Cyprus Pirates
On Aug. 14, the Deseret News published its preview of the Cyprus High School football team. Here is what
was written by reporter John Coon.
When it comes to football, respect is one thing Cyprus craves more than anything else.
The Pirates have often struggled to avoid finishing in the cellar throughout this decade. Matching the depth
and talent of more prosperous Region 6 rivals is often an issue keeping Cyprus from setting sail for that
elusive higher level.
It is safe to say the Pirates want to use this season to prove they can be as much of a title contender as
anyone else in their region.
"Our reputation around the state is that we're from Magna and we're nobody," senior lineman Kevin Haynes
said. "All it takes is one year to change everybody's viewpoint. This could be the year."
Cyprus took some positive steps toward setting up a memorable season last fall. The Pirates took many
people by surprise after stringing together a 5-1 start and claiming a spot in the 4A playoffs.
Along the way, Cyprus completed a season with a winning record for the first time since 2002.
The Pirates converted plenty of believers coming into this season. Region 6 coaches projected them to finish
among region's top half with perennial powers Cottonwood, Highland and East.
If Cyprus lives up to such expectations, it may start with defense. The Pirates shut down many opponents with
ease a year ago, allowing 13.2 points per game in their first six games.
Several pieces are in place for another strong group to emerge on that side of the ball. Two of the team's
better tacklers - Haynes and Jordan Pulou - are back. Vinny Mirable also returns to anchor a deep secondary.
"Our defense is going to be the strongest point for us," Haynes said.
More question marks exist on offense. Cyprus has some depth with its backs and receivers, but little to none
on the offensive line. Pirates head coach Sonny Sudbury graduated several big linemen from last year and
lost others to academic issues.
If injuries become a problem, a lack of depth could be a roadblock to success.
"It's nice to have skill kids, but you got to have horses up there," Sudbury said.
Cyprus also faces some uncertainty at quarterback. Chris Peel, who is expected to be the starter, has dealt
with injuries the past two seasons. The Pirates lost him for the season a year ago, after he suffered an injury
in the second game.
If Peel stays healthy, his teammates think he can make good things happen.
"He's going to make mistakes like any quarterback, but he's a great thrower," Pulou said. "Throws catchable
balls and he's a smart kid."
On Aug. 14, the Deseret News published its preview of the Cyprus High School football team. Here is what
was written by reporter John Coon.
When it comes to football, respect is one thing Cyprus craves more than anything else.
The Pirates have often struggled to avoid finishing in the cellar throughout this decade. Matching the depth
and talent of more prosperous Region 6 rivals is often an issue keeping Cyprus from setting sail for that
elusive higher level.
It is safe to say the Pirates want to use this season to prove they can be as much of a title contender as
anyone else in their region.
"Our reputation around the state is that we're from Magna and we're nobody," senior lineman Kevin Haynes
said. "All it takes is one year to change everybody's viewpoint. This could be the year."
Cyprus took some positive steps toward setting up a memorable season last fall. The Pirates took many
people by surprise after stringing together a 5-1 start and claiming a spot in the 4A playoffs.
Along the way, Cyprus completed a season with a winning record for the first time since 2002.
The Pirates converted plenty of believers coming into this season. Region 6 coaches projected them to finish
among region's top half with perennial powers Cottonwood, Highland and East.
If Cyprus lives up to such expectations, it may start with defense. The Pirates shut down many opponents with
ease a year ago, allowing 13.2 points per game in their first six games.
Several pieces are in place for another strong group to emerge on that side of the ball. Two of the team's
better tacklers - Haynes and Jordan Pulou - are back. Vinny Mirable also returns to anchor a deep secondary.
"Our defense is going to be the strongest point for us," Haynes said.
More question marks exist on offense. Cyprus has some depth with its backs and receivers, but little to none
on the offensive line. Pirates head coach Sonny Sudbury graduated several big linemen from last year and
lost others to academic issues.
If injuries become a problem, a lack of depth could be a roadblock to success.
"It's nice to have skill kids, but you got to have horses up there," Sudbury said.
Cyprus also faces some uncertainty at quarterback. Chris Peel, who is expected to be the starter, has dealt
with injuries the past two seasons. The Pirates lost him for the season a year ago, after he suffered an injury
in the second game.
If Peel stays healthy, his teammates think he can make good things happen.
"He's going to make mistakes like any quarterback, but he's a great thrower," Pulou said. "Throws catchable
balls and he's a smart kid."
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