This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
ALTA HAWKS
The Hurry-up — Alta finished 8-4 overall in 2015, 4-2 in Region 7, and lost to East, 56-37, in the Class 4A quarterfinals.
Alta was perceived to be one year away from returning to competitiveness after a dreadful two-year stretch brought the proud program to record lows. The Hawks were young and the fully revamped coaching staff entered the equation late into the offseason, hindering the ability to establish rapport and introduce schemes and culture.
As expected, the Hawks experienced bumps early on, specifically receiving a shellacking against Dixie in St. George, yet it didn't deter the program, and eventually things started to click. Alta ended up winning six of its final eight games, averaging nearly 40 points per game, and ultimately exceeding expectations one year early.
Now it's time to live up to the hype. The Hawks are back, but don't tell them that.
"Until we win this region outright, I feel like we're the underdog," said coach Alema Te'o. "We've got to be able to win the region to be considered hunted. I think we've got great teams in our region right now that we're going to have to deal with, but unless we win this region outright — we're still playing from behind."
Asked if they needed to change their preparation to account for being hunted as legitimate championship contenders, offensive lineman Chandler Dolphin didn't hesitate.
"Absolutely not," he said. "The work doesn't change. The effort doesn't change. It needs to be the same all the time. That's why we shocked everyone last year, is 'cause we came in [with] a qualified coaching staff and players ready to go to work. Good things happen because of that."
Obviously the difference this season is familiarity with one another.
"The key for us was our offseason. We weren't able to get together last year because I came into the program late," Te'o said. "The offseason has been good to our kids. The expectations are a lot more clear. We've had more time to work toward our team goals. It's been very helpful."
Defense was the glaring weakness last year, as the Hawks struggled to get off the field and often engaged in scoring battles each Friday, but with eight returning starters, Te'o expects his unit to improve dramatically.
"Much more confident about what we're going on defense," Te'o said. "Our coaching staff is on the same page. Our secondary, in my opinion, is going to be one of the better secondaries in the state. We have high expectations on the defensive side. We just can't wait to get on the field."
Quarterbacks — Will Dana is one of the few new additions to an offense that returns eight starters. He completed five passes for 102 yards and one touchdown as a sophomore last year, but the Hawks are high on his ability to lead an offense that averaged nearly 40 points per game in 2015. "I feel like [offensive coordinator Riley Jensen] is preparing me really well," Dana said. "Our team is doing really well. I've got all my returning receivers this year. I mean, it's a hard role to fill, but Riley has helped me a lot."
Added Te'o: "Will has adapted well. Having a year under his belt, he was able to sit, watch and learn behind another great quarterback we had, Braxton Kerr, and that experience has helped him going into this year. He's coming in with some confidence and the know-how right now. He didn't have that last year."
Running backs — This statement can be spoken with absolute, unwavering confidence: Alta is set at running back. Josh Davis returns after an All-Tribune season as a junior where he led the state in rushing with 2,077 yards and 26 touchdowns on 262 carries while adding 37 receptions for 566 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he's not alone this year. Look for junior fullback Tu'u Afu to emerge as a deadly second option if opposing teams focus too intently on stopping Davis.
Receivers — Zach Engstrom, London Rockwood, Landon Maxfield and Hayden Harrison, all four of whom started last season, are back in the fold again. Collectively, Alta returns 96 percent of its receiving production that accounted for 2,771 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air. MJ Tafisi is another target who will see significant action.
Offensive linemen — Left tackle Chandler Dolphin, center Sione Hafoka and right guard Setima Malietulia are returning starters, while Payton Quick and Dylan Webb are expected to fill in the two remaining spots up front. "I feel pretty solid. Really, really solid," Dolphin said. "We've got an offensive line that is coming together as a unit. We're looking really good this year. I'm excited."
Defensive linemen — Setima Malietulia is the lone returning starter on the defensive front, but Terrell Lupeamanu and Alec Russon are capable alongside him.
Linebackers — The Hawks are loaded at linebacker, highlighted by three returning starters: Mitch Medina, Mata Hola and MJ Tafisi. Those three collectively accounted for 253 tackles and 16 sacks. Tu'u Afu and Kanyon Larson will share time.
Defensive backs — Four returning starters London Rockwood, Zac Alsop, Ty Hill and Dru Pan formulate one of the top secondaries in the state. Those four totaled 133 tackles and 11 interceptions. Siose Niumetolu and Zach Engstrom will also see time in the defensive backfield.
Key Players
Josh Davis, RB — Pretty straightforward on why Davis is listed here. However, he'll have more help in the backfield this year, which will help him save his legs for the postseason.
Mitch Medina, LB — Recorded 119 tackles last year, yet doesn't receive the publicity he deserves. Voice of the defense is critical to helping the Hawks improve on that side of the ball.
Will Dana, QB — The coaching staff is very high on Dana's ability. He's untested at the varsity level and has the keys to the Ferrari. All he has to do is drive.
Key Losses
Braxton Kerr, QB — Threw for 2,669 yards and 25 touchdowns in an unfamiliar offense. He truly set the tempo for the program going forward.
Jake Adams, OL — Named second-team all-state, Adams was the leader on the offensive front.
Traivaugn Leota-Hunkin, DB — Tallied 116 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions.
Name To Know: Landon Maxfield is poised to explode this season. It was his first year playing the sport in 2015, and he's already gaining interest from the next level because of his blazing speed and reliable hands.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 19 — TAYLORSVILLE, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 — at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-22, in 2015)
Sept. 2 — DIXIE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 45-13)
Sept. 9 — TIMPVIEW, 7 p.m. (Lost, 35-14)
Sept. 16 — at Orem, 7 p.m. (Won, 61-33)
Sept. 23 — at Mountain View, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-7)
Sept. 29 — at Skyridge, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — PROVO, 7 p.m. (Won, 48-28)
Oct. 13 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m. (Won, 69-7)
Oct. 19 — at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m. (Won, 45-31)
Verdict: Alta is very similar to Tennessee and Washington at the collegiate level. The hype is very, very real. Many are waiting for more results before anointing the Hawks as championship contenders, but The Tribune has seen enough. This team should be in the hunt for a region and state title.
Projected finish in region: Second.