Highland football: 2012 season preview

In early August, I interviewed Highland (Utah) coach Brody Benson and wrote this article for his team's 2012 football program, which I also put together. The 40-page program is for sale at all Highland home football games.

Unheralded Rams hope to get it done

 By Bruce Smith

Matchup

             In the last six years, the Highland Rams have made the 4A playoffs each time. They have reached the championship game twice and – in 2010 – were state champs.

            Anything less is considered a disappointment. Last year, the Rams were sent home after losing to eventual champion Logan in the quarterfinals. That has been gnawing on coach Brody Benson since it happened. Sure, they gave the Grizzlies a tough game but, by Highland standards, that’s not good enough.
            This year, the preseason polls have the Rams no higher than third in a tough Region 6.
            Benson says (slyly) that’s fine.
            “East and Bountiful may be the best teams coming in,” he said. “But football is about chemistry. We’re dealing with that, too, and have the makings to be a pretty good team.”
            The Rams weren’t picked to win it all in 2010, but managed to get it done. Last year, they had a talented group of players, but injuries hurt their chances for a repeat title. This year, they are a much-different team with plenty of good linemen, but few experienced players at the skill positions.
            “Our expectations are to be the meanest, nastiest team in the state,” said Highland running back Adam Webber. “We focus a lot on that — just being the toughest team. No one is going to outwork us. We might not have the most guys and the most talent, but we’ll definitely be the toughest team.”
            Benson echoed similar sentiments.
            “We try and pride ourselves on being the toughest team in the state,” he said. “If we can achieve that, we have the chance on Friday nights to win some ballgames.”
            It won’t be easy. The Rams have another tough schedule. It includes rival West in the opener, a game at Region 7 power Herriman, and then a Thursday night (KJZZ-TV) contest at defending 5A champion Lone Peak. The Region 6 schedule will also be difficult. Bountiful, which whipped the Rams 27-3 last  year, is the homecoming opponent.
            “Playing tough games early in the season makes you tougher,” Benson said. “All I want, and all I expect, is for the kids to come out and give it all they’ve got. They can’t talk about last year, or two years ago. It’s about now.”
            The players to watch will be in the trenches. Senior Luti Nonu  and junior Bryan Mone, now at over 300 pounds, will anchor the offensive and defensive lines that will probably attract the attention of every opponent.
            On offense, they’ll try to open holes for Webber, a talented player who has started on defense the past two years. Austin Peterson will be the Rams’ quarterback. He didn’t get much varsity playing time last season, but was a key figure on the junior varsity squad.
            “He’s been in the program four years and he’s worked his guts out,” Benson said. “Basically, January hit and he decided this is what he wanted to do — he wanted to be the guy — and it was evident when he came to me and said he wanted to lift with the offensive line."
            Peterson will likely need some time to adjust, but he’s coming in after Anthony “Fish” Smithson ended his amazing career. Peterson’s success may rely on how well he can get the ball to others – Webber and returning receivers Malcolm Card-Turner and Jerry Padilla, who proved last year they can score at any time.
            The defense should also be tough, anchored by the line and several other players already mentioned who will be going both ways. Kicking will be junior Michael Kerr, a standout on the soccer team who is trying to adjust and show off his talents on the football field.
            On paper, it may be a third-place team, but Benson has done more with less. This is Highland football and, regardless of the talent level, the standards are high. The Rams know it and are anxious to reach the potential like some of the great teams before them.