Note: Jordan finished with an 8-4 overall record in 2014 and was third in Region 3 with a 3-2 record. It lost to American Fork 58-13 in 5A quarterfinals.
SANDY — Every high school football team has to find a way to fill the void left by each year’s graduating class.
But for the Jordan Beetdiggers, finding a way to succeed without quarterback Austin Kafentzis may be one of the toughest tasks facing a local prep squad this fall. The four-year starter set 19 state records and several national records while helping the team win a state title his sophomore season in 2013.
Rather than look at this season with trepidation, Jordan head coach Eric Kjar sees this as an opportunity for the player who was Kafentzis’ backup, as well as those who competed alongside him.
“I’m kind of excited for our team,” Kjar said. “We loved having Austin around, and it will definitely be a new challenge for us. Austin was great for us over the four years. But I’m happy for Drew (Lisk), a guy who’s been in our program for four years and has done a really good job at the lower levels.”
Kjar said losing Kafentzis, who signed with Wisconsin but transferred to Nevada at the end of spring semester, isn’t just a matter of filling a physical void.
“It’s a combination of both athletically and leadership-wise,” Kjar said. “His example, his work ethic and the calm he would bring to our team.”
The young man tasked with filling Kafentzis position is the senior Lisk and he said he doesn’t feel any pressure at all to live up to Kafentzis’ legacy.
“I wouldn’t say I feel pressure,” he said. “I think the expectations are still high, even though this is my first year. But I don’t mind that. I’m ready for the challenge. People can compare me if they want, but I’m just going to be me. I’m not going to try to come in here and be Austin Kafentzis. That’s not my job.”
Lisk is a different type of athlete and quarterback, but he’s already earned the respect and confidence of his teammates.
“Lisk is way good,” said Collin Larsen, junior offensive lineman. “He’s fast, and all of us have been hitting the weight room.”
Different doesn’t have to mean worse, they said.
“It will definitely be different because we haven’t been able to do a lot of the same stuff,” said senior Cooper Clark. “It’s definitely different not having Austin here because he’s such a playmaker. But Drew is stepping up, and he’s going to do great.”
The free safety and running back said Lisk has the physical capabilities, but the only way to gain the kind of mental edge Kafentzis had is to play games. “I think Drew is an athlete,” Clark said. “It’s just the mental stuff. Austin’s been starting for four years, and Drew is still learning. It’s just the mind difference.”
Lisk said he had a great teacher and mentor in Kafentzis.
“I worked with Austin a lot,” he said. “He was always really good to me, and really good to work with. He helped me a lot, and I don’t think we should take a step back at all.”
Kjar said there may be teams that believe Jordan is more vulnerable without Kafentzis on the field. But being underestimated is something the Beetdiggers have become accustomed to.
“We feel that way every year almost,” he said, smiling. “It seems like we’re always climbing the ladder. And we’re fine with that. I like what we have.” The team will play in a new region that includes both defending 5A state champion and long-time rival Brighton.
“It’s tough,” Kjar said of the new region assignment. “It’s going to be a really good region.”
Losing in triple overtime to Brighton last season has fueled a fire in the hearts of the Beetdiggers.
“That was a tough loss,” Kjar said. “I think our guys are really excited for that one.”
The reality is Kjar and his coaching staff try not to worry about what’s being said, who is doing the talking or what unique emotions an opponent might trigger.
“We just try to keep them focused on themselves, and not worry about any external things,” Kjar said.
The team has plenty of players capable of making big plays including Clark, who will play both free safety and running back, as well as Spencer Curtis, a junior slot receiver, Jeffrey Timothy, a senior cornerback, Jed Roundy, a senior middle linebacker, Kini Vunipola, a senior linebacker, and Heneli Avendano, a junior center who will also play defensive tackle for the team.
The group is young and tight-knit, but Kjar said they’re hard-working and confident.
“They’ve got a lot to learn about how to prepare themselves,” he said. “And that’s got a lot to do with how successful we end up being. How well we can prepare ourselves through practice and working hard.”
