MAGNA — It's been a long time since the folks at Cyprus have had reason to celebrate football season.

Coach Sonny Sudbury thinks this just might be the year his alma mater makes a return to respectability.

"This year's team will have good experience, but they need to work hard to change this program into a winner situation," Sudbury said as he prepared for his 32nd season as a high school football coach.

Sudbury said with a three-year starter at quarterback and a handful of returning linemen with loads of varsity experience, the Pirates have an offense that might be able to contend with just about anyone on their schedule.

Jake Jenkins passed for 15 touchdowns as a junior last season and has the confidence of the coach to turn things up a little this year.

"The strength this year will be quarterback," Sudbury said, noting Jenkins will have a trio of experienced receivers to throw to in Austin Pollock, Stranz Wolfgramm and Taylor Jones.

Another key part of the Pirates' revitalization plans will be a big, strong and skilled offensive line.

With returning starters like A.J. Lance and James Neilson both checking in at about 280 pounds, the Pirates hope to provide plenty of protection for the passing game while also blasting holes through defenses to aid the running game. Jared Johnson and Kevin Holsten provide experienced depth on the lines, as well.

Wolfgramm is a combo back with skills catching and running the ball.

But that is also one of the problems Sudbury is facing.

"We need help at running back," Sudbury said. "After Stranz Wolfgramm, it's a guess."

Though the Pirates have 14 starters back, those players won only one Region 6 game last year. In order to improve on that, Cyprus needs to build its roster.

"Depth is a problem," Sudbury said. "We need help at defensive back and linebackers."

Still, there is hope in Magna after several seasons of despair.

And with a few breaks here and there, the Pirates might indeed return to the 4A playoffs.

Cyprus Pirates 2007 football preview

COACH: Sonny Sudbury returns to the Pirates for his 32nd season coaching at area high schools. He is 172-144 during that span.

KEY PLAYERS: Stranz Wolfgramm started as a running back and safety. James Neilson is a massive anchor on the lines at 6-6, 280 and AJ Lance helps fill out those lines. Twins Brian and BradenPelesasa help form an experienced line. Jake Jenkins has started for parts of two years at quarterback.

STRENGTHS: The Pirates have loads of veterans returning to the battles in the trenches and a seasoned quarterback guiding the offense.

QUESTION MARKS: Depth will again be an issue on the line and on defense. If someone key gets hurt, Cyprus may not have many choices as a replacement.

LAST SEASON: 3-7

PROJECTED REGION 6 FINISH: 1-7, Seventh.

POSTSEASON POSSIBILITIES: This might be the year the Pirates make some noise. But a trip deep into the playoffs is probably too much to ask.

2007 schedule

Aug. 17 — Cyprus 9, Tooele 7

Aug. 24 — at Kearns, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31 — at Juan Diego, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 — OLYMPUS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 — at Cottonwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 — at Murray, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 — WEST, 7 p.m.

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Oct. 5 — at Highland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 — EAST, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 — at Granger, 7 p.m.


E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com

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