Region 9 football: Hurricane coach wants Tigers to believe in themselves, believe they can win

HURRICANE — The bleachers at the Hurricane High School football field were filled with fans, friends and family on Aug. 9, all of them eager to catch a glimpse of the new Tigers.

First-year head coach Jerry Cowan got a look at the complete Hurricane program, from the seventh grade team all the way up to the varsity, which highlighted the evening in its annual Red and Black scrimmage.

The Tigers gave their fans something to cheer about when junior Ryan Borchardt connected with Duchesne move-in Brody Jacobs on a 45-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the scrimmage.

“We really kind of set that up for our offense,” Cowan said. “Our starting quarterback (Dylyn Gabriel) ran most every series, except that last series our two came in (Borchardt) and made a nice throw and Jacobs had a long catch right there for a walk-off tie, we’ll call it.”

Cowan said the Friday night meet-and-greet was just one of many traditions he hopes will help define the Hurricane football community.

New Hurricane football coach Jerry Cowan talks with his quarterback during a scrimmage, Hurricane, Utah, Aug. 9, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

“It was really just a matter of coming out and kind of letting the fans see what to expect and let the kids get a taste of it,” Cowan said. 

With only 12 seniors on its entire roster, Hurricane is rebuilding one step at a time.

In the scrimmage, Gabriel looked comfortable running the offense, which was run-heavy and designed for the quarterback to have options with the football.

Conner Clyde and Gage Huntsman got several touches, lining up in both the receiver and running back slots.

RJ Allred also ran the ball for the Tigers and Ramsey Olds made a couple of catches at the wide receiver position.

Linemen like Bryon Ireland, David Slauf, Titus Tuinei, Tanner Matua and Tyson Peterson all saw action in the scrimmage.

Hurricane went through some rough sledding the past three years, compiling a 6-27 overall record. The Tigers were 1-17 in Region 9 games over that span.

Hurricane quarterback Dylyn Gabriel (1) tosses to Gage Huntsman in a scrimmage, Hurricane, Utah, Aug. 9, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

Still, said he Cowan liked what he saw Friday night, both on and off the field.

“As you can see from the scrimmage, getting a pretty good turnout, getting a lot of kids out here and the cheerleaders and getting everyone excited,” Cowan said.

“Our goal right now is to turn this place around,” he added. “It’s going to take effort from the parents, the cheerleaders and the fans, the coaches and players, administration. It’s a big list of people and right now we’re getting a lot of buy-in, so we’re super, super excited.” 

The Tigers open the season against Region 11 opponent Mountain Crest. The Mustangs defeated Hurricane 35-0 in last year’s opening game at Hyrum.

“I want them to believe in themselves. I want them to believe they can win. That’s kind of been the mentality shift,” Cowan said. “Our goal is to go into this game expecting to win, and being shocked if it doesn’t happen.”

Kickoff between the Tigers and Mustangs is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in Hurricane.

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