"If our offensive line is good, we're gonna be good. So what we lost Rhen Richard? We're gonna have the best offensive line in the state. That's the way I see it, and that's what'll win us ballgames this year."

What should also help Union win games in 2008 are the expected contributions of Kaden Richard and Bourque.

Kaden Richard will be a key factor on offense and defense, just like Bourque.

Elliott said he expects Bourque to lead the defense from a roving position — on top of anchoring the O-line.

"I think Michael will dominate wherever we put him on defense," said Elliott. "He really is a specimen."

Union Cougars prep football preview

COACH: Following three years as the head coach at Tooele High, first-year Union coach Sam Elliott moved out to Roosevelt because of financial reasons. Elliott said he plans to be at Union for the foreseeable future.

KEY PLAYERS: Union will be very senior-heavy as all 11 starters on offense and nine of 11 starters on defense are upper-classmen. LT/FS Marcel Bourque, RB/CB Kaden Richard, WR/LB Zach Trujillo and FB/CB Chanse Hyder are all seniors and will help anchor the Cougars. Senior Gauge Smith takes over from Rhen Richard at quarterback, and Miachel Yazzie, Jason Thompson and Tyler Nelson could all be poised for big seasons.

QUESTION MARK: Will Union have enough team speed? Guys like Richard and Trujillo will be very quick, but the Cougars' success this season could hinge on how much overall team speed emerges.

LAST YEAR: 9-4, lost to Judge in the semifinals.

PREDICTED REGION 10 FINISH: Fifth.

POSTSEASON POSSIBILITIES: Despite being picked last by Region 10 coaches, Union could actually be quite solid this fall and has the potential to surprise anybody that doesn't watch out for it. Clearly, Logan, Judge and Park City enter the season as Class 3A's three preseason favorites, but after that there's a lot of parity. Because of that, there's no reason to think Union can't emerge over the course of 2008 as a challenger.

2008 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 — at Delta, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 — MANTI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 — NORTH SANPETE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 — GRANTSVILLE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 — PARK CITY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 — at Uintah, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 — at Judge, 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 — WASATCH, 7 p.m.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com