This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

WEST JORDAN JAGUARS

The Hurry-up — West Jordan finished 5-5 overall in 2015, 3-3 in Region 3, and lost, 53-6, to Lone Peak in the first round of the Class 5A postseason.

The morale at West Jordan is extremely high. The program met expectations by qualifying for the postseason in the first year under coach Mike Meifu. Now, with virtually the entire starting lineup remaining intact, the Jaguars not only anticipate dancing in the playoffs, but they believe they'll be contenders, too.

"Really it's taking the experiences we had last year and learning from them," Meifu said. "The offseason work, everything we put into it, and building that confidence. Some of the summer 7-on-7 stuff. It's building the confidence in the guys that they can compete at a high level and they can compete for championships if they work hard and do things the right way."

The first area needing to be addressed is defense. The Jaguars were incredibly sporadic on that side of the ball, surrendering 40-plus points one week, but then holding opponents to 14 points the following week. However, Meifu said the inconsistencies on defense were a product of the offense struggling to control possession, and the two units both need to elevate their performance this year.

"Our defense gave up big points when our offense was really bad. I think it's building consistency as a whole with our team," Meifu said. "I think another year in the system — we went through a complete overhaul last year from a technique standpoint to a scheme standpoint. I mean everything. The guys, now in the second year of it, are confident, and I think that's the biggest thing. We're not going into games unsure of what we're doing, and now our guys are confident and they can play fast. I think that will really show up."

Quarterbacks — Meifu raved about senior quarterback Dylan Krans, who tossed 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 230 attempts, which equated to 1,628 yards through the air. "Last year he blew me away with how much he can handle," Meifu said. "He is as confident as he's ever been. He's a special talent, that's for sure. He's a three-sport athlete. He knows our playbook and exactly what we're trying to get done, so I'm looking for him to have a great year."

Running backs — After scampering for 504 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, big things are expected from Michael Ponce, especially with Lei Toki expected to decrease the workload.

Receivers — Mack Wakley, the team leader in receptions, and fellow returning starter Tanner Petersen will be granted some relief with Tyler Martin, who missed virtually the entire season with a collarbone injury, and tight end Dallin Jamison, who also missed the majority of last year because of a broken ankle, back in the fold. "They're a tight group and they're really talented," Meifu said.

Offensive linemen — The Jaguars return three starters up front, highlighted by three-year starting center Kitu Kaivelata, whom Meifu said is "really the heartbeat of our team. He's an absolute stud." Noah Kinikini, at right guard, and Austin Leausa, at right tackle, shore up one side of the line. "We're young on the left side," Meifu said. "We lost two three-year starters last year. That's definitely a hole we're looking to fill."

Defensive linemen — Kinikini will start at nose guard alongside Zach Hernandez, a transfer from Hillcrest at defensive end, but the bell cow of perhaps the entire team is three-star recruit Alden Tofa, who has blown up on the recruiting scene after receiving major offers. This is a positional group that has potential to be really special. "We have some big kids, and we got to get them to produce," Meifu said. "That's something that West Jordan hasn't primarily been known for the past couple of years. I see that being our strongest point. We have big, strong, tough kids, and that's really, if we want to talk about competing against Bingham, Jordan and Brighton — that's what it comes down to, is that offensive and defensive line play."

Linebackers — Skyler Caldwell, at outside linebacker, and Trace Birch, at inside, are both back, while Carl Odom, a transfer from East that is "going to have a big year," according to Meifu, round out the middle tier of the defense.

Defensive backs — Ponce will double-up on duties as a two-way player. Hamana Taula, who started the final four games at safety last year, is back again, as well as Adrian Moctezuma, who saw significant action as a backup junior, and Jacob Yada.

Key Players

Alden Tofa, DE — One of the top players in the state of Utah. He provides a matchup nightmare for many offensive linemen.

Dylan Krans, QB — Meifu believes Krans is one of the top signal callers in the state.

Kitu Kaivelata, C — If you're referred to as the "heartbeat" of the team, then you certainly qualify as a key player.

Key Losses

Dalton Kelch, LB — Meifu said he "led us in every defensive category," with 61 tackles, two interceptions, and five sacks.

Keenan Galeai, RB/WR/DB — Major contributor on both sides of the ball.

Tryce Leuluai, OL — Unquestioned leader of the offensive line.

Name To Know: Jamison, at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, will be a major emphasis through the air this season. Meifu said "he's definitely a threat. It's a great thing for us."

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Juan Diego, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 — MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Bingham, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 — COTTONWOOD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — at Taylorsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 — JORDAN, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 — at Brighton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 — BOUNTIFUL, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 — COPPER HILLS, 7 p.m.

Verdict: Last year, The Tribune predicted this team to be a "sneaky, scary team" and surprise the state by qualifying for the postseason. That happened. Now, watch this team potentially climb to as high as second in Region 3.

Projected finish in region: Third