This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

HERRIMAN MUSTANGS

The Hurry-Up — Herriman finished 11-3 overall in 2015, 5-1 in Region 4, and beat Lone Peak, 17-14, to win the Class 5A title.

Herriman ascended to the top of the state's largest classification in only six years — a remarkable feat — by upsetting undefeated nationally-ranked Lone Peak in the state championship last season.

When asked about last season's accomplishments and if they're relevant this year, coach Dustin Pearce said matter-of-factly: "Nobody cares."

"It just puts a higher expectation. Our motto all year has been: 'Nobody cares. Work harder,'" Pearce said. "Try not to live in the past, but at the same time, we understand what we're up against. Our kids are excited to get after it and prove themselves."

Added junior quarterback Hayden Reynolds: "We're going to focus on this year because we're not the same team. We're going to do things different."

Although the Mustangs are still loaded with talented pieces, it's easy to look at how much the program lost to graduation, which has correlated with Herriman enjoying an unusual luxury as the defending state champion: this group is kind of flying under the clouds.

"You win a title and all of sudden your kids have a little more confidence. They were a part of something special. They were there last year," Pearce said. "We're OK with flying under the radar a little bit — who knows where we'll end up — my philosophy has always been: I don't care how good I am at the first of the year — we got to get better and better and better. We're not worried about our opponent. We're worried about what we can do every single rep."

Quarterbacks — Reynolds illustrated moxie and poise well beyond his age by leading the last-minute touchdown drive as a sophomore in the final game last season. Now, one year later, he's a building block in the program. "I feel really good about this year. My reads are a lot better. I'm recognizing [the] defense, and everything feels more comfortable," Reynolds said. "Last year, we had a big offensive line and could run the ball really well and I only had to pass here and there. This year, I think we're going to have to do a little more [passing], we have a young line. I'm excited."

Running backs — Replacing Kaden Strasters, Jake Jutkins and Brig Rush — who collectively accounted for 2,743 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground is as difficult of task as there in the state. However, although raw, Herriman has several capable backs, including Noah Vaea and Maeakafa Leakehe, who can handle the load. "We have a variety of a guys that are going to touch the ball this year," Pearce said. "It's a really good group of kids."

Receivers — Pearce raved about this position, saying, "As good as receiving corps I've had since I've been here. We have four or five kids at Z that have been in the system." Two names to remember are Jaden Cutler and tight end David Fotu, one of the starts on the final drive last year.

Offensive linemen — In an age where the spread offense is the Prom King of high school football, Herriman isn't interested in being one of the cool kids. Instead, the Mustangs are going to steal your lunch money. This program is known for its aggressive, downhill style offense, with physicality in the trenches. Expect more of the same this year with Clayton Naeta, David Vake, who is moving from right tackle to guard this year, Tyson Martin, Karter Shaw and Jaren Kump, who is committed to BYU. Pearce said Kump is a "fanatic" about being the best, and added he believes he has the potential to be the best linemen in the state.

Defensive linemen — The Mustangs lost some irreplaceable talent on the defensive front, but Braxton Pearce, Fotu, Kump and Semisi Vakapuna still provide a wealth of skill. "We've got rotation of about seven guys," Pearce said. "It will be a good group. We're excited."

Linebackers — Pearce has the only explanation needed for how difficult it will be to replace last year's linebackers: "We have four of them competing for spots, actually six, so that's going to be exciting. They know the mentality we bring. They know what we're known for. You talk about us last year, we lost four 'backers and three out of the four are playing college football."

Defensive backs — Vaea returns as arguably the best defensive back in the state. He led Utah with 12 interceptions last year, but he's leading an inexperienced group. "I try to lead by an example and go all out at practice and bring energy," Vaea said.

Key Players

Noah Vaea, RB/DB — Often overlooked in terms of recruiting, Vaea is one of the best talents in the state.

Hayden Reynolds, QB — Reynolds emits an aura of confidence. He was rocking a Bruce Springsteen bandana during practice — an impossible style if you don't have natural swag. He'll bring that self-assurance to the huddle and instantly make the offense a better unit.

Jaren Kump, OL/DL — Pearce lit up talking about Kump, an athletically-gifted lineman who can keep up with skills players in a foot-race.

Key Losses

Kaden Strasters, LB — Scored the championship-clinching touchdown, and led the team by example. "You don't replace a kid like him," Pearce said. "He's probably the toughest player I've ever coached."

Leki Fotu, DL — Completed changed how opponents blocked up front. He was nearly unblockable at the high school level.

Peni Mobley, LB — Vocal leader on defense. An instinctive player who helped transform the Mustangs into a lethal force on that side of the ball.

Name to Know: Vaea. Technically, if you follow the sport, you should know his name already, yet he continues to get overlooked. He's undersized, yes, but he has Division I potential. He's that good.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — BRIGHTON, 7 p.m. (Lost, 23-14, in 2015, and won, 49-17)

Aug. 26 — at Bingham, 7 p.m. (Lost, 6-0)

Sept. 9 — at Box Elder, 7 p.m. (Won, 41-7)

Sept. 16 — WESTLAKE, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-3)

Sept. 23 — at Riverton, 7 p.m. (Won, 42-20)

Sept. 30 — at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-7)

Oct. 7 — AMERICAN FORK, 7 p.m. (Won, 23-15)

Oct. 14 — LEHI, 7 p.m. (Won, 31-7)

Oct. 19 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m. (Lost, 30-0, and won, 17-14)

Verdict: This program, as Pearce said, is "set in stone" in terms of how the kids prepare. Herriman isn't going anywhere. Last year wasn't a one-hit wonder. The Mustangs will compete for a state championship for many years to come.

Projected finish in region: Second.