The Preseason RivalsHigh 100 | Vote: Where is the best HS football played? | High School Network

Steve Brawner
Special to Rivals High

Last year, Alta finished with a 13-1 record after beating Bingham, 21-17, in the state championship game. The Hawks also won the 2007 championship over Layton.

For Alta, Friday's clash with Cottonwood is just the start of a difficult schedule that includes Bingham in the second game of the season.

But the team has the talent to win despite the tough schedule. While the Hawks' quarterback, Jordan Brown, did not start last year, he did make the most of his limited playing time by going 17-for-22 passing for 239 yards. His weapons include running backs Bryan Finnerty and Adrian Jefferson, neither of whom saw a lot of touches last year, and receivers Tyron Morris and Zach Liston.

The offensive line features senior left tackle Jordan Black, a 6-7, 245-pound two-star recruit who has already committed to Brigham Young, and right guard Lundon Smith. On defense, the Hawks will be led by linebackers Toloai Ho-Ching and Parker Hausknech. Ho-Ching (6-1, 225 pounds), is a three-star recruit that Rivals.com ranks as the nation's 24th best inside linebacker. He runs a 4.61-second 40 and already has an offer from Brigham Young. Hausknech is a Utah State commit.

Experience isn't a problem for the Cottonwood Colts, who were undefeated last season until the 4A state championships, when they lost a heartbreaker to Timpview, 34-28. The Colts return eight starters on defense and six on offense. Every member of the defensive line is returning, though one is injured, and all of the starters are juniors. Both cornerbacks, Kyle Aberton and Etu Moli, are returning, as are all but one linebacker.

Meanwhile, Crosby Jensen will take over as quarterback of Coach Cecil Thomas' no-huddle spread offense. Jensen started one game last year and saw plenty of action after the Colts built up big leads. According to Thomas, Jensen has had a good offseason and is stepping into his role as a team leader. "He's a kid who's been in the system the last four years," Thomas said. "He has kind of waited in the wings for his turn, so here's his opportunity, and he's prepared himself the right way to be ready to go."

He'll have at least four receivers, all seniors, from which to choose: Jason Lundquist, Spencer Larsen, Tim Glenn and Chandler Hudson. In fact, Thomas said it was his best, and fastest, receiving corps since he started coaching the Colts. The four wideouts mentioned all have run a 4.5 40 or better. The line is anchored by 6-3, 290-pound senior guard Taani Fisilau.

The biggest problem for Cottonwood is replacing running back Isi Sofele, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last season. Two juniors, Richie Vakapuna, a power runner, and Nadan Hosea - who has more breakaway speed - will share the load at running back at least the first part of the season.

Thomas said his 27 seniors have been working hard to win the school's first state championship. Voluntary offseason conditioning drew 85-95 players daily, the most ever. Thomas said the Colts are motivated by last year's state final loss as they prepare for this new season - this time at one classification higher, 5A. "The coaching staff, it's been a long winter for us," he said. "When you get to that point and lose that game, it takes a long time to get over it, and I feel like the kids feel the same way."

Thomas said opening the season by playing the two-time defending state champion will let coaches know exactly how far the team has come. "It's exciting, I'll tell you that much," Thomas said. "And it's early enough to where whatever the outcome may be, we'll be able to learn from this first week. It's a great opener. You want to be able to play the best you can play and have the kids rise up to that challenge where we need to be."

WEEKEND WATCH: No. 82 Alta Hawks vs Cottonwood Colts
KEY TO THE GAME: Alta Hawks
Alta	The Hawks have a new starting quarterback, and their running backs saw little action last year. Jordan Black and the rest of the offensive line must open up holes and protect the quarterback. The defense, led by three-star recruit Toloai Ho-Ching, must slow down Cottonwood's potent spread offense.
KEY TO THE GAME: Cottonwood Colts
Cottonwood	The Colts return 14 starters from last year's 4A state championship runner-up team and are experienced at every position. Pressuring Alta's inexperienced backfield will help their cause. Their own running backs will carry a heavy load replacing Isi Sofele, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards last year.
Note: Big Game Performance
Alta has won two straight state championships, while Cottonwood has never won a state title and lost in last year's finals in a smaller classification. Cottonwood is hungry, but Alta is a proven winner. Will that have an effect if the game is close at the end?
RivalsHigh Prediction
Two experienced and well coached teams will square off to open the season in Utah. While this isn't quite a battle for an early season lead in the state it is important nationally because of what Utah football is starting to gain in respect. Look for a very good game with the Hawks keeping pace with the high scoring Colts. In the end Alta will make a play or two more and come away with a hard fought win. Alta 27, Cottonwood 20.