Taylorsville football: 2012 season preview

In July, I interviewed Taylorville (Utah) football coach Rodny Wells about his new job and the Warriors football team. Here is the preview on the team that I wrote, which appeared in its game program.

Big changes are here for Warriors

New field, new coach have players smiling

and believing in the team’s future

By Bruce Smith

Matchup
 
            It’s easy to recognize the different attitude within the Taylorsville football team this fall.
            A new coach will do that. Rodny Wells comes from a successful program at Bear River and has hopes of building a little small-town pride to a big-city football program.
            But a new field might do more.
            That mixture of green, blue and gold in the center of the Salt Lake Valley has gained a lot of attention. Wells said player turnout is higher, the team is working harder and, while it’s unknown if it will lead to wins, the new field is bringing a lot of smiles.
            “It’s pretty cool,” said Wells, whose team opens on the turf Aug. 24 against Hillcrest. “It will give us a new identity and the kids have been looking forward to this for a long time.”
            The Warriors will have at least five home games this season, including an important homecoming contest Sept. 14 against 3A power Delta. Region 2 opponents may give Taylorsville trouble, too, but Wells said the team is focusing more on itself than the team across the field.
            The new field is also strengthening Warrior pride in the local community. Wells said one of the first things he did after accepting the job was to get more involved in the city’s little league program.
            "With our new field going in, I went to the administration and said, 'I want the little league to play on our field. I want to build that excitement in the little league program to where they're saying, 'This is where I want to play.' "
            Since Field Turf can’t get worn, the administration couldn’t say yes fast enough. So, this fall, eighth- and ninth-grade teams will have a home on the Warriors' field. Additionally, those same youngsters will form a tunnel that greets players as they enter the field, and those who wear their jerseys to games get in for free.
            "I want those kids to feel a part of the program too," said Wells. "I want them to grow up saying, 'I want to wear that uniform and represent that school.'"
            Wells said the greatest challenge he has fought has been apathy and, it’s too bad, too. The Warriors haven’t won much recently. Last year, there were some great athletic plays by Dylan Wilson, but little else.
            This year, Wells plans to rebuild. He said he needs to stay focused and plan for the long term.
            "To get people on board and wanting to move in a better direction has been a little bit of a struggle," he said. "They keep saying, 'In the past, this is what the football team has done.' And I say, 'The past didn't work.' We have to change that mentality. We basically have to change the culture."
            The most encouraging aspect of taking over is the reception he received from the players.
            "The kids are buying into it, and that's been awesome," he said. "It makes it a lot easier."
            Wells said he also believes he has some talented players.
            "We have the kids who can compete," he said. "There is enough talent in this school, enough kids coming out that we can platoon our defense and our offense and not miss a beat."
            The players said they've enjoyed working with their new coach over the summer.
            "We're not the same Taylorsville," said senior lineman Derek Rice. "We're working to win, and that has a lot to do with Coach Wells coming here and putting that in our heads. We can't wish to win; we have to want to win."
            The players said Wells runs a tight ship and asks a lot more from the players.
            "It's definitely old-school football," said senior fullback Taige Taylor. "It's been more disciplined; it's been more hard-nosed football."
            Tristinn Martinez is expected to start at quarterback. In the past, Wilson’s success forced Martinez to play another position. This year, he will get his shot.
            "We can definitely compete," said Martinez. "This is not the same Taylorsville team as in years past. We have a positive attitude going into this season. Change is good."