PREVIEW: Eagles strive to continue their winning tradition

     A winning football tradition has been established at Midland High School, and there is every reason to believe it will continue this year.

     The Eagles who went 9-2 last year including a 1-1 postseason, return 11 letter-winners, some of whom put up impressive numbers in the 2018 campaign.

     “We are loaded at the skill positions with experienced talent,” second year head coach Lennie Miller said.

     That starts with senior quarterback/defensive end Britan Martens, who passed for 1,292 yards and 22 touchdowns, and also had 21 rushing touchdowns while gaining 1,208 yards.

     Senior running back/linebacker Alex Smith rushed for 598 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Wide receiver/linebacker Jensen Dodge, also a senior, was the leading receiver with 35 catches for 801 yards and 16 scores. Senior running back/linebacker Wilson Buckwalter rushed for 400 yards and had 201 receiving yards.

     There is plenty of talent on the line as well, with seniors Hunter Shoaff, Trevor Fitzpatrick, Lincoln Brandenburg and Brennan Hall leading the way.

     “Our line, although not as experienced as in the past, has the leadership of Hunter Shoaff that will quickly bring it up to speed,” Miller said.

     Senior wide receiver/linebacker Sawyer Hansen and junior running backs Kole Michaud and Jake Arnell round out the list of returning letter-winners.

     “We will be a well-balanced team with the ability to throw or run,” the coach said. “Defensively, we are looking to be much tougher this year with a newly-ravamped system that will let our athletes play fast.”

     Midland competes in Eight-player, District 3, which has eight teams.

     “Turkey Valley and Easton Valley are the teams to watch, with Springville playing the dark horse,” Miller said. “A district championship is first and foremost in our minds, but a playoff run is definitely part of the plan.”

     He is assisted by offensive coordinator Eric Martens, defensive coordinator Ryan Dodge, special teams coach Zach Hebl, strength and conditioning coach Ben Hildebrandt, and volunteer assistants Jadon Dodge and Levi Dosland.