People that watched our games, they know we were in every game except two. We just couldn't get out of our own way – Clearfield coach Andre Dyson
Note: Clearfield finished with a 2-8 overall record in 2016 and tied for sixth in Region 1 with a 1-5 record. It did not qualify for the 5A playoffs.
Clearfield’s 2016 Offensive and Defensive Stats
CLEARFIELD — This could be the year that the Falcons' program finally turns the proverbial corner.
It started last year, when Clearfield played most of its opponents mighty tough and, after a 0-7 start, finally broke through by winning two of its last three games, including a resounding 37-7 victory over state playoff-bound neighboring rival Northridge in the season finale.
Fourth-year head coach Andre Dyson knows just how close his team was to winning several more of its games last season, and he has high hopes that this season, with a half-dozen returning starters on each side of the ball, the Falcons' success level will soar.
"Last year it was a good year and it was a bad year, all at the same time," he said. "People that watched our games, they know we were in every game except two. We just couldn't get out of our own way.
"So the question this year is, 'Can we finish, can we make those plays?' A couple plays here and there, and you're looking at a 6-4 or 7-3 season. It was really that close."
As the 2016 season progressed, the Falcons gradually got closer and closer to coming away with a win. Along the way, they held first-half leads against Roy, Sky View, Weber and Mountain Crest, and were driving for a potential game-winning score against Layton, but could not finish the deal and wound up losing each time.
"It was one of those things where, when you're not used to winning, you don't play consistent football," Dyson said. "So those one or two plays you need to make, we were not making those crucial plays, and when we did, we won.
"The last game, it all just kinda came together. Everyone did everything right and it wasn't close at all. Northridge came out and scored first against us, and then we scored 37 straight points. We just came out and played --— finally. It was good."
Dyson feels like the culture is slowly but steadily changing at Clearfield, which hasn't had a winning season since 2004.
"I think the main thing for us is now I don't think we don't have that same old Clearfield mentality," he said. "I don't think anyone fears or respects us yet, but I think from every coach that we played last year, at the end of the game, they'd say 'Oh, that was a tough game. You guys played hard; you guys played tough.'
"And as a coach, there's one thing you want to hear is that your team played hard and your team competed. And we competed. So I know there were coaches that left games and said 'Whew!' because you don't want to be that team that gave us that first win when we had the record that we did. So I think we finally turned that corner where it's like, OK, these guys are gonna play.
"Now, are we gonna have as much talent as everyone else? Are we gonna be as big as everyone else?" Dyson said. "No, probably not, but these kids are gonna play hard and, once they do figure it out, you know, watch out. ... Now we've got a good blueprint of what to do, what to do right and how to motivate the kids."
One thing that'll greatly enhance the Falcons' quest for success this season is that they have their three best playmakers — quarterback Jaxon Mansfield, receiver Colton Manning and running back Isaiah Belford — coming back to spearhead the offense, which scored just 17 points per game last year.
And defensively, they've got great experience at the linebacker and secondary positions to try and strengthen a squad that allowed over 28 ppg last season.
Those two factors should help the Falcons fly higher than they have for awhile and, if their line play comes through on both sides of the ball, then Clearfield could definitely be a factor when it comes to contending for a state playoff spot.
"They're still kids and they're still learning," Dyson said. "Do I think we'll be better this year? Yes, oh yeah, we'll definitely be better because not only was our varsity competing --— and it's hard, man, that's the hardest thing is to lose so many games in a row and keep on playing and stay motivated --— but all the other programs started feeding off of it. Our sophomores won their last three or four games and our J.V. won their last three or four games, too.
"And one thing we did, I never quit and we never quit on 'em and we never stopped coaching 'em. I still coached 'em hard and they probably hated it. They were probably like 'Why is he still coaching us so hard and we're still losing?' Because I want you to win and, when they leave, I think they'll respect it.
"So our varsity, yeah, we won two games but we were in games and it was fun to watch. And as a whole, it wasn't just everyone's losing and we're trying to figure it out. People were like, 'Yeah, they're winning,' so there were lots to build on and a lot of positives and a lot of things were looking up," he said.
"And I'm excited for this year — you know, every year is different — but I'm excited to see what these kids can do. ... This is gonna be a good year; I think this is the year. This is a realistic goal, man. This is the year. ... Whether we're 0-10, 2-8, 5-5 or 10-0, we're gonna compete, we're gonna play, and when people leave the field after playing us, they're gonna say, 'That's a good team. That's a good team right there.' "
Dyson knows all about what it's like to compete at the highest level. Not only was he one of the best athletes in the history of the Clearfield High program, but he went on to star as a defensive back at the University of Utah and then spent seven seasons as a starting cornerback in the National Football League.
So the Falcons' sagging football fortunes have been difficult for him.
"It's tough because, me, I just think we're gonna win every game," he said. "There's not a game I walk out there and I think, 'Oh, yeah, I hope we keep it close.' That's never been my mentality. So when we lose, people just think that I'm OK with it, but I don't expect to lose. I don't expect to lose, I don't know how to do that, so every time we lose I think 'I wish we'd done this and this.'
