This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
EDITOR'S NOTE • This is one in a series of previews of Utah's high school football programs. They will run throughout the summer leading up to the 2014 regular season, which begins Aug. 21.
Snow Canyon Warriors
The Snow Canyon Warriors had a taste of success last year, with a senior-laden team. Now in 2014, they are back for more. While their team may be younger, they do not lack experience.
"We had a good summer," coach Marcu Matua said. "It's just a matter of — right now — understanding our schemes and what we want to accomplish. We have a good team, we have an opportunity to be a great team, and I believe our boys have bought into our philosophies and our systems — to make sure we can be a good team.
The team is showing good chemistry and they are a tight-knit group. Matua asks his players to live by the acronym W.A.R.R.I.O.R. (Will, Attitude & Accountability, Responsibility, Respect, Integrity & Inspire, Overcoming obstacles, Resiliency, Service & Success), which he believes has made them grow stronger as a unit.
With a solid foundation and a winning mindset in place, Snow Canyon will look to improve off of its successful 2013 season.
"For the season to be a success, it's just making sure every aspect of the game, we're a lot better," Matua said. "I mean, in regards to wins and losses, obviously we want more wins than losses, but … I think for us to be successful, the gauge would be to make sure we're top three in our region. We want another home game here, in the playoffs."
Last year • 7-4
Key returner • Last year's leading tackler, Brady Sargent, is the heart and soul of Snow Canyon's defense.
Players to watch • Quarterback Jacob Frei and tight end Chance Thorkelson have great chemistry on the field and should connect often.
Biggest hole • The Warriors are searching for a capable defensive tackle, after a kid they expected to slot in there transferred from their program.
Need to know • Snow Canyon made the playoffs last season for the first time in seven years.