The Hive Sports

by James Tate

As we are in the middle of the last month of the regular season, one of the biggest surprises in Region 1 is the play of the Layton Lancers (4-4), especially its defense. In seven games, the Lancers have allowed just 21.5 points per game, ranking third in Region 1. Last season, the Lancers’ defense finished last in the region by allowing 34.5 points per game. Despite a down game at Davis that saw the defense have a tough time containing the Dart’s explosive offense, this season, the defense has been a major bright spot for the Lancers. How did the Lancers improve so quickly as a defense?

Head coach Trevor Thomas attributes the Lancers’ defensive resurgence to a combination of factors.

“We returned many players on the defensive side,” Coach Thomas said. “But the real game-changer was our new defensive coordinator, Kendall Prescott. When I interviewed him, I said, “I want a 4-2-5 defense; I don’t care what else you do.” He brings knowledge and a lot of energy. The kids feed off of him.”

Team captains

Jefferson Hunt

Not only has the Lancers’ defense cut their points allowed per game down from last season, but the team has exceeded last year’s win total and is looking to add to that in region action. Returning players making an impact from last season are linebackers Jefferson Hunt and Dawsen Pimentel and defensive back Carlos Diaz. Senior Michael Marriott played for the Northridge Knights last year and has stepped right in and fit into the offensive and defensive backfields. These players are team captains and have shown their leadership and athletic ability from the end of last season, over the summer, and into this season.

“To come in and be honored with their trust as a captain means a great deal to me,” Marriott said. “The offseason program Coach Thomas had us do helped me with my body to play on all facets of the game. I’m fortunate to have some really good experiences this year on both sides of the ball and special teams.”

The Lancers learned from last year’s 1-10 record and knew this season would be different. The captains, led by Hunt, Marriott, Diaz, and Pimentel, wanted to instill values of off-season work, commitment, and accountability before the season began. This involved regular team workouts, film study, and a commitment to improving individual skills and team cohesion.

“We went into lifting and conditioning wanting to get better and improve ourselves,” Diaz said. “We wanted to show everyone was wrong about this team and that we weren’t the same as last year. We always took it one step at a time, improving our techniques and knowing our coverages for defense so we could fly around the field making plays.”

Carlos Diaz

Playing four quarters

The Lancers have shown the ability to get stronger as the game gets into the fourth quarter. This season, the defense is averaging giving up eight points per game in the second half. The challenge of taking away what their opponents are trying to do is a testament to the coaching staff making needed adjustments at halftime and the players trusting in the coaches’ decisions.

“Coach Prescott is great and trusts that we will make plays within our responsibilities,” Hunt said. “Our defense never gives up, and we have had many red zone stops and forced fumbles. Our defense understands that one play is all it takes to sway the entire game.”

Other improvements the Lancers have made this season include creating turnovers and returning the ball to the offense. Having fun, playing fast on defense, and believing in each other has been critical to the Lancers’ success. The Lancers have nine team interceptions and ten fumble recoveries through eight games. Last season, those totals for 11 games were three interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

So far this season Marriott, Diaz, and Pimentel have totaled five interceptions, cornerback Dane Williams has two, Carter Hughes and Cordon Erickson have one. Junior JP Garlick is third on the team in tackles with 32 and has been a standout player for the Lancer’s defense.

“I have improved mostly on recognizing routes and being in coverage,” Diaz said. “Coach Fox our corners coach has really put his time and effort into making his corners the best group. Coach Fox has taught me a lot in practice, and he is always willing to help me. It was my first time playing corner last year and defense in general and since then I have gotten way better on just playing with confidence and making plays and being at the right spot at the right time.”

Dawsen Pimentel

Communication on defense

Watching the Lancer defense, it is easy to see the communication and teamwork displayed as the unit plays with enthusiasm and joy for each other. Players making plays and uplifting each other are seen from the first quarter until the end of the game. Win or lose, the Lancers play with energy and focus on playing their best.

The defensive front of senior Tyler Davis, junior Lincoln Peterson, and sophomores Jayden Williams and Xander Williams set the tone with their ability to stop the run and take up blockers, allowing the linebackers to run free and make stops. Pimentel and Hunt are ball hawks who fly to the football and bring a punishing tackling style.

“Jefferson and I understand the game very well, and our communication skills help us dominate and play fast and successfully,” Pimentel said. “I have significantly improved my ability to read the run/pass plays, which has allowed me to play faster and more aggressively.”

Hunt and Pimentel see the game in a similar way and always look for ways to improve their game to help the defense.

“Me and Dawsen have played with each other for two years now we have great chemistry,” Hunt said. “Both of us are film junkies and are smart players. I have noticed my reads are very crisp this year. Same time last year I would often not recognize a screen play or counter, now I look forward to stopping those plays.”

As the playoffs near, the Lancers know their defense will be pivotal in closing out region games on a high note and enter the playoffs focused and determined.

Michael Marriott

Lancer pride

Winning is tough, and this Lancer defense takes pride in improving itself during each practice, film study, and every chance they get on the field.

“For defense this year, I think we are just more prepared in every aspect of the game,” Diaz said. “Coach Prescott has done a great job of being on us to watch film. Every week, he gives us a scouting report, and we always have it on us the whole day. In practice the coaches make sure that we are pushing ourselves more than the other team. We give 110 percent every play, and at the end of the day, we want it more than the other team.”

The Layton students, administration, alumni, and community are top-notch supporters of the Lancers every year. The stadium is always packed for home games, giving the Lancers that extra boost when needed.

“I have been attending Layton football games since I was six,” Coach Thomas said. “The one thing they will do is fill the stands no matter their record. I love this community. These kids love playing in front of a packed house. It is what high school sports is all about.”

Many players played in the youth league in the Layton area, so they know what it is like to be a kid who looks up to players and dreams of playing varsity football.

What is means to be a Lancer

“Being a Lancer is having tons of little kids look up to you,” Hunt said. “Being a good part of the community and making good decisions off the field.”

“Being a Lancer is a brotherhood of love, respect, loyalty, hard work, and dedication.” Pimentel said.

“Being a Lancer, most importantly, is not giving up and going all out on every play,” Diaz said. “Not just on the field and practice, it’s everywhere being an example out there and showing that I will never give up. Being there for my brothers beside me and showing them that I got their back.”

“Being a Lancer is special, and I feel like you have to walk out with that blue jersey to really know how special it is,” Marriott said.

Lancer student section

photos courtesy James Tate