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Layton Lancers
The Hurry-up — Finished 5-4 overall, 2-4 in Region 2 in 2015. Did not make playoffs.
The injuries that caused Layton to fall out of the Class 5A state tournament a year ago gave many younger players a chance to get experience.
That experience, coupled with star Taylor Katoa, who is one of the state's most recruited athletes, could get Layton into the tournament mix.
"I'm excited," said Layton coach Jim Batchelor. "We have a lot of returning starters on the line and a returning starting quarterback. We stepped up and worked hard in the offseason."
Layton returns six full-time starters on the offense and six on the defense. The entire starting offensive line returns.
The key will be staying healthy. When now-graduated star receiver, defensive back and returner Julian Blackmon broke his wrist in the third game of the season last year, Layton struggled.
"We have more depth than a year ago and more guys that can make plays," said Batchelor. "Julian was a special player. This year, our team is more balanced. There is not just one guy who can make plays. That helps us overall."
Katoa, who also plays middle linebacker, is a dual threat in Batchelor's pistol system who is capable of doing damage running the ball or passing. He also plays outside linebacker.
Batchelor thinks Davis will be strong as usual and said that, as usual, Hunter will be big, physical and strong. He expects Viewmont and Syracuse to also be good.
"It's not going to be easy to stay healthy and play our best game every week," he said. "And you have to do that to win a league championship."
Quarterbacks — Taylor Katoa, a 6-foot-5, 230-pounder, ranks among the state's best returning quarterbacks. "He runs the option and throws it well," said Batchelor. "Whenever the ball is in his hand, he has the ability to go big."
Running backs — At 5-foot-4, 144 pounds,Garrett Winkler is small but his quickness and ability to elude tacklers makes him a threat. "He played well last year until he broke his leg," said Batchelor. Expect to Harrison Walker, another senior, start. Tailback Braxton Smith and 235-pound Koa Katoa, Taylor's cousin, should also see some action at this position.
Receivers — The big news at this position is that Batchelor says he has two good tight ends. Layton has used a two-back spread in recent years due to lack of players at tight end but Batchelor feels senior Hayden Mecham and John Hunt fit the definition at that position. "We have not really had a true tight end kid," he said. "Hopefully, this will give us a different look." Wideouts Declan Brown and Karson Murray and slot receiver Isaac Parkinson will try the difficult task of replacing Blackmon.
Offensive linemen — Center Kaimana Pearson, who missed three games last year, anchors the line. "He has quick feet and good size," said Batchelor. "He understands the offense really well. Other returning linemen include left tackle Dillon Tuckerm right tackle Micah Bukki and guards Logan Brandt and Jackson Odle.
Defensive linemen — Carson Cevellero, Logan Brandt, Koa Katoa, Jayson Linnel and Hayden Meacham make up an experienced core. "All those guys are returning starters except for Katoa," said Batchelor.
Linebackers — Taylor Katoa is the star here, where the outside linebacker is being recruited heavily both in and out of state. Austin Clem returns as strong linebacker. Drew Frenneau will also start. "We struggled a little a year ago with inexperience," said Batchelor. "We should be much better this year."
Defensive backs — Batchelor said he is still doing a little searching for the right combination here. Braxton Gold and Nate Stone both look to have cornerback positions locked in. Noah Slade and Chase Smith look strong at safety. Expect to see Teague Lovell and Braxton Smith get time as DBs as well.
Key Players
Taylor Katoa: the 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback and outside linebacker is the most recruited player Batchelor has ever coached. He is being recruited by all the in-state schools as well as Washington, Washington State, Arizona State, Colorado and UNLV, who all picture him as a middle linebacker in college. "He does everything," said Batchelor. "Whenever the ball is in his hands, he has the ability to go big. There is not much time when he won't be on the field."
Dillon Tucker: This 6-foot-5, 280-pound left tackle has an offer from Southern Utah University. Batchelor expects him to play defense for the Lancers as well..
Garrett Winkler: This 5-foot-4, 144-pound tailback is small of stature but has a big heart. "He played well last year until he broke his leg. He is wall, but physical and quick in the open field. He doesn't go down easily. That is the reason he broke his leg. He was fighting for yards."
Key Losses
Julian Blackmon, WR/CB/KR: Blackmon was one of the top athletes in the state last year.
Jason Clayton, FS/WR: Clayton made a big impact on both sides of the ball.
2016 Schedule
8/19 Weber (41-25 win in 2015)
8/26 Clearfield (41-7 win)
9/2 @Northridge (47-27 win)
9/9 Hunter (42-14 loss)
9/23 @Granger (35-29 OT loss)
9/30 @ Syracuse (19-8 loss)
10/7 West (41-7 win)
10/13 @Viewmont (31-30 win)
10/19 Davis (35-6 loss)
Verdict: Region 2 looks evenly balanced this year. With a healthy Katoa at linebacker and quarterback, and with some experience, the Lancers have a good chance to battle Davis and Hunter for the league title. But depth is a concern. An injury to a key player or two could make for another long season. Expect Layton to battle Viewmont and Syracuse for third and fourth and a state tournament berth.
Projected finish in region: Fourth