This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

It's been a steady upward progression in coach Mike Meifu's two years on the job leading the Jaguars' program. He was hired after West Jordan posted a 3-8 campaign in 2014 and led his first Jaguars team to a 5-5 record before turning in a winning record and making the playoffs last year.

"One of the first things we talked about around here was laying a foundation, and then, each year, building on that foundation," Meifu said. "Last year, we took a huge step, and our goal is being even better."

The Jaguars were nipped 38-35 in the first round of the postseason by Syracuse.

"We want to create the culture around here of not having down years, but reloading and have new guys step up," Meifu said.

Test No. 1 for that theory will be replacing graduated quarterback Dylan Krans, who Meifu thinks was underrated by those outside the program. Krans passed for 2,660 yards, while running for 463 more. A smooth transition to a successor will be vital for West Jordan.

"He was very good, and our team was very good and that's the main piece of the puzzle," Meifu said. "These young guys, I believe they have what it takes."

Behind center • The field for the quarterback position numbers three. Oakley Kopp (6-2, 170) and Luke Perkins (6-3, 180), both juniors, saw experience on the sub-varsity level while sophomore Ben Anderson (6-1, 175) was a backup on the sophomore squad. Until the signal-caller job is settled, West Jordan might not be as pass-heavy as it was under Krans. The Jaguars are equipped to run the ball more as senior Forest Rich (5-11, 175), who had the most carries for a West Jordan running back last year, returns to assume a potentially even bigger responsibility.

Ball hawks • If anyone demonstrated an instinct for picking the ball out of mid-flight for the Jaguars, it was Jacob Yada (5 foot 9, 155 pounds). He interecepted seven passes from his free safety position. "You throw the ball down the field and he's going to make a play on it," Meifu said. The secondary, which Meifu considers the best returning unit on the squad, also should benefit from a healthy Hamana Taula (5-9, 195), who started as a sophomore but broke his foot in summer camp a year ago. On offense, versatile senior Carl Odom (6-1, 210) saw some action at wideout last year and likely will be more of a primary target for West Jordan, while senior Preston Michaelson (5-11, 170) also is a returning starter at wide receiver.

In the trenches • Senior Owen Fa'amoe (6-1, 195) started at defensive end a year ago, leading the teams in sacks, and is the anchor on the line. "He will make some noise," Meifu said. "He's explosive — a high-motor player — and will be hard to block." The other defensive line spots will be manned by players the coach says have "potential" — and that's a fairly similar situation to the offensive line. On that side of the ball, junior offensive tackle Jaden Webster (6-4, 290) started as a sophomore and is the only returning starter.

Hit men • Odom's specialty a year ago was his play at middle linebacker. He had 69 tackles and four sacks as few escaped his clutches. Taula is a physical player who also will make his presence felt from a strong safety position. Senior Saia Lapale (5-10, 185) has a similar composition and will make the most of his tackling opportunities from a cornerback spot.

Key returners • Carl Odom, Sr. (WR/LB); Jacob Yada, Sr. (FS); Forest Rich, Sr. (RB); Jaden Webster, Jr. (OT).

Key losses • Dylan Krans, QB; Andrew Giordani, LB; Michael Ponce, RB; Trace Birch, LB.

The next wave • Oakley Kopp, Jr. (QB); Luke Perkins, Jr. (QB); Zach Hernandez, Sr. (OL/DL).

—

West Jordan Jaguars

Coach • Mike Meifu, third year

Last season • 8-3, 4-2 in Region 3

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Westlake, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • at Kearns, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • at Bear River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • Hunter, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • at Riverton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Taylorsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • Herriman, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • at Copper Hills, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at East, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 (Wed) • Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.