High school football: Sky View will lean on lines as skill players grow

Note: Sky View finished with a 6-5 overall record in 2009 and a 3-2 mark in Region 5. It lost to Springville, 35-14, in the 4A first round.

SMITHFIELD — Sometimes you have to take a step back as a football program in order to move forward.

Last year, Sky View failed to advance past the first round of the 4A state playoffs for the first time in four years. But there was a silver lining for the Bobcats. Several younger players gained valuable varsity experience, and they'll be looking to lift their team to greater heights in 2010.

"I feel really strong about it if we can stay healthy, obviously that's always a key," Sky View coach Craig Anhder said of his team's outlook in 2010. "We've got great depth. We got a lot of big guys returning, great speed. We've done well in our camps, and our workouts have had tons of kids coming out every day."

Sky View looks to be one of 4A's top teams this season and won't have many weaknesses. The Bobcats' greatest strength will probably be a big and experienced defensive line.

"That's where we're going to rally, especially early on," Anhder said. "I think they will really anchor us on our defensive front."

Three of the team's four starting defensive linemen are returning starters. Colby Vilanueva, who will be a three-year starter, recorded 59 tackles and seven sacks in 2009. Jordan Nielsen was named Region 5's defensive line MVP after he had 85 tackles, 12 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries last season. Jaren Balls is back after recording 61 tackles and four sacks.

While the Bobcats return some big players, they'll also have to fill a huge void at quarterback. Kyler Carlsen, a three-year starter, has graduated. He accounted for more than 3,500 yards of offense and 34 total touchdowns last season.

Gabe Anderson will be Sky View's triggerman this season. He hopes to be the next in a line of productive Bobcat quarterbacks following Carlsen and Jase Hill.

"I'm excited," Anderson said. "I'm looking forward to it. We've had some pretty good quarterbacks. I've got to fill big shoes."

Anhder is confident in his new quarterback.

"I think he's going to create his own shoes," the sixth-year coach said. "He's his own man. He's got his own abilities, and he's going to do a very good job for us."

Until the Bobcats open their season against Northridge, Anderson and his teammates will focus on executing the spread offense as efficiently as recent Sky View teams.