As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Utah for the 2009 season.
Harvey Langi, Bingham
Photo by Jeremy Allen
Bingham gets the slight nod over two-time 5A champion Alta because of what they have returning. Running back Harvey Langi will be only a junior; he rushed for over 1,300 yards while finding the end zone 13 times last year. Fellow junior Inoke Tauelele will also see some carries. Head coach Dave Peck thinks his 2011 class is the most talent he’s ever coached. Both sides of the line will be big. Braden Anderson and Manoa Pikula will anchor the secondary and linebackers, respectively. The Miners will be tested early by both Alta and Trinity (Texas).
2. Alta
If Bingham is No. 1, Alta is more like No. 1A than No. 2 given its outstanding run over the last two years. In 2008, head coach Les Hamilton’s squad lost only to California state champion Grant of Sacramento. The team rebounded by winning nine straight games, culminating in a 5A championship victory against Bingham. Jordan Brown will take over at quarterback, and will have Jordan Black on the line protecting him. The defense will be led by Toloa'i Ho-Ching. The Hawks schedule is absolutely brutal early on. If they can survive that, they’ll likely be 5A favorites come playoff time.
3. Timpview
Coming off a 13-0 season that saw the Thunderbirds win the 4A state title, Timpview is a safe bet to be back in the 4A state finals. After all, the Thunderbirds have not lost in their last 36 games and show no signs of slowing down. Bronson Kaufusi and Chris Badger will lead a very strong defense, while quarterbacks Trevor Brown and Jeremiah Burr will likely share time on offense.{VIDEO_bc844995-48b1-4e1d-bdec-0428bfbd2f15,floatRightWithBar}
4. Cottonwood
The Colts were 13-0 heading into the 4A state final last season against Timpview and nearly dethroned the Thuderbirds, losing 34-28. This year, Cottonwood will be bumped up to class 5A, but will still have the horses to make a state title run. With Kyle Ablerton back in the secondary, the Colts’ defense will be strong. Offensively, quarterback Crosby Jensen will be broken into the system. He’ll have help from running back Nadan Hosea and receivers Spencer Larsen and Jason Lundquist.
5. Pleasant Grove
The Vikings finished 10-2 last season and may be poised to challenge for a state title with the likes of traditional powers Bingham and Alta. Quarterback Dallas Lloyd is one of the area’s top players and will fuel the offense, though Brigham Young commit Joey Owens will share some of the load. Several other Division I recruits will make Pleasant Grove one of Utah’s best in 2009.
