ST. GEORGE — Going into his 14th season leading Dixie’s sideline and his Utah-record 34th campaign as a head coach, Blaine Monkres knows that the Flyers have to stay healthy.
“If nobody gets hurt, we’re fine,” Monkres told St. George News after practice Thursday night. “When we start getting kids hurt and losing too many guys that are starters right now, it’s going to be tough for us to compete on all three levels.”
He said the varsity players are feeling fine and ready to go, but throughout practice Monkres instructed the defense not to tackle the ball carriers, just to wrap them up.
“We do that every year. Got to stay off the ground so we don’t hurt kids out there,” Monkres said. “I try not to do so much full contact during the season or during the week, especially the closer we get to game time.”
Dixie was 5-7 overall last year but finished 4-2 in Region 9 play. The Flyers were knocked out of the second round of the 4A state playoffs, losing on the road at Park City.
Starting quarterback Wyatt Truman returns for his senior season at Dixie. Sophomore backup Deacon Virgin got several reps during the 7-on-7 portion of Thursday’s practice.
“Wyatt’s come a long way since last year. We can’t put a value on being able to start as a junior and then come back as a senior,” Monkres said. “The game just slows down so much for you, and he’s got a better understanding of the offense.”
Monkres added that Virgin is coming off a strong freshman season, but the speed of the varsity game is just so much faster.
“Hopefully sometime we can get a lead in a game and he can get in and get a little experience varsity-wise before we start region,” he said.
The bulk of the returning Dixie team is on the offensive line, where seniors Nash Owens, Porter Fielding and Milo Andrews form the foundation of a strong group up front.
Senior playmaker Ran Sawyer will line up at running back, and Dixie hopes for a breakout season from slot receiver Tano Anzalone, a junior.
Coach Rick Berry returns to Dixie to lead the Flyers defense. Berry was an assistant to Monkres before going to crosstown rival Desert Hills, leading the Thunder to the 2022 4A state championship.
After a year at Southern Virginia University, Berry came back to St. George and reunited with Dixie.
“I’m the kind of guy who just lets the defensive coordinator do his thing. He always has everybody prepared. Just like having another head coach,” Monkres said.
Dixie hosts 5A Springville Aug. 16 to open what has been a traditionally tough pre-region schedule for the Flyers.
“We got to just match their intensity and toughness,” Monkres said of the Red Devils. “For the last couple of years, they’ve just been more physical and more tough than we are.”
Photo Gallery
Dixie sophomore quarterback Deacon Virgin throws a pass at practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Dixie junior Caleb Field (69) looks for yards after a catch at practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Dixie sophomore Jason Malufau (15) looks for a gap at practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Dixie senior quarterback Wyatt Truman (left) hands off to sophomore Jason Malufau (right) at practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Dixie senior quarterback Wyatt Truman (2) slings a pass during a practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
Dixie head coach Blaine Monkres address the troops after a practice, St. George, Utah, Aug. 8, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News
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