ST. GEORGE — Going into his eighth campaign as head football coach at Snow Canyon, Mike Esplin knows that each new season brings a unique set of challenges.
“It’s noticeably different every year,” Esplin told St. George News after practice at Snow Canyon on Monday night.
“This year, it’s the leadership of the seniors, even of coordinators and coaches, and trying to make sure the culture and the understanding of offense, defense, special teams is spread to the whole team,” he added. “So I would say leadership is what stands out to me about this group.”
Snow Canyon finished 7-4 last year, including a 4-2 mark in Region 9. The Warriors were knocked out of the 4A state playoffs in the second round, losing at home to Desert Hills.
This year the Warriors bring back six starters on the offensive side of the ball, five of them seniors, and three starters on the defensive side, including two seniors.
“We have a new quarterback,” Esplin said. Senior Joseph Smith will be under center for the Warriors after serving as backup to Tank Kelly last year.
“That’s always the first place that you look. If the quarterback is off, it doesn’t matter if everyone else is on the same page,” Esplin said. “But I’m excited.”
Smith will have three senior wideouts to work with in JT Westbrook, Archie Threlfall and Cael Johnson. Senior Karsten Stuart and junior Cam Hill add depth to the Warriors’ receiving corps.
Look for that group to be one of the fastest in Region 9 as the pipeline between Snow Canyon’s 4A state champion track team and the football team keeps flowing.
“Coach (James) Thompson, our strength coach and varsity receivers coach, is the sprint coach in track,” Esplin said. “That’s a key. We genuinely care about each other’s programs.”
Defensively, seniors Ryder Ence and Threlfall will play on the corners and senior Max Reynolds will lead a group of linebackers that includes Calen Kelly, Porter Hutchings and the coach’s son Cael Esplin, a junior.
“The structure of what we’ve done on defense, in essence, has stayed the same,” coach Esplin said. “That’s why communication from those seniors is so important. If you’re telling somebody else something you know, it helps you mentally by saying it.
“So that’s what we’ve been trying to preach. And have fun,” Esplin added. “You kind of have to have fun for it to be really successful. And especially with these seniors I’ve seen smiles and enjoyment, so that’s a good sign.”
Snow Canyon opens the 2024 season Friday at home at 7 p.m. against Region 10’s Stansbury.
The Stallions are traditionally a tough team and they beat the Warriors 32-19 in last year’s season opener at Stansbury Park.
“I think our home field definitely is always a little boost. Our crowd helps us,” Esplin said. “And hopefully it will be hot for them.”
Photo Gallery
Snow Canyon receivers and defensive backs jostle for position during a practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Snow Canyon's offense runs plays against the defense in practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Snow Canyon's offense runs plays against the defense in practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Snow Canyon head football coach Mike Esplin (right) directs his charges during a practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Snow Canyon's offense runs plays against the defense in practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Snow Canyon's offense runs plays against the defense in practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 12, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
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