The Spectrum - St. George, Utah
Author: JOHN RENSHAW
Date: Aug 25, 2010
| HURRICANE - Quarterback Adam Long has seen it before. He knows the expectations of him on and off the football field this season.
After all, it's something special when you're the face of the Hurricane Tigers program.
"I've been looking forward to this season for a long time," the senior signal caller said. "I have a hard act to follow but I'm up for the challenge."
The Tigers embark on a new football season with high expectations after having reached the 3A state championship game each of the last two seasons - both resulting in heartbreaking defeats to Juan Diego.
Long knows too well what that close-but-no-cigar feeling was last year. He saw firsthand how devastating the loss was for his brother Tim, who manned the quarterback position a year ago.
"I don't know if we've ever gotten over it," Adam said. "The first few months after was hard to take mentally,"
Adam said he is similar to his brother, but is a bit more vocal than his sibling.
As an offensive unit, the Tigers will again use their running attack to wear foes down. Jarom Healy and Robert Reeve are back after stellar junior campaigns. Together, they combined for more than 1,500 yards and 28 touchdowns. Reeve averaged a little more than eight yards per carry.
On the defensive side of the ball, Josh Bulloch and Taylor Frost hope to solidify an entirely new linebacker corps. With big lineman - Nielson - drawing two offensive tackles, Bulloch and Frost will have open lanes to run through to attack the quarterback.
Hurricane coach Chris Homer said the Tigers' defensive scheme will vary week to week depending on the opposition's personnel.
Against passing teams, look for the Tigers to lineup with a 3-4 scheme. Against the run, plan on a 5-2.
"Our biggest concerns are up front on both sides of the ball," Homer said. "But I believe we have enough guys to get the job done."
With growing impact of the football program on the Hurricane community, Adam understands there is plenty of pressure for the team to succeed. He believes the Tigers can win another Region 9 title and get back to the state championship game.
Homer is also hopeful, but also understands many components have to match up in order to have that kind of a run. With four new starters on offense, it could take time to develop a top-notch team like their predecessors.
Yet Homer said this group has a chance to at least emulate their predecessors.
"The strength of this team is our senior leaders who are very committed to the program," the coach said.
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