September Will Be Critical Month for Silverwolves

By Greg James

South Valley - The Silverwolves football team has begun the adjustments that are necessary with a new coach and several new players in new positions. The 2015 season is full of opportunities for them to prove that they belong in the same breath as the top teams in the state.

September will hold the answers to how the Silverwolves’ season will turn out. They play four playoff teams from last season. Their streaks of 10-straight playoff appearances will hinge on how they finish the month. 

Their last preseason game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4 at Fremont. The two schools have several similarities; they have the same mascot, they play in tough regions and Freemont has only missed the playoffs three times in the school’s 22 year history.  Fremont finished last season undefeated in Region 1. Riverton beat them in the state playoff quarter finals last season 17-14. The Silverwolves’ defense forced four turnovers and held Freemont to two first downs in the second half to preserve the victory. 

The Silverwolves will then open their Region 4 schedule play at Lehi. They have never lost to the Pioneers in five tries. Last season the final score was 32-13. Lehi is under the tutelage of second-year head coach Ed Larson. Last season they completely changed their offense. They return several offensive starters, but the Silverwolves’ defense held them in check last season, and plan to do it again. The Silverwolves broke last season’s game open in the third quarter with three unanswered touchdowns.

Lone Peak visits Riverton Sept. 18. The Knights will be looking to avenge its 46-21 loss last season on its home turf. Riverton has beaten Lone Peak for two straight seasons. The Knights were knocked out of the state playoffs last year in the first round by Hunter 43-20.  

The Silverwolves close out the month of September at Herriman on the 25th. The Mustangs and Silverwolves football games have developed into one of the best rivalries in the state. Last season Gavin Slack kicked a field goal in the final seconds for a 31-28 victory. 

Senior linebacker Simeon Page has been deemed the leader of the Silverwolves defense. Page was named first team all-state last season. Kaden Wilson will step in at quarterback. They have only one returning starter in wide receiver Kalen Cook. The running game has always been an important part of the offense. Brenden Smith is slated to get the majority of the carries.