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A spread offensive attack that's wide open?

Nope. Not for Granger.

The Lancers prefer a tight, run-oriented formation that delivers just what it promises yards on the ground.

The double-wing, double-tight scheme took the Lancers quite a ways last year. Granger got into a three-way tie for the fourth and final postseason spot out of its region, but it fell to Hunter 6-0 in a truncated play-in contest to end the season.

When employing a run-first philosophy, almost nothing's more important than the offensive line. For that reason alone, Lancers fans should be optimistic because the entire unit returns.

"These young men, the majority of them have been starting since they were freshmen," Granger coach Mike Morgan said. "There's nothing they haven't seen.

"They were the guys who were getting pushed around a little when they were younger. Now they get to give it back a little bit."

Behind center • Opponents should get to know the jersey numbers of Ammon Tavai and Mosese Sonasi because they're the ones who likely will be handed the ball repeatedly. Tavai (5 foot 9, 195 pounds), though only a sophomore, got playing time both ways — at running back and outside linebacker — as a freshman. Sonasi (5-11, 200) is older but only a junior. Look for two more juniors to get a shot at the quarterback job. Mike Gatti (5-11, 160) and Mailei Laita (5-8, 135) look to succeed graduated Sidney Alofipo.

Ball hawks • Morgan has a ready response when asked about his wide receivers. "If you said wide receiver to our players, I don't think they would know what you're talking about," he said. True enough, but Granger's tight ends are capable of straying from the line of scrimmage, and defenders will have to keep an eye on seniors Tavite Tonga (6-3, 270) and Brian Reid (6-1, 190).

In the trenches • Tonga actually moves over to tight end from offensive tackle, and the Lancers aren't likely to skip a beat with their blocking schemes because this is where Granger's strength lies. Senior Tiger Mulitalo (6-2, 275) is a tackle who also will play on the defensive line. Hector Magallanes (6-3, 275) provides similar size at center, while William Lokotui (5-10, 280) will line up next to him and be a lynchpin at defensive tackle. Like Mulitalo, Magallanes and Lokotui, Villi Lanier (6-1, 270) also is a returning starter on the offensive line and will play at guard. The newcomer to the group is junior Dominik Keti, who did see some action last year and likely will play tackle.

Hit men • Junior Robert Tabile (5-9, 230) is a sturdy middle linebacker who will be looking to increase his profile for the defense this year. Although most of the leading tacklers for the Lancers have moved on, Tavai and Sonasi will move over from the offense to be linebackers. Morgan is hoping for more support from the secondary, but the coach says that the strong and free safety spots still are up for grabs.

Key returners • Tiger Mulitalo, Sr. (OT/DL); Hector Magallanes, Sr. (C); William Lokotui, Sr. (OG/DT); Villi Lanier, Sr. (OG)

Key losses • Amata Tavai, RB/LB; Sione Houma, RB/DB; Sidney Alofipo, QB/DB; Dayne Mortenson, LB

The next wave • Ammon Tavai, So. (RB/LB); Mo Sonasi, Jr. (RB/LB); Tavite Tonga, Sr. (TE); Dominik Keti, Jr. (OT)

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Granger Lancers

Coach • Mike Morgan, fourth year

Last season • 5-5, 3-4 in Region 2

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • Olympus, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • at Bountiful, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • Brighton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • at Hillcrest, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Hunter, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • at American Fork, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • Cyprus, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Kearns, 7 p.m.