High school football: Darts will try to put finals disappointment behind them

Note: Davis finished with a 10-3 overall record in 2009 and a 7-1 mark in Region 1. It lost to Bingham, 35-24, in the 5A championship game.

KAYSVILLE — The Davis Darts put together their best postseason run in five years last season when they made it all the way to the 5A championship game.

Now, the Darts just want to forget it.

"One thing we've tried to get across to everybody in the program is it's not about the outside perception about what we actually do, it's about us learning to play at a high level right off the bat and understanding that we haven't done anything this year," said Davis coach Ryan Bishop. "Last year is over and done with. It was a great run, a great ride and all those things. It's all history right now. We have to get out the shovel, bury it and put it to bed."

That's not an easy thing to do for returning players such as quarterback Gavin Fowler.

"It's kind of hard to do — as well as we did," Fowler said. "You always want to look back on those memories. At the same time, you need to put it behind you. Last season can't help you this year."

It will be a fresh start for the Darts, and they'll have to replace some standouts that have departed since their second-place finish in 2009. Their biggest loss is at running back, where 2009 5A MVP Tanner Hinds accounted for 24 touchdowns and more than 2,000 all-purpose yards.

But the cupboard of talent is hardly bare at Davis, and the Darts are still the team to beat in Region 1, and still a state title contender.

Leading the way for the Darts is Fowler, who will be a three-year starter at quarterback. Junior Troy Hinds is back to anchor the defense. He is one of the state's top players at defensive end and probably the state's top recruit in the Class of 2012. Also back are receiver/defensive back Daniel Moffett, defensive tackle Garrett Walker and defensive back Landon Hart.

"We've got a lot of good players, a lot of good leaders," Fowler said. "They'll step up and do a good job this season."

Fowler will also step up and lead. He is now a veteran, and no longer the young quarterback starter that can sit back and watch others do the leading.