Granger looks to restore winning tradition

WEST VALLEY CITY — Entrenched in the sports tradition at Granger is a time when the football program was a force in its region and in the state. The Lancers are only a decade removed from their glory days under former coach Ray Groth, when playoff appearances were expected and Granger football bruised opponents on the field.

Second-year Lancers coach Jonny Matich played against those teams. He is convinced that his current crop of players can restore that winning tradition — and perhaps ascend even higher.

"This year's team can be better than any of the teams in the '90s," Matich said.

Granger is still keeping its aspirations realistic. There is no talk of claiming region or state titles. The Lancers are not taking measurements for a new trophy case. For now, their focus is on taking small steps.

It starts with getting three or four victories in region play and a middle-of-the-pack finish. If all goes well, a playoff berth will follow.

Matich has already accomplished one important goal. He has his players finally believing Granger can be competitive again. The Lancers don't own an attitude you would expect from a program that has struggled so much since its glory days.

"I feel like we've made a whole new different team," senior lineman Tyrone Fina'i said. "Just completely different. We don't have anybody bringing anyone down. Everybody is helping each other out."

In their quest to become more of a factor in Region 6, the Lancers also have experience on their side. Thirteen starters return from a year ago — a few of which made important contributions on both sides of the ball.

"It's going to help a lot because, people from last year — we know the plays," senior lineman Meili Valele said.

Experience should help on both the line and at running back.

Valele anchors the line on both sides of the ball and is an athletic player whom Matich considers one of the best in the state at his position. Manu Mulitalo and Fina'i add further senior leadership and solid physical presences.

At least a couple could end up signing with Division I schools. Mulitalo has drawn interest from Oregon, Washington, BYU and Utah. BYU has also looked at Valele.