This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

CORNER CANYON CHARGERS

The Hurry-up — Corner Canyon finished 4-7 overall, 3-3 in Region 7, and lost to Highland, 41-38, in double-overtime in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

The honeymoon stage with Corner Canyon is over. Now four years into the program, the Chargers are no longer considered the new kid on the block, especially after suffering their first losing season in school history in 2015.

However, rather than focusing on the overall record, Corner Canyon is analyzing specific pieces to learn and improve from, such as its first-round upset of Olympus as the fourth seed from Region 7 and the heart-breaking double-overtime loss against Highland — a game in which the Chargers squandered a 21-point lead with three and a half minutes remaining.

"The kids really put it together in the playoffs last year, especially against Olympus and for three and a half quarters against Highland," said coach Don Eck. "It was kind of disappointing to lose that way when all we had to do is make one play in any 11 tries at the end of the game and in overtime, but it didn't happen for us. We can learn from that. We've talked a lot with these kids about some of the things that happened at the end of that game. It's a good learning experience for us. It should help us this year."

The main objective this season is to remain healthy. The Chargers lost numerous key players throughout last year, which hindered progress, particularly at the beginning of the season.

"Hopefully we can stay a little bit more healthy than we did last year," Eck said. "Hopefully we have a little bit better luck. These kids are working hard. We'll be OK."

The first years of a program can help establish the pathway for the future. Corner Canyon established a winning culture immediately, so reverting back to another losing season is out of the question. The Chargers expect to immersed in the title chase.

"Every year we expect to be in the playoffs and compete for a region championship and see if we can get ourselves to Rice-Eccles and get further than we've ever been," Eck said.

Quarterbacks — Zach Wilson emerged as the quarterback of the future halfway through his sophomore season last year. The Chargers displayed a noticeable change in bounce when he was directing the huddle, as evidenced by the late-season surge. "Coming into the team and having them look at me as a leader was definitely different," Wilson said. "The team always looked to other people before me because I was obviously younger, so it was hard to get people to listen to me once I finally got that role as a starter."

Running backs — Jason Adams, a senior, and junior Blake Emery will split time in the backfield. Adams was second on the team in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Operating from pro-set, Corner Canyon places an enormous emphasis on wearing down opponent with a steady dose on the ground, so both Adams and Emery will carry huge responsibility this year.

Receivers — Two juniors — Jacob Johnston and Coleston Lawson — are set to inherit starting roles on the outskirts. Johnston is a very capable, lanky receiver with reliable hands. Look for him to emerge as the go-to target through the air.

Offensive linemen — Cade Knaphus and Dillan Grange highlight the interior of the offense. Knaphus is one of the strongest players in the state, with a collective 1,750 pounds in the four core lifts — bench, squat, power clean and dead lift. "He's a bull, man. He's not real tall, so he's got great leverage," Eck said. "He comes off the ball hard. He comes off the ball low, and with his strength, he should have a pretty dominant year."

Defensive linemen — Kanpuhs and Grange will double-up on the defense in addition to their duties on offense, alongside Shaun Stockwell and Kaden Wright. "I definitely think we have better focus this season, and we have some pretty good players. I think we'll do good," Stockwell said.

Linebackers — Adam Chandler, Cade Pupunu and Adam Gellman shore up the linebacking corps. Although very inexperienced, the three are expected to perform at a high level this year.

Defensive backs — Mark Rockwood and Spencer Seamans highlight the secondary, which is a tier of the defense Eck has prioritized improving this season. "Being a lot more aggressive in the secondary, which we addressed really early in the spring," he said. "If our secondary plays a little smarter, overall I think we'll be a lot better."

Key Players

Zach Wilson, QB — The offense will revolve around Wilson this season. The downfall of Corner Canyon in the past has been the inability to consistently generate offense. Wilson is the key to changing that.

Cade Knaphus, OL/DL — The leader in the trenches on both sides of the ball can set the tempo.

Jason Adams, RB — The Chargers want to establish the line of scrimmage, and Adams' ability to keep the defense honest will be an integral piece to success.

Key Losses

Keaton Bills, OL/DL — One of the top prospects in the state last season.

Tyler Critchfield, RB — Led the team in rushing, with nearly a thousand yards.

Nate Cutler, WR — One of the main options in the passing game also presented an instant threat in the return game.

Name To Know: Shaun Stockwell emerged as a defensive threat in 2015, and now with a full season of experience, look for him to be a force on the interior.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — PLEASANT GROVE, 7 p.m. (Lost, 28-19, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — MAPLE MOUNTAIN, 7 p.m. (Lost, 31-30)

Sept. 2 — at Roy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — OREM, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-14)

Sept. 16 — SKYRIDGE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — at Timpanogos, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-14)

Sept. 29 — MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m. (Won, 52-22)

Oct. 7 — at Timpview, 7 p.m (Lost, 28-20)

Oct. 13 — at Provo, 7 p.m. (Lost, 27-18)

Oct. 19 — ALTA, 7 p.m. (Lost, 45-31)

Verdict: Another losing season feels out of the question. Corner Canyon is certainly a playoff-quality team this year, but how they finish the year will determine where they stand. The three-game stretch against Timpview, Provo and Alta — all three of which defeated the Chargers last year — is as difficult as any to end the year.

Projected finish in region: Third.