Note: Snow Canyon finished with a 4-7 overall record in 2014 and was fifth in 3AA South with a 2-4 record. It lost to Bear River 27-17 in the 3AA first round.
ST. GEORGE — An interesting thing happened this offseason for Snow Canyon’s football team, something that could have positive, long-reaching effects.
Interestingly enough, it had nothing to do with the Warriors’ program at all.
They’ve caught on, and finally understand for them to compete and win those closer games it needs to come from the weight room.
Last November, just three days after Dixie won the 3AA state championship, Dixie star running back Tre Miller and several of his underclassmen teammates were back in the weight room working hard.
Eventually, word of this trickled back to Snow Canyon, and there was immediately a sense among the coaches and players that they needed to be doing more. Traditionally Snow Canyon’s football team hasn’t started lifted weights until after spring break in March. This season the process started a couple months earlier in January
“They’ve caught on, and finally understand for them to compete and win those closer games it needs to come from the weight room,” said Snow Canyon coach Marcus Matua.
In the past three years, Dixie’s won two state championships and reached the semifinals the other year. Snow Canyon hopes to mimic some of that success with a similar commitment in the weight room.
How that actually translates onto the football field remains to be seen, but from a talent perspective Matua believes his team can compete with anyone in 3AA.
“I believe this year we have a lot of talent coming back, I believe we’re just as talented as the other teams down here in St. George, it’s just a matter of meshing their knowledge of the schemes and then making sure they’re a unified bunch to make sure when the time gets tough they’re willing to fight through it,” said Matua.
Consistency is a huge part of that.
In Snow Canyon’s four region losses last year, it played Hurricane (21-13) and Desert Hills (7-3) very tough, but then was blown out by Pine View (59-28) and Dixie (46-14). To make any noise in 3AA, the Warriors need to figure out a way to win some of those games.
A strong offensive line could make all the difference in 2015. Wyatt Brinkerhoff, Jaden Lacayo and Spencer Snow are all returning starters on the offensive line this year. What’s encouraging, however, is that the depth and the newcomers are strong enough that Snow might move to a different position this season.
“We believe that with the experience they had last year and the simplification of some offensive schemes we’re doing, that should be beneficial and work in their favor,” said Matua.
Returning starting running back Josh Barnes could benefit greatly. Last year he led Snow Canyon with 133 carries for 447 yards and five touchdowns, but injuries never allowed him to reach his full potential. If he stays healthy, and with a strong offensive line in front of him, Barnes should improve on his 3.4 yards per carry average last year.
Jackson Nowatzke takes over at quarterback full time. He started three games late in the season last year because of injury, and Matua is very confident in his ability. He showed strong game management in his three starts last year but heading into his senior season he’s ready to be a leader.
“I just want to be a positive leader, be out and encourage all these guys. If something goes wrong pick them up and just lead this team to get some wins,” said Nowatzke.
One of the sleepers offensively could be slot receiver Chris Poulsen. The junior has tremendous speed and athleticism, and the coaching staff will try to get him as many touches as possible.
Defensively, and specifically the defensive line, should be the strength of the team this year.
Joe Servati, Brock Staheli and Britton Webster are all returning starters on the defensive front, and all recorded 30-plus tackles last year and combined for 12 sacks.
Linebacker Teagan Mendenhall will benefit from the strong defensive line, and Matua expects a huge season from Snow Canyon’s leading tackler from a year ago.
“He’s a good hitter. Now it’s just a matter of him just having confidence in himself to get in passing routes and defend. He’s quick enough and talented enough, and now it’s just him being confident and going out and doing his job,” said Matua.
Barnes will also start at linebacker, and Matua expects a strong 1-2 punch at that position as the Warriors try and compete better near the top of 3AA.
Snow Canyon Warriors at a glance
Coach: Marcus Matua is entering his third season as Snow Canyon head coach after serving as an assistant from 2008 to 2010. He’s tallied an 11-11 record his first two years. He’s a graduate of Kearns High School.
Offense (5 returning starters; Spread offense)
Offensive coordinator: Tim Nowatzke (4th year at Snow Canyon)
Returning offensive starters
Josh Barnes (RB)
TJ Taimi (WR)
Wyatt Brinkerhoff (OL)
Jaden Lacayo (OL)
Spencer Snow (OL)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Jackson Nowatzke (QB)
Jake Rhea (WR)
Chris Poulson (WR)
Joe Servati (OL)
Teagan Mendenhall (OL)
Defense (3 returning starters, 4-4 defense)
Defensive coordinator: Michael Esplin (4th year at Snow Canyon)
Returning defensive starters
Teagan Mendenhall (LB)
Joe Servati (DL)
Brock Staheli (DL)
Britton Webster (DL)
Defensive newcomers to watch
Chris Poulsen (DB)
Josh Barnes (LB)
Coaches preseason 3A South straw poll: Fifth
Deseret News 3A South prediction: Fifth
Bottom line: In Marcus Matua’s first year as head coach at Snow Canyon in 2013 his team went 7-4, including winning a first-round playoff victory. Last year was a mild step back winning just four games and losing in the first round. This year’s team has the potential to be more like the 2013 team. Not only should Snow Canyon be stronger with a better commitment to the weight room, but most of its returning experience is on the offensive and defensive line, and a luxury any coach would take. Only time will tell if that translates into wins over either Dixie, Desert Hills, Pine View and Hurricane as the Warriors look to crack the top three in region.
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Last 5
2014 — 4-7 (2-4 in 3AA South, First round)
2013 — 7-4 (3-3 in 3AA South, Quarterfinals)
2012 — 6-4 (3-3 in Region 9, Missed playoffs)
2011 — 2-7 (1-5 in Region 9, Missed playoffs)
2010 — 3-6 (3-3 in Region 9, Missed playoffs)
...
Snow Canyon coaching history
2013-current — Marcus Matua (11-11)
2009-2012 — Jay Graft (14-23)
2007-2008 — Rick Secrist (10-17)
2005-2006 — Bill Jacobsen (14-9)
2002-2004 — Jay Graft (19-13)
2000-2001 — Wane Kittrell (13-8)
1994-1999 — Bill Jacobsen (53-13)
….
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2013 — Zachary Kennedy, Specialist
2008 — Adam Timo, RB
2006 — Dalton Groskruetz, WR
2006 — Kason Gubler, OL
2006 — Jared Miller, DL
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.