High school football: Maple Mountain Golden Eagles 2020 preview

Note: Maple Mountain finished with a 5-6 overall record in 2019 and was fifth in Region 8 with a 2-4 record. It was RPI seed No. 16 in the 5A playoffs, and was eliminated by Bountiful 28-18 in first round.

SPANISH FORK — Maple Mountain coach Brad Burtenshaw was a bit surprised to hear of the news, but generally feels it’s a good thing.

Head coach: Brad Burtenshaw

The only head coach in Maple Mountain’s history, Burtenshaw is entering his 12^th season as head coach with a 50-72 record over that stretch. He’s a graduate of San Juan High School and the University of Utah.

In a poll of Region 8 coaches, the Golden Eagles were tabbed as the favorite to win the region, given the program’s returning talent and existing strengths.

“I thought it would probably be Salem Hills after what they did last year and I know they have several returning starters,” Burtenshaw said. “But I guess it’s a good thing for us to be thought of highly by our opponents. Kids have worked hard and we have some good returning players.”

Indeed the Golden Eagles return some prominent threats on the outside and returning quarterback Tyler Nelson, among others on offense, and could prove even stronger on the defensive side.

“We feel we have good experience and talent at most positions, with some sports to fill here and there,” Burtenshaw said. “Overall we feel we can be a really good team this year if we stay healthy and if kids just have their minds right and continue to work. I’m excited.”

Maple Mountain Golden Eagles at a glance

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

“I think the boys are handling it really well. I think that they’ve done a lot of good things on their own while getting through all the adjustments. I feel like times are really different. When I was growing up Michael Jordan scores 40 points with the flu, and if you’re sick, you be a tough guy and play through it. But now through the spring season you stay home if you have the slightest cold, because you don’t want to shut down the season. It’s just hard to grasp, but we’re doing what we can to keep kids safe and to keep the season going.”

2020 Schedule

Aug. 14 — at Cedar Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 21 — at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 — TIMPANOGOS, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4 — at Springville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 — MURRAY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 — at Wasatch, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 — SPANISH FORK, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 — at Mountain Ridge, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 — PROVO, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 — at Salem Hills, 7 p.m.

Maple Mountain Offensive Snapshot

Offensive coordinator: Clay Denton

2019 offense: 28.7 ppg (10th in 5A)

2019 offensive statistics

• 6 returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Tyler Nelson (QB)
• Kyson Hall (WR)
• Brian Bess (WR)
• Aedan Seiuli (WR)
• Colton Butterfield (OL)
• Brooks Maughan (OL)

Offensive newcomers to watch

• Brett King (OL)

Coach Burtenshaw’s keys for offensive success in 2020:

“We have good speed on the outside and having a quarterback return with experience is always a good thing. The key for us will be solidifying the offensive line and finding out depth there. If we can find a group up front that can protect Tyler well and produce a good run game, then I think we can be a good offense.”

Maple Mountain Defensive Snapshot

Defensive coordinator: Brad Burtenshaw

2019 defense: 24.5 ppg (15th in 5A)

2019 defensive statistics

• 7 returning starters
• Multiple defense

Returning defensive starters

• Cameron Simons (DL)
• Drake Murdoch (DL)
• Trevin Hubbard (DL)
• Derek Blanthorn (LB)
• Teddy Wright (DB)
• Aedan Seiuli (DB)
• Ethan Davis (DB)

Defensive newcomers to watch

• Cole McAllister (DB)
• Bryson Bliss (LB)
• Carson Golding (DE)

Coach Burtenshaw’s keys for defensive success in 2020:

“We feel really good about our defense. We have a lot of guys back and then some more ready to step up. If we stay healthy, then I think we have the guys to be really good on defense this year.”

Deseret News outlook for 2020

Maple Mountain should be able to finish at least near the top of Region 8 given its impressive list of returning starters. It won’t be easy, however, as Salem Hills returns a lot of good talent, too, along with Wasatch. Provo should take a step back, though, and the Golden Eagles are certainly a good bet to finish on top when it’s all settled.

Felt’s Facts for Maple Mountain

• All-time record: 49-73 (11 years)

• Region championships: 0

• Playoff appearances: 7
• All-time playoff record: 2-7

• State championships: 0

• State championship record: 0-0

• Most played rivalry: 12 meetings with Salem Hills. Salem Hills leads series 8-4.


Last 5 Seasons

• 2019 — 5-6 (2-4 in Region 8 – 5A First round)
• 2018 — 4-8 (2-3 in Region 8 – 5A First round)
• 2017 — 0-10 (0-5 in Region 8 – Missed playoffs)
• 2016 — 7-6 (5-1 in Region 8 – 4A Semifinals)
• 2015 — 7-4 (3-3 in Region 8 – Missed playoffs)

Maple Mountain coaching history


• 2009-current — Brad Burtenshaw (50-72)


Deseret News All-State Archives

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

Maple Mountain All-State at-a-glance

Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years


• 2018 — Kaden Crowther, MLB
• 2016 — Garred Blanthorn, DE