HIATUS

THIS BLOG IS ON HIATUS UNTIL MULI RETURNS FROM A 2 YEAR LDS MISSION.

Deseret News Blurb On Mools

The other day Mools told me that he was goona miss HS ball, and wondered about the differences between HS and College ball, I told him it would be much of the same, and that it would all come down to his preparation, both on and off the field.
The following is the Des News preview of the Rams, which includes a little blurb on Mools:

High school football: Highland Rams 2009 preview

By John Coon

Deseret News

Published: Monday, Aug. 10, 2009 10:46 p.m. MDT

An unusual thing happened to Highland en route to reaching the 4A quarterfinals last season. For the first time in several years, the Rams did not claim a region title. It left an empty feeling to an otherwise solid year for the team.

It also left those players coming back this fall feeling hungry to not let things play out the same way twice.

"We're looking at a region title and we're getting back up to the turf," senior quarterback Mason Keller said. "We worked all winter for this. Everybody has put on pounds. Everybody has picked up speed. So the expectations are high, definitely."

The good news for Highland is it has enough of the right tools to transform those lofty goals into reality.

Things look particularly promising in the backfield where the Rams possess enough depth, athleticism and experience to make their triple option offense run as smoothly as a finely tuned engine.

Lead fullback Muli Kinikini is gone, but Highland has other experienced runners back. Chris Lloyd started last season at halfback and Alex Olsen also saw time at that position. The Rams also have seen Sione Fainu climb the depth chart to become the no. 1 fullback going into the season.

Fainu, who mostly played at linebacker as a junior, was third-string until injuries to players ahead of him gave him a shot to show what he could do. In a short time, Fainu wowed coaches with his speed and work ethic. Now he is firmly entrenched as a starter.

"It's created some depth, but what it has also done is it's shown those guys that at any point you can step up and be the guy," Highland coach Brody Benson said.

Another key player on offense will be Keller. Expectations are high for senior quarterback who served as an understudy to Nick Orchard a year ago. Orchard led the '08 team by accumulating more than 2,000 yards on the ground and through the air. Keller knows he has big cleats to fill. But he also understands the offense well enough to pick up right where Orchard left off.

"I've been here for so long it's starting to come to me pretty easy now," Keller said. "I've picked it up pretty quick. I know what I'm doing out here, so I feel pretty confident."

Highland lost some talented linemen — most notably Latu Heimuli and Sam Nielson — on both sides of the ball. It is not a huge concern though, because Benson is convinced this group has greater depth than any team he has coached. Pete Ferrin and Ono Tafisi are both returning starters up front. George Heimuli, Julio Hernandez, Jonny Drage and Fihi Kafusi offer additional depth in the trenches. Benson has enough players to draw from up there that he can afford to rotate linemen in and out more often in games this season.

Ferrin and Kafusi will help power a defense returning several contributors from an '08 unit that surrendered just 12.4 points per game and allowed only 10 points per game in the 4A playoffs. Both Olsen and Fainu contributed significantly at linebacker a year ago. Lloyd started at cornerback and is joined by Keller, Andre Coleman, and Nate Fakahafua — also a key wide receiver in '08 — in the secondary. Returning loads of experience has the Rams believing they can match or exceed last season's defensive output.

"Our defense should be our strong point this year," Olsen said. "We return a lot of starters and we always like to focus on defense. That's what we're proud of here."

If everything on paper translates well on the field, Highland could be back where it is accustomed to being — atop its region and in contention for a state title. And that's the path the Rams plan to follow — starting in the season opener with Mountain Crest.

"Our no. 1 goal right now is to go out and win that first game and get off on the right foot," Benson said.

Highland Rams at a glance:

Coach: Brody Benson is entering his 4th season with the Rams and has compiled a 27-10 record overall.

Key Players: Highland is loaded in the backfield. Chris Lloyd is a returning starter and Sione Fainu worked his way up from third-string to starter at fullback. Mason Keller takes over at quarterback. Pete Ferrin and Ono Tafisi are returning starters on the offensive line. Most see time on defense too where Alex Olsen and Fihi Kafusi will be key contributors.

