ST. GEORGE — Dixie State football coach Greg Croshaw likes to do things "old school."
He's been successful, except when it comes to winning the big one.
Croshaw, beginning his 22nd season as head man at Dixie State, has amassed 195 wins and just 51 losses. During that time, he has nearly a dozen top-five finishes in the junior college ranks. He has coached dozens of all-Americans and numerous NFL players, including Corey Dillon and Anton Palepoi.
He likes to keep things simple, preaching ball control and defense. He is the fourth-winningest coach in National Junior College Athletic Association history. But the national championship trophy has never rested on his mantle piece.
"It would be nice to be ranked No. 1 at the end of a season for a change," said Croshaw, whose team enters the season as NJCAA's top-rated squad. "We certainly have a lot to be excited about this year, talent-wise. But even if you win all your games, it doesn't guarantee anything."
If ever there was a year when the Rebels had a great shot at the title, this is it. Dixie State returns all five offensive linemen, an all-America tight end, quarterback Danny Southwick and practically the entire defense.
"It's unusual to have this many guys back for a junior college program," Croshaw said. "When we started practice this fall, almost every potential starter had been with us at least since spring."
Experience may be the key. And big-time talent as well, as many of the Rebels are transfers from Division I programs, including linebacker Taylor Ownby (West Virginia), fullback Misi Tupe (Utah) and defensive lineman Will Kofe (Montana State).
"I really like our experience on defense," Croshaw said. "We have had some injuries already to our defensive backs. Our front seven should be very good. But if things don't shape up, we may be starting four freshmen in the defensive backfield."
Stars of that front seven include the Morris brothers, Billy Ray and Doug (from Florida); Vili Fouokalafi, cousins Levi and Beau Manutai; Chet Blasucii and Gene Fukatoumafi. One player who is quickly moving up the defensive depth charts is C.J. Boggan.
Offensively, Southwick leads the charge with the help of preseason all-Americans Walt Nickel (TE) and Scott Fisher (OT). Along with Ryan Wright, Kevin Smith, Mark Taylor and Pat Schwenke, the Rebels figure to be very tough up front.
Danny Gifford returns at tailback, but he'll be hard-pressed to keep his job as Croshaw brought in blue-chippers Alphonso Cunningham (Florida) and J.T. Diedrichs. At fullback, Tupe and Bo Hakila (a blue-chipper from Seattle) are battling for the top spot.
"We are young, but very talented at running back," Croshaw said. "This is the best group of running backs we've had here in quite some time."
At wide receiver, local player Cody Wardle (Pine View) leads a pack that includes Brandon Stewart, Mike Bennett and Glendale transfer Andre McMillan.
At quarterback, Southwick will be pushed by Pine View grad Derek McAllister, former Alta High star Kyle Bowen and Mike Donahoe (Hawaii).
So, will this be the year that Dixie State finally captures the title?
"We definitely have a chance to be very good," Croshaw said. "Beyond that, who knows?"
The Rebels open the season Sept. 4 (7:30 p.m.) at home against the Ogden Rhino-Raiders, a semi-pro team. That game will also feature the official debut of Hansen Stadium's new SportTurf. Western State Football League play starts two weeks later against Mesa (Ariz.). Dixie State visits rival Snow College Oct. 16.