This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Davis Darts
The Hurry-up — 9-1 overall, 6-0 in Region 2, lost in first round of 5A tournament.
Davis is one of Utah's most storied high school football programs. Fans pack the stadium early and the Darts seldom disappoint. They are usually in the hunt for a league title.
This year does not appear to be any different. Though Davis does not appear to have many top college recruits, coach Tyler Gladwell's program is solid, top to bottom.
"We feel good about our team," he said. "We have good kids at Davis who work hard and want to be successful. We get good kids every year and this is no different."
That said, Gladwell feels Region 2 is more competitive than it was a year ago.
"A lot of teams have returning starters coming back," he said. "I expect a much tougher and more competitive region. Viewmont may have the best talent. Hunter, Layton and Granger are good. And West has a new coach. It will be tough to win a title."
Still, the Darts are the defending champions and enter league play as the team to beat.
"We have a group of kids that are hungry to prove they can be successful," said Gladwell. "They are good football players. They have been working since January and have been committed to an off-season program, summer program and camps. It is a group that wants to get better and they are a good team, just like the teams of the past. Davis has a rich tradition and high expectations. We are eager to carry on that tradition."
The Darts appear to be solid on both lines, have a veteran corps of linebackers and a senior quarterback who has worked his way up to starter.
One other advantage for Davis this year is overall team speed. The Darts are quick!
Quarterbacks — Senior Hayden Grange was a backup last year. He was more known for his placekicking, a talent that earned him top honors in Region 2 a year ago. "He is a very smart player," said Gladwell. "He is savvy in making decisions about throwing or running. He is good at coordinating the huddle."
Running backs — Returning starter Riley Smith gives the Darts good experience at an important position for a team that likes to run the ball. He also doubles as a kick returning. "He is strong between the guards and the center and has the speed to go outside," said Gladwell. Riley Stringham, a quick and elusive senior with the capability of breaking a long run, is the other starter.
Receivers — Seniors Johnny Thorton and Jake Emer and junior Jace Hinton will all play a key role. "All are about the same type of kid," said Gladwell. "They are speedy and fast. This year, we have good team speed at a lot of positions on offense and defense. These are very fast kids who can break a long run for us or stretch a defense. They are athletic and bigger targets for us than we have had in the last couple of years." Davis should be good at tight end as well, with junior Trey Grossenbach capable of blocking and catching.
Offensive linemen — Last year's starters Cline Chatterton and Spencer Last return. Look to see Matt Gardner at center with Cesar Cavillo, Spencer Plumer and Avery Brown expected to play big roles.
Defensive linemen — Calvillo and Plumer will do double duty on both sides of the ball. Expect to see Eli Bear and Hayden Prowse see a lot of action as well. "Defensive line is one area where we have a little depth," said Gladwell. "These are energy-type kids who are very physical at stopping the run and getting after the quarterback."
Linebackers — The Darts have good experience here with returning starters Hayden Garlock and Jake Hadley joining junior Zach Hoskins. "They are athletic and fast with great speed," said Gladwell.
Defensive backs — At Corner, Hayden Lawson started nearly a third of the games last season. Seniors Bridger Tippetts and Jake Brackken are experienced in the program. At safety, expect to see Riley Stringham and Braden Simms — whose dad Chad is the Davis basketball coach — as well as Braxton Frazier getting plenty of playing time.
Key Players
Riley Smith: This 5-10, 170-pound running back was a key player in the Darts unbeaten regular season run a year ago and is expected to be even stronger this season.
Hayden Garlock: At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, this experienced linebacker displayed both athleticism and speed and is expected to lead a good defense.
Spencer Last: This 6-foot-1, 225-pounder brings experience and versatility to the line, usually a strong point for the Darts. linemen.
Key Losses
Linebacker Connor Taylor, wide receiver Griffin Hill and quarterback Kallin Fisher all were big contributors a year ago to a 9-1 season.
2016 Schedule
8/19 @Clearfield (42-0 win in 2015)
8/26 @Weber
9/2 Olympus (44-7 win)
9/9 @Viewmont (27-21 win)
9/16 West (41-17 win)
9/23 Syracuse (34-7 win)
9/30 Granger (48-20 win)
10/16 Highland
10/13 @Hunter (28-15 win)
10/19 @Layton (35-6 win)
Lost 21-20 to Fremont in first round of state tournament
Verdict: Davis remains the pick to win the Region 2 title until another school says otherwise. That said, the Darts' toughest league games against Viewmont, Hunter and rival Layton are on the road. What was one of the weakest leagues in the state is better this year, but expect Davis to "defend the tradition."
Projected finish in region: First