This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Coach Jed Smith, a Wyoming native, fairly quickly recognized one major problem that Cyprus High encountered on a yearly basis: Keeping players in Magna.

"That's been the problem," Smith said about transfers heading to other schools in the Salt Lake Valley. "I'm optimistic though. Cyprus is a program that, in 100 years, has struggled mightily. But we're starting to keep the kids here."

There certainly are enough players at the school to warrant a positive outlook. The Pirates will jump up to Class 6A, the largest classification, because of enrollment at the school.

But it is a jump. And Smith knows the next step — winning games — will be more difficult with the move.

"We've had some moral victories," said Smith, whose team's lone triumph last year came against winless Copper Hills. "Now we're looking to get some actual ones on the field."

Behind center • Replacing a 1,000-yard passer will be the job for sophomore quarterback Parker Meldrum (5 foot 10, 175 pounds), who is new to the Cyprus varsity. "He's looking really well. He performed well in our offseason, outside of it as well," said Smith, whose team graduated QB Brooks Marshall. Meldrum "is strong in the pocket, but good outside of it as well." Smith also is high on senior Soujah Gasu (5-10, 180), who expects to see plenty of opportunities at running back. Rugged sophomore Albert Taufui (5-9, 170) also should see carries. "He's a monster in the weight room," Smith said about Gasu, who had the second-most carries on the team as a junior behind Meldrum.

Ball hawks • Noting that their experience on the varsity was somewhat limited, Smith also pointed out that seniors Asher Pollock (6-0, 170) and Josh Amasio (6-1, 155) have the ability to pull down passes from wideout positions. Look for Edgar Breton (6-4, 200) to transition to tight end for his senior season after snaring 17 passes a year ago. Amasio actually caught more balls on the defensive side of the ball. His four interceptions eclipsed the three receptions he had on offense, so don't be surprised to see Amasio plying his trade once more at free safety.

In the trenches • Manny Ramirez will be a hard one for foes to move from his nose guard position, as his 6-3, 320-pound frame might suggest. He also might see some action at offensive tackle during his senior season. Smith is hoping his O-line can come together enough with junior guard Klayton Johnson (6-3, 280) and sophomore guard Jaxon Garcia (6-1, 265) to keep Ramirez concentrating on defense — where he'll get help from juniors Amon Gasu (6-2, 225) and Hector Navarro (6-1, 240).

Hit men • Ramirez had 34 tackles a year ago and is the Pirates' returning leader in that department. But junior Alex Lanktree (5-9, 165), with 33 tackles, did his fair share of wrapping up ball carriers as well — and he did it from a cornerback position. Fellow corners Jaren Kamakana (5-10, 175) and Jayden Christensen (5-10, 150) also will come up for support, and the linebacking corps might have an up-and-comer in sophomore Peti Aiolupotea (5-10, 170).

Key returners • Soujah Gasu, Sr. (RB); Josh Amasio, Sr. (WR/FS); Alex Lanktree, Jr. (CB/RB); Manny Ramirez, Sr. (NG/OT)

Key losses • Brooks Marshall, QB; Omar Campos, LB; T.J. Palu, DT/OT; Isaac Allen, LB

The next wave • Parker Meldrum, So. (QB); Peti Aiolupotea, So. (LB); Vaeeaga Gasu, Jr. (OLB); Jaren Kamakana, Jr. (CB)

—

Cyprus Pirates

Coach • Jed Smith, 3rd year

Last season • 1-8, 0-5 in Region 6

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Grantsville, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • West, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • Copper Hills, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • at Pine View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • at Hunter, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Kearns, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • Hillcrest, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • at Granger, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Westlake, 7 p.m.