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Prep football: Timpanogos Timberwolves preview

Daniel Tervort, who is entering his third season as Timpanogos’ coach, sees improvement.

It’s about getting better after a 3-7 campaign last year.

“We have size that we haven’t had upfront, and that, especially in football, makes all the difference,” Tervort said. “I think that we won’t be seeded to make it into the playoffs, but I also think that we surpass the expectations people have for us.”

TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES <br>Coach • Daniel Tervort, third year<br>Last season • 3-7, 1-6 in Region 8<br>2017 SCHEDULE<br>Aug. 8 • at Payson, 7 p.m.<br>Aug. 25 • Mountain View, 7 p.m.<br>Sept. 1 • at Canyon View, 7 p.m.<br>Sept. 8 • West, 7 p.m.<br>Sept. 15 • Uintah, 7 p.m.<br>Sept. 22 • Wasatch, 7 p.m.<br>Sept. 29 • at Skyridge, 7 p.m.<br>Oct. 6 • at Provo, 7 p.m.<br>Oct. 12 • at Springville, 7 p.m.<br>Oct. 18 • Maple Mountain, 7 p.m.

Behind center • Expect quarterback Gabe Sweeten to rely mostly on his throwing ability and less on his legs. He threw 64 passes for 602 yards and had 43 carries for 22 yards last season. He will be looking to hand off the ball to Kaleb Ashdown, Seth Trowbirdge and Jesse Escobar this season.

Ball hawks • Tervort plans to have senior Tyler Walker as a primary target at wide receiver. His main role last season was as a starting cornerback, where he registered 33 tackles. Alongside Walker will be Haydn Sandstrom, who started as a receiver last season.

In the trenches • Center Kaden Bretzing won Timpanogos’ offensive lineman of the year award as a sophomore last season, and Tervort expects him to anchor the line as a junior.

Hit men • Third-year man Hunter Greer will lead the defensive line. He totaled 53 tackles, five sacks and forced three fumbles in 2016. He also spent time at tight end, but he will be expected to play primarily on defense this season. “The great thing is that when the other team keys in on him, we’re solid enough up front where other players will be able to ... make [the other teams] pay,” Tervort said.

Key returners • Kaden Bretzing, Jr. (C, DL); Hunter Greer, Jr. (DE, TE);

Key losses • Adam Ahmu (LB)

The next wave • Rory Ziegra, Soph. (RB)