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Why the Bingham Miners are changing up the offense that led them to five state titles

“I don’t think we have a major weakness,” longtime coach Dave Peck says of his squad

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Bigham Offensive Lineman, George Maile, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.

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Bingham Miners coach Dave Peck has a long history at the school. In 16 seasons, he’s amassed a record of 162-41 and won five state titles. And in that entire time, Peck has used the same offense.

But not this year.

Peck, for the first time in his coaching career, will employ a spread offense with the Miners. He said the decision to change it came with the hiring of his new offensive coordinator, Les Hamilton, who has won two state titles with Alta and one with Summit Academy.

“He does a really good job running an offense,” Peck said.

Peck’s new offense will have a new quarterback to work with in junior Dallen Martinez. Peck said Martinez led the junior varsity team to an 8-1 record last year.

Martinez’s versatility both on the ground and in the air is something that will benefit Peck’s spread offense.

“He’s got that speed where if he breaks out on it, nobody is going to catch him,” Peck said of Martinez. “He’s one of the fastest kids we have on our team.”

The 2021 Miners have depth at every position, Peck said. No player will have to go both ways so long as everyone stays healthy.

And even though Bingham lost wide receiver and defensive back Isaiah Glasker and his 775 receiving yards to graduation, the team goes more than five deep at those positions now, Peck said.

“You don’t really replace a guy like Isaiah,” Peck said. “But I think with the sheer numbers of good kids, hopefully we can get the same production.”

The Miners also have a couple of returners who have committed to play Division I football. Senior George Maile committed to Baylor, and senior Weylin Lapuaho committed to Utah State.

While the Miners, like other 6A teams, will be chasing Corner Canyon, Peck feels the team’s depth will carry them through.

“I don’t think we have a major weakness,” Peck said.

Bingham Miners

Season opener: Friday vs. Weber

Last season: 8-4, Lost in 6A quarterfinals

Key returners: OL George Maile, OL Weylin Lapuaho, DL Calvin Kengike, K Nate Chamberlain

Key additions: Junior QB Dallen Martinez