This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
COTTONWOOD COLTS
The Hurry-Up — Cottonwood finished 2-8 overall in 2015, 1-5 in Region 3, and did not qualify for the postseason.
Second-year coach Mike Tidwell mentioned staying healthy more than five times in less than 10 minutes. He understands for his Cottonwood program, which he said has struggled to maintain participation numbers, to return to its proud status of success — the Colts can ill afford to lose any players.
"We've actually picked up a lot of players, to be honest," Tidwell said. "All young, underclassmen. Incoming ninth-graders. When I say a lot, it's a lot to us. When I take over a program that only has 22 players, 9 through 12, last year we get it up to around 50. This year, I've handed out gear to 75 players, and we're sinking back down to around the 60 range."
In addition to minimizing injuries, Tidwell is focused on helping young players transition into different roles within the program.
"The positive thing, is some of these ninth-graders are big enough to actually come in and play as underclassman," Tidwell said. "We have to develop them because they're raw right now. In little league, they're big kids, and they're X down there, but they're linebacker and running back size for me. Our goal now is to develop these young kids to grow in this program so there is a future varsity team here at Cottonwood."
Overall, when asked about the aspirations for this season, Tidwell dropped a variation on Donald Trump's slogan: "Make Cottonwood great again," he said.
Quarterbacks — Junior Gabe Hagerman displayed promise before sustaining a season-long injury last season. "He broke his leg in the second quarter of the third game last year," Tidwell said. "We didn't have a quarterback the rest of the year. Keeping kids healthy, that is our No. 1 focus this year. We're not even one-deep at every position yet, so we got to keep guys healthy."
Running backs — Tidwell sung praises for his backfield, saying "running backs are awesome. We're solid." Damien Sio, described as "I'm-going-to-look-to-run-somebody-over" style runner is back again, while Omar Mberwa and Ammon Sofele — whose brother, Isi, played at Cal for four years — provide a change of pace.
Receivers — The Colts receiving corps took a major hit when three-star prospect Taniela Pututau tore his ACL and part of this PCL to end his senior year. To complicate matters further, Jordan Orozco — a transfer from Woods Cross — has yet to receive approval for eligibility.
Offensive linemen — Tidwell expressed confidence in his offensive line, saying, "they're going to be great." Alex Hart will anchor the five, while big things are expected from Tonga Kichiro, Singilau Pututau — a junior transfer from Hawaii — and Samuel Duran.
Defensive linemen — Kichiro, Hart and Duran will play both ways, but the star of the defensive line is four-star Class of 2018 recruit Tennessee Pututau, who is receiving attention from programs across the nation.
Linebackers — Tidwell labeled Sio as the "very best linebacker we have" and the "heart and soul of this team. He's an absolute machine." He'll be joined in the ranks by Nu'u Sellesinm Leki Wolfgramm, and freshman, Junior Heimuli, the brother of Brighton's four-star athlete and Stanford commit, Sione Lund.
Defensive backs — Tidwell conceded the secondary is slim on experience, especially is Orozco doesn't receive the thumbs up from the UHSAA.
Key Players
Damien Sio, RB/DB — Will contribute extensively on both sides of the ball.
Tennessee Pututau, DE — One of the top players in the state, regardless of class or position.
Gabe Hagerman, QB — It's critical Cottonwood finds stability at quarterback this season.
Key Losses
Taniela Pututau, WR — It's devastating to unexpectedly lose one of your best players to injury.
Pookie Maka, DE — Three-star defensive end who ultimately signed with Colorado.
Fua Pututau, DE — Another three-star defensive end, who disrupted opposing offenses, and signed with Utah.
Name to Know: If Heimuli is anything like his brother Sione, he could be a treat to watch.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — at Olympus, 7 p.m. (Lost, 33-14, in 2015)
Aug. 26 — at Bear River, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — KEARNS, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-12)
Sept. 9 — BRIGHTON, 7 p.m. (Lost, 24-6)
Sept. 16 — at West Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 19-13)
Sept. 23 — COPPER HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-17)
Sept. 30 — at Bingham, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-0)
Oct. 7 — CLEARFIELD, 7 p.m. (Won, 22-14)
Oct. 13 — TAYLORSVILLE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 38-7)
Oct. 19 — at Jordan, 7 p.m. (Lost, 55-20)
Verdict: This team is still trying to play catch up with depth. Individual talent is not the problem, but Cottonwood will have a difficult time staying competitive for an entire four quarters each Friday night.
Projected finish in region: Sixth