High school football: Hillcrest Huskies 2009 preview

MIDVALE — There is a part during the movie Remember the Titans where coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is at training camp watching a player do up-downs. He gets down low in the player's face and when his player comes down he tells him, "Fourth quarter, fourth quarter, fourth quarter." For Hillcrest's football players, it is a scene they know all too well.

"One thing about playing here is that you know you are going to be given an opportunity to get out on the field — a lot," said senior Danny Thompson. "We don't have as many players, so we have a lot of guys going both ways. One of the things that means is that we better be in better shape than anyone else because we are not going to get a chance to rest. We have been working really hard to try to get in the best shape we can."

Up-downs, sprints, suicides, hitting the weights, you name it, the Huskies have been busy getting it done.

"We've got a good group of guys that have worked really hard," said coach Kirk Merhish. "There are a lot of young guys that are going to play this season, and they have done a good job following the lead of the experienced guys. I think that there is the potential there for us to come in and compete."

For the Huskies to reach their potential, they will rely heavily on their returning starters. Bridger Dallimore started as a free safety and wide receiver last season, and is expected to fill both those roles again this season.

"I'm excited for what we can do this year," Dallimore said. "I think I am a little bit more prepared this season. It took me while to get used to things last year, but I expect to be able to step in where I left off last year."

Thompson was the strong safety and a receiver and will be expected to make plays.

"He is one of our better athletes and leaders," said Merhish. "I expect a lot out of him, and so far he has delivered every step of the way."

Of course, Merhish expects even more out of his returning tackler from a season ago — his son Nick.

"I just love to get out there and compete," said Nick Merhish. "Football is fun, it gives you a chance to go out and hit people. I expect an even better season out of us this year. I really think we have the players to get it done."

Matt Augustyn is looking for some redemption. Last season he injured his arm early in the season and couldn't ever truly show what he could do.

"It will be nice to be healthy and play this year," he said. "I think I can help us to compete in this region. We need to play well, but we can do it."