Note: Maple Mountain finished with a 7-4 overall record in 2015 and tied for third in Region 8 with a 3-3 record. It did not qualify for the playoffs.
Maple Mountain 2015 offensive and defensive stats
SPANISH FORK — You don't replace a talent like Jaren Hall at quarterback. Maple Mountain coach Brad Burtenshaw is aware of that fact, yet believes he has a team that can band together to replace the four-year starter at quarterback while collectively improving on last year's product.
Hall did it all with regards to throwing the ball downfield, running for yards outside of the pocket while even contributing a bit on defense and on special teams.
"He was a tremendous player for us, a guy I don't think comes around much," Burtenshaw said. "We were blessed to have him here, but you move on, and we have some great kids returning and other great kids ready to step up."
Replacing Hall at quarterback looks to be senior Tyson Denison, who has started for the Golden Eagles' junior varsity team.
"He doesn't have some of the tools Jaren did, but he knows the offense and he's played in some games for us when Jaren got hurt," Burtenshaw said. "He has good arm strength, and we're confident in him starting for us."
Denison will likely look often to throw the ball to Dawson Beutler, who led the team in receiving last season. Other contributing receivers are expected to be Cameron Asay and Brooks Oberhansley.
"Those will be the three guys we're looking to rely on at receiver with some other guys maybe stepping up. We'll see how it works out," Burtenshaw said.
Returning at running back is Harrison Casper, who will again be the assumed starter at his position.
The offensive line will be led by returning starters John Bishop and Harrison Allphin.
"I think we're going to be solid on the offensive line," Burtenshaw said. "We'll be young there, but think we have some younger guys who are ready to step in and do well."
On defense, Burtenshaw really likes his two expected starters at defensive end and the experience in his defensive backfield.
"We really like our defensive ends. They had like 19 sacks between them, and it's going to be good for us having them there," Burtenshaw said.
Those two defensive ends are Garred Blanthorne and Zack Mower.
The strength of the defense could very well be in the defensive backfield, however, where the Golden Eagles return Peyton Pond, Karter Shawn and Dawson Beutler, all of whom started last season along with Connor McKell, who is switching to linebacker this season.
"We definitely have questions at linebacker, but we have experienced and confident defensive backs and we'll lean on those guys a lot," Burtenshaw said.
Burtenshaw believes Springville is the team to beat in Region 8, but feels his team can legitimately compete for the region championship.
"Springville is the king of the hill, but I feel there's teams that can knock them off the hill, potentially, and I feel we're one of those teams," Burtenshaw said. "I really like this team a lot and feel we have a good amount of leaders and returning talent."
The key for the Golden Eagles will be the ability to maintain good positions with every game.
"We have an inexperienced quarterback and offensive line, and we really need to focus on staying in good positions. We can't be put in third and long and things like that too much," Burtenshaw said. "We need to focus on getting in positions where we're confident, and we need to be physical. We need to make teams earn what they get against us. Also not turning the ball over is always big. If we do those things, then I think we can be a real good football team."
Maple Mountain Golden Eagles at a glance
Coach: Brad Burtenshaw enters his seventh season as head coach. He's compiled a 33-43 overall record. He's a graduate of San Juan High.
Offense (4 returning starters; spread)
Offensive coordinator: Jerry Huffman
Offensive starters returning
John Bishop (OL)
Harrison Allphin (OL)
Harrison Casper (RB)
Dawson Beutler (WR)
Defense (6 returning starters; 3-4)
Defensive coordinator: Brad Burtenshaw
Defensive starters returning
Garred Blanthorne (DL)
Zack Mower (DL)
Peyton Pond (DB)
Karter Shaw (DB)
Dawson Beutler (DB)
Connor McKell (LB)
Coaches' preseason Region 8 straw poll: Second
Deseret New preseason Region 8 prediction: Second
Bottom line: Maple Mountain should be there competing for the Region 8 championship if it stays healthy. Depth is always an issue for the Golden Eagles, but if the linemen can remain healthy, along with Denison stepping up at quarterback, then the Golden Eagles should prove to be among the region's best with a chance of advancing in the postseason.
2016 schedule
Aug. 19 — at Woods Cross, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 — at Corner Canyon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — NORTH SANPETE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — SPRINGVILLE, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — AMERICAN FORK, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — at Spanish Fork, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 — UINTAH, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — WASATCH, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — at Payson, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m.
Felt's Facts for Maple Mountain High School
All-time record: 33-43 (7 years)
Region championships: 0
Playoff appearances: 4
Current playoff appearance streak: 0
All-time playoff record: 0-4
State championships: 0
State championship record: 0-0
Most played rivalry: 8 meetings with Salem Hills. Salem Hills leads series 5-3.
Felt’s Factoid(s): Eight schools have perfect records in overtime, but Maple Mountain, 3-0, has the most OT wins of that select group.
Last 5
2015 — 7-4 (3-3 in Region 8 — Missed playoffs)
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)
Maple Mountain coaching history
2009-current — Brad Burtenshaw (33-43)
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