1. Head Coach: Aaron Behm

2. 2013 record: 6-4 overall, 3-3 Region 4 (5th)

3. Playoffs: None.

4. Players to watch: Zach Katoa, Sr. 6-1 195 RB; James Empey, Sr. 6-4 265 OL; Nate Heaps Sr. 6-4 240 TE/OLB; Nick Bernardo, Sr. 6-2 200 OLB.

5. Outlook: “I think we’re excited for the 2014 season,” said coach Aaron Behm. “We’ve been closing the gap here the last couple of years in making the playoffs and we hope that this is the year that we can get over that hump.”

The Cavemen beat both Riverton and Herriman last season, teams that did participate in the state tournament the way things ended up in this very challenging region. Behm said that fact has given his players a confidence boost and some extra incentive.

“Of course we have to do it on the field, but it’s made our kids hungry to get back to playing,” Behm said. He has several college recruits among his key returning players, and they could help lift the team to new heights.

6. Reporters say: Zuke: The Cavemen were just one game away from making the playoffs last year. Linebacker Brennan Cox makes this team at least one game better. Beky Beaton: I’ve been hearing a lot from other coaches about American Fork. A couple of unlucky breaks sidelined the Cavemen from the playoffs last year, but they were as talented as any team that made the bracket, and now they’re even hungrier too. With multiple D-I quality athletes and a solid scheme in place, this just might be the year for them.

7. Also, keep an eye on: James Empey. The 6-4, 265-pound senior is already mulling over a dozen college scholarship offers – and the season hasn’t even started yet. He’s a new-age lineman, quick out of the stance, tough to block and a relentless pursuer. A lot of the Cavemen’s hopes for success rest on his brawny shoulders.

8. Schedule

• 8/22 vs. Brighton, 7 p.m.
• 8/29 @Logan, 7 p.m.
• 9/5 vs. Orem, 7 p.m.
• 9/12 @Riverton, 7 p.m.
• 9/19 vs. Westlake, 7 p.m.
• 9/25 vs. Lone Peak, 7 p.m.
• 10/3 @Herriman, 7 p.m.
• 10/10 @Lehi, 7 p.m.
• 10/15 vs. Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.
• 10/24 @Eastside Catholic, Wash., 7 p.m.

9. Homecoming game: Friday, Sept. 19, against Westlake. 

10. On social media: Twitter: @cavemanfootball. Facebook: cavemanfootball. 

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