High school football: Lone Peak Knights have their sights set even higher this season

Note: Lone Peak went 9-3 last season (6-1 in Region 4 to share first place). The Knights lost in four overtimes to Hunter in the 5A quarterfinals.

ALPINE — There was a definite taste of disappointment last year as Lone Peak's season ended with a 45-37 loss to Hunter in four overtimes in the 5A state quarterfinals. It is something the returning players don't want to experience again.

"That was one of the worst feelings ever," said linebacker Dax Eisinger. "We knew we let something slip away and we vowed not to let it happen this year."

The senior captains for this season's squad all know this is their last chance to play with the Lone Peak name on their jerseys, and they have been working extra hard to make sure they go out with a bang.

"It is something special to put on the Lone Peak uniform," said running back Chris Nielson. "There is an expectation. There is a history of being a good football team, and we want to carry that on."

Eisinger, Nielson, linebacker Zach Newman, offensive guard Keyan Norman, cornerback Kyle Hannemann and linebacker Tanner Larsen are the co-captains responsible for providing the leadership and playmaking to propel the Knights to their desired goals.

"Our captains have done a tremendous job of keeping the guys motivated and keeping them going during the first couple of weeks of practice," said coach Tony McGeary. "They are all two- or three-year starters for us, so they know exactly what it takes to get the job done."

Last season, the Knights may have been underestimated. They surprised many as they shared a piece of the Region 4 title after being picked to finish third. But that won't happen this year. There will be no sneaking up on an opponent.

"I think some teams maybe overlooked us a bit," said McGeary. "We knew that we had the potential to be good, and we mostly found our potential. I think the teams in our region kind of know what to expect out of us this year, but that isn't all that bad. It really comes down to execution for us."

The coaches in Region 4 picked the Knights to finish second this year, with that high level of respect coming primarily because of the talent that's coming back.

"We have a good group of guys that played for us last year," said Norman. "We have all been playing together for a long time, and we want to finish our careers together on a high note. We know what needs to be done and we have been working even harder this year to get it done right."