"So it's a mentality that you develop and a lot of the kids around here don't have that same mentality because they've been used to losing and have kind of accepted it. I just can't accept it and won't let them accept it, either."
Clearfield will compete in the newly realigned Region 1 this season, where Davis County rivals Syracuse, Davis and Layton have been moved back in this 6A league to join Clearfield, Northridge, Fremont and Weber.
"I think it's always a really good region, and I think everyone's pretty equal," Dyson said. "Syracuse and Davis are favored because they're Syracuse and Davis, and everyone always gives them the upper edge.
"But I think Weber's gonna be the team, to be honest with you ... because this is Coach (Matt) Hammer's group that went undefeated as sophomores, then last year they competed with everyone, and this year as seniors, I think they're gonna be the team to beat. I think Weber is the team that people may be overlooking, and I think they're gonna be tough.
"All these schools have pride and their kids play for their school and they're always gonna be tough," he said. "That's one thing about this region. You don't get a lot of D-I players, but you get a lot of really good high school players in this area.
"To me, this region is going to be about who can make the right adjustments because we all pretty much know each other, and which kids are gonna just step up and just play. To me, those typical schools, Syracuse and Davis, those kids just play. Those kids just play and have fun. They line up wrong sometimes and they make some mistakes, but they just play. If we can get our kids to just get that same mentality and just play, they'll be good."
Coach Dyson feels like using the home-field advantage can play a huge role in any team's success, and that's something he hopes his squad can do this season in a region where, in his mind, there is no clear-cut favorite.
"I don't feel like there's a team that's head and shoulders better than everybody else," he said. "Hey, everyone's on the same playing field. If we just play football and don't make those dumb mistakes we've made in the past, we'll be right in the middle of it come down to the last few games.
"You've just got to win on your home field. If you take care of your home field, all you've got to do is win at least half your games on the road and you're in the playoffs. You win at home, five games at home, and if you win two road games, you're 7-3 and you're in the playoffs.
"That's it, simple as that," Dyson said. "Dominate on your home field and then you're good. You obviously want to win all your games, but it starts with winning at home, winning the first game and winning every play."
Clearfield Falcons at a glance
Coach: Andre Dyson is entering his fourth year at Clearfield and has compiled a 4-26 record over his first three seasons at the school. He is a graduate of Clearfield High and the University of Utah, and he spent seven seasons as a starting cornerback in the National Football League.
Clearfield Offensive Snapshot
Offensive coordinator: Jeremy Robins
2016 offensive production: 17 ppg (24th in 5A)
-- 6 returning starters
-- Multiple formations
Key offensive returning starters
-- Jaxon Mansfield (QB)
Last year as a junior, Mansfield threw for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he was also the team's leading rusher with 273 yards and 2 more TDs on the ground.
-- Colton Manning (WR/K)
Manning was the Falcons' leading receiver last season as a junior, hauling in 24 passes for 495 yards — an average of nearly 21 yards per catch — and 4 touchdowns. As a place-kicker, he kicked 4 field goals and added 20 PATs last year.
-- Isaiah Belford (RB)
In 2016, Belford was the Falcons' second-leading rusher with 220 yards, and he also had 129 receiving yards last season as a junior.
Returning offensive starters
Jaxon Mansfield (QB)
Isaiah Belford (RB)
Mason Moea'i (FB)
Colton Manning (WR/TE)
Ben Brakey (OL)
Thomas Taylor (OL)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Ethan Jones (RB)
Yo Finlinson (RB)
Devon Poll (TE)
Justin Brown (WR)
Matt Stapleton (WR)
Andrew Skipps (OL)
Noah Cella (OL)
Tyler Nelson (OL)
Adam Trevizo (OL)
Cody Soelberg (OL)
Dyson's comments on what will be the key to his team's success on offense
"It all starts up front. We've gotta find five guys that are gonna be mean. We're too nice, we're way too nice. ... You've gotta get mean sometimes, get mad. When that whistle blows, like turn into someone else, then go to church on Sunday. But during the game on Friday, I need you to be someone else. ... We've got to be able to turn that on and be mean because we've got all of our skill in tact with all of our leaders back there.
"We just need someone to give our quarterback time and we'll make things happen and open a few holes and our running backs will do the rest. Skill won't be a problem, man, we'll be able to line up and play. But it starts up front.
"We're not asking 'em to be amazing, right? We're not gonna sit back and I'm not gonna fool myself and say we have this big ol' line and we're just gonna be able to bully people. We have to out-execute people and that's what we try to do — just execute, execute, execute, execute."
Dyson's comments on his experienced returnees at the skill positions
"We return a lot of our skill guys, like our quarterback, our leading rusher and our leading receiver, and some of those guys have been playing since they were sophomores.
"Jaxon Mansfield has been starting at quarterback since the end of his sophomore year. Colton Manning was our leading receiver at tight end last year, and he's been starting for us since was a sophomore, too. Isaiah Belford was one of our leading rushers last year, so we're good in the skill areas. So it's going to be up front where we are really senior-heavy with our lines on both sides of the ball."