Jordan Beetdiggers at a glance
Head Coach: Eric Kjar enters his seventh year as the head coach of the Jordan football program. He's led the team to a 53-23 record and one state title. A native of Kemmerer, Wyoming, Kjar graduated from Wayne State.
Offense (Returning starters 6; spread)
Offensive Coordinator: Eric Kjar
Returning offensive starters:
Spencer Curtis (WR)
Collin Larsen (RG)
Justin Cobbley (OL)
Jackson Bolingbroke (WR)
Cooper Clark (RB)
Braden Evans (RT)
Defense (4 returning starters; 4-3 defense)
Defensive coordinator: (Casey Sutera; first year as assistant)
Returning defensive starters:
Cooper Clark (SS)
Jeffrey Timothy (CB)
Justin Cobbley (DL)
Collin Larsen (DT)
Coaches preseason Region 3 straw poll: Third
Deseret News Region 3 prediction: Third
Bottom line: Finding players to fill the void left by Austin Kafentzis is key to the Beetdiggers’ success. The team needs strong emotional leadership, as well as athletes capable of helping the team maintain its offensive prowess. Sometimes after losing a star player multiple players step up and work together to keep the team competitive. The Beetdiggers have athletes capable of competing with any team in the state, but how they work together will be the most compelling factor in whether they have success or struggle this season.
Last 5
2014 — 8-4 (3-2 in Region 3 – 5A Quarterfinals)
2013 — 7-6 (3-2 in Region 3 – 5A Semifinals)
2012 — 12-1 (5-0 in Region 3 – 5A Champions)
2011 — 10-3 (3-2 in Region 3 – 5A Semifinals)
2010 — 9-4 (3-3 in Region 4 – 5A Semifinals)
Jordan coaching history
2009-current — Eric Kjar (53-23)
2003-2008 — Alex Jacobson (35-32)
1989-2002 — Jim Birch (80-64)
1986-1988 — Al Watrin (22-11)
1980-1985 — Rick Bojak (46-23)
1978-1979 — Bob Andrus (4-13)
1973-1977 — Doug Berry (16-31)
1972 — Tom Keller (1-8)
1971 — Ray Odette (3-7)
1969-1970 — Randy Autentico (2-13-3)
1967-1968 — Dean Stringham (5-13)
1966 — Bob Sanchez (1-8)
1965 — Tom Louazt (3-6)
1962-1964 — Evert Jones (14-11-1)
1961 — Glen Jackson (9-1)
1954-1960 — Howard Linford (19-35)
1950-1953 — Dale Sorensen (21-13-3)
1935-1949 — Dunn Taylor (106-29-7)
1931-1934 — Eddie Kimball (31-5-2)
1928-1930 — E.G. Foxley (9-10-1)
1920-1927 — O.D. Ballard (22-27-6)
1919 — Spike Gardner (5-2)
1918 — Parker Pratt (0-0)
1914-1917 — "Blondy" Hamilton (10-12-1)
1913 — unknown (2-4)
1909-1912 — O.G. Dutton (7-12-1)
Deseret News Mr. Football recipients
2012 — Austin Kafentzis, QB
Deseret News MVPs the past 10 years
2012 — B.J. Cavender, OL
2014 — Austin Kafentzis, QB
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2014 — Spencer Curtis, WR
2013 — Austin Kafentzis, QB
2013 — Mason Krueger, WR
2013 — Cooper Clark, DB
2012 — Clay Moss, RB
2012 — Zach Larsen, OL
2012 — Tyshon Mosley, OL
2012 — Tyler Swan, LB
2012 — Cooper Clark, DB
2011 — Austin Kafentzis, QB
2011 — B.J. Cavendar, OL
2011 — Hayden Babka, LB
2010 — McCoy Hill, QB
2010 — Taylor Loomis, WR
2009 — Alex Hart, QB
2009 — Braden Hammond, WR
2008 — Alex Hart, QB
2008 — Vyncent Jones, OL
2007 — Cody Raymond, RB
2007 — Vyncent Jones, OL
2006 — Sean Taylor, QB
2006 — Cody Ramond, WR
2005 — Cody Raymond, WR
2005 — Cody Larsen, DL
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
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