Note: North Sanpete finished with a 1-8 overall record in 2009 and 0-5 record in region 12. The Hawks failed to qualify for postseason play.
MT. PLEASANT — Changing the identity of a program is the first step to turning things around. Lately, North Sanpete has grown accustomed to losing. The Hawks haven't won a playoff game since the 2001 season, and have had four losing seasons in the same time span.
Winning starts with attitude, and that's exactly what third-year head coach Casey Jenson is trying to instill in the character of his players.
"They just need to be (taught) how to win. A lot of (the players) had a good experience in little league and they won a lot of games when they were younger and they think it's easy in high school," said Jenson. "Unfortunately I think what's happened here is kids have gotten a little overconfident with how they play in little league and then they get in high school and it's not that way."
"The attitude that's essential to being a winning team requires us to work harder than anybody we're gonna play against. Especially where we live in a small town, when you have kids who just like to play football and have some decent fundamentals but aren't super athletes — the only way you're gonna win ball games is by being in better shape and executing better."
However, changing habits is easier said than done. It's easy to resort to old tendencies and relapse on progress that had previously been accomplished.
"I think there are some (players) that are responding," responded Jenson when asked if players were using last year as an incentive to leave everything on the field each play. "We're still trying to get everyone to buy in and it's a hard thing to do. When you've had the attitude for a long time that you can just practice or ditch a weight training session and it's no big deal — football has to take a priority.
"If you want to be successful, you have to put in the time and the hours. We've had several (players) that have done that, we just don't have the entire team."
Offensively, the Hawks should be much better than last year's squad that averaged slightly more than 18 points per game — which simply doesn't cut it at the 3A level.
Rhett Bird returns as the signal-caller after completing 50 percent of his passes for 1,500 yards and 11 scores. The scary thing is, it was only his second season playing the position.
"He's a legitimate division one prospect," stated Jenson. "It's only his second year playing the position because in little league he always had to play a lineman position because of the weight restrictions. He's really taken the measures to become an elite quarterback, not just in high school but at the next level."
Bird, who stands close to 6-foot-6 and weighs just over 200 pounds, has attended multiple passing and football camps to better his skills.
"His footwork is what has improved the most," Jenson said. "He can get in and out of the pocket. He's made a lot of changes to his mobility. He's going to be hard to bring down."
Over the last several years, North Sanpete hasn't been able to stop a soul on the defensive side of the ball. Opposing teams have basically had a cakewalk to the end zone. For the Hawks to win more football games, this has to change immediately.
Led by strong safety Cameron Weston and a junior transfer student from California, Greg Reyes, at middle linebacker, the Hawks should make huge strides defensively.
With changes taking place left and right in the North Sanpete football program, expectations and hopes are at an all-time high.
"It would be unfair for me to make a prediction, because I know (the players) want to go out and win every game and being their coach I try to remain as optimistic and positive as possible," said Jenson, "I'm a realist at the same time. I think there are three or four teams that we can beat and there are two or three that we're going to have real trouble with. Then there are a couple of teams that can go either way.
"If we play hard and execute, then we'll be a 6-4 or a 7-3 team. I believe that all day long."
North Sanpete Hawks at a glance
Coach: Casey Jenson is in his third year at the helm of the North Sanpete football program. He's garnered a 4-16 record in that time span. Jenson is originally from John Marshall, Texas.
Offense
(8 returning starters. Speed offense)
Quarterback Rhett Bird has a year under his belt behind center, and should see an increase in his productivity. With an experienced receiving corps that includes seniors Cameron Weston and Taylor Bailey along with junior Kyle Anderson — the Hawks will pass the ball close to 80 percent of the time, and run several sets out of an empty package. Look for Sanpete to improve in points per game this season.
Defense
(8 returning starters)
Cameron Weston was ranked 11th in 3A in total tackles last season with 77, and should be a vocal leader to a defense that needs a lot of work. Mckay Hainsworth should make an impact on the defensive line along with teammate Greg Reyes at linebacker.
Coaches preseason Region 12 straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News Region 12 prediction: Sixth
Bottom line: The only way to go is up from a one-win season. North Sanpete should be much better this year, but just how good is the real question. There is a lot of enthusiasm at the Hawks camp, but realistically, reaching .500 should be the real goal.
2010 Schedule
Aug. 20 — at Millard, 7 p.m.
Aug. 27 — GRANTSVILLE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 — at Desert Hills, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 — at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 — WASATCH, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 — JUAB, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 — DELTA, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 — at Manti, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — RICHFIELD, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 — at Emery, 7 p.m.
e-mail: tphibbs@desnews.com