High school football: Provo Bulldogs 2012 preview

“In order to be a good program you need to go into games knowing that you’re going to win — but with the question of by how much,” said Mallory. “You obviously don’t get to that point overnight, and it’s going to be a long process. But the kids have bought into that process so far.”

Provo Bulldogs at a glance

Coach: Cody Mallory was the defensive coordinator at Frankfurt High School in northern Michigan before taking the Provo job. He helped Frankfurt to an 8-3 record last season.

Offense

(Triple-option offense)

Mallory believes in ball-control and smash-mouth offense and will rely on a stable of five running backs who will lead the offensive production.

“We have two quick and athletic seniors who will be playing tailback, so we should have a lot of production from that position,” said Mallory. “We have other guys fighting for playing time, so I really like our potential in the backfield.”

The offensive line will return three starters last season and will be led by senior center Grant Allen and tackle George Ngatuvai.

Defense

(Multiple-formation defense)

Mallory is a defensive coach and brings an interesting defensive concept with him to Provo. Rather than rely on any particular base system, he’ll focus on concepts.

“I believe in the concept that you don’t play defenses, but you play defense,” he explained. “What that means is that we’ll rely on technique rather than saying we’re a 3-4 team or a 4-3 team. You base it around concepts and varying your front according to the opponent. We’ll change our formations from week to week, but the concepts will remain the same.”

Coach’s preseason Region 8 straw poll: Seventh

Deseret News preseason prediction: Seventh

Bottom line: It would be smart to buy low on Mallory and his ability to turn Provo around, but consider it a long-term investment. With scant returning experience and completely new systems implemented on both sides of the ball, Provo will likely see its struggles in Region 8. Don’t be surprised if this team peaks late and pulls some upsets, however.

2012 Schedule

Fri. Aug. 17 — at Westlake, 7 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 24 — at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 31 — DIXIE, 7 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 7 — OREM, 7 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 14 — at Mountain View 7 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 21 — SALEM HILLS, 7 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 28 — at Maple Mountain 7 p.m.

Thu. Oct. 4 — at Springville 7 p.m.

Wed. Oct. 10 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m.

Wed. Oct. 17 — TIMPVIEW, 7 p.m. ..... Felt’s Facts for Provo High School

All-time record: 416-408-26 (97 years)

Region championships: 23 (1923, 1924, 1927, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1945, 1955, 1958, 1965, 1972, 1973 co, 1976 co, 1979, 1981, 1982 co, 1986 co, 1987, 1988 co, 2005 co)

Playoff appearances: 39

All-time playoff record: 30-38

State championships: 1 (1982)

State championship record: 1-5

Most played rivalry: 71 meetings with Springville dating back to 1908. Provo leads 42-25-4. Meet on Oct. 4.

Felt’s Factoid(s): Provo took part in the longest game in state history, a seven-overtime game in 1982. Provo ended up beating Pleasant Grove 51-44. ... Bulldog Roger Gourley is one of only two players to return a punt for 100 yards (1972). (Since 1974, kick and punt returns from the endzone haven’t been allowed.)