Prep football two-a-days: Snow Canyon

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Snow Canyon Warriors football team hasn't seen the postseason since 2006, and that kind of resume ordinarily wouldn't make a new coach flush with excitement.

But it's also true that Snow Canyon scored a big win over Dixie, which eventually went on to capture the Class 3AA state title, in a late-season game.

That win shows Warriors coach Marcus Matua the possibility that may present itself on the gridiron.

"The talk among coaches is that it's going to take us a couple of years," Matua said. "We don't believe that. I'm excited. I'm stoked for this opportunity. The boys have been great. They've been working hard. They will be able to be competitive. We just need to solidify the depth chart."

Matua will turn to the likes of returners Trevor Horlacher and Keaton Plant to lead the team.

Horlacher, who spearheads the Warriors' defense at outside linebacker, is particularly versatile on offense Matua said the senior can "play anything" on that side of the ball.

Matua loves the participation numbers — there are 80 players in the program.

"I think our chances are great," said Matua, who was hired to replace Jay Graft last December. "The kids have bought into the system. Snow Canyon has always had the talent. It's just a matter of putting it together." —

Snow Canyon Warriors

ASSIGNMENT • Class 3AA South

LAST YEAR • 6-4 overall, 3-3 Region 9

KEY RETURNER • Trevor Horlacher, sr., RB/OLB

PLAYER TO WATCH • Keaton Plant, sr., OG/DT

BIGGEST HOLE • Defensive backfield

NEED TO KNOW • The quarterback position, which still is undetermined, will be key in Matua's shotgun, spread attack.