Rams ready

Now that the dust has settled from a turbulent offseason, which culminated in the firing of coach Ray Groth in mid-June, it's time for the Highland Rams to get down to business.

When you've been one of the top programs in Class 4A the past five years, there's no time to feel sorry for yourself. Every team in Region 6 will be gunning for the Rams, and that's what first-year coach Brody Benson reminds his kids of every day. It appears to be sinking in.

"I have high expectations for what we're going to accomplish," said Benson, who was the offensive coordinator under Groth the past two years. "The kids right now are real focused."

For Highland, this year is all about taking the next step.

In 2004, all-state quarterback Bo McNally led Highland to the semifinals where it ultimately lost to Timpview. Last year, Highland advanced to the title game, where it lost to Mountain Crest 16-13. Is 2006 the year Highland takes that next step and hoists a football state championship trophy for the first time since 1986?

"You don't want to jinx yourself," joked Benson. "Right now our goal is to win our region for the fourth year in a row."

It won't be an easy task, particularly this year. Only two starters are back from that runner-up team, Tim Bickmore and Liam McNally. Realistically, coach Benson considers Braden Brown a returning starter as well. Brown was a starter at Judge last football season before he transferred to Highland prior to the basketball season.

With his size and athleticism, Benson expects big things from Brown, who will start at tight end and defensive end.

"He could quite possibly be one of the best players in the state," said Benson. "He's a weapon on both sides of the ball."

Bickmore will also start on the defensive line, in addition to playing center on the offensive line. McNally, the younger brother of former Highland start Bo McNally, will start and linebacker and fullback.

After that, the team is littered with inexperience, but Benson isn't sweating it too much — it's quality inexperience.

It starts with quarterback Sean Swenson, a player who's fully aware of the pride and tradition at Highland High.

"He's lived in the Highland area and been coming to football games since he was 3 or 4 years old," said Benson. "I expect him to have a great year."