High school football: Ogden Tigers 2009 preview

OGDEN — The Ogden Tigers seemingly turned the corner as a program last season, as rookie head coach Eric Eyre guided the team to a 5-6 record and a berth in the 3A playoffs.

Continuing their success and momentum, however, is going to be challenging for the Tigers.

Ogden is set to compete in 4A, joining a tough Region 5 with traditional powers such as Mountain Crest and Box Elder, along with its former 3A league opponent Logan.

"It's definitely going to be tougher competition," said Ogden quarterback Nik Allred. " I think we've done all we can thus far to prepare, and work towards being competitive as we move up."

The Tigers have known for more than a year that they'll be in 4A this season, so no one at Ogden is dwelling on the fact that it will be among the smallest 4A schools in the state. The Tigers say they're ready to play and compete in a stronger league, especially since they've been playing against the likes of Logan, Bear River and Morgan the last four seasons.

"I don't see a huge difference in playing a lot of those teams (in the new Region 5)," Eyre said. "Top to bottom it's better, but it doesn't really effect my approach or anything."

Eyre's approach last season paid dividends for the Tigers. It was the first time since 1998 that Ogden won five games in a season. Although the Tigers will face tougher competition this season, they should still continue to progress as a program.

It helps that Allred is a returning starter. He proved to be a solid double-threat at quarterback in the team's spread offense as a junior. He threw for 1,423 yards and 18 touchdowns, and also rushed for 693 yards and six scores. As a senior, he is Ogden's unquestioned leader.

"He's not an outspoken kid, but he's a good leader by example," Eyre said.

Allred will have some solid athletes to join him on offense. Jake Buck, who caught four touchdown passes last year, Kel Robbins and tight end Eric Porter will be good receiving threats. Also, the team will get a boost from soccer star Alfonso Perea, who will play football for the first time this fall.

Eyre said he hopes to get the ball to Perea at least 15 times per game.