Set to enter year number two under head coach Phil Howa, the Carbon Dinos will look to build off of the 2020 campaign when the new season kicks off on Friday, Aug. 13 at home against the Emery Spartans.

The Dinos will have their sights set on a playoff appearance after missing out on the postseason last year. With a heavy mix of seniors in the trenches and in skill positions, the goal has been to get better each day during the off-season.

“I think we are seeing progress every day and learning every day,” said Howa Tuesday on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “I think we have kids that can compete. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think we could. The kids are working hard and that’s exciting for us coaches.”

The 2021 season will also bring a new list of region opponents after the Utah High School Activities Association released its latest alignment. The Dinos will now share a region with Canyon View, Richfield, Juab, Manti and North Sanpete.

Offense:

Offensive coordinator Nick Milovich will lead a change in scheme as the Dinos will transition from the traditional pro style offense to the wing-t spread. The change of pace should highlight the athleticism on this year’s roster.

Returning under center will be senior quarterback Keaton Rich, who played in eight games during his junior season. Ending 2020 with a completion percentage of 46.2, Rich threw five touchdown passes and also ran for 165 yards and three more scores.

“Last year I was amazed by his resiliency and willingness to keep throwing even after multiple interceptions,” said Howa. “This summer he’s been on point. He’s a scrambler and someone that can make things happen with his speed. Keaton works hard, shows up all the time and that’s exactly what we need at quarterback.”

Protecting Rich up front will be a seasoned group as the Dinos will showcase an offensive line featuring five seniors. The left side of the line will be anchored by Derick Ehler at tackle and Ajay Thayn at guard. Hayden Moon is currently pegged at right tackle with Carson Shepard at guard. Dominic Saccomano will be in the middle at center.

Complimenting the five seniors in the trenches is a group full of capable underclassmen, including junior transfer Jexton Woodhouse. The depth up front has been one of the bright spots for the Dinos this off-season.

“We are deep up front with kids that have had success at the sophomore and JV levels,” said Howa when asked about his veteran group. “They’ve already gotten great reps in the past. They realize they don’t have to be beaten on anymore, now they get to do the beating. That kind of attitude gets me excited.”

Senior Davin Moss is expected to be the featured back in the Carbon offense. Leading the team in rushing in 2020, Moss finished with 292 yards on the ground and averaged 4.3 yards per carry to go along with three touchdowns.

The Carbon offense will also rely on Daniel Vigil and newcomer Craig Olson on the wings.

Defense:

Under defensive coordinator Jimmy Parker the Dinos will work out of a 4-4 base.

Returning in the middle of the field will be standout linebacker Will Carmichael, who led the team with 102 tackles on his way to a 3A Second Team All-State selection in 2020.

“Will is very humble, but a very hard worker,” said Howa. “He is probably one of the few that is working to play college football. Every day he shows up to practice to get better and that’s pretty contagious. He’s the first one to practice and the last one gone. Just a great kid to have around.”

After playing on the defensive line throughout his junior campaign, senior Jonathan Lenzi will switch to outside linebacker to help Carmichael in the middle of the field. As a junior Linzi gathered 20 tackles in nine games to go along with 1.5 sacks.

Alexis Manzo will reprise his role as a key defensive back for the Dinos. Averaging nearly four tackles per game as a junior, Manzo recorded one interception in the September 11 game against Union.

Carbon will also rely on senior Hayden Tallerico to play multiple roles as he’ll see time at both linebacker and safety. A senior captain on this year’s team, Tallerico has already played quality varsity minutes on both sides of the ball at key positions.

“Hayden is a multi-task kid. He’s a pivotal part of our defense and the captain on that side of the ball,” Howa said. “To have a kid like that who can do more than one thing and do it well is priceless. He worked very hard in the off-season and got faster and stronger.”

Division Outlook:

The Dinos are now one of 12 teams in the newly designed 3A classification, which divides the squads into two divisions of six. The 3A North will consist of Ben Lomond, Grantsville, Juan Diego, Morgan, Ogden and Union.

Sharing the 3A South with the defending 3A State Champions in Juab, Carbon’s division opponents went a combined 38-20 in 2020. Only Canyon View finished the regular season with a losing record, while both Juab and Richfield won 10 or more games.

“It’s going to be a challenge, that’s for sure,” Howa responded when asked about the division. “We’ll take every game one at a time, but I think we have the kids that can compete.”

Carbon will officially open the season on Friday, Aug. 13 against the Emery Spartans. Live coverage of the game will air on KRPX 95.3 The Peak.