Some people might think of it as being dissed.
Weber High, after all, did finish the 1999 high school football season as the state champions. Yet the Warriors are preparing for the 2000 campaign, having been picked by coaches to take only fourth — in their own region.
Lack of respect? Nah, just a good omen.
If you'll recall, Weber was also tabbed as the fourth-best club in Region 4 last year in a straw polling of the coaches. However, the Warriors placed third in the tough region and then battled like crazy in the playoffs to win their second title in 15 years.
It's not expected that they'll be able to repeat that feat, but they should take another wild ride in the oft-overlooked region that appears to be fairly even on top again. Bonneville, as usual, is the preseason No. 1, but right on the Lakers' tails are Fremont and Mountain Crest. Nobody has an overwhelming amount of seasoned talent back, so it will be interesting to see who steps up.
Here's a look at Region 4 with teams listed in predicted order of finish according to a Deseret News preseason coaches straw poll:
Region 4
1. BONNEVILLE: "We're always optimistic," said Bonneville coach Thom Budge, whose teams are always excellent as well. This year should be no different for the Lakers' coach, who needs only two wins (198-77 in 25 years) to hit the 200 mark.
The Lakers don't have tons of experience, but they will be an aggressive group. Split end
Skyler Razzeca will be a go-to guy on offense, while Neil Eskelsen shores up the front line. Defensively, Brandon Sholly, Kyle Horspool and Tim Arbon should provide the spark.
2. FREMONT: Quick, name the team from Region 4 that has been to the state semis the past two years. To do it again and take it even one step further, some new skill players will have to emerge. One huge asset the Silver Wolves have is Adam Beus, who proved to be one of the better QBs around last year. At 6-foot-5, Mike Shaw gives him a huge target, and Matt Monkres is a speedy weapon.
Jordan Wilkinson, Dave Hale and Brigham Murray should all be two-way impact players.
"We lack experience at key positions on offense, but if we come together as a team we could be a factor," said Fremont coach Blaine Monkres.
3. MTN. CREST: The Mustangs will rely on some new names to put points on the board, but their stingy defense might turn out to be their best offense. "We should be very strong defensively," said MC coach Dan Cox, whose squad has above average strength and speed.
With players such as Jake Kuresa (6-4, 300), Henry McLouru, Skyler Harvey, Casey Baugh and Blake Patterson, the Mustangs have the workhorses to wreak havoc on offenses. As for their own offense, Adrian Stewart has good speed and size to rack up some big yards with the help of linemen like Amos Fiefia and Adam Kennedy.
4. WEBER: It's probably more reality than a lack of respect that led coaches to putting the defending-champion-but-very-green Warriors in the middle of the pack. "Hopefully we'll be playing well by the end of the season," said Weber coach Kory Bosgieter.
Though few return, the starters Weber has are great. Speedy receiver Ty Sparrow, who missed the bulk of the playoff run with a broken leg, is a big-time threat any time he gets his hands on the ball. He'll certainly be the favorite target of returning quarterback Mike Bailey, a first-team all-region playmaker who rushed for six TDs and passed for 14 scores. Linebacker Brady Hess will be counted on to provide leadership and energy for Weber's always-tough defense.
5. LOGAN: The Grizzlies are predicted to end up where they finished last season — smack dab in the middle of the league. But second-year coach Mike Favero believes his boys are stronger than they were a year ago. Physically, at least, thanks to their logging of extra hours in the weight room in the offseason that helped them "improve their power and explosion greatly."
Logan also has some strong players who gained experience as underclassmen. Tyler Wilkinson, Jackson Raymond and David Johnson fortify the frontlines. Dylan Olsen will be a key defensive player, and Chase Cutler will be handed the pigskin often as the main running back. Quarterback Jared Lowe has the offensive responsibility on his shoulders after starting three times last year.
6.SKY VIEW: The bar has been raised a bit higher for the Bobcats now that they're accustomed to second-year coach Perry Christensen. "I expect us to be a very good team this year," he said. "We are much improved. The kids are excited to show that Sky View can play fun and exciting football."
Christensen is predicting a big year for his quarterback as well. Nate Harris, who has already committed to play hoops for nearby Utah State, is a terrific athlete and composed leader. "He is known for his basketball, but he will be a BIG surprise to people this year."
Most of the Bobcats' defense is back, and the biggest boost should come again from Ben Calderwood, a two-year starter at defensive end who was the leading tackler and is being recruited by Div. I schools. Charlie Edwards, a smart and quick 6-2, 265-pound lineman, anchors the line.
7. BOX ELDER: The Bees, coming off a one-win season with only three starters back and a small senior class, will need a big pick-me-up from the bigger junior class in order to have any shot at the playoffs.
The really encouraging news for Box Elder is that Colt Mund is back. The 5-10, 192-pound junior was the team MVP as a sophomore after rushing for 900 yards and excelling in the defensive backfield. The Bees also return leading tackler Jake Jensen and captains Dan Richards (QB) and Josh Anderson (TE/DE). Junior center Troy Sandberg is a key cog in the offensive line.
8. ROY: The Royals' faithful are hopeful their new coach is the, um, right guy (Guy Andersen, specifically) to get Roy into a winning habit. The former Ben Lomond coach, who guided the Emmett White-led Scots to the 3A championship game in 1997, has his sights set high with what he calls "a good, athletic team."
"We look to be very competitive within the region," he said.
Roy's quarterback, Kory Poulson, could give opponents fits with his quickness, and Skkyler Kelly and Kody Rodriguez will also get a chance to carry the ball. Eric Jones, Spencer Matalae, Luke Jordan and Tyler Oborn will see action on both sides.
E-mail: jody@desnews.com