This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Hillcrest coach Cazzie Brown isn't averse to utilizing an acronym or two. His current message for the Huskies is TG3 — toughness, grit, guts and gratitude.

And the former Highland High assistant doesn't pull punches.

"Hillcrest has always been the laughingstock, at least from I know, for high school football here in Utah. Those boys took it by the horns last year and took it seriously," Brown said. "Even in the beginning of the season, we were taking losses, but we were getting better."

All of the Huskies' victories came in region and near the end of the season. Hillcrest moved from the second-biggest classification to the top level, Class 6A, after realignment, but Cyprus and Kearns will be familiar opponents in region because those schools also were placed in the largest classification.

"We do want to win ballgames, but I did see a lot of improvement" last year, Brown said. "Improvement in the classroom, improvement in the hallway and in character and grades. I knew it would only be a matter of time before we'd see improvement on the field."

Behind center • Successfully running the ball in Hillcrest's triple-option is the ultimate goal, and the Huskies have a couple of good backs returning. Senior Alex Cardona can fool defenses who misjudge his 5-foot-10, 230-pound frame because one of his biggest assets is speed. Cardona carried almost 100 times, gaining 659 yards for his efforts in 2016. Senior Ezra Moleni (5 foot 10, 165 pounds) also saw some action a year ago, and he'll get more looks this time around. Quarterback Tyson Flores (6-1, 210), also a senior, got the majority of snaps in region play last year, and Hillcrest will welcome back his experience.

Ball hawks • Moleni excelled in covering and snaring the ball from a cornerback position with six interception in 2016. Junior Brody Roemmich (6-1, 165) likewise can pick foes' passes from an outside linebacker spot, and he'll be another option at wideout. On offense, Brown is banking that the limited experience senior Ashby McKay (6-0, 200) got last year will pay off. He'll be a receiving target whenever the Huskies decide to throw. McKay also is a strong safety and will present trouble for opponents with his ability to go get the ball.

In the trenches • Keala Mahe (5-10, 224) was a first-team all-region selection as a junior, and he'll be back for Hillcrest anchoring the offensive line at center while also filling out a linebacker slot on defense. Senior Chris Arner (6-1, 250) will present a challenge from a defensive tackle position on one side and a guard slot on the O-line. Also going both ways will be senior Brock McVey (5-11, 220), who also will be an offensive guard and defensive tackle.

Hit men • Seven starters return to the defensive side of the ball, with one of the few major gaps being at defensive end, so the Huskies should be well-equipped to stop offenses. Roemmich should be a solid presence at a linebacker spot, while Mahe, also at linebacker, has a nose for seeking out the ball and making a tackle, according to his coach. Look for Cardona to also get his share of stops as a free safety.

Key returners • Alex Cardona, Sr. (RB/FS); Tyson Flores, Sr. (QB); Keala Mahe, Sr. (C/LB); Ezra Moleni, Sr. (CB/RB).

Key losses • Booker McGuire, RB/LB; Karris Davis, RB/WR; Jayden Jensen, QB/LB.

The next wave • Bishop Brown, Jr. (S/QB); Jordan Dunn, Sr. (WR/LB); Koda Bunting, Jr. (CB); James Reich, Jr. (OL/DL).

Hillcrest Huskies

Coach • Cazzie Brown, second year

Last season • 3-7, 3-1 in Region 6

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at West, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • at Brighton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • Highland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • Cottonwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • Granger, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • at Cyprus, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • at Kearns, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • Hunter, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 (Wed) • Murray, 7 p.m.