Prep football: Highland is seeking a disciplined approach
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.
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