High school football: Juab Wasps 2009 preview

NEPHI — A year ago about this time, Mike Bowring had a pretty good idea what to expect from his Juab football team. With a bundle of starters back, expectations were sky high and the team didn't disappoint by going undefeated before narrowly losing to North Summit in the 2A semifinals.

A year later, uncertainty is rampant.

The Wasps are an unproven bunch with just five returning starters, and complicating matters further is the reality of realignment. Juab is making the jump to 3A for the first time in school history, and now instead of being one of the bigger 2A schools, it must cope with being one of the smaller 3A schools.

"You can't just use that as an excuse, you just need to get your guys ready and go play and hope good things happen," said Bowring, who began his coaching career in Class 1A at Monticello. "I don't know if you ever feel like you're ready (for the next level). We've got kids that will work hard, and anytime you have kids that will work you always have a chance."

While unproven, Bowring is confident in the kids who will be counted on to step up this year. Plus, even though the jump to 3A might seem daunting, there's a level of familiarity as fellow Region 12 schools Richfield and Manti are also making the jump from 2A to 3A this year.

"It's going to be a tough little region, it's going to be fun," said Bowring.

For Juab, much of the preseason will be tough as well. It opens the season on Aug. 21 against Morgan, a 3A semifinalist last year. The following week, it hosts defending 2A state champion North Summit, the team that spoiled Juab's bid for a perfect season last year.

There aren't many returning contributors from that 35-27 loss to North Summit, but the the handful that are back are in key spots.

As a sophomore starting quarterback last year, Brock Orme completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,502 yards and 16 touchdowns.

"We're excited to have him back. That year of experience is big," said Bowring. "He just makes good decisions. He always gives you a chance to win. He'll do a great job for us."

To be successful, Juab's offense needs a complimentary running game, and Bowring is counting on the combination of Tevan Valtinson, Taran Wright and J.B. Ellison to get the job done.

Two of the five lineman they'll be running behind are returning starters. Jake Bradford started at guard last year, with Tyler Whitlock starting at center.