High school football: Park City Miners 2009 preview

PARK CITY — The second group of seniors that coach Brandon Matich had after he became the head coach at Park City High are near and dear to his heart.

Through the group of Jared Tew, Andy Byers and Co. was ultimately upset in heartbreaking fashion in the first round of the 3A playoffs back in 2006, the things they accomplished and the way they accomplished them set a benchmark for every Park City class of seniors to try to live up to.

It's a high, high standard.

Matich believes, however, that this year's senior class has the potential to ultimately be as good as his '06 group was. Up to this point, this year's seniors have been nothing short of stellar.

"As far as this group goes," said Matich, "it's the best leadership group I've had, it's the most focused group I've had (and) their expectations are through the roof for themselves."

Matich said the togetherness of this senior group has been stellar, something he believes will pay dividends when Park City attempts to repeat as Region 10 champs and make another deep playoff run.

"This group genuinely loves each other. They care about each other. You don't see them without their arms around each other or doing stuff off the field, whether it's going to Bees games or hanging out at somebody's house and playing video games," said Matich. "They're always making good decisions, and I believe that translates into success on the field. I really believe that.

"That's why our saying's been 'Family' since I've been here."

Park City will have talented players all over the field this fall, but talk about the Miners' stellar senior class has to begin with quarterback Erik Walker and running backs Dylan Chynoweth and Mat Christensen. If the trio can get and stay healthy — Christensen is recovering from a ruptured spleen he sustained while at a Naval Academy football camp in June — the Miners will arguably have one of the best backfields in the state, in 3A or any other classification.

Walker has been offered by Dartmouth and Navy, Chynoweth has been offered by Navy and Christensen is being looked at by several schools as well.

In particular, Walker seems primed for a huge season, having mastered Park City's option attack as a junior.