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Morgan has quarterback Ben Saunders back to run the offense along with a group of skill players that coach Kovi Christiansen calls as good as Morgan ever has had.

But as the Trojans prepare to take aim at a Class 3A title, it's become clear that Kyle Stapley needs to make some friends and fast.

Stapley represents the strength of Morgan's offensive and defensive lines and projects to be one of the top 3A linemen in the state. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound moving rock figures to play his way to the next level if he can be as dominating as Christiansen envisions.

"It all depends on our line," Christiansen said. "Skill wise, we're as good as we've even been. Hopefully we can get five good linemen to fill those spots so we can be as good as we were last year."

The offense should be in a good position to pick up where it left off. Saunders has much of his core back on offense in wide receivers Ben Holland, Bobby Cluff and Matt Murdock. Kade Carrigan should team up to provide Morgan a potent rushing attack.

On defense, Christian Elton at linebacker, Murdock at safety and Stapley at nose guard should help Morgan be one of the favorites in the newly formed 3A North that includes Carbon, Emery, Granstville, Judge and Union.

"We're excited to be playing people our size," Christiansen said. "We didn't have sheer numbers to match up the depth of teams like Spanish [Fork] and Hurricane. We've never had that kind of depth, but this year I think we match up very well." —

Morgan Trojans

ASSIGNMENT • 3A North

LAST YEAR • 7-5 overall, 5-1 Region 11

KEY RETURNER • Quarterback Ben Saunders started last year. He's a guy who uses the combination of running and throwing to be successful. This year he could be more of a thrower.

PLAYER TO WATCH • Kade Carrigan was hurt at the end of last year. He should be a standout at running back and linebacker.

BIGGEST HOLE • Morgan graduated all but one lineman, so the Trojans looking to fill a bunch of spots on the line.

NEED TO KNOW • Coach Kovi Christiansen says the team's success will depend on how well the team develops chemistry. He likes the talent level.