Alta Hawks 2007 football preview

Coach: In his first two years at the school, Les Hamilton has taken the Hawks to the semifinals and then the championship game. If he can just get that one more step he will put his name down as one of the best the school has ever had.

Key players: The Hawks return 12 players from last season's runners-up team. Everyone knows the name Sausan Shakerin as the marquee guy on the squad, but there may be even more stars on the defensive side of the ball. Jefferson Court was an all-state linebacker last year, and Boo Andersen and Jordan Anderson were not far behind and are back to start another year. Derek Keller is a pure athlete and will cause problems from his defensive end position. Brantly Dunn is a stud at defensive back. Kevin Fortin, Jordan Betz and Parker Erickson will anchor the offensive line while Shayne Day and Kaden Carli will be contributors.

Strengths: While the Hawks will score some points, the defense will win games. With eight returning starters from a squad that was in the top-10 in that category a year ago, watch out. The linebacking corps of Court, Andersen and Anderson may be the best in the state, and with the addition of players like Keller and Dunn, it's not hard to imagine Alta topping its shutout total of four from last season.

Question marks: Only four starters return on offense so it may take some time for the offense to catch up to the defense. The team will be breaking in a new quarterback and four of five offensive linemen will be first-year starters at that position. How quickly the team finds a chemistry will be important.

Last season: 11-3, lost to Bingham in state championship.

Projected Region 2 finish: First.

Postseason possibilities: Count on the Hawks not only being in the playoffs, but anything short of reaching Rice-Eccles, which means semifinals, would be a disappointment for this team.

2007 Schedule (Home games in Caps)

Aug. 17- at Spanish Fork

Aug. 24- at Bingham

Sept. 01- CLOVIS, CALIF.

Sept. 07- HUNTER

Sept. 14- GRANT, CALIF.

Sept. 21- SKYLINE

Sept. 28- at Brighton

Oct. 05- at Hillcrest

Oct. 12- at Taylorsville

Oct. 18- JORDAN

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E-mail: mblack@desnews.com