Strengths: In a word: depth. The Rams' option offense will be in great shape with the amount of running backs at Benson's disposal. Defensively, Highland returns several starters on the line, linebackers and the secondary. Given the strength of the unit a year ago, it is a safe bet the Rams could be tough for offenses to deal with once again.

Weaknesses: Highland must find a way to produce points more consistently. Once teams figured out their option offense in the playoffs, the Rams could not put up enough points. They tallied 19 total points against Bountiful and Pine View. That has to improve if they hope to go further this season.

Predicted Region 6 Finish: Second.

Postseason Possibilities: Highland is hungry to reclaim the region title after missing out on it last year. The Rams have the talent to do it and the determination to make it happen. Don't be surprised if Highland reaches the 4A semifinals when all is said and done.

2009 Schedule:

Aug. 21 – MOUNTAIN CREST, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 – HUNTER, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 – at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 – at Highland, Idaho, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 – TOOELE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 – at Stansbury, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 – OLYMPUS, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 – at Bountiful, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – WOODS CROSS, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 – at East, 7 p.m.

Post High School Write-Up

Here is a pre-season write-up on the Highland High Rams 2009 Team, which contains a little blurb about Muli:

Prep football: Highland is seeking a disciplined approach

Coaches are working to get new and old starters on both sides of the ball to gel.

By Ronnie Turner

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 07/22/2009 11:13:17 AM MDT

The Highland football coaching staff searched for disciplined players during a practice at Sugar House Park last week, but few were found.

Offensive linemen weren't efficient in drills. Some players pull up early while running wind sprints. Several others false started during drills, resulting in up-downs for others in that unit.

Head coach Brody Benson issued a stern pep talk in the huddle at the end of practice, but he also left the players with one key instruction for future drills.

"Go out and compete in everything that you do," Benson said.

Compete is something that the Rams have done all to well during the last few seasons. Highland has won at least eight games and made the playoffs in each of the previous five seasons, last reaching the Class 4A state championship game in 2006.

Last year's squad finished 8-4, claiming a first-round victory over Bountiful before falling to Pine View in the state quarterfinals. That team was stacked with big-name players, including fullback/defensive end Muli Kinikini, defensive lineman Latu Heimuli and center Sam Nelson. Unfortunately for the Rams, all three players and other key starters graduated.

The Rams return roughly four starters on each side of the ball, with several others who received playing time last season. However, Highland has more depth this season, especially in the trenches, where several players compete on both sides.

"We're going to have enough offensive linemen to where we're going to be able to spell some kids," Benson said. "Maybe we can have more guys playing these positions, guys who I can trust and rotate in there. I know that I'll have that on the defensive side."

However, the Rams' signature flexbone triple-option offense will revolve around the decision-making of senior quarterback Mason Keller, who was a backup last season. He'll have plenty of protection with seniors Peter Ferrin and Julio Hernandez manning the tackle positions.

Benson said that Keller is prepared for the job and should benefit with an experienced offensive line and solid skill position players.

"He's studied our offense and spent time this summer watching film with our offensive coordinator," Benson said. "He's doing a real good job reading the option. I think we'll be just fine with him."

The defense, which operates out of a 4-3 formation, will be manned by Ferrin, who also plays defensive end. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Ferrin led the team in sacks as a sophomore two years ago, and he's expected to again be one of the top playmakers.

Ferrin will be joined on defense by other two-way players, including halfbacks Alex Olsen and Chris Lloyd, senior fullback Sione Fainu, junior right guard Ono Tafisi and senior guard George Heimuli.

"We're an attack defense; we like to be aggressive and get after people," Benson said. "We're going to blitz a lot. We hang our butts out there, but we have a secondary that [allows] us to do that."

Still, the Rams will field several new starters this season. The players realize that it'll probably take some time for the team to gel.

"We lost a lot of seniors on both sides of the ball, so it's a new start with a bunch of new players," junior wideout Nate Fakahafua said.

Salt Lake Tribune - Muli signs with Snow!

Here is the story, by Jay Drew:

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Football: Snow signs 21, including 18 Utahns

BYU didn't land a highly sought after football player from Hawaii's Punahou School, but Snow College in Ephraim did.

The Badgers, who played in the junior college national championship game last fall at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, have signed 21 players, coach Steve Coburn said Tuesday.

