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Springville Red Devils

The Hurry-up — Springville finished 12-1 in 2015, and 6-0 in league play. The Red Devils lost to East 42-14 in the Class 4A semifinals.

Despite seeing its dream season end in a state semifinal blowout to the eventual Class 4A Utah state champions, Springville is still full of confidence heading into the 2016 season. Coming off its most historic regular season since its 1985 title run, the Red Devils realize these types of opportunities don't come around often and have been prepping since December weights to make another deep postseason push.

"We know we have some holes to fill — this year is a new year — but we're excited with the way our guys have worked," coach Willy Child said. "They have big goals. We know this is a tough region, but we expect to compete for a region championship and make a run in the playoffs."

Quarterbacks — Jantsen Thorpe will resume his starting role as a senior this season, but his debut will have to wait until Springville's third non-region game. Because the soon-to-be second-year starter suffered a broken collarbone during summer workouts, junior backup Ty Erikkson will be the starter for now. Thorpe is understandably disappointed with being sidelined, but he's more than confident that Erikkson will fill in quite nicely for the time being. "It's a bummer to be out the first few games, but we got a really good backup," Thorpe said. "You never know what's going to happen in a game. If you have a guy who already has experience, it's huge."

Running backs — Springville relied on a strong ground game throughout its undefeated regular season. It will be no different in 2016. With seniors Jackson Murphy and Payton Kelepolo, plus two juniors in Cole Bowers and Bradley Nicol returning, the Red Devils will feature a strong core of four capable backs that will anchor a deep offensive attack. "It's one of our deeper positions," Child said. "We believe in running the ball and being physical."

Receivers — Look no further than the coach's son, Jaxon Child, who will be one of the key targets on offense at tight end. While the Red Devils will establish the run first, Jaxon Child will serve as an added threat alongside two of the returning leaders in receiving: Brennan Rhymer and Bennett Hullinger. All three will be seniors this season.

Offensive linemen — While Springville has some holes to fill in other areas, it can rest assure that knowing it has a strong core of returners on its offensive line. Led by seniors Junior Mulipola and Gavin Diede — who also take significant reps on the defensive line — Thorpe can be confident that his front line will give him plenty of time to make good reads.

Defensive linemen — Similar to its offensive line, Springville has no shortage of veterans here. Not only are seniors Andrew Slack and Mulipola back for another season, but Vili Kolomalo's little brother, Lakei — a 6-foot-2, 260-pound junior — will also help round out a physical line.

Linebackers — The Red Devils graduated two of their starters from last season. But with third-year man Vili Kolomalo anchoring the unit, and a handful of seniors — who will get increased reps on the field as transitioning linebackers — looking to fill the void, Child isn't worried that his veteran group will transition into its roles smoothly. "Some of our guys that will be stepping into those open spots are seniors that are hungry for the opportunity, so they'll be ready to go."

Defensive backs — Cole Bowers, who doubles as a running back, will help anchor the backfield as a free safety. Already with a sturdy and veteran defensive line up front, Bowers and Co. are ready to play cleanup in the back.

Key Players

Jantsen Thorpe, QB — Completed 105 of 201 attempts for 1,677 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Payton Kelepolo, RB — Carried the ball 67 times for 411 yards (best among returners) and six touchdowns.

Vili Kolomalo, LB — Led the team in total tackles with 103 and recorded eight sacks as a junior last season.

Key Losses

Adam Rodriguez, OLB — He led the state in sacks as a senior last year with 24.5 and is now playing at Weber State.

Devyn Tate, FB — Despite returning a veteran core of backs this season, Tate will be hard to replace after leading the team in all-purpose yards with 789 and averaging 8.8 yards per carry on the ground.

Scott Averett, RB — Just behind Tate in rushing yards, Averett completed the strong 1-2 punch with 502 total rushing yards of his own.

Name To Know: After a standout season leading both lines, expect Junior Mulipola to do much of the same in his final season. He totaled 70 tackles last season and will help protect Thorpe as a veteran guard on offense.

2016 Schedule

Aug. 19 — at Dixie, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-21, in 2015)

Aug. 26 — Lehi, 7 p.m. (Won, 21-10)

Sept. 2 — at Skyridge, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 — at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Won, 14-13)

Sept. 16 — Spanish Fork, 7 p.m. (Won, 16-14)

Sept. 23 — at Uintah, 7 p.m. (Won, 49-13)

Sept. 28 — at Bonneville, 5 p.m.

Sept. 30 — Wasatch, 7 p.m. (Won 27-17)

Oct. 7 — Payson, 7 p.m. (Won 48-0)

Oct. 13 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-16)

Verdict: With key returners back on both sides of the ball and the taste of falling short in the state semifinals still fresh, Springville is primed to go on another deep run in state playoffs. It remains to be seen if this team can overcome last year's hurdle that left it just short of its ultimate goal of winning a title.

Projected finish in region: First