HYRUM -- Year in, year out, some of the best prep football in the state occurs in Cache Valley.
With Mountain Crest, Logan and Sky View firmly entrenched in Region 5, don't be surprised if that trio grabs up all the available state 4-A playoff spots.
Of course, Bonneville, Box Elder and Roy will have something to say about that, but plenty of returning stars, it just might play out that way.
Coach Mark Wootton's Mustangs made it to the state 4-A title game, this time to be denied by Highland. With 13 returning starters, the Mountain Crest defense will be strong and tested while junior quarterback Eddy Hall will guide the high-scoring offensive attack.
Mountain Crest opens its season at Provo.
Logan finished 8-3 a season ago, and returns 11 starters but Mike Favero's Grizzlies will face a tough schedule starting with their traditional home opener with Bear River.
Senior quarterback DJ Nelson will be looking for receiver Jamison Hartman this season. Hunter Ballam, Johnny Luke and Austin Rice anchor a veteran defense.
Sky View missed the 4-A playoffs a year ago, but coach Craig Anhder has his squad prepared to rebound. Team unity will be the key for the speedy Bobcats.
Among the 10 returning starters, keep an eye out for all-purpose player Cory Jensen, a solid group of linemen in Jorgen McKenna, Tre' Hansen, Connor Chambers and Casey Oliverson.
Key 'in-the-valley' games include Mountain Crest at Sky View on Sept. 16, Sky View at Logan on Sept. 30, and Logan at Mountain Crest on Oct. 7.
About the Mustangs
Coach: Mark Wootton
(8th season)
2010 in review: 4-1 in Region 5, 10-3 overall, lost state 4-A championship game to Highland
2011 slate: 4-A’s Region 5
Returning starters: 13 (5 offense, 8 defense)
Players to watch: Eddy Hall, junior, quarterback; Tanner Richardson, senior, fullback/linebacker; Ethan Peterson, senior, tight end; Keegan Mitton, senior, linebacker/running back; Braden Fuller, senior, receiver/defensive back; Zac Bitters, senior, defensive lineman.
About the Bobcats
Coach: Craig Anhder
(7th season)
2010 in review: 2-3 in Region 5, 3-6 overall, missed state 4-A playoffs
2011 slate: 4-A’s Region 5
Returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense)
Players to watch: Cory Jensen, senior, receiver/safety; Zach Allen, senior, receiver/defensive back; Jorgen McKenna, senior, offensive lineman; Tre’ Hansen, senior, linebacker; Connor Chambers, senior, defensive lineman; Casey Oliverson, senior, defensive lineman; Corbin Lee, senior, utility.
About the Grizzlies
Coach: Mike Favero
(11th season)
2010 in review: 4-1 in Region 5, 8-3 overall, lost to Timpview in first round of state 4-A playoffs
2011 slate: 4-A’s Region 5
Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)
Players to watch: DJ Nelson, senior, quarterback; Johnny Luke, senior, safety; Dalton Cole, senior, offensive lineman; John Schmidt, senior, running back/linebacker; Autsin Rice, senior, defensive end; Hunter Ballam, senior, defensive back; Jamison Hartman, senior, receiver.
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