Among the 21 is Trevor Iosefa, a defensive lineman from Punahou who was teammates with Manti Te'o, the five-star linebacker who was heavily recruited by BYU but signed with Notre Dame.

Eighteen of Snow's signees are from Utah, while one is from Florida and the other is from Pennsylvania.

The Badgers recruited just one quarterback, Alta's Ammon Olsen, but he signed with Southern Utah.

Coburn said the program doesn't have a big need for a QB because former Timpview star Quin Mecham is expected to return for his sophomore season. Behind him, there is a logjam of QBs, some of whom have recently returned from church missions, vying to be the backup.

Of course, Snow's primary QB last fall, former Hillcrest star Jon Eastman, has signed with Colorado State. We will have more on where other former Snow standouts are heading in a later post.

Coburn said that in past years the Badgers have gone after more players who had Division I offers but failed to qualify academically. This year, he recruited more guys who were qualifiers, but didn't have many D-I offers.

Of course, there are exceptions. With no other football-playing junior colleges in the state, Snow coaches increasingly find themselves recruiting against Southern Utah, Weber State and Dixie State.

Some of the signees that Coburn is especially excited about are Layton running back LaVaughn Jackson, Manti linebacker Griffen Aste and Manti receiver Nick Brown.

Highland linebacker Muli Kinikini is one of the players that drew some D-I interest and offers, but signed with Snow just in case he doesn't qualify.

Here's the list of Snow signees:

NAME POSITION HIGH SCHOOL HOMETOWN
Austin Jones DB Orem HS (Orem, Utah)
Kimball Jensen DB Layton HS (Layton, Utah)
Junior Cole DB Northridge HS (West Point, Utah)
Trey Phillips DB Alta HS (Draper, Utah)
Brayden Compton DB Sky View HS (North Logan, Utah)
Shawn Smith DB Hialeah HS (Hialeah, Florida)
Trevor Iosefa DL Punahou HS (Ewa Beach, Hawaii)
Griffen Aste LB Manti HS (Manti, Utah)
Muli Kinikini LB Highland HS (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Robert Atiga LB Hunter HS (West Valley City, Utah)
Riley Spackman LB Sky View HS (Hyde Park, Utah)
Josh Thompson K Logan HS (Logan, Utah)
Stephen Gwynn WR Logan HS (Providence, Utah)
Nick Brown WR Manti HS (Ephraim, Utah)
Ronrei Lloyd WR Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Jake Vallieres OL Kearns HS (Kearns, Utah)
Dallin Powell OL Layton HS (Layton, Utah)
LaVaughn Jackson RB Layton HS (Layton, Utah)
Tenny Palepoi DL Skyline HS (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Al Lapuaho DL Granger HS (West Valley City, Utah)
Sam Katoa DL American Fork HS (American Fork, Utah)

Muli Signs With Snow Junior College

Well, it's been a hectic few months. We've been trying our hardest to get Muli to pass the ACT Exam, and have been running into a wall. He's slated for the April exam date, and hopefully with some tutoring and ACT prep courses, we can knock this thing out, and move on.
Muli's academics has been an area of concern for some programs who've come calling, and they've made the decision to move in other directions, and those that have chosen to give Muli time, have offered him preferred walk-on status.
Muli has signed with the Snow College Badgers program out of Ephraim, Utah. They have a rich tradition, and have turned out some very talented players that have gone on to stardom on the D-1 level, and the NFL. But, he has a preferred walk-on offer from the University of Utah, which hinges on his ACT score. Either route would be beneficial in its own way, and detrimental as well, but the important thing is a college education, and a free one at that!
Good luck on the ACT, and if we can't attain the required score, good luck as a Snow Badger, either way, we're with you all the way #3!

SugarHouse Journal - Sarah Thomas - II

Another old article recently found online, and now archived here:

Highland football gearing up for state

by Sarah Thomas

The high school football season has come and is almost gone already. After publication of this issue of the Sugar House Journal, the Highland Rams have only one game remaining in the regular season, a showdown with the Murray Spartans on Thursday, Oct. 23, and are ready to dive into state tournament play.

Head coach Brody Benson said his players are working hard and are finding their groove at the right point in the season.

