Cottonwood: Season preview
By John Coon
The Deseret News
Published Aug. 3, 2009
Cottonwood's final season in the 4A ranks turned out memorable in several ways.
The Colts posted an undefeated regular season record. They boasted a defense that yielded just 15.4
points per game – a number which placed Cottonwood 4th among 4A schools. Offensively, the team
showcased an equally dominant streak. Cottonwood scored 38.5 points per game. Only Timpview boasted
a better scoring offense in 4A.
Those numbers spoke to the Colts' all-around strength. But they also
lost some of their luster after the T-Birds edged Cottonwood 34-28 in
the 4A championship game to claim a third consecutive state title.
Closing out a season on such a final note left a sour taste for many
on the Colts roster afterward.
"Last year wasn't good enough," senior defensive back Kyle Aberton
said. "We have to build."
Cottonwood's construction project begins with a return to 5A.
Considering the materials the Colts have to start from, what they build
this season should resemble a fortress from the perspective of their
opponents.
It all starts with a defense returning eight starters from that
formidable '08 unit. All of the defensive linemen have returned, with
only two seniors up front. Cottonwood also enjoys plenty of depth at
the linebacker position.
The secondary is probably the strongest component, with a pair of
seasoned cornerbacks – Aberton and fellow senior Etu Moli – leading
the way. Moli and Aberton combined for 106 tackles and seven
interceptions as juniors last season.
Perhaps the trait that most defines the '09 version of the Colt defense is the speed it possesses. While
last year's group was fast, head coach Cecil Thomas believes the
defensive side of the ball will prove to be even quicker this fall.
"It's like a pack of wolves getting into a piece of meat," Thomas said.
"They all want a part of the football, so they fly around and get after it."
As bright as things look for Cottonwood on defense, the offense
might not miss a step either. The Colts graduated several stars
including John Martinez, Isi Sofele and Steve Romero. But they also
return six starters on that side of the ball.
Depth and talent are most pronounced among the receivers. Jason
Lundquist will be counted on to lead after catching 48 passes for 917
yards and eight touchdowns during his junior season. Spencer
Larsen, Tim Glenn and Chandler Hudson also have plenty of potential
to be go-to targets in the team's passing attack.
"Honestly, it seems like every year our receivers get better and better,"
Thomas said. "This group is by far the deepest, (most) talented and fastest group we've had here."
A new quarterback, Crosby Jensen, will be counted on to find them in crunch time. Jensen saw only mop-
up time behind Romero in '08, but the senior is well-versed in the Cottonwood offense after leading the JV
team a year ago. He feels prepared to step into a bigger role on a bigger stage.
"With our offense and all that we've been taught, it's not brand new to me," Jensen said. "I have high
expectations for myself to lead this team and I know that we all can do that with our coaches that we have in
this program."
Given how much of last season's team is intact, it comes as no surprise the Colts are being mentioned
as state title contenders in 5A. Winning a championship is a goal Cottonwood aims to turn into reality come
November.
"Our kids work and train and prep themselves year round," Thomas said. "(They) put themselves in a
position to play for a state championship. There's nothing else on their mind but that. That's the expectation.
That's why they work."
By John Coon
The Deseret News
Published Aug. 3, 2009
Cottonwood's final season in the 4A ranks turned out memorable in several ways.
The Colts posted an undefeated regular season record. They boasted a defense that yielded just 15.4
points per game – a number which placed Cottonwood 4th among 4A schools. Offensively, the team
showcased an equally dominant streak. Cottonwood scored 38.5 points per game. Only Timpview boasted
a better scoring offense in 4A.
Those numbers spoke to the Colts' all-around strength. But they also
lost some of their luster after the T-Birds edged Cottonwood 34-28 in
the 4A championship game to claim a third consecutive state title.
Closing out a season on such a final note left a sour taste for many
on the Colts roster afterward.
"Last year wasn't good enough," senior defensive back Kyle Aberton
said. "We have to build."
Cottonwood's construction project begins with a return to 5A.
Considering the materials the Colts have to start from, what they build
this season should resemble a fortress from the perspective of their
opponents.
It all starts with a defense returning eight starters from that
formidable '08 unit. All of the defensive linemen have returned, with
only two seniors up front. Cottonwood also enjoys plenty of depth at
the linebacker position.
The secondary is probably the strongest component, with a pair of
seasoned cornerbacks – Aberton and fellow senior Etu Moli – leading
the way. Moli and Aberton combined for 106 tackles and seven
interceptions as juniors last season.
Perhaps the trait that most defines the '09 version of the Colt defense is the speed it possesses. While
last year's group was fast, head coach Cecil Thomas believes the
defensive side of the ball will prove to be even quicker this fall.
"It's like a pack of wolves getting into a piece of meat," Thomas said.
"They all want a part of the football, so they fly around and get after it."
As bright as things look for Cottonwood on defense, the offense
might not miss a step either. The Colts graduated several stars
including John Martinez, Isi Sofele and Steve Romero. But they also
return six starters on that side of the ball.
Depth and talent are most pronounced among the receivers. Jason
Lundquist will be counted on to lead after catching 48 passes for 917
yards and eight touchdowns during his junior season. Spencer
Larsen, Tim Glenn and Chandler Hudson also have plenty of potential
to be go-to targets in the team's passing attack.
"Honestly, it seems like every year our receivers get better and better,"
Thomas said. "This group is by far the deepest, (most) talented and fastest group we've had here."
A new quarterback, Crosby Jensen, will be counted on to find them in crunch time. Jensen saw only mop-
up time behind Romero in '08, but the senior is well-versed in the Cottonwood offense after leading the JV
team a year ago. He feels prepared to step into a bigger role on a bigger stage.
"With our offense and all that we've been taught, it's not brand new to me," Jensen said. "I have high
expectations for myself to lead this team and I know that we all can do that with our coaches that we have in
this program."
Given how much of last season's team is intact, it comes as no surprise the Colts are being mentioned
as state title contenders in 5A. Winning a championship is a goal Cottonwood aims to turn into reality come
November.
"Our kids work and train and prep themselves year round," Thomas said. "(They) put themselves in a
position to play for a state championship. There's nothing else on their mind but that. That's the expectation.
That's why they work."
| At a glance Coach: Cecil Thomas enters his 3rd season at Cottonwood with a 23-3 record. Key players: The Colts return several important contributors on both sides of the ball. Kyle Aberton and Etu Moli will be defensive leaders and could make the secondary one of 5A's best. Senior quarterback Crosby Jensen is untested at the varsity level, but he will have plenty of talented receivers to throw to – led by Jason Lundquist, the team's No. 2 receiver last season. Strengths: Experience is a huge asset for Cottonwood. The Colts return a total of 14 starters. Eight of those are on defense, which should be great news for a unit that already ranked among the top five in 4A a year ago. Weaknesses: Although Cottonwood does return six starters on offense, they must replace a few key contributors. Running back, in particular, could be a big question mark as Isi Sofele will be a tough act to follow. As a senior, Sofele rushed for 1,907 yards and 32 touchdowns to lead all classifications. Predicted Region 2 finish: 1st Postseason possibilities: Cottonwood certainly has the right mix of elements on its roster to make a successful title run. But with Alta and Bingham looking equally strong, the road to the 5A title game might prove tougher than getting to the 4A final was last season. Still, the Colts appear a lock for at least a semifinal berth. |