After compiling a 21-5 record during the past two seasons, including two Region 1 Championships and one 5A state championship game appearance, the Layton football team must work particularly hard this year if it hopes to defend its region title.

The Lancers, who finished 9-3 last season, defeated Hunter in the first round of the 5A playoffs, but dropped a defensive struggle to Skyline in the quarterfinals 7-0.

Not only did the Lancers lose the game to end their season, but they lost five All-State players, including four first-teamers.

"It's definitely going to be tough," said Layton coach Jim Batchelor. "We kind of go on cycles and right now we are in a mode where we are kind of thin at some positions."

Thin might be an understatement.

Layton must deal with the loss of 19 starters from last year's team.

However, the Lancers aren't ready to give up on their chances. Three-year starter Octavius Dickerson looks to lead the young Layton squad, which has built itself a winning tradition during the past few seasons.

Dickerson, an imposing defensive end and offensive guard, said he's ready to step up and make the plays he needs to in order to give his team the chance to win.

"It's my job to just lead by example," Dickerson said. "We can't make any excuses. If we focus and keep working hard like we've been doing, we should be OK."

On offense, Dickerson and offensive lineman Colton Odle are the only returning starters from last year's prolific scoring unit. Losing first-team All-State players like running back Karl Williams and offensive lineman Dallin Powell will force Batchelor to use a lot of new faces.

Brothers Aaron and Adam Bunting both have a chance to take on important roles.

Aaron, a senior, is currently battling junior Kerrick Thomas for the starting quarterback position, which has been stable at Layton for several years. Adam, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound running back, will look to use his speed, unlike last year's Williams, who had the ability to run over opposing linebackers.

On defense, Batchelor will look to senior linebacker Christian Kasyan to step into the leadership role. Kasyan, who also will start at fullback, has the build and talent to draw some attention from Division I scouts.

"Depth is our main concern on defense right now," Batchelor said. "We have some solid corners in Brock Maestas and Carson Harteson, but we might have to dip into some sophomores if somebody gets hurt."

Despite coaching a team of young players, and playing in the always competitive Region 1, Batchelor still goes by one motto, which he hopes will carry his Lancers to their third-straight region crown.

"If we don't expect to win, we won't," Batchelor said. "That's the bottom line, and our boys have bought into that."