SWITCH: Mobile | ePaper | Subscribe

Homes Jobs Autos Contests Boocoo Auctions

Darts face off with Warriors

By Dennis Larsen, Standard-Examiner staff

Thu, 09/02/2010 - 10:49pm

KAYSVILLE -- The Darts' Gavin Fowler has never played a high school football game at Earl Jones Field.

Weber High, which hasn't won its first two games since starting 4-0 in 2002, tangles with defending Region 1 champion Davis today in Pleasant View in its home opener.

Both teams are 2-0 overall, 1-0 league.

The Darts are playing their first road game after respective home-field victories over Brighton and Clearfield.

"We know we have to be ready to play, no matter where we play or who we play," said the 17-year-old Fowler, a second-generation quarterback. "Weber is going to be physical and give you all it has; we have to be ready.

"They beat us here two years ago in our homecoming game (9-7 on Sept. 26, 2008) when I was a sophomore. Then we beat them here last year (28-9 on Sept. 4, 2009)," he said. "It's going to be a physical game, and both teams will compete hard no matter the score. It should be a fun game."

Fowler is a rare commodity at quarterback -- a three-year performer -- starting every game since his sophomore season in 2008. He is 19-8 as a starter.

"The game is a lot easier after being in the system for three years, and not being shellshocked when I go out there," he said. "We run a more traditional offense with two backs, two wideouts and a tight end most of the time. The offense is basically same as three years ago, just with different personnel.

"The biggest emphasis coach (Ryan) Bishop has put on me is to be a leader on the field and manage the game," Fowler said. "I love the offense we run and the things I get to do in it."

Fowler has completed 22-of-34 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. In two-plus seasons, Fowler is 225-of-399 for 2,850 yards and 25 touchdowns with 21 interceptions. Fourteen of the picks came during the 2008 season, his first as a starter.

Tailback Tanner Hinds, who rushed for 1,931 yards and 24 touchdowns in Davis' state 5-A runner-up season in 2009, has graduated.

"We have a lot more weapons spread out this year with more depth at different positions," Fowler said. "Expectations are bigger coming off a season like we had last year (10-3 overall), and people expect you to follow that up with another good season.

"We just have to compete with every team we play in Region 1, but we haven't really talked about winning region again," he said. "Coach Bishop always tells us 'You have to create your own success. You can't live off what you did before.' "

Seven Darts' running backs have at least four carries, and Fowler has hit five different receivers.

"We run the ball the majority of the time and play good defense," Fowler said. "My sophomore year was a little tougher because I was so young. Now it seems easier for me playing quarterback every week. I've become more of a leader, and my decision-making skills on the field have improved a lot.

"I watch quite a bit of film; three times a week with the team and 2-3 times a week at home with myself depending on my homework situation," he said. "Homework is first in my family."

Gavin's father, Blaine, played quarterback at Brigham Young University from 1983-85. Oldest brother Kellen played free safety at BYU in 2002-03 and 2007-08. Another brother, Landon, who played on the Darts' 2004 5-A championship team, is a free safety at BYU.

"My dad watches film with me when he is home," Fowler said. "He points things out to me and really helps me a lot."

While focused on his senior year, Fowler wants to play football at the next level.

"Hopefully, I'll get some offers to play college football," he said. "It would be cool to play at BYU like my dad and brothers did."

Fowler also competes in track and field at Davis, running the 110-meter high and 300-meter intermediate hurdles and doing the long jump.

"Track helps me stay in shape, and the toughness from football carries over into track," he said.

* WEEK 3 NOTES: There are 35 undefeated teams after two weeks with Davis-Weber being one of three games between unbeatens. Seventy-one teams have at least a victory, and some of the 29 winless teams may get a win this week. Two Top of Utah games match winless teams: Bonneville at Roy and Tooele at Ben Lomond. ... Utah was 11-1 versus out-of-state teams last week; there are nine out-of-state games this week. ... Undefeated Northridge and crosstown rival Layton clash in the Sword game with the Knights leading 13-5 since 1992. ... Morgan will be 3-0 for the first time since an 8-0 start in 2005 by defeating Wasatch in the Trojans' home opener. Wasatch and Morgan tangle for the 82nd time in the ninth most-played rivalry. The Wasps have a 48-31-2 series edge since 1928. ... Along with attempting to snap a 19-game losing streak, Roy will be trying to score its first points this season. Bonneville plays the Royals for the 47th time in an uninterrupted series dating back to 1965. The Lakers lead 32-14. ... In their 90th meeting, Box Elder leads county rival Bear River 63-24-2 since 1923. In 87 Golden Spike games, the Bees lead 61-24-2. ... Fremont's 42-0 win over Roy was its first shutout since a 21-0 road win over Viewmont on Sept. 29, 2006, during its state 5-A semifinal season. ... Layton Christian-Gunnison is a first-time meeting.

Tonight's games

(7 p.m. kickoff)

Region 1

Davis at Weber

Fremont at Clearfield

Viewmont at Syracuse

Northridge at Layton

Non-league

Bonneville at Roy

Box Elder at Bear River

Logan at Bountiful

Mountain Crest at Woods Cross