High school football: Terrific trio leads Rich

RANDOLPH — In 1A football, it's not terribly uncommon for freshmen to contribute in some way.

To have three players start at key positions from day one is uncommon, however, especially at Rich High School.

"These are the first three that have started since I've been here," said Rich coach Ashley Brown, who's in his 14th year at Rich High, seven as the head coach.

Bradley Holmes, Tyson Larsen and Cooper Cornia have defied the odds since they graduated from eighth grade. And though they're still just juniors, they're a big reason why expectations are very high for last year's 1A runner-ups.

Holmes is entering his third year at quarterback and defensive back, whereas Larsen will be a three-year starter at center and linebacker and Cornia a three-year starter in the secondary.

"I know other schools have that, but these kids not only started but they contributed," said Brown. "They were actually out there helping us, I think that's what makes them usual."

It all started after their eighth-grade year when Brown told them if they worked hard in the offseason they could contribute right away at the varsity level. That was all the motivation they needed to hit the weights hard all offseason.

Cornia acknowledges they were each a bit lucky to move into the program when their respective positions all had vacancies, but their work ethic made the decision to start them very easy.

It doesn't mean it wasn't a shock. Playing junior high football in the southwest Wyoming league, Holmes said making the jump to varsity football in Utah was a huge jump.

"It's totally different style football, but it's a lot more fun," he said. "It's just faster. It's good to be able to come and play Utah schools."

Holmes obviously had a big learning curve, but the offense was was nothing new to him. His father was his little league coach, and as many programs do across the state, Rich's little league schemes mimicked the high school offense and defense.

Rich plans on mixing up its standard I formation with some spread offense, a move that has Holmes salivating.

"I love the spread, I just love motioning guys. It keeps the defense guessing, and then you can always throw out of the spread, and that's what I like to do," Holmes said. "It all depends on what we have, and this year I think it's going to work best for us."

Larsen has been snapping Holmes the ball from his center position for two years now, and Brown is continually impressive with his work ethic.