High school football: Canyon View Falcons 2012 preview

“He’s probably our best defensive player. He’s little, but he just makes plays. He’s a good linebacker. He’s a tough kid. And he plays with a lot of effort,” said Huxford.

The addition of Dallon Echohawk, a transfer from Highland High in Idaho, should help shore up the secondary.

“First time we put him on the field we knew he could play. He’ll start for us at corner,” said Huxford. “In 15 years of coaching high school football, he’s the one move-in kid who’s actually going to help us. The move-ins we get here are different then the move-ins at other teams.”

Canyon View Falcons at a glance

Coach: Alex Huxford is entering his fifth season as Canyon View’s head coach and he’s 6-31 in those previous four years. He’s a graduate of McKay High School in Oregon.

Offense

(6 returning starters; Multiple-formation offense)

Stetson Dearden rushed for 501 yards last season after taking over the starting role in Week 3 for injured Dakota Marshall. This year, he’s expected to take an even bigger role. With an undersized line though, Canyon View will likely throw more than run this year, and there are quality targets for quarterback Koy Huxford to throw to. Dallin Dastrup was a running back last year who should see a lot of playing time at slot receiver when Canyon View shifts to a spread offense. Juan Lares and McCoy Johnson could be quality weapons on the outside as well. Jesse Johnson is a versatile player who can play tight end or fullback depending on the situation.

Defense

(5 returning starters)

Canyon View’s defense gave up 44, 49, 54 and 44 points respectively in its final four games. It doesn’t matter how good the offense is this year if the Falcons can’t stop anybody. Anchoring the defense are returning starting linebackers Karson Connelly, Jesse Johnson and Bailey Pederson. Johnson was among the team’s leading tacklers with 55 last season. Tyson Garfield is the lone returning starter on the defensive line. Scott Callister is a returning starter in the secondary.

Coaches preseason Region 9 straw poll: Seventh

Deseret News Region 9 prediction: Seventh

Bottom line: Canyon View has lost 36 straight region games. Trends like that don’t miraculously change overnight. As much as making the playoffs is the goal for Canyon View this season, just winning a game or two in region play would be a step in the right direction. A favorable schedule that includes home games on its slower natural grass field against Desert Hills, Dixie and Pine View could help.

2012 Schedule

Aug. 17 — at Juab, 7 p.m.

Aug. 24 — RICHFIELD., 7 p.m.

Aug. 31 — NORTH SANPETE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 — DESERT HILLS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 — at Snow Canyon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 — OGDEN, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 — DIXIE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 — PINE VIEW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 — at Cedar, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 — at Hurricane, 7 p.m.

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Felt’s Facts for Canyon View High School

All-time record: 30-108 (15 years)

Region championships: 0

Playoff appearances: 3

All-time playoff record: 1-3

State championships: 0

State championship record: 0