Long-time Rich football coach Ashley Brown is succinct when it comes to analyzing small-school football in Utah.
“Every year, you have to beat Duchesne and Kanab,” he said.
That’s from Rich’s point of view. For most at the Class 1A level, the road often goes through Randolph, where Rich is located, as well. The Rebels have played in the 1A championship game nine times while winning three titles under Brown.
Brown did add that the goal for his own squad is to win a state title, as one might expect, and the team has several key returning starters back.
But depth will be an issue for Rich, particularly if the injury bug bites. That was one pitfall that the Rebels largely managed to avoid in 2016.
“We’re not going to be very deep, so we can’t get many people hurt,” Brown said. “We didn’t have too many injuries last year overall. Many of our players will be going two ways this year.”
RICH REBELS <br>Coach • Ashley Brown, 18th year <br>Last season • 6-5, 3-1 in Class 1A North; Advanced to 1A state semifinals <br>State championships • 1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2009, 2014 <br>Other title game appearances • 1991, 1992, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 <br> 2017 SCHEDULE <br> Aug. 25 • at Bear Lake, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 1 • West Side (Idaho), 4 p.m. <br>Sept. 8 • Monticello, 4 p.m. <br>Sept. 15 • at Milford, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 22 • Parowan, 4 p.m. <br>Sept. 29 • at Kanab, 7 p.m. <br>Oct. 6 • at Duchesne, 7 p.m. <br>Oct. 13 • Layton Christian, 4 p.m. <br>Oct. 19 (Thurs.) • at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Behind center • Senior Nick Jarman (6 foot 5, 190 pounds) has the height and the experience, but Brown would like for his quarterback to be able to be counted on more regularly. “We expect him to be more consistent,” said the coach, who added that Jarman was a starter at defensive end and did tire at times during games. Also going both ways will be senior Kinnen Clark (6-1, 180), who was a fullback last year. He’ll get help at running back from seniors Jordan Cook (5-10, 170) and Aaron Smith (5-10, 190), who will be new to the backfield.
Ball hawks • The extent of Rich’s returning contingent at wide receiver comes down to one guy: senior Kamren Colder (5-10, 160), who also clamps down on opposing wideouts when he’s in the defensive secondary. Junior Jared Anderson can play either cornerback or safety, and he’ll provide more seasoning to the defensive backfield. After Colder and Anderson, the positions at receiver and on defense are open to those who show an ability to snag the ball.
In the trenches • Jarman is set at defensive end for the Rebels, and he’ll get returning assistance from senior Wyatt Weston (6-0, 200). Weston and fellow senior Porter Weston (6-0, 200), who are “probably related,” according to Brown, are the only two offensive linemen returning for Rich. Three guys on the junior varsity will get a chance to make the step up and contribute. Junior Jaden Nelson, senior Trey Siddoway and senior Daniel Gifford will take the stance on the line.
Hit men • Porter Weston is set to be an inside linebacker with Clark. The linebacking corps might be one of the strongest units for Rich because outside linebackers Smith and Cook also return. “They’ve got experience now,” said Brown, referencing Weston and Clark in particular. “We can expect them to step up and make tackles.”
Key returners • Nick Jarman, Sr. (QB/DE); Kinnen Clark, Sr. (RB/LB); Kamren Calder, Sr. (WR/DB); Wyatt Weston, Sr. (OL/DT); Porter Weston, Sr. (OL/ILB)
Key losses • Riley Ostler, RB/DB; Wyatt Downing, RB/DB; Josiah Linkogle, RB/LB; Nik Wallentine, WR/LB
The next wave • Jaden Nelson, Jr. (C); Jordan Cook, Sr. (RB/OLB); Aaron Smith, Sr. (RB/OLB)