Note: Payson finished with an 0-10 overall record in 2014 and seventh in 3AA South with an 0-6 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.
PAYSON — So here’s an interesting thing to consider. Did Payson’s football schedule just get easier by getting bumped up from 3AA to 4A.
In theory, a 4A region should be better than a 3AA region, but maybe not. Lumped into the 3AA South region the past two years, Payson went a combined 0-12. In its last year in 4A back in 2010, it went 3-2 and qualified for the playoffs.
Payson coach Jeremy Chapman said it probably needs to be looked at on a year-by-year basis. Two years ago he believes that any of the top four teams from down south would’ve competed for the No. 2 seed in Region 8 behind Timpview. Last year though, Chapman said the top three teams from Region 8 were better than all the St. George teams.
So what about this year? Chapman believes that top to bottom 3AA South is probably a little more competitive, but he’s anxious to see how Region 8 plays out because on paper it appears wide open. He’s optimistic that Payson can be in the thick of things.
“It’s been the most efficient summer we’ve had since I’ve been a head coach,” said Chapman, who's entering his seventh season at the helm.
For a program with a 1-19 record the past two years, that’s incredibly encouraging — but realistically it had nowhere to go but up after last year’s winless season.
A big reason for the optimism is some notable coaching changes. Chapman is relinquishing his offensive coordinator duties to his assistant the past six years, Jake Corbett. He believes Corbett is better suited to call an offense that features an extremely athletic, mobile quarterback in Buc Frasier.
Defensively, Derek Campbell has been hired as defensive coordinator and brings a college coaching résumé to the field each day.
“We’ve gotten an outside perspective from coach Campbell. He spent the last 10-plus years coaching at colleges, the last several as a defensive coordinator at Dixie State. He’s brought a breath of fresh air and new ideas and a different way to look at things,” said Chapman.
Payson’s defensive coaches from last year are all back as well, and Chapman said that no question it’s the best staff he’s had.
“(Derek) is a great teacher. He does a great job communicating to the kids and helping them understand big-picture football and the minute details,” said Chapman.
He inherits a defense that returns four contributors, and an exciting newcomer. Linebacker Payden Osborn was third on the team in tackles last year, and he’s back along with fellow linebacker Tyler Batty.
Joining them is junior Prince Vito, a move-in from Long Beach, California.
“So far through the summer when we do things he looks the best. I expect a lot out of him,” said Chapman. “He’s a happy kid. The others kids are drawn to him.”
Payson is shifting to a 3-3-5 defense this year because of the annual lack of lineman.
“We’re trying to get our best players on the field and put them in positions to succeed,” said Chapman.
Offensively, Payson has the same concerns on the offensive line, but Chapman is optimistic he’ll find five guys who will work their tails off. In years past, he couldn’t always say that was the case.
The huge wild card this year revolves around quarterback Frasier. As a sophomore, he appeared in four games at QB in mop-up duty, but this year he’s taking over the reins full time. It’s a gamble for someone whose strength isn’t throwing the ball.
“We’ve had good quarterbacks in the past, but he’s by far the best athlete we’ve had. Throwing the ball is not his forte, but he’s tough to bring down. It’s rare to find a better athlete than him on the football field. He’s not real big, but he’s strong and he’s fast, and he’s cocky, which isn’t a bad thing,” said Chapman.
As good as Frasier might be running the ball, he’ll need to try and keep defenders honest, and that’s the biggest question mark.
He might have a potential weapon in Kolten Mortensen. He’s not fast, but he’s a big target and Chapman said he’s got the best hands of anyone he’s ever coached at Payson.
Payson Lions at a glance
Coach: Jeremy Chapman is entering his seventh season as head coach at his alma mater. He’s amassed a record of 17-44 in those six seasons.
Offense (2 returning starters; Pistol offense)
Offensive coordinator: Jake Corbett (7 years as assistant at Payson)
Returning offensive starters
Bryson Tanner (RB)
Tyler Batty (OL)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Buc Frasier (QB)
Adam Marck (OL)
Kolten Mortensen (WR)
Isaac Birchett (WR)
Josh Sorensen (WR)
Defense (4 returning starters, 3-3-5 defense)
Defensive coordinator: Derek Campbell (1st year as assistant at Payson)
Returning defensive starters
Tyler Batty (LB)
Adam Marck (DL)
Payden Osborn (LB)
Isaac Birchett (CB)
Defensive newcomers to watch
Josh Sorensen (DB)
Prince Vito (LB)
Coaches preseason Region 8 straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News Region 8 prediction: Sixth
Bottom line: Getting out of the Southern Utah region was the best thing that could’ve happened to Payson. The competition is about the same, but the travel is no longer a nightmare, the players can get motivated to play rivals in meaningful games and there are opportunities to schedule easier games in the preseason to gain confidence. With a coaching staff that Chapman said is the best he’s had during his seven seasons at Payson, the 2015 season should be immensely better for the Lions. With that said, cracking the top four in Region 8 this year is going to be extremely difficult, especially with an unproven junior quarterback.
Last 5
2014 — 0-10 (0-6 in 3AA South -- Missed playoffs)
2013 — 1-9 (0-6 in 3AA South -- Missed playoffs)
2012 — 4-7 (3-2 in Region 12 – 3A First round)
2011 — 3-7 (1-4 in Region 12 -- Missed playoffs)
2010 — 4-6 (3-2 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
Payson coaching history
2009-current — Jeremy Chapman (17-44)
2007-2008 — Jared Woolstenhulme (6-15)
2003-2006 — Colby Knight (8-33)
2001-2002 — Jamal Willis (3-17)
1997-2000 — Rick Robbins (11-26)
1988-1996 — Bart Peery (26-52)
1984-1987 — David McKee (13-22)
1981-1983 — Bob Cook (6-22)
1956-1980 — Jim Durrant (137-96-8)
1941-1955 — Don Fuller (70-44-12)
1940 — Unknown (1-5-1)
1939 — Vern Waldo (3-5)
1936-1938 — Unknown (6-9-7)
1934-1935 — Stan Wilson (3-8-1)
1928-1933 — Unknown (26-11-4)
1927 — Mr. Wooley (3-2)
1922-1926 — Unknown (12-8-4)
1921 — Hugh Sutton (4-2)
1920 — Unknown (0-2)
1919 — Dixon Kapple (5-1-1)
1918 — Ray Monson (1-1)
1916-1917 — Unknown (9-2)
1915 — Mr. Cole (2-2-1)
1909-1914 — Unknown (6-8)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.