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West Panthers
The Hurry-Up
West finished 5-5 overall, 4-1 in league play, and lost to Herriman, 41-10, in the first round in 2014.
Offense
Coach Keith Lopati runs a variation on the triple-option. The key to the season may be finding the right guy at quarterback to run it. The Panthers have three returning starters from last year's Region 2 co-champions, including WR/RB Jake Takanaka, RB Neufi Kolopeaua, and OL Manu Mafi. Mafi is the only experienced lineman on this side of the ball, so he will need to play a big leadership role.
Defense
The Panthers' defense returns six starters and should be the strength of the team as the offense gains experience. Look for middle linebacker Jordan Lolotahea, defensive end Abe Seare, twins Marvin and Kofe Taumoepeau and tackle Colby Tapusoa to have big seasons.
Big Shoes
Lopati is high on junior tight end Jordan Lolotahea, who goes 6-foot-2 and 245. "He is attracting a lot of attention due to his physical stature, high football IQ and great work ethic," he said.
What to Expect
The Panthers, one of the most storied programs and the oldest in Utah, returned to state last year, but are young. In realigned Region 2, they should find stiffer competition than a year ago, but could end up battling Layton and Viewmont for a spot in the tournament.
Predicted Region Finish: 6th
Coaching Bio
Name: Keith Lopati
Years at school: Fifth year
Alma Mater: Highland High, University of Hawaii
2014 Rankings
Offense: Avg/Region (of 7)/Class (of 28)
Scoring: 26.7/2/12
Rushing: N/A
Passing: N/A
Total: N/A
Defense:/Avg/Region/(of/7)/Class/(of/28)
Scoring: 25.5/6/18
Rushing: 143.2/3/11
Passing: 152.4/6/16
Total: 295.6/5/13
Projected Starters
OFFENSE
QB Neufi Kolopeaua Sr
FB Pita Mahina Sr
TB John Abercrombie Soph
X Jake Takanaka Sr
Z Nico Negrete Sr
LT Colby Tapusoa Soph
LG Manu Mafi Sr
C Izik Garcia Soph
RG Mark Lopez Jr
RT Jake Wierick Jr
DEFENSE
DE Kofe Taumoepeau Jr
DE Abe Seare Sr
DT Colby Tapusoa Jr
DT Manu Mafi Sr
LB Jordan Lolohea Jr
LB Darius Moore Sr
Rov Pita Mahina Sr
Rov John Abercrombie Soph
C Jake Takanaka Sr
C Nico Negrete Sr
F Neufi Kolopeaua Sr
2015 Schedule
Date Opponent Time 2014 Result
Aug. 21 Timpview 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 at Skyline 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 Lone Peak 7 p.m. Lost, 34-7
Sept. 11 at Syracuse 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Davis 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Viewmont 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Hunter 7 p.m. Lost, 40-16
Oct. 9 Layton 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 Granger 7 p.m. Won, 28-21