Layton football preview: Full offseason prep, staff continuity strong signs for growth
Senior reload, deep linebacker unit boost Lancers
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- Layton High senior Michael Marriott takes a snap during an open camp practice on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Layton.
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- Layton seniors Carlos Diaz (left) and Dawson Pimental are jubilant during an open camp practice on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Layton.
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- Layton High senior Madden Sargent drops back for a pass during an open camp practice on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Layton.
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- Layton High senior Dawson Pimental active during an open camp practice on Monday, July 29, 2024, in Layton.
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- A helmet sits on the turf at Layton High School on Aug. 1, 2023.
LAYTON — Trevor Thomas’ first season in charge of Layton High football was far from a pageturner, but a 24-20 upset over Copper Hills during the 6A state football playoffs was as good of a momentum push his group could’ve asked for heading into the offseason.
Not long ago, the Lancers slowly climbed back into relevance with a pair of winning seasons during the short tenure of Fotu Katoa. Thomas inherited a crash course summer after accepting the Layton job last June, quickly learning his alma mater was well behind where it should be.
Practice. Weights. Nutrition. Classes.
Thomas had to straighten it all out. A year ago, the Layton coach set a no-tolerance standard and sat three returning players due to ineligibility.
“(It) was obviously a learning curve with what transpired before here,” Thomas said. “Just getting kids to come out and getting kids eligible … accountability was a huge thing, that’s a big thing, and these kids have jumped on board with it.”
Amid his second season at the helm, Thomas returns a group of familiar depth and a staff he trusts to push Layton (1-10, 0-5 Region 1 in 2023) into contention. Koy Cannon, a Layton alum (2016) and Thomas’ nephew, returns as offensive coordinator alongside first-year defensive coordinator Kendall Prescott (Utah Tech).
Prescott inherits multiple key pieces in his first season with the Lancers. Senior linebackers Jefferson Hunt, Dawson Pimental and Cordon Erickson return with senior defensive backs Nathan Mecham and Dane Williams. Senior Ryan Wensel, who primarily lines up in the backfield, also returns experience as a defensive back.
Thomas said the new defense caters to his experienced linebacker group, opening space for them to make better reads and create more stops.
“We started (our defense) in January,” Thomas said. “I told (Prescott) what I wanted and the vision and he’s kind of adapted to it. The kids have been really receptive. … There’s a lot of movement, a lot of down-in-the-box kind of stuff.”
Cannon’s offense also retains several familiar faces, specifically Wensel (406 yards) at starting running back and senior Madden Sargent (1,466 yards) at quarterback. Sophomore Teyon Halbasch (116 yards), flashing his playmaking ability during his freshman debut, returns as the Lancers’ deepest receiving threat.
A new variable, Northridge transfer Michael Marriott, is also slated to have a heavy role within the plan for Layton this fall. Praising Marriott’s athleticism, Thomas said he anticipates the senior to be everywhere on the field, including receiver if needed.
At Northridge, Marriott threw for 1,061 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas expects Sargent and Marriott to compete for their respective roles throughout the season.
“It depends on how the games go on and the flow and who’s hot and who’s not,” Thomas said. “(Madden) is a pocket passer, he’s your typical (6-foot-4) strong arm and Michael’s a (6-foot-1) athlete: He can throw the ball as well, but he can move around and make things happen with his legs.”
Thomas has overseen several offenses during his time as a coach and credits his former mentors — Larry Wall (Bountiful), Bill Pluim (Clearfield), Jeff Bingham (Clearfield), Jim Batchelor (Layton) and Russ Jones (Syracuse) — for molding his coaching style.
“I just took the coaching philosophies of all of them and kind of put in my own,” Thomas said. “It’s been really good compared to last year. It’s been night and day as far as kids knowing what they’re doing, showing up … Our camp we had in June, I thought, we were far ahead than we were last year.”
LAYTON NOTES
Last season: 1-10 (0-5 Region 1)
Head coach: Trevor Thomas (Second season at Layton)
Players to watch:
• Madden Sargent, QB, Senior; 121 completions,. 1,466 yards, 13 TDs
• Ryan Wensel, RB/DB/WR, Senior; 111 receptions, 406 yards, 2 TDs
• Teiyon Halbasch, WR/DB, Sophomore; 7 completions, 116 yards
• Michael Marriott, QB/Utility, Senior; 101 completions, 170 passing yards, 7 TDs
• Jefferson Hunt, OLB, Senior; 79 tackles, 42 solo tackles
• Dawson Pimental, LB, Senior; 68 tackles, 28 solo tackles
• Cordon Erickson, OLB/WR/SS, Senior; 45 tackles, 30 solo tackles
• Dane Williams, CB/WR, Senior; 32 tackles, 21 solo tackles
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 – West Field
Aug. 23 – Northridge
Aug. 30 – @ Skyline
Sept. 26 @ Taylorsville
Sept. 13 – West Jordan
Sept. 20 – Fremont*
Sept. 27 – @ Farmington*
Oct. 4 – @ Davis*
Oct. 10 – @ Syracuse*
Oct. 16 – Weber*
*Denotes Region 1 game.
Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net and X @ctbecker.
