WEST VALLEY CITY — As a junior understudy to 5A MVP Tauni Vakapuna last year, Hunter's Matt Asiata was more than just a student. His combination of speed and strength helped him rush for over 1,500 yards in aiding the Wolverines' undefeated march to the state championship.
One of Hunter's few returning starters from that 14-0 team, Asiata has his eye on a similar MVP trophy.
"I've been through it before," said Asiata, who's bulked up to 213 pounds from 185 last year. "I've seen Vakapuna and (Ray) Feinga do it, and I want to follow in their footsteps."
Throughout 2003, Asiata paid particular attention to Vakapuna's actions on and off the field. Whether it was a preseason workout, a mid-season weightlifting session or a team meeting, Vakapuna was always on time and eager to learn. Perhaps more than anything, he earned his teammates' respect with his unselfishness.
Hunter coach Wes Wilcken believes seniors deserve playing time of underclassmen. Juniors inevitably end up contributing, but the seniors get every opportunity first. With an all-state offensive line paving his way, that should've set the table for Vakapuna to rush for well over 2,000 yards last year.
That was never his goal. In the first game of the season as Wilcken continued calling plays for his senior, Vakapuna told his coach to give Asiata some carries.
"At first, I was thinking he was just tired, but he just wanted to bring Matt along," said Wilcken.
Just like Hunter's upperclassman showd Vakapuna the way the year before, he was returning the favor.
Asiata nearly blew it. In the second game of the season against Jordan, with Asiata still trying to prove himself, he fumbled not once, but an inexcusable second time as well.
"One time I can live with. The second time you're on the bubble, and the third time you're done," said Wilcken. "I can't afford to give him the ball if he's going to give possession away like that. He never fumbled the ball the rest of the year."
Dedication like that makes Hunter a legitimate state title contender regardless of how many starters graduated. By adding 28 pounds of natural growth and muscle from last year, Asiata can bench nearly 300 pounds and squat nearly 400.
"Some lineman can't even do that," said Wilcken. "He's just an exceptional athlete."
Perhaps no game best exemplifies that quite like Hunter's regular season win over Skyline last year.
Following a Mitch Reid second-quarter touchdown in which Skyline took a 14-7 lead in a highly emotional game, Asiata quelled the momentum by reeling off an 83-yard TD run on Hunter's next play from scrimmage.
A few months later in the state championship game against Skyline, Asiata rushed for two more touchdowns.
"If I give him the ball 30 times a game, and if he breaks four of them, which he's capable of, that's 28 points and all we need to do is play tough defense and we've got a good shot at winning," said Wilcken.
It sounds like an easy success formula. As far as Wilcken's concerned, it worked last year, and with Asiata carrying the ball, there's no reason it shouldn't work again.
Region 5 Team Capsules
1. SKYLINE: With several returning starters, and a junior varsity team that went undefeated last year, the Eagles are optimistic about knocking Hunter off the region perch. TonyBergstrom, a second-team all-stater last year, is back to anchor Skyline's offensive line. Linebacker RyanMorrow and defensive lineman LekaMoeaki are the strength of Skyline's defense. Senior quarterback JoeyPutnam will try and live up to the rich QB tradition at Skyline. Running back SiaosiMolisi averaged 10 yards per carry in JV games last year. 2003 RECORD: 11-3. PLAYOFFS: Lost state championship game.
2. HUNTER: Even though few pieces remain from coach WesWilcken's state championship team from a year ago, the Wolverines are still a force in 5A. Senior running back MattAsiata is back after rushing for over 1,500 yards last season. Lineman RomneyLaloni may not be receiving the preseason accolades of last year's Mr. Football, RayFeinga, but he will team with DavidOpolous to form another big and formidable offensive line for Asiata to run behind. PauliLatu should anchor the team's defensive line. 2003 RECORD: 14-0. PLAYOFFS: State champions.
3. COTTONWOOD: The Colts are excited about the potential for their first winning season in 15 years. While many coaches are digusted with the way Cottonwood booster ScottCate has enhanced every aspect of the program, the Colts are still an underdog in a tough region. Junior quarterback AlexCate is back after starting five games as a sophomore last year. StanleyHavili will start at running back, and may end up being one of the best backs in the state. MisiAuelua (6-0, 300) will anchor a big and athletic offensive line. 2003 RECORD: 3-7. PLAYOFFS: Did not qualify.
4. KEARNS: DougBills likes to joke that if big is good, Kearns will be really good. All kidding aside, the Cougars have the potential to improve upon their surprising season last year. Bills returns five starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback BrandonTrujillo, who will also start at safety. DanaFuaali (330), KennyBroadhead (270) and NickJimenez (220) will anchor an offensive line with plenty of experience from last year. Tight end TroyHackett returns after recording four TD receptions last year, and he'll also start at defensive end. 2003 RECORD: 5-6. PLAYOFFS: Lost in first round.
5. TAYLORSVILLE: An assistant coach with Hunter's state championship team last year, first-year coach ScottHenderson is hoping to transplant similar success to Taylorsville. Senior quarterback MatsPeterson is excited about leading the Warriors into their new era. Running back ColtJohnson and wide receiver KyleCarsey give Taylorsville some excellent skill position players for Peterson to work with. Linebacker GarrettJohnson is expected to anchor the defense. 2003 RECORD: 6-4. PLAYOFFS: Lost in first round
6. GRANGER: First-year coach RichardGrosh's confident, winning attitude is catching on with his players, who endured a winless season last year. Quick, athletic quarterback ZellieFranco will lead Grosh's triple option offensive. Running back EdwardTavo was the MVP of the Polynesian football camp over the summer at Woods Cross High School, and Grosh says he's a legitimate star in the making. SamOsborne will anchor the offensive line, while KyleLuekenga will bolster a defensive line in a region where teams love to run. 2003 RECORD: 0-10. PLAYOFFS: Did not qualify.
Coming Tuesday: Region 2
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com