Note: Mountain View finished with a 2-8 overall record in 2014 and tied for fifth Region 7 with a 2-4 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.
OREM — There's good and bad news regarding Mountain View's numbers as it preps for the 2015 season.
The good? A load of returning starters that should lead the team to progression. The bad? The overall roster numbers are about as thin as you'll find on any 4A football team across the state.
The paltry numbers are worrisome for coaches who are working hard to build a winning program at Mountain View.
"It's a huge concern, obviously," said Bruin offensive coordinator Frank Henderson. "We have to be creative and very diversified with what we do on offense and on defense. But we have quality kids who are experienced and guys we can work with."
On offense, the Bruins will rely on two quarterbacks: Morgan Martin and Sam Magalei.
"Both of them are quality players and whoever isn't the starter is going to help us a lot at other positions," Henderson said. "Both of them can play multiple positions, so we're not all that concerned about either of them not contributing significantly. We're going to use both of them, regardless of who ends up playing quarterback."
Martin will likely play at receiver if not quarterback and Magalei at running back or at receiver.
The offensive line will retain the services of Alan Ginger, Seiuli Abbot, Connor Smith and Fui Kalanuivalu, giving the offense a good foundation to work around.
Trevor Robertson and Ammon Brown are expected to be the starting cornerbacks while Sam Magalei and Kent Free are the assumed starting safeties.
Other expected standouts on offense include Trevor Robertson at receiver and Noah Jensen at running back.
"We have a lot of guys that worked through the changes we went through offensively last year, so they know what we expect this year," Henderson said. "That's what you want and it should help us a lot."
On defense, the Bruins will have 10 returning starters, according to defensive coordinator Gary Clark. Given the thin numbers, a lot of those starters include players expected to start on offense.
"We'll have Fui (Kalanuivalu), Seiuli (Abbot), Connor Smith and Alan Ginger up front and all those guys know how to play and they're looking good," Clark said. "Fui and Seiuli are our leaders up front and the guys we'll rely on."
At linebacker, Mountain View will field Morgan James, Jake Holland and Keegan Ngatuvai.
"We really like our linebackers," Clark said. "They're all returning starters and guys we feel we can depend on to make plays.
"We're very thin at all positions, so even one injury could cause us a lot of problems," Clark said. "But you go in with what you have and hope for the best. The guys we do have are confident, experienced and able, so just stay healthy."
Mountain View managed to win a single game last season but hopes to make strides in what looks to be a tough Region 7, which now includes Timpview, Provo and Alta.
"It's going to be tough competing in this region, and our numbers are down, but I've coached teams that had even fewer numbers to region titles," Henderson said. "Getting a few more wins than last year, that's the goal and if we can stay healthy I think we have the type of kids to really make some good strides."
Also helping out Mountain View's cause is seasoned head coach Louis Wong, who coached state championship teams at Timpview.
"Coach Wong cares about these kids as individuals and that's what sets him apart," Henderson said. "He believes in building great characters and doing great things on and off the field. That's what makes him the great coach that he is and it's an honor to work with him."
Mountain View Bruins at a glance
Coach: Louis Wong coached Timpview to four straight state championships from 2006-09. He compiled a 77-10 overall record with the Thunderbirds. He graduated from Castle High in Hawaii and played offensive line for BYU. He coached Mountain View to a 2-8 record a season ago.
Offense (Spread; 7 returning starters)
Offensive Coordinator: Frank Henderson
Returning starters on offense
Seiuli Abbot (OL)
Alan Ginger (OL)
Fui Kalanuivalu (OL)
Connor Smith (OL)
Martin Morgan (WR/QB)
Trevor Robertson (WR)
Noah Jensen (RB)
Defense (4-3; 10 returning starters)
Defensive Coordinator: Gary Clark
Returning starters
Seiuli Abbot (DL)
Alan Ginger (DL)
Fui Kalanuivalu (DL)
Conner Smith (DL)
Trevor Robertson (CB)
Ammon Brown (CB)
Jake Holland (LB)
Morgan James (LB)
Keegan Ngatuvai (LB)
Kent Free (DB)
Coaches preseason Region 7 straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News preseason Region 7 prediction: Sixth
Bottom Line: It truly is all about keeping guys healthy at Mountain View should the Bruins hope to improve on last year's win total. If the team can get through unscathed then it should provide a challenge for Region 7 teams.
Last 5
2014 — 2-8 (2-4 in Region 7 – Missed playoffs)
2013 — 1-9 (1-5 in Region 7 – Missed playoffs)
2012 — 4-7 (3-4 in Region 8 – Missed playoffs)
2011 — 3-6 (2-5 in Region 8 – Missed playoffs)
2010 — 5-6 (4-2 in Region 7 – 4A First round)
Mountain View coaching history
2014-current — Louis Wong (2-8)
2010-2013 — Jon Snyder (13-28)
2007-2009 — Teko Johnson (14-17)
2003-2006 — Doug Meeks (11-30)
1995-2002 — Randy Rehrer (44-40)
1991-1994 — Bryce Monsen (21-19)
1987-1990 — Steve Park (20-17)
1982-1986 — Austin McNaughton (24-24)
1980-1981 — Dave Allphin (10-10)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2011 — Bennett Maxwell, LB
2007 — Greg May, DB
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