High school football: Rich Rebels 2020 preview

Note: Rich finished with a 0-9 overall record in 2019 and was sixth in 2A North with a 0-5 record. It was RPI seed No. 13 in the 2A playoffs, and was eliminated by Duchesne 67-12 in first round.

RANDOLPH — In Justin Groll’s two years as Rich’s head football coach, his teams have struggled with a combined 2-17 record.

Head coach: Justin Groll

Entering his third season as head coach at his alma mater, posting a 2-17 record the past two years. He’s a graduate of Rich High School and Southern Utah University.

As one of the smallest programs in the state, it’s been tough for the Rebels to compete the past few years, and especially with so many contributing freshman and sophomores. The trend, however, may be changing in 2020.

“I’ve been playing some freshman and sophomore for the last couple years and now they’re juniors and seniors, so I should have some pretty good leadership. I’ve excited for the season,” said Groll.

Rich’s biggest strength may actually be the offensive line as Justin Adams, Riley Taylor, Colton Johnson and Hayden Weston are all returning starters.

“I think they’ll be able to figure things out pretty fast and come together. I’m fairly excited for them,” said Groll.

A year ago, Rich’s offense only averaged 7.3 points per game as it was shutout four times, but strong line play and an experienced starting quarterback could help that stat trend upward.

Rich Rebels at a glance

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

“I think it was just one of those years everyone was uncertain. They didn’t know if they’d even have a season or not, they were just hoping and doing what they could.”

2020 Schedule

Aug. 21 — at Kanab, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 — BEAR LAKE, IDAHO, 4 p.m.

Sept. 4 — at Cokeville, Wyo., 2 p.m.

Sept. 11 — GUNNISON VALLEY, 4 p.m.

Sept. 18 — at Layton Christian, 4 p.m.

Sept. 25 — at North Summit, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 — ENTERPRISE, 4 p.m.

Oct. 9 — DUCHESNE, 4 p.m.

Oct. 16 — at Monticello, 7 p.m.

Rich Offensive Snapshot

Offensive coordinator: Cooper Cornia

2019 offense: 7.3 ppg (13th in 2A)

2019 offensive statistics

• 7 returning starters
• RPO offense

Returning offensive starters

• Riley Carrillo (QB)
• Jaidyn Groll (WR)
• Konner Greer (WR)
• Justin Adams (C)
• Riley Taylor (OT)
• Colton Johnson (OG)
• Hayden Weston (OG)

Offensive newcomers to watch

• Hayden Meek (Slot)
• Ryker Conk (FB)
• Jaedon Rowe (FB)

Coach Groll’s keys for offensive success in 2020:

“We’ve got to have better blocking up front. With the experience, we should be able to actually block a little better. Holding onto the ball, we’re probably going to have to throw a little bit more, and we need to make sure if it’s thrown to you you’ve got to catch it.”

Rich Defensive Snapshot

Defensive coordinator: Glenn Smith

2019 defense: 40.1 ppg (13th in 2A)

2019 defensive statistics

• 6 returning starters
• 4-4 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Ryker Conk (LB)
• Riley Taylor (DE)
• Logan Muirbrook (DE)
• Jaidyn Groll (LB)
• Konner Greer (CB)
• Jaedon Rowe (LB)

Defensive newcomers to watch

• Hayden Meek (S)
• Travis Gifford (DL)

Coach Groll’s keys for defensive success in 2020:

“We’ve got to make sure we tackle, and probably the other thing is swarm to the ball wherever it goes. Those are two things we’re going to work on.”

Deseret News outlook for 2020

The gap between Rich and everyone else in 2A was pretty wide last year as Rich’s average margin of defeat was 33 points in a winless year. Simply being competitive and trying to win a couple of games against lower-level 2A teams may be the most realistic goal for Rich in 2020 as it looks to become relevant again after three straight losing seasons.

Felt’s Facts for Rich

• All-time record: 213-159 (35 years)

• Region championships: 5 (1991 co, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014)

• Playoff appearances: 35
• All-time playoff record: 39-29

• State championships: 6 (1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2009, 2014)

• State championship record: 6-7

• Most played rivalry: 44 meetings with Duchesne dating back to 1985. The series is tied 22-22.


Last 5 Seasons

• 2019 — 0-9 (0-5 in 2A North – 2A First round)
• 2018 — 2-8 (1-2 in 1A North - 1A Quarterfinals)
• 2017 — 1-9 (0-3 in 1A North – 1A Quarterfinals)
• 2016 — 6-5 (3-1 in 1A North - 1A Semifinals)
• 2015 — 5-6 (3-1 in 1A North - 1A Semifinals)

Rich coaching history


• 2018-current — Justin Groll (2-17)
• 2000-2017 — Ashley Brown (123-80) *3 State Titles
• 1991-1999 — Jerre Holmes (67-30) *3 State Titles
• 1989-1990 — Dan Haskell (8-12)

• 1985-1988 — Dean Scott (13-20)


Deseret News All-State Archives

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

Rich All-State at-a-glance

Deseret News MVPs the past 10 years


• 2014 — Cache Sabey, RB/LB

Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years


• 2019 —Stetson Huffaker, P
• 2018 — Jaden Nelson, OL/DL
• 2017 — Kinnen Clark, RB/LB
• 2016 — Riley Ostler, RB/DB
• 2016 — Nik Wallentine, WR/LB
• 2016 — Payson Willis, OL/DL
• 2015 — Koy Brown, QB/DB
• 2015 — Mitch Jarman, RB/LB
• 2015 — Kyler Clark, RB/LB
• 2015 — Ryland Frandsen, OL/LB
• 2014 — Koy Brown, QB/LB
• 2014 — Joseph Leifson, RB/DB
• 2014 — Kyler Clark, RB/LB
• 2014 — Wyatt Muirbrook, WR/DE
• 2014 — Jayden Wallentine, WR/DB
• 2014 — Ryley Smith, OL/DL
• 2013 — McKay Jarman, QB/DE

• 2013 — Dakota Clark, RB/DL

• 2013 — Skyler Argyle, TE?DE

• 2013 — Hawkan Cornia, OL/DL

• 2013 — Isaac Hopkin, OL/DL

• 2012 — Austin Groll, QB/DB

• 2012 — Kaden Thomson, RB/LB

• 2012 — McKay Jarman, WR/DL

• 2012 — Kade Earley, OL/DL

• 2011 — Austin Groll, QB/LB

• 2011 — Brady Meek, RB/LB, Rich

• 2011 — Bracken Pinter, TE/DE

• 2010 — Kayden Calder, QB/DB

• 2010 — Kalen Larsen, OL/DL

• 2010 — Cody Groll, RB/DB

• 2010 — Phillip Peart, OL/LB