps, with Lund and Reece, as well as Class of 2018 four-star recruit Salua Masina — the younger brother of Uaea and Osa. "If we can keep them healthy, I think they're pretty good," Bullet said. "Masina has come a long ways. He's pretty gifted. He's really worked on his speed, and he's starting to get a nice feel for the game."

Defensive backs — The secondary is still somewhat in limbo considering Covey won't play if he earns the starting role behind center. Tate Weichers, Fehoko and Vehikite will most likely shore up the defensive backfield.

Key Players

Sione Lund, RB/LB — Do-everything kind of player for the Bengals. Hard to quantify his impact completely.

Andrew Covey, QB — Brighton struggled offensively at times last season, so it's critical Covey helps orchestrate a steady output on this side of the ball.

Salua Masina, LB — Only a junior, but collegiate programs are salivating about his potential.

Key Losses

Simi Fehoko, WR/DB — Signed with Stanford as the top local prospect from the Class of 2016.

Drew Jensen, QB — Injury-plagued high school career didn't stop him from signing with BYU, which illustrates his ability.

Jackson Kaufusi, LB — Another three-star prospect who ultimately inked with BYU.

Name to Know: Reece is overshadowed by his highly-recruited counterparts at linebacker, but make no mistake: he can strap it up.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Herriman, 7 p.m. (Won, 23-14, in 2015, and lost, 49-17)

Aug. 26 — FREMONT, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-26)

Sept. 2 — at American Fork, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-27)

Sept. 9 — at Cottonwood, 7 p.m. (Won, 24-6)

Sept. 16 — TAYLORSVILLE, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-30)

Sept. 23 — at Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 51-49)

Oct. 7 — WEST JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-24)

Oct. 14 — at Copper Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 59-8)

Oct. 19 — BINGHAM, 7 p.m. (Lost, 30-0)

Verdict: Brighton has the individual talent to match up on paper with any team in the state, but the program has struggled to stay healthy. Out of the spotlight this year, the Bengals could make a run, but for now, making the playoffs should be the objective.

Projected finish in region: Fourth.