High school football: More-experienced Beaver hopes for a better season

Last year injuries decimated the Beaver football team and quite a few kids quit besides.

"It was not a good year," said Beaver coach Steve Hutchings, who is now in his fourth year as head coach after assisting six years previously for the Beavers.

Hopes are high for this year and most every player returns with experience from a young team last year.

Jordan McMullin is a three-year starter at linebacker and fullback. But this year his services are needed on the offensive line where he will try to make an impact.

At running back, Jud Marshall will take over with his good speed and leadership qualities.

"He's a tough kid," Hutchings said. "He will be our go-to guy."

Hutchings is also excited to add a new assistant, Randy Hunter, who comes with previous head coaching experience. Hunter previously coached at Canyon View in Cedar City. His presence should add more stability to the program.

The biggest question mark, according to Hutchings, is depth.

"In a school our size, depth is always a problem," he said. "It can set us back in certain positions."

He also mentioned that the offensive line needs to prove itself.

"We'll have to see how they do in the trenches," he said.

Overall, Beaver should be improved because the players are more experienced and are older and stronger. But there is always that learning curve in which the team must come together and figure out how to get a win under its belt.

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Beaver Beavers 2008 football preview

COACH: Steve Hutchings begins his fourth year as head coach.

KEY PLAYERS: Jordan McMullin will be switched to the offense line to lead to shore up younger players. Jud Marshall will be key at running back.

QUESTION MARK: Depth. Hutchings is hoping to avoid injuries this year.

LAST YEAR: 0-10. Hutchings said he would like to see his team get back to the old glory days.

PREDICTED 2A SOUTH FINISH: Sixth

POSTSEASON POSSIBILITIES: Outlook is not good to make the playoffs.

2008 schedule

Aug. 22 — at Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 — MILFORD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 — NORTH SUMMIT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 — at Millard, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 — GRAND, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 — at San Juan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 — at South Sevier, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 — at Richfield, 7 p.m.

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E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com