Keys for Offensive Success in 2017
In Mansfield, Manning and Belford, the Falcons have a talented trio of experienced and proven playmakers. Ethan Jones and Yo Finlinson will also help strengthen the running back position, while Justin Brown, Matt Stapleton and Devon Poll will bolster the receiving corps. Ben Brakey and Thomas Taylor return to help anchor the O-line, and if Clearfield can get strong line play from guys like Andrew Skipps, Noah Cella, Tyler Nelson, Adam Trevizo and Cody Soelberg, then the Falcons' offense should soar to new heights this season.
Clearfield Defensive Snapshot
Defensive coordinator: Andre Dyson (4th year at the school)
2016 defensive production: 28.5 ppg (18th in 5A)
6 returning starters
4-3 formation
Key defensive returning starters
-- Colton Manning (LB)
The versatile Manning has shown an ability to pretty much do it all for the Falcons, as he was their leading tackler with 61 stops and an interception last season as a junior
-- Jaxon Mansfield (S)
As a junior, Mansfield racked up 23 tackles and picked off a pair of enemy passes from his safety spot.
-- Devon Poll (DE)
Poll piled up 24 tackles and had a quarterback sack last season as a junior.
-- Anthony Surles (LB)
During his junior year in 2016, Surles had 16 tackles for the Falcons' defense.
Returning defensive starters
Devin Poll (DE)
Colton Manning (LB)
Anthony Surles (LB)
Jaxon Mansfield (S)
Orion Santiago (CB)
Yo Finlinson (CB)
Defensive newcomers to watch
Ethan Jones (S)
Austin Call (LB)
Spencer Pierren (LB)
Ethan Giacalone (LB/S)
Andrew Skipps (DL)
Adam Trevizo (DL)
Cody Soelberg (DL)
Colton Kirkman (DE)
Dyson's comments on his linebacking corps
"Our three senior linebackers (Colton Manning, Anthony Surles and Spencer Pierren) have been playing a lot since they were sophomores, and they will all fly to the ball. And Austin Call (a promising sophomore) is going to be a special kid for us."
Keys for Defensive Success in 2017
The back end of the Falcons' defense looks strong, with linebackers Manning, Surles, Pierren and Call leading the way and a secondary comprised of returning starters Mansfield, Orion Santiago and Yo Finlinson. It's up front, where Poll is the lone returning starter, that holds the key stopping opponents. Skipps, Trevizo and Soelberg must step in and help shore up the D-line, while safety Ethan Jones and junior linebacker/safety Ethan Giacalone are also being counted on to contribute to the Clearfield "D."
Coaches preseason Region 1 straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News Region 1 prediction: Seventh
Key region game: at Layton, Sept. 22 (Week 6)
Bottom line: With a ton of returning experience and some promising newcomers at the skill positions, moving the ball shouldn't be a problem for the Falcons. Of course, it's what's up front that counts, and the offensive and defensive lines will be critical to Clearfield's success this season. The team played almost all of its opponents tough and finished strongly last season, and Coach Dyson feels like this could be the year that his program definitely turns the corner and takes a giant step toward its first winning season since 2004. Lowly preseason predictions aside, if things come together, Clearfield could certainly emerge as a darkhorse candidate for a state playoff berth.
2017 Schedule
Aug. 18 — at Hunter, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 — COTTONWOOD, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1 — WEBER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8 — at Davis, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 — NORTHRIDGE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 — at Layton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 — at Box Elder, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 — SYRACUSE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — at Fremont, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 — BOUNTIFUL, 7 p.m.
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Felts Facts for Clearfield High School
All-time record: 243-317-4 (56 years)
Region championships: 8 (1975 co, 1976, 1984 co, 1992 co, 1994, 1996 co, 1998 co, 2002 co)
Playoff appearances: 25
Current playoff appearance streak: 0
All-time playoff record: 15-24
State championships: 1 (1992)
State championship record: 1-0
Most played rivalry: 50 meetings with Davis dating back to 1961. Davis leads 27-22-1. Last met in 2010.
Felt’s Factoid(s): No one has played more overtimes than Clearfield, 23, including five against Layton and three against Weber. ... The Falcons hold the state record (tied with Grantsville) for season interceptions with 33, set in 2002. … Clearfield also holds the state record for single-game safeties with three (vs. Layton in 2006 and tied with two other schools).
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Last 5
2016 — 2-8 (1-5 in Region 1 -- Missed playoffs)
2015 — 0-10 (0-6 in Region 1 -- Missed playoffs)
2014 — 2-8 (1-5 in Region 6 -- Missed playoffs)
2013 — 2-8 (0-6 in Region 6 -- Missed playoffs)
2012 — 3-7 (1-4 in Region 6 -- Missed playoffs)
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Clearfield coaching history
2014-current — Andre Dyson (4-26)
2012-2013 — Will Hawes (5-15)
2009-2011 — Jeff Bingham (8-22)
2006-2008 — Billy Plium (10-22)
1991-2005 — Randy Johnson (100-64)
1988-1990 — Brent Lund (12-18)
1977-1987 — Brent Hancock (49-61)
1969-1976 — Jack Hannum (37-40)
1965-1968 — Don Jenson (7-30)
1961-1964 — Boyd "Tiny" Grant (10-21)
.....
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.