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Note: The Rams won the 4A state title in a thrilling, double-overtime game against Mountain Crest, after a rollercoaster season. They finished the season 10-4 overall and 4-2 in region play.SALT LAKE CITY — Despite winning the 4A state championship last year, the Highland football team won't change anything as they prepare to defend that title.
"We'll just do it how we did it last year, one game at a time," said senior Hayes Hicken.
Defending that title will be difficult as the Rams enter a new region that includes perennial power, Bountiful. The Rams are ranked eighth after preseason polls, but the players say they're not feeling a lot of anxiety about the raised expectations.
Coach Brody Benson is in his sixth season as head coach of the Rams. He now owns a 45-18 record. He is a graduate of Granger High.Offense (6 returning starters)
The Rams graduated their entire offensive line, and how they perform could affect how effective the team's veteran quarterback, Fish Smithson, and full back, Sione Houma, will be. Houma, who rushed for 1064 yards and seven touchdowns, recently committed to Michigan. Smithson threw for 1,717 yards and 18 touchdowns. His favorite target, wide receiver Hayes Hicken, who is also the team's kicker, punter and cornerback.Defense (7 returning starters)
Like many 4A schools, most of Highland's best athletes will play both offense and defense. The Rams return only one defensive lineman, so how the unit develops will be key in succeeding. Smithson, Houma, Wil Nielson, Hayes Hicken and Justin Weaver are some of the returning starters that the team will rely on to anchor the young defense.
"There are a lot of expectations, but no pressure," said senior quarterback Fish Smithson.
Winning that final game only made the players hunger for another title shot.
"We all want it again," said Smithson, who also plays defensive back.
Adds Hicken, "Having experienced playing at Rice-Eccles was awesome. Now that we know what it is like, we want to feel that again. The later you get in the season, the more intense the games get."
In order for the Rams to be successful, the team's best athletes will have to perform multiple roles. Smithson is both quarterback and corner, while Hicken is a receiver and corner, as well as the kicker and punter. His teammates jokingly refer to him as "Mr. Everything."
In addition to Smithson, the Rams return one of the state's best fullbacks in Sione Houma, who recently committed to Michigan. Houma, who also plays linebacker, rushed for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He will have some help from senior Wil Nielson, who had 51 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. Senior Justin Weaver will also see time as a running back and defensive back.
"We have good leadership and good skill returning," said head coach Brody Benson.
He said the players aren't really feeling the pressure that can accompany a state title.
"I don't think these kids truly realize the target that's on them," Benson said. "They'll definitely feel it real quick. … They're just going to have to deal with it when it comes."
2011 Schedule
| Aug. 19 - at West |
| Aug. 26 - at Cedar |
| Sept. 2 - PROVO |
| Sept. 9 - LONE PEAK |
| Sept. 16 - CLEARFIELD |
| Sept. 23 - at Bountiful |
| Sept. 30 - WOODS CROSS |
| Oct. 7 - CYPRUS |
| Oct. 14 - EAST |
The team opens the season with West and then heads south to Cedar.
Benson is hoping that this year's team learns to play with consistency early on. Last year the team would follow a success with a bit of a let down.
"That was the problem last year," he said. "We didn't know how to handle success. … I am hoping to get away from that this year."
Benson said the leadership on this year's squad will be significantly different as most of them play skill positions, whereas last year's team was led by veteran linemen.
Sophomore Bryan Mone is someone coaches see as a potential leader on the line.
"He has the chance to be that guy, to demand respect," said Benson.
Benson said this year's team hasn't acted like they were special or entitled to anything just because they won the state title last year.
"You're not entitled to anything," he said. "This summer the team has just shut up and worked hard."
