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The dozen years since Corey Dodds played his senior year with Utah during the Utes' undefeated 2004 season have given him opportunities to get acquainted with plenty of high school football programs.

But Copper Hills, which hasn't seen the postseason since Dodds' collegiate days, only made a fleeting impression on Dodds before he became the Grizzlies' coach in the offseason.

"It always baffled me when I was on the other side how they could be so bad," Dodds said about Copper Hills, which is riding a 25-game losing streak and has gone winless three times in the last seven years (2010, 2015, 2016).

Now Dodds will find out for himself.

"That's the only program [in the school] that's struggling," said Dodds, who also worked with the Grizzlies late in the 2016 season. "Last season, a lot of guys quit. Some seniors didn't come back. We had 17 kids the last practice of the year."

The solution? Dodds thinks back to when Urban Meyer was his coach at Utah. Those Utes teams had a disciplined work ethic.

"That's why we were undefeated and that's what's going to work here," he said.

Behind center • Senior Ethan Wiley (5 foot 11, 210 pounds) seems likely to be the go-to man for Copper Hills when it comes to rushing the ball — at least early in the season. Dodds expects that seniors Jared Amoah (5-8, 150) and Saia Pupua (5-10, 180) also will be given opportunities at running back. The quarterback position still is a question mark, but junior Nathan Goff (5-10, 180) is a possibility along with sophomore newcomer Kana'ipono Kahala-Giron (6-0, 180).

Ball hawks • The Grizzlies' best returning asset might be wide receiver Jumarius Earls (6-3, 225), a senior who the new coach feels was underutilized a year ago given his big frame and potential. Senior Brock Marden (6-3, 210) has similar size at wideout, while senior Tanner Gerona (5-9, 135) will use good route running to get open. Defensively, two of Copper Hills' speediest assets will be at cornerback as senior Garrett Stone (5-9, 145) and Amoah will be threats to pick off passes.

In the trenches • Although Dodds would like his players only to play on one side of the ball, he may have to let senior Carson Merrill (6-4, 230) stay in on offense and defense. Merrill is expected to be a tackle on the O-line but also has the ability to take on the strong-side run block at defensive end. Look for juniors D.J. Jackson (6-1, 280) and Boston Vorhees (6-3, 220) to help Merrill anchor the line on offense, while junior Carston Hiller (6-1, 280) and senior Alex Gibson (6-2, 230) will be important along the defensive line.

Hit men • When it comes to raw talent, Wiley has some and likely be needed as a stopper on defense at linebacker. Pupua, a transfer from Kearns, also is likely to accompany Wiley from the offensive backfield into either a linebacker or safety spot. Senior Sage Udy (5-11, 175) also is expected to keep yards-after-contact to a minimum from either a safety or cornerback position in the secondary.

Key returners • Jumarius Earls, Sr. (WR); Ethan Wiley, Sr. (RB/LB); Carson Merrill, Sr. (OT/DE); Sage Udy, Sr. (S/CB)

Key losses • Brandon Checketts, QB/CB; Winston Reid, RB/LB; Jon Christensen, LB; Zach Fratto, DL

The next wave • Kana'ipono Kahala-Giron, So. (QB); Jared Amoah, Sr. (RB/CB); Saia Pupua, Sr. (RB/DB); Carston Hiller, Jr. (OL/DL)

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Copper Hills Grizzlies

Coach • Corey Dodds, first year

Last season • 0-9, 0-6 in Region 3

Most recent playoff appearance • 2004

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • Kearns, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • at Ben Lomond, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • at Cyprus, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • Ridgeline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • at Herriman, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • at Riverton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • East, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • West Jordan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Taylorsville, 7 p.m.