We played to our expectations last year, even though most people had lower ones. So this year we again have high expectations and we definitely have a high standard. – Skyridge coach Jon Lehman

Note: Skyridge finished with a 6-5 overall record in 2016 and tied for third in Region 7 with a 4-3 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.

Skyridge 2016 Offensive and Defensive Stats

LEHI — The Skyridge football team is sneaking up on no one this year. The Falcons exceeded just about everyone's expectations last season by finishing with a winning record and coming up just short of making the playoffs.

This year the playoffs are squarely in the team's sights, with Region 8 coaches picking the second-year program to finish second in the standings.

"We played to our expectations last year, even though most people had lower ones. So this year we again have high expectations and we definitely have a high standard," said Skyridge coach Jon Lehman. "So nothing changes. We believe we can be an even better team and we've set our own expectations."

The Falcons should have enough coming back to meet the expectations to finish second in region, if not win Region 8 altogether. Doing as much won't be easy, however, as there are several teams in region that will be tough to get by.

"There's really good programs in our region that are coached by very good coaches," Lehman said. "Teams seem to reload, and we expect that with Springville, certainly, and then Maple Mountain, Provo — all of them. Coaches know what they're doing and we're sure they'll reload and every week is going to be tough. I don't think we'll have even one easy region game."

Skyridge Falcons at a glance

Coach: Jon Lehman is in his second year coaching at Skyridge and went 6-5 his first season. The Ohio native taught at American Fork, where he was the defensive coordinator for six years.

Skyridge Offensive Snapshot

Offensive coordinator: Joel Lira

2016 offensive production: 32.3 ppg (7th in 4A)

-- 6 returning starters

-- Air Spread

Returning offensive starters

Ben Read (OL)

Kalil Hunkin (OL)

Hunter Williamson (RB)

Colby Samuels (WR)

Nathan Upham (WR)

Logan Sagapulo (OL)

Offensive newcomers to watch

Moses Niumatalolo (QB)

Jadyn Clemons (QB)

Lito Raass (OL)

Alex LaFord (OL)

Ty Solomon (OL)

Josh Anderegg (WR)

Baden Stambaugh (TE)

Jairus Satiu (WR)

Lehman's comments on his quarterback battle:

"It's a good battle. We have a couple of talented kids who are also very committed, hard-working and tough. Moses (Niumatalolo) is a great kid and I could say the exact same thing for Jadyn (Clemons). We feel comfortable with both of them doing the job, so you like that as a coach, even though going with just one of them is going to be a very difficult decision. We're prepared to play both, and we'll start the season comfortable playing both, but yeah, we'd like to rest on one of them. But we'll see how it plays out."

Lehman's comments on his wide receivers:

"We have some really talented guys and that's what we think will be the strength of our offense. We have guys like Colby Samuels, who is incredible, and then there's Nate Upham — same thing with him. These guys do everything well. And then we have a four or five guys along with them who are looking great. Guys are pushing each other and we're real confident at receiver this year."

Keys for Offensive Success in 2017:

Figuring out the quarterback situation will be key. Although Lehman is confident in his quarterbacks, he still cites question marks around the position. Also, proving a good identity will be key in creating a prolific offensive attack.

Skyridge Defensive Snapshot

Defensive coordinator: Jon Lehman

2016 defensive production: 24.6 ppg (13th in 4A)

-- 9 returning starters

-- 4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

Kalil Hunkin (DE)

Kani Taufa (OLB)

Mitchell Sampson (OLB)

Klayton Driggs (ILB)

Blayden Togiai (ILB)

Alex Palmer (DB)

Garrett Rusick (DB)

Eli Pulu (DB)

Jaxon Peck (DB)

Defensive newcomers to watch

Charles Raass (DL)

Logan Raass (DL)

Braxton Roberts (DL)

Ridge Harrell (DL)

Niko Toilolo (LB)

Hunter Williamson (LB)

Ty Arrington (DB)

Charlie Legaspy (DB)

Jordy Chapman (DB)

Lehman's comments on the strength of the defense:

“We're much more experienced on defense this year than we were last year. We went into the season with a lot of talent, but without a lot of experience. This year we have a lot of those same talented guys, but they're almost all experienced. So we think we can see a lot of improvement within our defense.”

Lehman's comments on Alex Palmer and his other defensive backs:

"Alex Palmer is the best corner(back) in the state, in my opinion. I'll put him up against anyone. He's gone up against top receivers and he's more than held his own. He always rises to the challenge, he's incredibly smart and he has a lot of character. We also like our other defensive backs and feel they'll be the strength for us, along with our linebackers."

Keys for Defensive Success in 2017:

Finding a productive defensive front will be a big key for the Falcons this season. There are some tough running teams in Region 8, most notably Springville and Wasatch, that will certainly test Skyridge's front four.

Coaches preseason Region 8 straw poll: Second

Deseret News Region 8 prediction: Second

Key Region Game: vs. Springville (Oct. 6)

Bottom line: Skyridge has the pieces in place to be a top Region 8 team and perhaps a team that makes a deep run in the 5A state playoffs. Players are excited about the program and the talent is there, for the most part. Look for the Falcons to be in every game they play and to legitimately compete for a region title.

2017 Schedule

Aug. 18 — RIVERTON, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 — at Murray, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 — ROY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 — at Viewmont, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 — SPANISH FORK, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 — at Provo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 — SPRINGVILLE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 — at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m.

Felt’s Facts for Skyridge High School

All-time record: 6-5 (1 year)

Region championships: 0

Playoff appearances: 0

Current playoff appearance streak: 0

All-time playoff record: 0-0

State championships: 0

State championship record: 0-0

Last 5

2016 — 6-5 (4-3 in Region 7 – Missed playoffs)

Skyridge coaching history

2016-current — Jon Lehman (6-5)

Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years

2016 — Wyatt Parkinson, WR

To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.