High school football: Alta looking to repeat as 5A champs

SANDY — In the days and weeks subsequent to Alta capturing its first football state title at the 5A level, the celebration seemed rather subdued to Parker Erickson.

There was no rock-star treatment for the Hawks. No parades. No autograph seekers or mobs of adoring fans. And while, theoretically, winning a championship might have helped secure a prom date or two easier, life really didn't seem all that different afterward than it was before.

"It was really nothing special," Erickson, a senior offensive lineman, said. "The school — they thought it was cool. But it was just what they expected of us."

Alta expects nothing but the best for this season as well. The Hawks lost a host of starters from last year's championship squad, but that doesn't mean they are about to roll over and fade into the background.

Several talented seniors are ready to step in and fill holes at multiple positions on a team returning only four starters. Leading them will be new starting quarterback Ammon Olsen.

Olsen has minimal varsity experience to his credit and faces a tough task in filling the shoes of Ryan Rosenvall. Rosenvall, the 5A MVP, led his team to its first state title in two decades while throwing for 1,909 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushing for 837 yards and nine touchdowns.

Still, Olsen's throwing abilities are strong enough that he received a scholarship offer from Southern Utah before playing a down this season.

Hawks coach Les Hamilton thinks he has the skills to become a special player.

"He's kind of got all the tools," Hamilton said. "He's big. He's strong. He's got a good arm. He's got good feet. If he stays healthy, I expect him to have a great season."

Olsen should have some good targets downfield. Parker Webster is a returning starter and the team's leading receiver in 2007. Drake Eckholt has enough size and hands to be a capable tight end.

Finding a suitable replacement for star rusher Sausan Shakerin may turn out to be a little tougher task. For now, the Hawks plan to do things by committee in the backfield. Jordan Towner and Chase Herbert, both seniors, will get a long look. Both are undersized backs, but possess plenty of speed.

Defensively, Brady Davies is expected to be an impact player on the line and Trey Phillips brings some much needed varsity experience to the secondary.