High school football: Bonneville Lakers 2009 preview

WASHINGTON TERRACE — Bonneville's 2008 football season hardly ever got off the ground.

The Lakers were decimated by injuries, especially early in the season as five players suffered ACL tears and the team never really recovered. A season with high hopes picked up some steam as the season progressed, but Bonneville finished with a 5-6 record and lost in the state quarterfinals.

Coach Matt Williams hopes some changes in the summer workout schedule will prevent the 2009 Lakers from suffering the same fate.

Bonneville's offseason focus was in the weight room where the Lakers could build strength in order to compete with 4A heavyweights like Mountain Crest. The team spent less time on its footwork and agilities to concentrate on getting stronger.

"That (the injuries) killed us early in the season and it killed us all year long," Williams said. "They were all major contributors on our team."

Whether the changes in offseason philosophy at Bonneville pay off remain to be seen. But heading into the 2009 season, the Lakers return a quality roster and expect to compete for the Region 5 and Class 4A championships.

Leading the way for Bonneville this season is receiver/cornerback Devin Mickles. He is expected to be one of the top playmakers in the state, as he has the hands and speed to cause defensive coordinators headaches this season. Mickles has been recruited at both receiver and corner, but hopes to play receiver in college.

Throwing to Mickles will be quarterback Manaia Filiaga. He gained some varsity experience last season, playing at least a little bit in most of Bonneville's games in 2008. Williams believes he could be in for a big year.

"He's a talented kid," Williams said of Filiaga. "He can run, he can throw. We just need to give him some full game-time experience. Athletically, he's as talented as any quarterback we've had here in some time. I'm excited for Manaia. He's worked hard and deserves to do well."

Connor Stephens is another of Filiaga's weapons at receiver, and is one of the team's leaders. Mickles, Filiaga and Stephens should provide some excitement for Bonneville fans throughout the fall. Sage Stireman, also the team's punter, is expected to have some passes thrown his way.

Teague Sorenson will anchor an offensive line that has pressure on it to make sure the skill-position players have the opportunities to produce. Jared Cypers is back on both lines after suffering a knee injury in Bonneville's second game last season.