High school football: Desert Hills Thunder 2020 preview

Note: Desert Hills finished with a 5-5 overall record in 2019 and was third in Region 9 with a 5-2 record. It was RPI seed No. 8 in the 4A playoffs, and was eliminated by Snow Canyon 42-31 in second round.

ST. GEORGE — In Desert Hills’ final two games of 2019, it gave up 55 points to Pine View and then 42 points to Snow Canyon. Those losses were microcosms of the season as it just couldn’t get off the field defensively often enough.

Head coach: Mark Murdoch

Entering his third season as head coach for Desert Hills, where he has recorded an 11-9 record the first three seasons. He’s a graduate of Payson High School and Snow College.

Coach Mark Murdoch is optimistic that won’t be the case in 2020 with nine returning defensive starters.

“So far this summer our defense has looked really good, so with a little more experience it will be fun and we’re excited to see what they can do,” said Murdoch, who said his defense will be a 50-50 mix of seniors and juniors.

The coaching staff plans to simplify the defense this season in hopes that experience and athleticism leads to more consistent results.

While the defense is largely set, the offense has plenty of question marks with a new quarterback and mostly new skill position players.

What isn’t a concern though is the offensive line as Payton Williams, Maguire May, Chance Richins and Jake Warner are all returning starters.

“Once we figure out who’s going to be the fifth person that we plug in there and the quarterback that will go a long way to helping us be decent on offense,” said Murdoch.

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Desert Hills Thunder at a glance

Coach Murdoch’s thoughts on how his players dealt the COVID-19 adversity in the spring and summer:

“They’ve handled it really well. If anything it made them more hungry to get out and be together, and to work together. It’s been good. Once we were able to get together in small groups the intensity was good and they were really getting after it. It was fun to see how they responded to that.”

Desert Hills offensive snapshot

Offensive coordinator: Mark Murdoch

2019 offense: 33.3 (7th in 4A)

2019 offensive statistics

• 5 returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Peyton Williams (OT)
• Maguire May (G)
• Chance Richins (C)
• Jake Warner (OT)
• Ethan Ford (RB)

Offensive newcomers to watch

• Hunter Bentley (QB)
• Noah Fuailetolo (QB)
• Braxton Turnbow (Slot)
• Josh Crandall (WR)
• Awsten Turnbow (WR)
• Brighton Bingham (TE)
• Eric Olsen (TE)
• Jake Buckway (TE)
• E.J. Alton (RB)
• Trey Leavitt (RB)

Coach Murdoch’s keys for offensive success in 2020:

“Really what it comes down to is our quarterback and his chemistry with the other guys. Last year, Logan Wilstead and the receivers spent a lot of time together and were really comfortable with each other and understood how things worked. So when it came to on-the-fly adjustments they were really comfortable with that. The sooner we can get to that this year will be better.”

Desert Hills defensive snapshot

Defensive coordinator: Wes Nunley

2019 defense: 35.8 ppg (18th in 4A)

2019 defensive statistics

• 9 returning starters
• 4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Braxton Turnbow (S)
• Awsten Turnbow (S/LB)
• Cy Nunley (LB)
• Scott Stokes (LB)
• Jake Wilkins (LB)
• Jake Buckway (LB/DE)
• Cordon Dell (CB)
• Robby Tangren (DT)
• Dawson Bundy (DT)

Coach Murdoch’s keys for offensive success in 2020:

“We’ve tried to simplify things so they don’t have to think so much, and it’s more just about them being athletes and making plays. During camp, defense always looks better than offense anyway because it’s easier for defenses to come along quicker, but our defense did look really good. Part of that is because they have a little more experience, but also they understand it a bit more and we’re just allowing them to go be athletes and make it happen.”

Deseret News outlook for 2020

A big focus this offseason and summer has been on improving the defense. Both from an Xs and Os standpoint, but also a physicality standpoint with Desert Hills expects to be better with nine returning starters. It won’t have to wait long to find out if it’s indeed better. After three preseason games, Desert Hills opens Region 9 play with the gauntlet of contenders, Pine View, Dixie and Snow Canyon in succession. Two wins during that stretch would be a great step toward trying to compete for the region title.

Felt’s Facts for Desert Hills

• All-time record: 86-48 (12 years)

• Region championships: 3 (2012 co, 2014 co, 2015 co)

• Playoff appearances: 12
• All-time playoff record: 16-9
• State championships: 2 (2013, 2016)
• State championship record: 2-1

• Most played rivalry: 14 meetings with Hurricane, Desert Hills leads 9-5

Last 5 Seasons

• 2019 — 5-5 (5-2 in Region 9 – 4A Second round)
• 2018 — 6-4 (5-1 in Region 9 – 4A First round)
• 2017 — 6-5 (4-2 in Region 9 – 4A Quarterfinals)
• 2016 — 10-2 (4-1 in 3AA South – 3A Champions)
• 2015 — 5-5 (4-1 in 3AA South – 3A Quarterfinals)

Desert Hills coaching history


• 2018-current — Mark Murdoch (11-9)
• 2012-2017 — Carl Franke (44-15) *2 state titles
• 2009-2011 — Jake Nelson (22-12)
• 2008 — Kevin Cuthbertson (3-7)

Deseret News All-State Archives

Check out our archives of Deseret News all-state teams from 1929 to 2019 at Deseret.com.

Desert Hills All-State at-a-glance

Deseret News MVPs the past 10 years


• 2016 — Nephi Sewell, DB

Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years


• 2018 — Kaige Baird, DE
• 2017 — Penei Sewell, OL
• 2016 — Penei Sewell, OT
• 2016 — Bundy Sewell, DT
• 2016 — Tyler Warner, LB
• 2016 — Ryan Hoppie, S
• 2015 — Justice Alo, OL
• 2015 — Badge Morris, LB
• 2015 — Zak Fuchs, DB
• 2014 — Bridger Cowdin, RB
• 2014 — Justice Alo, OL
• 2014 — Lausii Sewell, DL
• 2014 — Tucker Cowdin, LB
• 2014 — Gabriel Sewell, DB
• 2014 — Nephi Sewell, DB
• 2013 — Bridger Cowdin, RB

• 2013 — Brock Doman, OL

• 2013 — Jake Wagner, DL

• 2013 — Gabe Sewell, LB

• 2013 — Sil Bundy, LB

• 2013 — Braden Reber, DB

• 2012 — Ty Rutledge, QB

• 2012 — Josh Anderson, TE

• 2011 — Mike Needham, RB

• 2011 — Peter Brown, LB

• 2011 — Bud Pope, DB

• 2010 — Peter Brown, LB

• 2010 — Bud Pope, DB