Colts football poised for dynamic season
The possibilities seem endless for Cottonwood High’s football team this season. Then you think about next year, when the core group of players will be seniors, and you get the sense that something special could be brewing for the Colts for years to come.
“We look forward to next year, but we’ve got a good shot this year, too,” Cottonwood coach Josh Lyman said. “Our whole offense is young but experienced; that’s kind of a different combination. We lost a lot of seniors, but we’ve got a good group of leaders this year. We’ve done so much work this summer that we’ve had a lot of time to catch up. We’re looking to improve from last year.”
The Colt offense could indeed be explosive, as junior quarterback Cooper Bateman returns along with junior running back Gabe Hosea, junior wide receiver Inoke Lotueluei, junior tight end Siale Fakailoatonga and senior wideout Hunter Hanks. Bateman and Fakailoatonga have already received offers from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, among other colleges.
Cottonwood, which averaged 43 points per game last season, lost leading rusher Nadan Hosea to graduation, but seemingly won’t miss a beat. Bateman threw for 1,822 yards and 23 touchdowns, Lotueluei led 5A with 12 touchdown receptions, and Gabe Hosea rushed for 561 yards and nine scores.
“Gabe could have easily been the starter for us,” Lyman said. “He got a lot of carries last year. It’s going to be an explosive offense. We’re right on track to where we need to be.”
The biggest change will be on the defensive side of the ball, where Cottonwood graduated nine starters and 13 seniors, many of whom landed college scholarships. The defensive line and linebacker corps lost the most players, as defensive backs Luke Latteier and Alec Bishop highlight the returnees.
“We’re going to be a little inexperienced on defense,” Lyman said. “It’s going to be a challenge bringing back that same leadership and style of play we’ve been accustomed to the last couple of years.”
The defense, which allowed an average of just 14 points per game in the regular season, came apart in the playoffs, as Herriman scored 24 points and Jordan 62 in consecutive games. Still, the Colts posted two shutouts, three safeties and scored 11 touchdowns on defense and special teams. Cottonwood outscored opponents 476-212 en route to finishing 10-1 overall and 6-0 in region.
After running roughshod over its region opponents, Cottonwood expects much tougher battles in the newly reformed Region 3. The region also consists of Alta, Brighton, Copper Hills, Jordan and West Jordan. The Colts played Alta in non-league last year and Jordan in the playoffs.
“It’s definitely a more competitive region,” Lyman said. “There are more tests early on and later [in the season]. Once you get to the last few games, you’ll be more battle-tested and prepared. The Jordan game is definitely one we’ve marked on our schedule. We look forward to that game.”
Cottonwood has also scheduled some tough non-region games, including Sept. 16 at defending state champion Bingham. Opponents Logan and Westlake each posted eight-win seasons last year.
“We’re going to have to grow up fast because we’ll find out early,” Lyman said of his team’s tough non-region schedule. “It will be interesting to see how we handle it.”
The Colts kicked off the season Aug. 19 at Westlake.
Cottonwood High football schedule 2011-12
Aug. 19 @ Westlake 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 vs. Logan 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 vs. Brighton 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 @ American Fork 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 @ Bingham 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 vs. West Jordan 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 @ Jordan 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 vs. Copper Hills 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 @ Alta 7 p.m.
