Granger Lancers
On Aug. 12, the Deseret News published its preview of the Granger High School football team. Here is what
was written by reporter John Coon.
Entrenched in the sports tradition at Granger is a time when the football program was a force in its region and
in the state. The Lancers are only a decade removed from their glory days under former coach Ray Groth,
when playoff appearances were expected and Granger football bruised opponents on the field.
Second-year Lancers coach Jonny Matich played against those teams. He is convinced that his current crop
of players can restore that winning tradition - and perhaps ascend even higher.
"This year's team can be better than any of the teams in the '90s," Matich said.
Granger is still keeping its aspirations realistic. There is no talk of claiming region or state titles. The Lancers
are not taking measurements for a new trophy case. For now, their focus is on taking small steps.
It starts with getting three or four victories in region play and a middle-of-the-pack finish. If all goes well, a
playoff berth will follow.
Matich has already accomplished one important goal. He has his players finally believing Granger can be
competitive again. The Lancers don't own an attitude you would expect from a program that has struggled so
much since its glory days.
"I feel like we've made a whole new different team," senior lineman Tyrone Fina'i said. "Just completely
different. We don't have anybody bringing anyone down. Everybody is helping each other out."
In their quest to become more of a factor in Region 6, the Lancers also have experience on their side.
Thirteen starters return from a year ago - a few of which made important contributions on both sides of the
ball.
"It's going to help a lot because, people from last year - we know the plays," senior lineman Meili Valele said.
Experience should help on both the line and at running back.
Valele anchors the line on both sides of the ball and is an athletic player whom Matich considers one of the
best in the state at his position. Manu Mulitalo and Fina'i add further senior leadership and solid physical
presences.
At least a couple could end up signing with Division I schools. Mulitalo has drawn interest from Oregon,
Washington, BYU and Utah. BYU has also looked at Valele.
In the backfield, Samani could be poised for a breakout year as Granger's featured back after showing some
promise in limited minutes last fall. Matich noted that he has earned his spot by improving himself on the
football field and in the classroom.
Quarterback duties will fall on the shoulders of newcomer Brentt Phillips. Phillips is only a sophomore, but
he is already impressing teammates and coaches with his leadership in practice.
"He's extremely poised for being a young kid," Matich said. "He does the right things and works hard. I think
he's going to be awesome. I'm excited to have him for three years."
Defensively, the Lancers return nine starters. Matich is looking for bigger strides from that group. He wants to
see more stinginess in the red zone and a much stronger secondary that can be effective in the 4-2-5 defense
he hopes to use in certain situations.
On Aug. 12, the Deseret News published its preview of the Granger High School football team. Here is what
was written by reporter John Coon.
Entrenched in the sports tradition at Granger is a time when the football program was a force in its region and
in the state. The Lancers are only a decade removed from their glory days under former coach Ray Groth,
when playoff appearances were expected and Granger football bruised opponents on the field.
Second-year Lancers coach Jonny Matich played against those teams. He is convinced that his current crop
of players can restore that winning tradition - and perhaps ascend even higher.
"This year's team can be better than any of the teams in the '90s," Matich said.
Granger is still keeping its aspirations realistic. There is no talk of claiming region or state titles. The Lancers
are not taking measurements for a new trophy case. For now, their focus is on taking small steps.
It starts with getting three or four victories in region play and a middle-of-the-pack finish. If all goes well, a
playoff berth will follow.
Matich has already accomplished one important goal. He has his players finally believing Granger can be
competitive again. The Lancers don't own an attitude you would expect from a program that has struggled so
much since its glory days.
"I feel like we've made a whole new different team," senior lineman Tyrone Fina'i said. "Just completely
different. We don't have anybody bringing anyone down. Everybody is helping each other out."
In their quest to become more of a factor in Region 6, the Lancers also have experience on their side.
Thirteen starters return from a year ago - a few of which made important contributions on both sides of the
ball.
"It's going to help a lot because, people from last year - we know the plays," senior lineman Meili Valele said.
Experience should help on both the line and at running back.
Valele anchors the line on both sides of the ball and is an athletic player whom Matich considers one of the
best in the state at his position. Manu Mulitalo and Fina'i add further senior leadership and solid physical
presences.
At least a couple could end up signing with Division I schools. Mulitalo has drawn interest from Oregon,
Washington, BYU and Utah. BYU has also looked at Valele.
In the backfield, Samani could be poised for a breakout year as Granger's featured back after showing some
promise in limited minutes last fall. Matich noted that he has earned his spot by improving himself on the
football field and in the classroom.
Quarterback duties will fall on the shoulders of newcomer Brentt Phillips. Phillips is only a sophomore, but
he is already impressing teammates and coaches with his leadership in practice.
"He's extremely poised for being a young kid," Matich said. "He does the right things and works hard. I think
he's going to be awesome. I'm excited to have him for three years."
Defensively, the Lancers return nine starters. Matich is looking for bigger strides from that group. He wants to
see more stinginess in the red zone and a much stronger secondary that can be effective in the 4-2-5 defense
he hopes to use in certain situations.
MatchupUT.com Phone: (801) 520-4330 Email: Bruce@matchupUT.com
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