This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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

JORDAN BEETDIGGERS

The Hurry-Up — Jordan finished 8-3 overall in 2015, 5-1 in Region 3, and lost to Pleasant Grove, 48-47, in the first round of the Class 5A postseason.

There is a better chance you don't get your cheeks pinched by great aunt Eleanor at the family Christmas party than Jordan not having an explosive offense. The Beetdiggers are going to score a ton of points this season — probably even establish team and individual state records in the process.

What Jordan needs to do if it has an aspiration of avoiding the same early-exit fate as it did last season is finally stop getting pushed around on defense. Winning nightly shootouts is exhausting and unreliable. The Beetdiggers need to be able to make a critical stop when necessary, and coach Eric Kjar has seen tremendous progress from the dark side of the ball this offseason.

"I really like what I've seen so far through camp and two-a-days. They've gotten a lot better," Kjar said. "The personnel, as far as physicality, I think is going to be better than what we've been. I think they understand our scheme a little bit better now, too. They do a good job of flying around and getting to the ball, so that's been a good change. I think we're headed in the right direction."

Getting upset in the first round has reverberated around the program, with Kjar saying it has served as a reminder. "I haven't really had to say too much because they're pretty motivated," he explained. "They're hungry for more."

So with a loaded offense and an improved outlook on defense — Jordan plans to be in the thick of the conversation come season's end.

"Pretty much the same as it always is," Kjar said about the expectations this season. "We want to compete and win a state championship. That's our focus. With our own region, win that, and then go win a state championship."

Quarterbacks — Jordan has steadily build the reputation as a quarterback factory under Kjar, and with an athletic junior thrower in Crew Wakely, the program could be in great hands for another two years at the position. "I like him a lot," Kjar said. "He played receiver for us the past couple years. He was our JV quarterback and he also played some varsity receiver. I really like what he's done, and athletically he's improved a lot. He's a lot faster and quicker, and he's really getting the pass-game down, too."

Running backs — Need a touchdown? Pick up the phone and call Alec and Alec. Yes, the "law firm" is back again this season. Alec Evans leads the way after rushing for 917 yards and 15 touchdowns, and Alec Kener provides another element after adding 232 yards and five touchdowns.

Receivers — There is a serious possibility Spencer Curtis rewrites the career receiving record book this season. He's closing in on multiple individual high-marks. Isaiah Jackson, an every-down threat, is also back on the hashes. Look for Ethan Bolingbroke and Carson Buschell to receive targets, too.

Offensive linemen — Returning starter Heneli Avendano is the anchor at center, but Collin Larsen and Nate Mower are talented, as well. Jordan lost some valuable pieces from last year's offensive line that help account for 6,041 yards of total offense, but the three aforementioned players will help expedite the growing period for the two newcomers.

Defensive linemen — Kjar said Jordan will "lean on" Malik Davis to apply consistent pressure from the end. Avendano will also see more time both ways this year, while Remedy Akoteu, Sosui Tuitahi and Samisoni Vunipola will rotate frequently.

Linebackers — One of the first steps to improving on defense is placing the right pieces at linebacker to direct the rest of the troops. Beau McRae, Kener and Brandon and Eric Folau will have that responsibility on their shoulders.

Defensive backs — While the secondary is still unsettled, it's clear Devin Johnson, Tigo Liuzzi and Semisi Tuitahi will see the field.

Key Players

Spencer Curtis, WR — In terms of production, Curtis is the top returning receiver in the state.

Alec Kener, RB/LB — While he serves as a steady second option on offense, he's more reliable on defense. Kener needs to set the pace.

Crew Wakely, QB — Quarterbacks flourish at Jordan, and Wakely is expected to be the next great gun-slinger in the program.

Key Losses

Drew Lisk, QB — Threw for 3,954 yards and 39 touchdowns, while adding 752 yards and 13 scores with his feet.

Cooper Clark, DB — Four-year starter will be surely missed in the defensive backfield.

Justin Cobbley, OL — Named to the All-Tribune team as one of the best linemen in the state.

Name to Know: Wakely is going to put up insane numbers. This might be the first time his name has been mentioned in the newspaper, but it certainly will not be the last.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — DESERT HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 54-34, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — at Roy, 7 p.m. (Won, 34-28)

Sept. 2 — at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-21, and lost, 48-47)

Sept. 9 — at Taylorsville, 7 p.m. (Won, 62-18)

Sept. 16 — MOUNTAIN CREST, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — BRIGHTON, 7 p.m. (Won, 51-49)

Sept. 30 — at West Jordan, 7 p.m. (Won, 56-20)

Oct. 7 — COPPER HILLS, 7 p.m. (Won, 56-3)

Oct. 13 – at Bingham, 7 p.m. (Lost, 56-42)

Oct. 19 — COTTONWOOD, 7 p.m. (Won, 55-20)

Verdict: The first-round exit was extremely disappointing considering how talented Jordan was last season. This program is still percolating with elite athletes, and if the Beetdiggers can make stops defensively — they're always a threat to win a state championship because of the offensive firepower.

Projected finish in region: Second.