“The season is going pretty well,” he said. “We are coming together; we’re focusing on minimizing penalties and crucial mistakes.” Those mistakes left a gaping wound in the Rams’ season opener against Mountain Crest, when they totaled 312 yards of offense but couldn’t manage to earn the win after giving up the ball six times.

“You can’t win like that,” Benson added, noting that his team has done a much better job at holding on to their offensive possessions since their ugly debut. “We are peaking at the right time.”

The Rams are meeting every team’s goal of playing their best right as the playoffs start and they are doing so behind a string of players. Nick Orchard, the Rams’ quarterback as well as a prevailing force on defense, has become a great leader for his team.

“[Orchard] is a great kid, he has done very well, especially with his running game,” Benson said. As of press time, Orchard had run for five touchdowns this season and averaged 79 rushing yards per game in addition to four passing touchdowns and 68 yards a game in the air. Muli Kinikini and Latu Heimulli are also making noise on both sides of the ball. Kinikini had recorded six rushing touchdowns in conjunction with 68 rushing yards per game, and has averaged almost a sack a game on defense. Hemulli has also contributed a handful of sacks and “has done a great job on both sides of the ball,” Benson said. “[Heimulli] is a great kid and also one of our highest-recruited players.”

The biggest surprise for the Highland squad is the production they are getting from Jordan Crayton. The senior is a relative newcomer since he hadn’t played since junior high before putting the pads back on this season.

“[Crayton] has done a great job. He was a lot further along at the start of the season than I expected he would be,” Benson said. “He loves to hit, which is usually the hardest thing to get kids to do.” Crayton has been playing multiple positions for the Rams, including cornerback and wide receiver. Most of his time and production come for his play on special teams, where he is used for kick and punt returns.

Benson’s team suffered a loss to the top ranked team in 4A a few weeks ago, a 32-21 loss to the Cottonwood Colts. Since then, the Rams have faced off against Cyprus and West high schools, both of which are fighting with Highland for a better seeding in the state tournament. The Rams will finish up the regular season with the Spartans, a team that has struggled this season, and then look forward to making some unexpected noise in the 4A state tournament, which starts Saturday, Nov. 1.

“We have to focus on each game and then go into state with the same outlook,” he said.

SugarHouse Journal - Sarah Thomas - I

An older article from 3 months ago, recently discovered and now posted here:
Highland senior running back Tevita Kinikini has helped lead the Rams to a 2-1 start, pending the Sept. 12 matchup with East.


High school football season is well under way throughout Utah and Sugar House residents have reason to celebrate. Although the Highland football team dropped their first game, a 26-21 battle with Mountain Crest, the Rams have bounced back and proved that they will be a top contender this season.

Head coach Brody Benson’s team has since defeated two 5A powers: the American Fork Cavemen, 33-15, and the Skyline Eagles, in a come-from-behind 13-9 victory, in addition to playing their region opener at East, which was after press time. Senior quarterback Nick Orchard has been the difference maker for the Rams; however, it isn’t just his passing that’s been so valuable for the Highland squad.

In Highland’s first win, over the Cavemen, Orchard rushed for 251 yards, including 70 and 40-yard touchdown runs. A week later, against the Eagles and with his team down 9-0, Orchard constructed two big drives, of 85 and 99 yards, in the last four minutes of the game, both of which ended in touchdowns. After connecting with Nate Fakahafua for a 29-yard touchdown pass, the Rams needed the ball back and needed to score again. That opportunity presented itself when Benson called for an onside kick, the Eagles recovered and the Highland defense forced them to turn the ball back over.

On the second of the two come-back scoring opportunities, “in the last two minutes of the game, [Orchard] had three runs for 79 yards and then ended it with a 5-yard pass to [Fakahafua],” Benson said. The Eagles had 45 seconds to respond, and when the Skyline quarterback threw the ball downfield, Orchard came up with the interception to end the game.

Up next for the Rams is the rest of their region schedule, including games against Granger at home on Sept. 19, at Olympus on Sept. 26, and the highly-anticipated match up with the Cottonwood Colts at home on Oct. 3.

Tevita Muli Kinikini - 2008 Football HiLites - Pt. II

Some highlights from this year's season.

Tevita Muli Kinikini - 2008 Football HiLites - Pt. I

Some highlights from this year's season.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. East '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.