Brody Benson learned some of the principles of it when he was in high school. As a coach, he’s cemented those principles into a deceptive but power-driven offense he calls the triple-option flexbone.
And when it’s working well — like last year — it can be just as effective as a spread offense.
The Rams were eliminated in a close shootout with Alta in the 2016 Class 4A quarterfinals and now move into 5A hoping to rebuild their offense after the graduation of versatile quarterback James Pembroke.
“Obviously you have some big shoes to fill at the quarterback position,” said Benson, who has led Highland to the state title in 2010. “We definitely took a hit at the skill positions, but I feel good about the guys up front.”
Besides Pembroke, tough runners Jake Boren and Lilo Clark also were seniors last year, so Benson’s search is on for replacements.
“It’s an attack offense and very physical,” Benson said. “It’s my philosophy. You have to have unselfish players who don’t really care who gets the ball.”
HIGHLAND RAMS <br>Coach • Brody Benson, 12th year <br>Last season • 8-3, 4-1 in Region 5; Advanced to Class 4A quarterfinals <br>State championships • 1959, 1961, 1963, 1986, 2010 <br>Other title game appearances • 1990, 2000, 2005, 2006 <br>2017 SCHEDULE <br>Aug. 18 • Mountain Crest, 7 p.m. <br>Aug. 25 • Layton, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 1 • at Hillcrest, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 8 • at Lone Peak, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 15 • Murray, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 22 • Skyline, 7 p.m. <br>Sept. 29 • at Olympus, 7 p.m. <br>Oct. 6 • Lehi, 7 p.m. <br>Oct. 13 • at West, 7 p.m.
Behind center • Pembroke’s spot is in play for three potential signal callers — senior Cole Peterson (5 foot 10, 170 pounds), junior Trajan Benson (6-1, 210) and junior Bronson Olevao (6-0, 185). “Whoever doesn’t play there will be at another position,” coach Benson said. The pool to fill the departed running positions is also at least three deep. Senior Trayton Keyes (6-0, 195) is the leading returning rusher after he collected 478 yards on 27 carries — a 17.7-yards per attempt average — in 2016. Sophomore Colton White (5-10, 190) had a solid offseason camp, and senior Marlon Jones (5-10, 160) may transition from wide receiver.
Ball hawks • Senior Elijah Shelton (6-2, 225), with 17 receptions for 268 yards, actually led the Rams with catches, and he’s back either lining up wide or closer in at a quasi-tight end spot. A couple of tall wideouts will be alongside, with junior Jackson Hawes (6-4, 195) and senior Richard Tialavea (6-8, 195), who opted for basketball during his sophomore and junior seasons. “I think he just got the itch,” coach Benson said. “He’s grown up, but he’s still got a lot of work to do.” From a safety position, Olevao has “good range and a good nose for the football,” the coach said.
In the trenches • Shelton and junior Caden Hilborn (6-6, 280) also are basketball players and both will split time between the offense and defense. Shelton doubles as a defensive end, where Hilborn also will set up shop — in addition to being an offensive tackle. Senior Hunter Lotulele (6-3, 305) is a big piece of the offensive line, as is senior Michael Pakofe (6-0, 305). Both will play guard spots as well as interior spots on the D-line. Junior Kafusi Pakofe (6-2, 305), younger brother of Michael, will be on the defensive line as well, along with Arturo Lagunas (6-1, 290) and Tevita Tuha (6-1, 235).
Hit men • Hilborn knows how to take down a ball carrier after accumulating 41 solo stops to lead the 2016 defensive unit. The linebacking unit is fairly inexperienced, although senior Isaiah Jones (6-2, 205) did see some action last year. He’ll get help from Michael Parkin (5-9, 170) and Bryan Geertgens (5-11, 230), both juniors, at linebacker. Physical defensive backs Keyes and Jones will make their presence felt from cornerback positions along with strong safety Olevao.
Key returners • Trayton Keyes, Sr. (RB); Caden Hilborn, Jr. (OT/DE); Bronson Olevao, Jr. (QB/SS); Elijah Shelton, Sr. (WR/DE)
Key losses • James Pembroke, QB; Jake Boren, RB; Lilo Clark, RB/LB; Izzy Vaifoou, WR/DE
The next wave • Colton White, So. (RB); Richard Tialavea, Sr. (WR); Arturo Lagunes, Jr. (OG/DL); Isaiah Jones, Sr. (LB)
