This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

BINGHAM MINERS

The Hurry-Up — Bingham finished 12-2 overall in 2015, 6-0 in Region 3, and lost to Lone Peak, 26-9, in the Class 5A semifinals.

Playing in Rice-Eccles stadium after advancing to the semifinals in the state's largest classification is a dream come true for many programs, but for Bingham, often regarded as the model for Utah football, losing in that game proved to be a major disappointment.

"No question about it," said Bingham coach John Lambourne. "We won't hedge off of that. That's what we want to accomplish. We have a lot of expectations."

Many people point to the Miners losing their starting quarterback, Matt Degn, to a concussion as the reasoning for the "early" exit, but Lambourne, again, wasn't backing away from those expectations when he was delivered an opportunity to use that as an excuse.

"I don't really like to say too much about that semifinal game and Matt getting injured because we won the two previous state championships with backup quarterbacks," Lambourne said. "You got to win them with whoever you've got."

Obviously losing in the semifinals isn't a preferable strategy to reinvigorate a program, but that's what happened for Bingham. The players are eager to get back to the top.

"When you have a disappointing loss, I think you worry about the enthusiasm of the kids left over, like, 'OK, whatever.' It becomes an accepted kind of thing. Not with these guys," Lambourne said. "I can tell you right now, even involved with a team meeting that was more driven by the players. There is no question they want a little bit of redemption."

Quarterbacks — Degn took over the starting spot in the third week of the season last year and quickly emerged as one of the best signal callers in the state. His injury, whether Lambourne wanted to use it or not, changed the entire complexity of that game against Lone Peak. "I think that's one you almost can't explain and I'm not sure you can really put a measurement to it," Lambourne said about the luxury of having Degn back. "Just the fact you've got a guy who has been there. I think it's terrific, but you don't win games with just quarterbacks."

Running backs — Jahvontay Smith is back after leading the team in rushing, but he lost his counterparts, Brady Atkin, to graduation, and Elvis Vakapuna, who transferred to a program in Hawaii. "We're still working on our fullback position," Lambourne said. "We have a few guys who are part of that."

Receivers — Not as known for producing numbers in the sky, Bingham is loaded at receiver. Dax Milne and Brayden Cosper are true talents, and Kentero Yoshikawa is a versatile target at tight end. "We're pretty good there," Lambourne said succinctly.

Offensive linemen — Cole Clemens, who was named to the All-Tribune team, returns at right tackle alongside Tavian Myers, another returning starter. Add Yoshikawa to the equation, and Bingham will be very strong up front again. "We always think of six," Lambourne said. "A lot of people only really seriously think of five guys, but our tight end is a true tight end."

Defensive linemen — It's not even a debate: Bingham has the best defensive line in the state, and one of the best in the nation. Jay Tufele, uncommitted, and Langi Tuifua, committed to Oregon, are both four-star recruits, while Ben Malohi, an extremely gifted athlete, is back from injury. "He's a pretty talented kid," Lambourne said of Malohi. "We're really excited to have him back and healthy to add to what's already a pretty strong defensive front."

Linebackers — The Miners lost a ton of production at linebacker, but Lambourne is still pleased with how the position in playing out, notably Brigham Tuatagaloa. "He actually was our starting center for us last year," Lambourne said. "He was willing to make that sacrifice for us, so this year we moved him back to the linebacker spot. He's the guy who has the most game experience. He's going to be pretty good."

Defensive backs — BYU commit Tongi Langi, whom Lambourne said "was terrific for us last season and I suspect he'll be really good this year," and Daniel Loua are both returning starters at safety.

Key Players

Jay Tufele, DT — The best player in the state of Utah and the reigning Tribune Player of the Year. Every high school football fan should make it a priority to watch Tufele play. He's a generational player.

Matt Degn, QB — His absence radiated throughout the program in the semifinal loss to Lone Peak. Degn is critical to the success this season.

Cole Clemens, OT — All-Tribune player on the offensive line. Bingham is notorious for pushing opponents around, and that starts with Clemens.

Key Losses

Parker Workman, LB — Bone-crunching linebacker who set the tone defensively.

Brady Atkin, RB — Breakaway speedster who contributed both on the ground and through the air, as well as special teams.

Simote Lokotui, DB — One of the top defensive backs in the state who led the team in interceptions.

Name to Know: Lambourne immediately pinpointed Malohi as player who will demand attention this year next to his four-star teammates on the defensive line. "He was kind of an unknown entity going into last year and then got injured, but he's a good one," Lambourne said. "I suspect he'll be a presence."

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Westlake, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-0, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — HERRIMAN, 7 p.m. (Won, 6-0)

Sept. 2 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m. (Lost, 26-9)

Sept. 9 — WEST JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Won, 54-14)

Sept. 16 — at Copper Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 64-0)

Sept. 23 — HUNTER, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-6)

Sept. 30 — COTTONWOOD, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-0)

Oct. 7 — at Taylorsville, 7 p.m. (Won, 38-0)

Oct. 13 — JORDAN, 7 p.m. (Won, 56-42)

Oct. 19 — at Brighton, 7 p.m. (Won, 30-0)

Verdict: Once again, Bingham will start the season ranked No. 1 in the state. The Miners thrive on that type of attention. This is one of the few programs in the state where it's championship or bust every single year.

Projected finish in region: First.