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South Valley Riverton Journal

Morgan takes the helm of Riverton football

Aug 29, 2018 03:08PM ● By Jana Klopsch

Junior Cannon Coggins threw for 13 touchdowns last season. (dsandersonpics.com)

By Greg James |  [email protected]           

The head coaching position at Riverton High School has again changed hands, and its the new man in charge is trying to build a foundation for years to come. 

Jody Morgan comes to Riverton from Herriman High School where he was the offensive coordinator. He is also the son of longtime local high school coach Mike Morgan (currently at Granger). 

“This is a great community,” Morgan said. “We have been telling these kids we want them to stay Silverwolves from seven to 17. We are in a unique situation in high school football with open enrollment. Our goal is to keep Riverton kids in Riverton. We want to show this community we will produce great young men.” 

According to scholarshipstats.com less than 2 percent of high school athletes go on to play NCAA division one athletics so Morgan understands his roll is more than to produce great athletes. 

“It is a big deal to these little kids,” he said. “I want them to know that I want to coach them. It is my goal to help all the kids know that they are wanted. I want the opportunity to coach every kid in this community.” 

The Silverwolves offense will see some change this season. Morgan has introduced a hybrid power spread system to the team. It’s a slightly different system than he ran at Herriman.

“We run a fullback about 40 percent of the time,” he said. “It is a mix with mostly spread concepts. We do not have the big kids, so we will spread the defense out and use our speed.” 

Junior Cannon Coggins returns this season as the frontrunner for the quarterback position. Last season he threw for 1,924 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has competition for the starting nod this preseason. Dane McDonald and Makai Johnson have played very well this summer. 

“All of them have had their own route to get here,” Morgan said. “Cannon is the most polished; Dane has not played in a few years but has raw talent. He can run. Makai is a born leader.” 

Center Aiden Gordon will anchor a speedy and smaller offensive line for the Silverwolves. The 6-foot-1, 250-pound center is a returning starter. 

“Aiden is really smart and really talented,” Morgan said. “He is going to need to be patient because he is the leader on the field.” 

Defensively, the Silverwolves moved their best athlete to free safety. Trystan Hymas caught four touchdowns last season at wide receiver. This year, he will play more on defense to shut down its explosive opponents. 

“I need to be a vocal leader,” Hymas said. “I will do what is best for the team. I have not really had any offers yet, but I know that when people see me play there will be opportunities.” 

Morgan wants to give his defense the best opportunity to succeed.

“I feel like he (Hymas) can cover more ground than anyone on our team,” Morgan said. “I also feel that if he wants to have an opportunity at the next level of football it is going to be on defense.” 

Riverton will face a tough challenge in Region 3 again this season. 

“This is a good region,” Morgan said. “All the teams are very good. Our goal is to play everyone the Riverton way. We will not be intimidated. These kids do community events all the time, and I am happy to be their coach.” 

The Silverwolves opened the season  Aug. 17 against Skyridge (after press deadline). Their next home game is Friday, Sept. 7 against Pleasant Grove.