Their first game of the preseason doesn't reflect the high hopes — not to mention potential — players and coaches from Clearfield have about their football season.
Coming into the 2007 campaign, the Falcons were feeling pretty good about their chances of moving up the Region 1 ladder and making the playoffs.
The biggest reason for the optimism?
Their returning 6-foot-6 tight end, Cameron Evans, was certainly one big reason. Having a 6-9 receiver, fellow basketball standout Nick Thompson, was another. They can maybe help Clearfield attain its, um, high hopes.
But the biggest reason has to do with big returning numbers, not necessarily big people. Next to Layton, the Falcons probably have more starters back than anyone else in the league. On offense, Clearfield returns five guys, while seven defensive players also have starting time on their resumes.
Evans is one of the leaders of that well-seasoned group. The talented tight end, who's a three-year starter in football, scored six touchdowns and averaged 13 yards a catch his junior year.
Clearfield has another three-year starter in the backfield, though this one requires a much smaller measuring tape when it comes to determining height. Gino Lobato, who's listed as 5-8, has the potential of making defenders look silly with his quickness. He rushed for four touchdowns and returned three kicks to pay dirt last year.
Linemen Riley Fosmark and Travis Harvey, both two-year starters, are expected to provide leadership in the trenches. Trevor Evans, no relation to his big TE target, has the playmaking responsibilities from the quarterback spot.
With that much talent back, Clearfield coach Billy Pluim likes his squad's chances of improving on the 3-7 mark they recorded in his rookie season of 2006.
"We have a very experienced team returning with both size and speed on both sides of the ball," Pluim said. "We expect to be in the thick of things for the region title if we can stay healthy."
That health factor could really turn into an issue as the Falcons appear to be fairly strong with their No. 1 guys, but don't have a whole lot of depth. Adding to that issue was the opening of Syracuse High. Clearfield didn't lose any upperclassmen, but the Falcons numbers took a hit in the lower classes.
Clearfield takes to the road to play at Bountiful and Bonneville the next two weeks before settling in to their tough Region 1 schedule on Sept. 7 at home against Davis.
Clearfield Falcons 2007 football preview
COACH: Billy Pluim is back for his second season as head coach of the Falcons after spending a few years with Randy Johnson as a Clearfield assistant.
KEY PLAYERS: Trevor Evans will lead the way from the quarterback position, and he has a couple of huge targets in 6-6 tight end Cameron Evans and 6-9 receiver Nick Thompson. On the other end of the height spectrum, 5-8 senior Gino Lobato is a quick playmaker with break-away potential. He had three kick return TDs last year. Linemen Riley Fosmark and TravisHarvey are key cogs among the hogs and D-linemen.
STRENGTHS: Experience can make or break high school teams, so the Falcons, with 12 starters back, seem to be great in that area. Offensively, the two Evanses should pose problems for defenses through the air, and Lobato gives an added element.
QUESTION MARKS: As far as first-teamers go, Clearfield seems to be OK, though the 28-0 loss to Sky View gives reason to wonder if the Falcons have enough offensive weapons to really make a dent in the tough Region 1.
LAST SEASON: 3-7, lost in play-in game
PREDICTED REGION 1 FINISH: Sixth (of eight)
POSTSEASON POSSIBILITIES: The league's coaches believe the Falcons will be in the mix for one of the region's final playoff spots, though that will be a tough task with several other improved programs around.
2007 schedule
Aug. 17 — Sky View 28, Clearfield 0
Aug. 24 — at Bountiful, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31 — at Bonneville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 — DAVIS, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 — at Viewmont, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 — SYRACUSE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 — at Layton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 — NORTHRIDGE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 — WEBER, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 — at Fremont, 7 p.m.
E-mail: jody@desnews.com