This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

One quickly realizes while talking with new Riverton coach Blaine Monkres that he doesn't always have a solid idea of who did what the previous season.

Monkres is starting from scratch, and he likes that after the Silverwolves only won one game last season.

"Clean slate, let's see what you got," Monkres said.

Monkres was at Murray High in 2016, his only year with the Spartans.

"It's just a bigger school, just saw some opportunities there," he said. "There's a lot of kids, pretty good kids there, to pick from."

The coaching transition took place in January, so there is some familiarity with the current crew.

"That was a big plus, big advantage seeing them in the weight room," Monkres said. "They've been working real hard, doing everything we've asked."

Behind center • The quarterback situation is up in the air. Senior Nathaniel Davidson (6 foot 1, 165 pounds) and junior Tyson Wilstead (6-4, 165) are the prime candidates. Wilstead attempted 50 passes last season, so some experience does return. Monkres feels good about a couple of players at running back, although seniors Dylan Coats (5-9, 180) and Riley Young (5-7, 165) still are raw at the varsity level.

Ball hawks • Riverton used the wing-T before Monkres came on board, so expect some changes. "They were a running team before, now we're going to pass, so it's all new to them," he said. Monkres said that junior Ayden Sluka (5-10, 150) will be utilized in a slot position, and senior Travis Mohney (5-9, 135) is likely to see time in the same capacity. Junior Tristyn Hymas (6-2, 195) provides some length at one wideout spot, but the other slots remain to be filled. Defensively, opponents will be wary of junior Ethan Canfield (5-11, 165) at one cornerback position.

In the trenches • The players tasked with protecting the edge are set. Seniors Ethan Roberts (6-3, 230) and Davin Nickle (6-3, 300) will bookend the Silverwolves' offensive line at left and right tackle. The middle part of the line is yet to be determined. On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Tanner Vernon (6-0, 195) saw limited action as a junior but likely will be a regular alongside senior Jordan Lambert (6-2, 180) at defensive end.

Hit men • Senior Hayden Wade (6-0, 170) doesn't have a particular position set in stone. He'll either start at outside linebacker or safety, but in either case he's a solid bet to get in on the tackle. Wade was credited with 25 solo stops — part of his total of 68 tackles overall last season. Junior Kaige Roberts (6-1, 195) did get some playing time as well in 2016 and is expected to have a similar role as Wade but from an inside linebacker slot.

Key returners • Tyson Wilstead, Jr. (QB); Travis Mohney, Sr. (WR); Hayden Wade, Sr. (LB/SS); Ethan Roberts, Sr. (OT)

Key losses • Jaxon Smith, LB/RB; Colin Linford, LB; Ryan King, QB; Daniel Jacobsen, RB

The next wave • Ayden Sluka, Jr. (WR); Nathaniel Davidson, Sr. (QB); Kaige Roberts, Jr. (LB); Ethan Canfield, Jr. (CB)

—

Riverton Silverwolves

Coach • Blaine Monkres, first year

Last season • 1-9, 0-6 in Region 4

2017 schedule

Aug. 18 • at Skyridge, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 • at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 • Provo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 • at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 • West Jordan, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 • Copper Hills, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 • at Taylorsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 • East, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 • at Herriman, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 • Kearns, 7 p.m.