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Davis Journal

Longtime Highland High football coach takes over at Woods Cross

May 06, 2021 12:01PM ● By Bruce Smith

Former Highland High football coach Brody Benson will lead the Woods Cross Wildcats in the fall. Courtesy photo

When Woods Cross High School went looking for a new football coach, school administrators recognized at least one familiar name among the pile of resumes.

A nemesis – Brody Benson. The longtime Highland Rams leader had asked to be considered just before the deadline expired. Benson’s resume was short, with experience at two Salt Lake City-area schools – Granger and Highland. He became Highland’s leader at age 24 and created a team that matched his personality – brash, physical and potentially dominating.

Now 43, Benson is among Utah’s most-respected high school sports leaders and his references included another familiar name: Larry Wall.

“They (Woods Cross) knew what they wanted and, with Brody, they got a proven commodity,” said Wall, who retired in 2016 after 31 seasons as Bountiful’s football coach. “Brody is solid and what he does is a time-tested philosophy. He has always been well-prepared and his kids play hard.” 

Benson’s history helped put him at the top of their list, and Woods Cross hopes its football program will soon be as competitive. During his interview, Benson told them what they wanted to hear.

“There won’t be any ‘rebuilding’ seasons here (at Woods Cross),” Benson said. “We want the players to come in, work hard and expect to win every game.”

On Feb. 8, Benson started that preparation – teaching physical education and weight-training classes. He replaced Tyler Gladwell, who asked to return to Davis High to teach and become the Darts’ offensive coordinator. Gladwell was only at Woods Cross for a year after taking over for Andrew Fresques, who moved to his alma mater, Northridge.

Woods Cross was searching for stability and Benson said he plans to be a Wildcat for a long time. After 19 years at Highland, including 15 as its head coach, he said it was difficult to leave the place where he had so many fond memories, including three region titles and the 2010 4A state championship.

However, he insists it felt right.

“I feel rejuvenated,” he said. “The last year, especially, was hard.  But sometimes, it’s just time to move on.”

Being in the Salt Lake School District, Highland was saddled last year by one of the most-invasive coronavirus pandemic restrictions in Utah. The Rams had to cancel most of their summer workouts and began fall practice later than usual. It resulted in a discouraging 2-7 season, the worst of Benson’s career.

Woods Cross also had to endure some restrictions and had a frustrating year that began with eight straight losses before wins over Viewmont and Mountain View.

Benson’s move surprised many of his former Highland players, who had learned to associate Benson with their school. But in the short time he has been a Wildcat, Benson said he has felt an uptick in excitement for the football season, which starts Aug. 13 at West Jordan.

“One thing I noticed here (at Woods Cross) was that a lot of the teachers are former students. They like it here,” he said. “Players knock at my (office) door all the time. They can’t wait (for the season) and want to work hard for us to be successful. As a coach, that’s always good to see.”

The Wildcats’ uniforms may be the same, but Benson said there will be plenty of changes on the field that are starting to be installed during spring practices. The “spread” offense, for instance, will likely be gone, replaced by Benson’s traditional, disciplined ground attack, and defense will be more of a priority.

“Our success will be based on our line,” Benson said. “We will have to get stronger and push people around, and our opponents will have to prepare for us being that way.”

That is part of Benson’s personality. Growing up in West Valley City, he played football at Granger as an undersized lineman. His coach, Ray Groth, remembered him as a hard worker and overachiever who he encouraged to walk on to the football team at Southern Utah University, where he grew into a 195-pound offensive lineman and earned a scholarship.

“Everybody I played against was bigger than me,” Benson said.

After graduation, Benson returned to Salt Lake and Groth, who had moved to Highland, welcomed him as a teacher and  offensive-line coach. Benson later returned the favor and asked for his help, so don’t be surprised to see the silver-haired Groth near his side next fall.

Not surprisingly, Benson combined many of his Highland staff members with Woods Cross regulars. One of the first new coaches the Wildcat players met in February was Ed Lloyd, a local strength and physical fitness coach. Lloyd doesn’t teach at the school, but he and Benson share the same off-field ideals, and that includes making the weight room popular on non-game days.