By Greg James |  [email protected]

Opponents of Granger High School’s football team this fall might want to brush up on the Lancer way of playing the game.

“We are who we are. We will run the ball like we always have,” Lancer head coach Mike Morgan said. “Like me, every coach will say the kids have worked hard and our goal is to play our best and win region. Summer has been long and hot and this group has done what we have asked them to do.” 

Granger returns the state’s leading rusher. Senior Mosese Sonasi ran for 2,150 yards last season in 10 games. He ran the ball for a season high 388 yards against Olympus and earned four touchdowns in a 62-43 loss. 

“He is probably the state’s best back. Running behind our line has helped make him a great back. He is the top back in the state so we will use him,” Morgan said.

Granger typically relies on an in-your-face run game. This year will not be any different. Their wing-t offense when executed well has been successful on many levels of football. The old-time Green Bay Packers and the Air Force Academy have used forms of the playbook. This offense is very deceptive. Every play looks the same for the first few steps. 

In the Lancer offense the skill players all need to be able to run the ball, block and catch simple passes. The Lancers rarely throw the ball. Last season they threw on only nine percent of their plays. Sonasi ran the ball on 49 percent of all the plays from scrimmage. 

“If teams want to beat us they need to know the Granger way. Our goal this summer has been to give the kids confidence. We just do what we need to do,” Morgan said.

Sonasi averaged 8.9 yards per carry and had 22 touchdowns.

The Lancers 2-2 region record last season qualified them for the state playoffs for the second year in a row. Their season ended in the first round against Lone Peak 56-12.

“Honestly, our region has not been good for a few years. We need to step it up. It is an excuse to say our numbers are down. We play the games with what we have been given. We do not make excuses,” Morgan said. 

Defense could be the key to Granger making a return appearance in the playoffs. In its region contests they allowed an average of 34 points per game. 

“We really need to be able to stop the other team. That is what it will boil down to this year. I love these kids and all the hard work they do. It is hot and there are times I wonder if I can make it. They are all out working their butts off,” Morgan said. 

Granger is scheduled to begin its season Aug. 17 at home against Skyline (after press deadline). They will host Hillcrest in their first region game Friday, Sept. 14 and play cross-town rival Hunter Sept. 21. Hunter leads the overall series with 21 wins and only 5 losses.