High school football: Terrific trio leads Rich

"It's hard for a freshman lineman to come in and do well, but he's done a great job the last two years. There's times he's been beat, but the kid doesn't give up, he works harder the next week to get better," Brown said.

Larsen has bulked up to 200 pounds this offseason, and figures to be one of the top centers in 1A football.

Of the three, Cornia is the one who got smacked around the most the past two years coming up from his defensive back position to stop the run. Laughingly looking back on those days, he said, "I just tried to hit them lower next time."

"He's a smart kid who works his butt off. He plays hurt, he won't get off the field if he's hurt," said Brown.

For all their contributions on the field, Brown believes perhaps their biggest impact has been off the field.

"You get older kids who think that just because they're older they get to play. Doing this shows them that's not necessarily the case," Brown said. "You've got to be the best at that position to be able to play, so it does push the older kids."

1A NORTH PROJECTIONS

(Preseason rankings are based on coaches' votes)

1. RICH: A year after coming up short in the 1A championship game, the Rebels return six starters on both sides of the ball and should be able to make another run at the title. Offensively, the team will mix things up with some spread, some I-formation and some wishbone. It's a lot for quarterback Bradley Holmes to handle, but the three-year starter is ready. Jade Cornia and Caden Andersen are two excellent receiving options when Rich does throw. Big things are expected from Casey Johnson and Tyson Larsen as well, with both players starting at offensive line and linebacker. 2007 RECORD: 8-3. PLAYOFFS: Lost to Kanab in championship game.