Second-year coach finds positives in season
But Matich knows there is much work to do after
two-win season to get the Lancers competitive again
By John Renshaw
Special to the Tribune
Only four teams remain in 4A's football state tournament, meaning every other
program is regrouping for the future.
The Granger Lancers are no exception.
In a highly competitive region with Cottonwood and East setting the standard, Lancers coach Jonny Matich
realizes it's going to take time to get his team competitive again. The Lancers were hoping to produce more
wins in 2008 but no one could've foreseen the adversity they faced this past season.
In addition to a young team on the field, Matich and his staff suffered a real blow psychologically when an
assistant coach was physically attacked after a nonregion game. But no matter what the issues were on or
off the field, the second-year coach couldn't be happier how the Lancers responded.
"This year, like last year, was a big learning season. This team and my coaching staff learned a lot about
getting up and facing adversity. This team came together in tough times and continued fighting until the final
game," he said. "It would have been easy for players and coaches to hang it up after some of the things we
went through. However, we knew we had to finish."
Going 2-8 is no picnic for anybody. But Matich says although the record didn't show progress, there was
tremendous growth in its underclassmen buying into the program. No underclassmen played more of a
significant role this season than sophomore quarterback Brentt Phillips. It's not easy to learn on the job,
and only he knows how difficult it was, but he was ready for it.
The biggest challenge wasn't learning schemes or playbooks according to Phillips. Rather, sliding into the
role of team leader posed barriers, saying it took time for teammates to accept a sophomore captaining the
ship.
Learning different coverages and adapting to the speed of varsity football was not easy, which was evident
in his stats early on. But what was once a 34 percent completion percentage improved to 44 percent in the
second half. That's an encouraging sign for things to come.
"It's been a great experience . . . such an adrenaline rush playing quarterback," Phillips said.
Matich and Phillips developed a strong chemistry. With Matich calling the plays, Phillips says he was more
than understanding considering the growing pains of a young quarterback. Matich says having 10 games
under the sophomore's belt will pay dividends for the future.
"We have several positives, and yes a sophomore QB that has 10 varsity starts under his belt is huge. Our
offense put up some big numbers the past few games of the year. I hope to build on that," Matich said.
Football no longer is a three-month sport. It's now as competitive as ever and literally is a year-round
occupation. So it's back to work for a driven staff determined to right the ship.
"My coaching staff will go to work with offseason stuff. We will be in the weight room. We will have a big
emphasis on team speed. We need to become a faster team," Matich said. "We'll break down film and
learn and correct problem areas with schemes, continuing to learn. We always emphasize future Lancers.
But our biggest problem will be correcting speed. Furthermore, we will continue to improve the
student-athletes' performance in the classroom."
Other key underclassmen returning in 2009 are: running back's Kaimana Wright and Samson Faifili, and
left tackle Manu Mulitalo.
Building for 2009
* Sophomore quarterback Brentt Phillips started all 10 games for Granger this season.
* Phillips completed 44 percent of his passes this season and threw for nearly 700 yards.
* Granger's coaching staff will work on improving its program during the offseason.
* Football is a year-round sport and Granger will continue to work on building future Lancers.
But Matich knows there is much work to do after
two-win season to get the Lancers competitive again
By John Renshaw
Special to the Tribune
Only four teams remain in 4A's football state tournament, meaning every other
program is regrouping for the future.
The Granger Lancers are no exception.
In a highly competitive region with Cottonwood and East setting the standard, Lancers coach Jonny Matich
realizes it's going to take time to get his team competitive again. The Lancers were hoping to produce more
wins in 2008 but no one could've foreseen the adversity they faced this past season.
In addition to a young team on the field, Matich and his staff suffered a real blow psychologically when an
assistant coach was physically attacked after a nonregion game. But no matter what the issues were on or
off the field, the second-year coach couldn't be happier how the Lancers responded.
"This year, like last year, was a big learning season. This team and my coaching staff learned a lot about
getting up and facing adversity. This team came together in tough times and continued fighting until the final
game," he said. "It would have been easy for players and coaches to hang it up after some of the things we
went through. However, we knew we had to finish."
Going 2-8 is no picnic for anybody. But Matich says although the record didn't show progress, there was
tremendous growth in its underclassmen buying into the program. No underclassmen played more of a
significant role this season than sophomore quarterback Brentt Phillips. It's not easy to learn on the job,
and only he knows how difficult it was, but he was ready for it.
The biggest challenge wasn't learning schemes or playbooks according to Phillips. Rather, sliding into the
role of team leader posed barriers, saying it took time for teammates to accept a sophomore captaining the
ship.
Learning different coverages and adapting to the speed of varsity football was not easy, which was evident
in his stats early on. But what was once a 34 percent completion percentage improved to 44 percent in the
second half. That's an encouraging sign for things to come.
"It's been a great experience . . . such an adrenaline rush playing quarterback," Phillips said.
Matich and Phillips developed a strong chemistry. With Matich calling the plays, Phillips says he was more
than understanding considering the growing pains of a young quarterback. Matich says having 10 games
under the sophomore's belt will pay dividends for the future.
"We have several positives, and yes a sophomore QB that has 10 varsity starts under his belt is huge. Our
offense put up some big numbers the past few games of the year. I hope to build on that," Matich said.
Football no longer is a three-month sport. It's now as competitive as ever and literally is a year-round
occupation. So it's back to work for a driven staff determined to right the ship.
"My coaching staff will go to work with offseason stuff. We will be in the weight room. We will have a big
emphasis on team speed. We need to become a faster team," Matich said. "We'll break down film and
learn and correct problem areas with schemes, continuing to learn. We always emphasize future Lancers.
But our biggest problem will be correcting speed. Furthermore, we will continue to improve the
student-athletes' performance in the classroom."
Other key underclassmen returning in 2009 are: running back's Kaimana Wright and Samson Faifili, and
left tackle Manu Mulitalo.
Building for 2009
* Sophomore quarterback Brentt Phillips started all 10 games for Granger this season.
* Phillips completed 44 percent of his passes this season and threw for nearly 700 yards.
* Granger's coaching staff will work on improving its program during the offseason.
* Football is a year-round sport and Granger will continue to work on building future Lancers.
MatchupUT.com Phone: (801) 520-4330 Email: Bruce@matchupUT.com
Matich
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