Two-a-days: Bonneville Lakers
IN THE TRENCHES:
This year's team has played together since little league, making for some great team chemistry and team unity. There are experienced players coming back and players who are familiar with coach Matt Williams' philosophy and coaching style. Heading into Williams' fourth season at the helm, he's confident with the kids coming back.
Williams' teams have made it to the Class 4A state quarterfinals the last two seasons and have high hopes to make it at least one step further in the playoffs this year.
ON OFFENSE:
The Lakers have experience on the line and with their skills positions. Devin Mickles is a top player who will be coming back at wide receiver. Connor Stephens will bring his athleticism to the tight end position. Jared Cypers and Teague Sorensen will anchor the line and the Lakers have a few options with their running game, paving the way for a balanced attack.
"We've got some great backs but we got the deep threat, too," Williams said. "We want to keep defenses honest."
Players like Johnathon Logue, Austin Land, Josh Peterson and Chase Shaw provide plenty of depth in Bonneville's running game.
ON DEFENSE:
Bonneville doesn't have much size but plans to utilize its speed. The Lakers are going to run a 4-3 on defense and attack relentlessly.
"We got a lot of speed so we want a defense that's fast and furious," Williams said. "We run a 4-3 and we'll just throw everything at you. We'll get in your face."
Connor Stephens, who will play a big role on offense, will also have a big role on defense. He will play an integral role at defensive end. Jake Conolly and Johnathon Logue will bring stability as experienced linebackers. The Lakers' biggest strength on defense is the experience they bring back.
THE VETERAN(s):
There are a few players who have stepped up in the off-season. Devin Mickles and Conor Stephens come into the season with the most playing time. Both are great leaders and have proven to be great examples to their teammates. Mickles is a hard worker and expects nothing less from his teammates while Stephens is more of a quiet leader.
Also a main component on this year's team is punter Sage Stireman. He's a gifted punter that was dependable last season and Williams expects more of the same this year.
THE NEW GUY:
Williams is counting on Manaia Filiaga to step up big-time. The senior will step into the role of the starting quarterback. He got some varsity playing time last year but most of his experience is at the J.V. level. Still, Williams is confident in Filiaga's abilities.
Unlike the quarterback last season, Filiaga will be more of a dual threat as he can run and has a strong arm. He is untested when it comes to game-management and decision-making but he has the tools to be a solid quarterback.
"He can run and throw so he'll be a threat either way," Williams said. "We'll see how [his decision-making] is come Friday night but he's got a ton of poise and he's so coachable."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Lakers look solid in the early-going and are confident with the players they have coming back. Bonneville is focused on improving on their 5-6 record last season and have high hopes of making it to the semifinals of the playoffs this year.
But first, Bonneville has its sights set on a making a run at a Region 5 championship.
"We expect to be better than last year," Williams said. "Region 5, it's going to be a tough region but we're going to fight, that's for sure."
--Maggie Thach
This year's team has played together since little league, making for some great team chemistry and team unity. There are experienced players coming back and players who are familiar with coach Matt Williams' philosophy and coaching style. Heading into Williams' fourth season at the helm, he's confident with the kids coming back.
Williams' teams have made it to the Class 4A state quarterfinals the last two seasons and have high hopes to make it at least one step further in the playoffs this year.
ON OFFENSE:
The Lakers have experience on the line and with their skills positions. Devin Mickles is a top player who will be coming back at wide receiver. Connor Stephens will bring his athleticism to the tight end position. Jared Cypers and Teague Sorensen will anchor the line and the Lakers have a few options with their running game, paving the way for a balanced attack.
"We've got some great backs but we got the deep threat, too," Williams said. "We want to keep defenses honest."
Players like Johnathon Logue, Austin Land, Josh Peterson and Chase Shaw provide plenty of depth in Bonneville's running game.
ON DEFENSE:
Bonneville doesn't have much size but plans to utilize its speed. The Lakers are going to run a 4-3 on defense and attack relentlessly.
"We got a lot of speed so we want a defense that's fast and furious," Williams said. "We run a 4-3 and we'll just throw everything at you. We'll get in your face."
Connor Stephens, who will play a big role on offense, will also have a big role on defense. He will play an integral role at defensive end. Jake Conolly and Johnathon Logue will bring stability as experienced linebackers. The Lakers' biggest strength on defense is the experience they bring back.
THE VETERAN(s):
There are a few players who have stepped up in the off-season. Devin Mickles and Conor Stephens come into the season with the most playing time. Both are great leaders and have proven to be great examples to their teammates. Mickles is a hard worker and expects nothing less from his teammates while Stephens is more of a quiet leader.
Also a main component on this year's team is punter Sage Stireman. He's a gifted punter that was dependable last season and Williams expects more of the same this year.
THE NEW GUY:
Williams is counting on Manaia Filiaga to step up big-time. The senior will step into the role of the starting quarterback. He got some varsity playing time last year but most of his experience is at the J.V. level. Still, Williams is confident in Filiaga's abilities.
Unlike the quarterback last season, Filiaga will be more of a dual threat as he can run and has a strong arm. He is untested when it comes to game-management and decision-making but he has the tools to be a solid quarterback.
"He can run and throw so he'll be a threat either way," Williams said. "We'll see how [his decision-making] is come Friday night but he's got a ton of poise and he's so coachable."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Lakers look solid in the early-going and are confident with the players they have coming back. Bonneville is focused on improving on their 5-6 record last season and have high hopes of making it to the semifinals of the playoffs this year.
But first, Bonneville has its sights set on a making a run at a Region 5 championship.
"We expect to be better than last year," Williams said. "Region 5, it's going to be a tough region but we're going to fight, that's for sure."
--Maggie Thach
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