Note: Maple Mountain finished with a 4-8 overall record in 2014 and tied for fourth in Region 8 with a 2-4 record. It lost to Woods Cross 37-7 in the 4A first round.
Maple Mountain 2014 Stat Recap
SPANISH FORK — Getting to the state playoffs is fine and good, but for Maple Mountain, just getting there has grown somewhat unsatisfying since the school opened in 2009. In four of the six seasons played, the Golden Eagles have found a spot in the postseason only to get bounced in the first round.
"It's getting old and we really want to get there again and win some games," said Maple Mountain Coach Brad Burtenshaw. "I mean, we don't want to take making the playoffs for granted. It's not easy to do that playing in a tough region, but we need to make the next step and that is winning some games when we get there."
Last season saw Burtenshaw's team win a play-in game against Spanish Fork, but then lose to Woods Cross in the first round. Prior seasons provided pretty much the same story, although players and coaches are confident they can turn things around in 2015.
The case for breaking new ground is a strong one considering what the Golden Eagles have returning from last season.
First and foremost among the returners is quarterback, and BYU commitment, Jaren Hall, who enters his third year as a starter.
"Jaren is the guy we build around and he's been fantastic for us," Burtenshaw said. "Not just as a player, but he's a great kid off the field as well. It's a big thing for us to have someone like that leading the team."
Hall's primary targets on offense are likely Spanish Fork transfer James Wilson among a bunch of other tall and promising prospects.
"We have a stable of guys who haven't played much here, but that we like a lot," Burtenshaw said. "Jaren will help them out a lot with his arm and his experience, but we like our potential at receiver."
At running back, Burtenshaw is still looking for someone to emerge.
"I think we have about four that could be that guy, but we may go by committee there to start out," Burtenshaw said. "Jordan Larson, Garred Blanthorn, Harrison Casper and Kolby Smith are the four guys right now we're looking at."
Helping out the relatively inexperienced receivers and running backs will be a promising offensive front.
"We've had some setbacks on the offensive line, but I think we're looking stronger than we've ever been on the line," Burtenshaw said. "We're always thin, we're always small, we just don't have those 280-pounders like some schools, but we'll make due with what we have and we like what we see this year."
One of the primary offensive linemen returning is Noel Unufe, who like Burtenshaw, likes the potential of his position group.
"We're bigger and more powerful than we've ever been," Unufe said. "We had some good success last year making the playoffs, but we're looking to go further this year. With Jaren back, along with some other great playmakers, we like what we have."
On defense, Unufe will also play at nose guard and help lead a defense along with expected standouts Jordan Larson, Jaret Boyer and Garred Blanthorn.
"Those are the four guys we'll really depend on to lead and to make plays," Burtenshaw said.
At defensive back the team is largely in the same spot it is at receiver.
"A lot of new guys in the secondary that we're hoping rise up and become real players for us," Burtenshaw said. "We had a lot of good defensive backs last year that we'll have to replace."
Maple Mountain will compete in a Region 8 that no longer includes perennial favorite Timpview and looks relatively wide open.
"There's tough teams like Springville, who I would say is probably the favorite, but we feel several teams will be good enough to win this region," Burtenshaw said. "Then you have a couple of new teams that I don't know much about it. We feel it will be tough like always."
Maple Mountain Golden Eagles at a glance
Coach: Brad Burtenshaw enters his sixth season as head coach. He's compiled a 26-39 overall record. He's a graduate of San Juan High.
Offense (5 returning starters; spread)
Offensive Coordinator: Jerry Huffman
Offensive starters returning
Jaren Hall (QB)
Noel Unufe (OL)
Jordan Larson (RB)
River Woods (OL)
Hunter Cooper (OL)
Defense (4 returning starters; 4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Brad Burtenshaw
Defensive starters returning
Noel Unufe (DL)
Jordan Larson (LB)
Gerrad Blanthorn (LB)
Jaret Boyer (LB)
Coaches preseason Region 8 straw poll: Third
Deseret New preseason Region 8 prediction: Third
Bottom Line: Things are looking up for the Golden Eagles with the return of arguably the state's best quarterback, as well as an experienced offensive line and a group of promising receivers. The defense looks strong too, with some good leaders returning. Look for Maple Mountain to make the playoffs once again with a good chance of advancing past the first round.
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Last 5
2014 — 4-8 (2-4 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
2013 — 3-7 (2-4 in Region 8, Missed playoffs)
2012 — 9-2 (6-1 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
2011 — 7-4 (5-2 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
2010 — 3-9 (1-4 in Region 8 – 4A First round)
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Maple Mountain coaching history
2009-current — Brad Burtenshaw (26-39)
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Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
(None)
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney