High School Football: Granger Lancers 2009 preview

WEST VALLEY CITY — Even before Granger players showed up to participate in their first camps and practices under new head coach Doyle Holt, the winds of change were already blowing and driving the program in promising new directions.

Holt knew he had a pool of talented athletes to draw from in building a team. But he also understood filling out a roster would require a great deal of forethought and preparation. So Holt went to work identifying senior leaders, getting players back into the classroom and coordinating with fellow coaches to bring athletes from other sports into the football fold.

In a short time, he has made dramatic strides in changing the culture at Granger.

"The attitude is changing," senior Samson Faifili said. "Grades are picking up. A lot more people are eligible this year than last year. And Coach Holt is doing a lot more with getting our players names out there to D-I schools."

When Holt took on the job of rebuilding the Lancers into a contender, his biggest task did not involve teaching football skills as much as building traits like confidence, leadership and a strong work ethic in his players.

"We focused on things like responsibility, accountability and grades," Holt said. "We didn't come right out, throw a football at them and say, 'Let's get going.' We've tried to develop the whole individual."

Progress off the field has made the whole team feel excited what they can bring to the field in their return to the 5A ranks this season.

Granger returns several experienced lineman — including senior Manu Mulitalo. Big things will be expected from Mulitalo after he committed to play for BYU following his junior season. The Lancers also possess solid receivers in Xavier Daniels, Ian Mallory and Zach Buchanan. Buchanan, in particular, created some early buzz as the leading receiver in a camp at BYU earlier this summer.

On the downside, Granger is breaking in a new quarterback, Nico Meza. He has not taken a varsity snap. And the Lancers must also replace top rusher Manu Samani, who accounted for 1,306 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Holt's decision to implement a new spread offense in place of the Wing-T could complicate the learning curve — at least early in the season. But the team is excited about the possibilities operating from the spread offers.