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SKYLINE EAGLES
THE HURRY-UP
Skyline finished 7-5 overall, 4-2 in league play, and lost to Woods Cross, 35-21, in the quarterfinals.
OFFENSE
Skyline finished as the most prolific offensive team in Class 4A a year ago, as offensive coordinator Mike Carlson installed a spread system. "We're excited to apply what we learned last year to our offense this year," said Skyline head coach Justin Thompson. Riley Sharp returns after leading last year's team in receiving yards and touchdowns. The Eagles will be helped by the return of offensive tackles Jet Leinkeke and Luke Afamasaga. Replacing graduated quarterback Braxton Chipman and running back Aleck Russon will be a challenge.
DEFENSE
"To be serious contenders this year, we must improve significantly on defense," said Thompson. "We are excited to be adding long-time Skyline and East High coach Larry Eldracher back on to our defense coaching staff." Top returning defenders for the Eagles include linemen Jordan Crofts and Isaac Henry. Both are starting for a third straight year.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Eagles should contend for the league title in revamped Region 6. Despite its long football tradition, Skyline will need to make a vast improvement on defense from a year ago and get help from some new players on offense to challenge for a state 4A title.
BIG SHOES
Riley Sharp ranked among the Eagles' leaders on offense and defense last year. The wide receiver has offers from Oregon State, Air Force, UNLV, Nevada and Weber State.
PREDICTED FINISH IN REGION: 1
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: George Weeks, 6-11, 1 TD
Rushing: Seth Kaelin, 20 carries, 60 yds, 1 TD
Receiving: Riley Sharp, 55 rec, 1,032 yds, 10 TDs
Tackles: Jordan Crofts, 64
Sacks: Riley Sharp, 7.5
Interceptions: Riley Sharp, 1
2014 RANKINGS
Category/Average/Region (of 6)/Class (of 26)
Offense
Scoring: 36.5/1/2
Rushing: 182.9/2/13
Passing: 274.7/1/1
Total: 457.5/1/1
Defense
Scoring: 26.7/3/14
Rushing: 247.2/6/26
Passing: 179.8/5/8
Total: 427/6/24
COACHING BIO
Name: Justin Thompson
Years at school: Second year
Career record: 7-5
Alma Mater: Skyline High, University of Utah
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
WR: John Kirkham
WR: Yioti Karahalios
WR/RB: Briggs Binford
TE/WR: Riley Sharp, 6-4, 220
OL: Jet Leinkeke 6-8, 295
OL: Luke Afamasaga, 6-6, 320
DEFENSE
DL: Isaac Henry, 6-3, 260
DL: Jordan Crofts 6-0, 220
DL: Cole Popp
LB: Ben Adams
DB: Jaidon Gutierrez
DB: Taylor Larsen
DB: Nick Scott
2015 SCHEDULE
Date, Opponent, Time
Aug. 21, Hurricane, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28, West, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4, at West Jordan, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11, at Wasatch, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Murray, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, Hillcrest, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, Cyprus, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9, at Kearns, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23, Olympus, 7 p.m.