Hunter Wolverines 2009 Preview
By John Coon
Deseret News
Published Aug. 5
WEST VALLEY CITY — Inheriting a football program from a coach who won a state title and churned out
victories and playoff appearances in large quantities can be a pressure packed situation. One season into
being the man-in-charge at Hunter, Dustin Pearce seems to be keeping the ship sailing in the right
direction.
The Wolverines struggled at times last season, but still
managed to sneak into the 5A tournament by season's end.
Now that his players have had a year to absorb Pearce's
schemes on offense and defense, it finally feels like this team
is truly his team.
"To me, that's the beauty of high school football," Pearce
said. "These guys are my guys. They were with me last year.
The sophomores were with the sophomore staff and now
that they're juniors they know exactly what I want and what I
expect."
Expectations at Hunter, as usual, center around winning
playoff games, earning region titles and maybe even
bringing home a 5A championship. In a new-look Region 2, the
Wolverines are considered a virtual lock to return to the playoffs
given the fact that many of their new region rivals are
newcomers to 5A. But just simply making the playoffs just
scratches the surface of what Hunter hopes to accomplish
this season.
"The expectations are always first to win region and then
state, of course, for our team," quarterback Brett Lunceford
said. "With our team coming back, we have a lot of good skill
here. But not only skill. Our team knows how to listen. We're
very disciplined."
If the Wolverines realize those lofty goals, Lunceford must
play an important part in propelling the team forward.
The senior had his share of rough moments taking over as
a starting quarterback last season. He completed just 43
percent of his passes while throwing for 567 yards and four
touchdowns. Those numbers should improve this time around. Pearce noted that Lunceford has made big
strides during the offseason and he seems more confident in
running the offense.
Lunceford agreed that, as an incoming senior, he feel likes he understands his role better.
"I feel a lot more comfortable, I have to say," Lunceford said. "Last year, I felt good. I didn't feel out of place.
But this year -- I've been playing with these guys since I was little. I feel like I have more of connection with
them. I feel like I can perform at the top of my game if I have another year under my belt to help me."
A strong running game will help take some pressure away from Lunceford. Ekusai Tavo, a three-year
starter, returns to lead the backfield. Tavo enjoyed a solid campaign while sharing the carries as a junior,
rushing for 635 yards and five touchdowns on just 94 carries. Billy Reed and Tevita Bloomfield will provide
some depth behind Tavo. Bloomfield was slowed by injuries last year, but is back to full strength and
Pearce expects big things from the junior.
Defense should once again be a calling card for Hunter. The unit allowed only 20 points per game during
the '08 regular season and returns key playmakers like Lanu Tanuvasa this season. If the offense can step
up — the Wolverines averaged just 14.3 points in 11 games last year — it will make Hunter's defense much
harder to deal with.
Senior defensive tackle George Wolfgramm predicts Hunter will have a more balanced team based on
the strides the offense has made over the offseason.
"We don't have to worry about us always being on the field," Wolfgramm said. "We know that our offense
is going to be good. It will mean more rest time for those who are going both ways."
By John Coon
Deseret News
Published Aug. 5
WEST VALLEY CITY — Inheriting a football program from a coach who won a state title and churned out
victories and playoff appearances in large quantities can be a pressure packed situation. One season into
being the man-in-charge at Hunter, Dustin Pearce seems to be keeping the ship sailing in the right
direction.
The Wolverines struggled at times last season, but still
managed to sneak into the 5A tournament by season's end.
Now that his players have had a year to absorb Pearce's
schemes on offense and defense, it finally feels like this team
is truly his team.
"To me, that's the beauty of high school football," Pearce
said. "These guys are my guys. They were with me last year.
The sophomores were with the sophomore staff and now
that they're juniors they know exactly what I want and what I
expect."
Expectations at Hunter, as usual, center around winning
playoff games, earning region titles and maybe even
bringing home a 5A championship. In a new-look Region 2, the
Wolverines are considered a virtual lock to return to the playoffs
given the fact that many of their new region rivals are
newcomers to 5A. But just simply making the playoffs just
scratches the surface of what Hunter hopes to accomplish
this season.
"The expectations are always first to win region and then
state, of course, for our team," quarterback Brett Lunceford
said. "With our team coming back, we have a lot of good skill
here. But not only skill. Our team knows how to listen. We're
very disciplined."
If the Wolverines realize those lofty goals, Lunceford must
play an important part in propelling the team forward.
The senior had his share of rough moments taking over as
a starting quarterback last season. He completed just 43
percent of his passes while throwing for 567 yards and four
touchdowns. Those numbers should improve this time around. Pearce noted that Lunceford has made big
strides during the offseason and he seems more confident in
running the offense.
Lunceford agreed that, as an incoming senior, he feel likes he understands his role better.
"I feel a lot more comfortable, I have to say," Lunceford said. "Last year, I felt good. I didn't feel out of place.
But this year -- I've been playing with these guys since I was little. I feel like I have more of connection with
them. I feel like I can perform at the top of my game if I have another year under my belt to help me."
A strong running game will help take some pressure away from Lunceford. Ekusai Tavo, a three-year
starter, returns to lead the backfield. Tavo enjoyed a solid campaign while sharing the carries as a junior,
rushing for 635 yards and five touchdowns on just 94 carries. Billy Reed and Tevita Bloomfield will provide
some depth behind Tavo. Bloomfield was slowed by injuries last year, but is back to full strength and
Pearce expects big things from the junior.
Defense should once again be a calling card for Hunter. The unit allowed only 20 points per game during
the '08 regular season and returns key playmakers like Lanu Tanuvasa this season. If the offense can step
up — the Wolverines averaged just 14.3 points in 11 games last year — it will make Hunter's defense much
harder to deal with.
Senior defensive tackle George Wolfgramm predicts Hunter will have a more balanced team based on
the strides the offense has made over the offseason.
"We don't have to worry about us always being on the field," Wolfgramm said. "We know that our offense
is going to be good. It will mean more rest time for those who are going both ways."
| At a glance Coach: Dustin Pearce is entering his second season at Hunter with a 4-7 overall record. Key Players: Ekusai Tavo, the team's leading rusher last fall, is back to lead the run-first offense. Brett Lunceford should be more settled in his role at quarterback and Hunter will count on Tusi Aiono and George Wolfgramm to anchor the line. Lanu Tanuvasa, the top point getter for the defense in '08, should be a big factor again. Strengths: It goes without saying the defense should be strong again. Several important contributors return from a unit that allowed 14.3 points per game last fall. The running game should be in good hands with Tavo leading the way in the backfield. Concerns: There are some holes to fill on both lines. Questions also linger on just how improved the offense will be after showing little consistent production a year ago. With a heavy reliance on running the ball, Hunter's offense tends to be slightly one-dimensional. Predicted Region 2 finish: Third. Postseason Possibilities: As long as Hunter remains strong on defense, the Wolverines will find a way to be in the playoff mix. An anemic offense a year ago made Hunter a borderline playoff team that went home with a first-round loss. A similar fate probably awaits the Wolverines this fall. |