Note: West Jordan finished with a 3-7 overall record in 2014 and was fifth in Region 3 with a 1-4 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.
WEST JORDAN — Mike Meifu was in town recruiting for Southern Virginia University when the head coaching job at his alma mater came available.
He and his young family were looking to return to home and family.
Add to that the opportunity to work at West Jordan, the school where he received his own football education.
The entire scenario worked out perfectly.
"It was just one of those things that fell into place," said Meifu, the Jaguars' new first-year head coach. "I've had success here and loved the school. It's real good being back."
Being back has meant taking ownership of a team that is on its third coach in four years. In spite of the turnover, though, Meifu said his team is weathering the storm behind strong senior leadership.
"They've done a great job handling the whole situation," he said. "They've come in and worked hard all summer. I'm real excited about our progress and being able to translate that onto the field."
One of those difference makers is senior Atunaisa Mahe, a defensive lineman Meifu describes as the Jaguars' rock.
"He's our rock, he's our nose, he's our best player," the coach said, adding that there was significant Division I buzz following Mahe around before he committed to BYU. "He's strong, and he'll be a stud for us."
Also returning to the defensive line are Alden Tofa and Noah Kinikini, two powerful, 6-foot-5 juniors.
Two newcomers to the Jaguar defense, players Meifu expects great things from, are corners Michael Ponce and Julius Rivera.
Offensively, "there are a couple of guys that I'm looking at to make some big strides," Meifu said.
This year, West Jordan will be led by junior quarterback Dylan Krans, a player who completed four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in just 10 passing opportunities last season. Krans, who Meifu described as a kid with a bright future, will be working with tight end Dallin Jamison and wide receiver Mack Wakley.
Players returning to anchor the offense include linemen Tryce Leuluai and Scotty Clayburn, receivers Dalton Kelsch and Hunter Christensen, and running back Keenan Galeai.
"They're strong kids, great teammates," Meifu said of his core group of senior leaders, adding that the chemistry this team has created amidst the coaching changes is crucial to the Jaguars' success this season and moving forward.
"That's the key with any football team," he said. "All the great ones love spending time around each other and work well together. That's what we're trying to build."
West Jordan Jaguars at a glance
Head Coach: Mike Meifu is entering his first season as West Jordan’s head coach. He is a graduate of West Jordan High and Snow College.
Offense (5 returning starters; Multiple Shotgun offense)
Offensive coordinator: Mike Meifu
Returning offensive starters
Tryce Leuluai (OL)
Scotty Clayburn (OL)
Dalton Kelsch (WR)
Hunter Christensen (WR)
Keenan Galeai (RB)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Dylan Krans (QB)
Alden Tofa (OL)
Dallin Jamison (TE)
Mack Wakley (WR)
Defense (8 returning starters, 3-4 defense)
Defensive coordinator: Chris Bocage (First year as assistant)
Returning defensive starters
Atunaisa Mahe (DL)
Alden Tofa (DL)
Noah Kinikini (DL)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Michael Ponce (DB)
Julius Rivera (DB)
Coaches preseason 3A South straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News 3A South prediction: Sixth
Bottom line: With so many coaching changes in so few years, it would be easy for the Jaguars to disengage with yet another new philosophy. But the team has not done that. New head coach Mike Meifu says the key to the Jags' success will be his players' ability to adapt quickly and trust one another. That, and playing fundamentally sound and physical. "To me, that's the only way West Jordan can play football: physical," Meifu said.
Last 5
2014 — 3-7 (1-4 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2013 — 1-9 (0-5 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2012 — 2-8 (2-3 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2011 — 3-6 (1-4 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2010 — 4-6 (2-4 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
West Jordan coaching history
2015 — Mike Meifu (0-0)
2013-2014 — Daniel Dupaix (4-16)
1999-2012 — Mike Morgan (66-68)
1997-1998 — Brent Hawkins (6-14)
1989-1996 — Rick Bojak (48-33)
1985-1988 — Tom Molen (3-34)
1981-1984 — Larry Sanich (6-28)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2010 — Martavius Redmond WR
2005 — Mike Meifu, RB
2004 — Rio Stotler, DL
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Sarah Thomas earned a degree in Mathematics from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MBA at Westminster College. She has been covering sports for the Deseret News since 2008.