CEDAR CITY – Canyon View rejoins Region 9 this year, thanks to the adding of a sixth classification and the UHSAA realignment.
The Falcons enjoyed more success in the less heralded Region 12 and come into this season with a new coach and nearly new players at each starting position. Canyon View has to replace 17 starters from last year’s team.
Taking the helm for Canyon View is head coach Skyler Miller. Miller is familiar with Region 9. He graduated from Cedar High School and most recently has been an assistant coach at Hurricane High School. While both of those offenses had heavy run emphasis, Miller announced at Region 9 football Media Day that the Falcons would be running the spread offense.
That was the extent of his willingness to reveal his offensive scheme however. “One thing in our favor is that we are new,” said Miller. “At least for the first couple of games, opposing teams will be unsure of what they are going to face.”
Quarterback Stockton Rigby returns from a very successful season last year when he threw for 794 yards and eight touchdowns. He also ran for 426 yards and seven touchdowns. The only caveat is that Rigby is recovering from surgery on his foot and it has taken longer than expected.
“Stockton has been very dedicated through his rehab,” said offensive coordinator Rich Harline. “His ankle has just prevented him from taking the reps he needs to prepare for the beginning of the season. Colton Shumway will start the season at quarterback.”
The Falcons will run a spread option as their base offense.
The other two returning starters on offense are Wyatt Barton and Tyler Haley on the offensive line. Joining them on the line will be Jayden Roden, McCray Webster and Ryan Christensen.
Joining Shumway in the backfield will be fullback Kyler Bergener and halfbacks Colton Curtis and Jake Nelson. At the wideouts will be Braiden Mitchell and Gabe O’Connell.
Barton and Haley are also the only two returning starters on defense. Barton will anchor the defensive line. Haley is the top returning tackler at the linebacker position where he recorded 113 tackles last season.
Star linebacker Porter Miller transferred to Parowan, where his Dad, Carter Miller, is now the head coach.
Joining Haley at linebacker will be Hunter Anderson. On the line, Roden will play nose. Flanking him will be Webster and Christensen.
“Our best depth is our defensive line,” said Miller. “Wyatt Barton is our leader there and they have gelled into a solid group.”
In the backfield, Braiden Mitchell and Braydon Cavalieri will start on the corners. At safety, Jake Nelson and Tyler Nelson will start. Colton Curtis, Colton Shumway and Brady Lowry will also see time in the backfield.
The Falcons will open the season on Friday with a home game against Beaver. Region 9 play begins Sept. 8 and will start with a big one for the Falcons. Crosstown rival Cedar visits Falcons Stadium that night.
Canyon View Falcons
Coach Skyler Miller
2016 Results (4-7, 3-2 – 3A South)
Beaver 41, Canyon View 14
Hurricane 20, Canyon View 16
Cedar 28, Canyon View 8
Dixie 42, Canyon View 28
Canyon View 38, Manti 10
Canyon View 32, Richfield 8
Juan 41, Canyon View 20
Delta 21, Canyon View 12
Canyon View 30, North Sanpete 27
Canyon View 28, Juan Diego 21
Juan Diego 42, Canyon View 14
2017 schedule (home games bolded)
Aug. 18 – vs. Beaver
Aug. 25 – at Virgin valley
Sept. 1 – vs. Timpanogas
Sept. 8 – vs. Cedar
Sept. 15 – vs. Hurricane
Sept. 22 – at Desert Hills
Sept. 29 – at Dixie
Oct. 5 – vs. Snow Canyon
Oct. 11 – bye
Oct. 19 – at Pine View
Returning starters: Offense 4, defense 3
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