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SALT LAKE CITY — The Dixie Flyers entered the playoffs last year as a 3 seed, but would enjoy an unexpected run to a state title. They won't fly under the radar in 2013.
Dixie is picked by the coaches to win another state championship in the newly-created 3AA classification.
They must replace the production of 3A MVP quarterback Blake Barney who accounted for 4,126 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns.
Barney's replacement will have plenty of talent surrounding him with all four starting receivers, Drew Batchelor, Lukas Hildebrandt, Andy Appel and Tanner Webster, returning this season.
Their biggest challenge may come from the North.
The 3AA North features No. 2 Juan Diego and No. 3 Stansbury.
The Soaring Eagle will contend once again after getting upset in the 3A semifinals by Dixie in 2012.
Quarterback Cole Nelson will lead the offense and will be back by the best backfield in 3AA. Chase Williams rushed for 1,266 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Jesse Springer tallied 1,242 yards and 11 touchdowns.
If both teams survive the road trip to Bear River this will likely be a 3AA North Championship game and a possible preview of the state championship game.
Dixie at Desert Hills: Friday, Oct. 4Like the game previously mentioned, this could end up being a 3AA South Championship game and potential matchup in a state championship game.
Hurricane at Stansbury: Monday, Aug. 30Another early season matchup between ranked teams in 3AA. We will learn a lot about Hurricane early in the season while Stansbury gets to host a 3AA South contender on their home field.
Stansbury at Desert Hills: Friday, Aug. 23We get to see a matchup between two title contenders in week one.
Juan Diego at Bear River: Friday, Sept. 20The Bears are a sleeper in the 3AA North and have the benefit of hosting both Juan Diego and Stansbury. A great chance for them to make some noise this season.
Stansbury is led by two of the best players in the state.
Defensive tackle Allan Havili is a three star athlete who is committed to Utah. Quarterback and linebacker Chase Christiansen is a three-year starter committed to Utah State and will lead the triple option attack. If other players on the roster can step up, the Stallions are very capable of winning a state title.
No. 4 Desert Hills has the best shot to knock off Dixie in the 3AA South and is also a title contender. Running back Bridger Cowdin returns after rushing for 954 yards and eight touchdowns. All five offensive linemen are back as well. While unproven, the Thunder have plenty of talent to get back to Rice-Eccles Stadium in November.
Hurricane opens the season ranked No. 5. The Tigers are young and inexperienced but have talent returning. Adlai Elison will start at quarterback and should hand the ball off plenty to 225 pound fullback Jeremiah Iremiah.
Pine View and Bear River also received votes and are seen as teams that could make some noise in the 14 team classification.
5 players to watch:
Thor Katoa, Pine View
Katoa was a star at the All-Poly Camp. A great start to the season should cause even more colleges to show interest in the 220 pound linebacker. He had 73 tackles and two sacks as a junior.
Chase Christiansen, Stansbury
The Utah State commit was a star on both sides of the ball for a team that finished 11-1 last season. He accounted for 30 touchdowns as a quarterback and had 65 tackles and an interception on defense.
Allan Havili, Stansbury
You don't see many players at the 3A level with the size, strength and talent that Havili possesses. He was a star at the All-Poly Camp and is coming off an all-state performance last year with 51 tackles and two sacks.
Cole Nelson, Juan Diego
Nelson will not only lead the Juan Diego option attack at quarterback but returns as one of the best defensive backs in 3A after making 42 tackles and intercepting 4 passes in 2012, one for a touchdown.
Drew Batchelor, Dixie
While breaking in a new quarterback, the Flyers will rely on their returning receivers to move the ball in their spread option attack. Batchelor will be depended on to have similar production he had last season (718 yards, 10 TDs). He also stars on defense and had 3 interceptions.
