A top quality returning starter at quarterback is a luxurious that may utterly change the outlook for a soccer group. That’s precisely the case for Desert Hills in Area 10.
A yr in the past Desert Hills was pegged to complete third within the area beneath first-year coach Rick Berry, however led by junior Noah Fuailetolo it ran the tables in league play to assert its first area title since 2015. The Thunder have been bounced from the playoffs sooner than anticipated in a heartbreaking loss to Pine View, however with Fuailetolo returning at QB, the bull’s-eye is squarely positioned on them.
Berry completely loves the state of affairs his gamers can be going through.
“Like I advised the children we aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this yr, and I like that. I just like the expectation that we have now to exit each single week and carry out,” stated Berry.
That’s often the case in Area 10 for each group, however Desert Hills acquired a reminder of that within the playoffs. Within the remaining sport of the common season Desert Hills beat Pine View comfortably 38-17, however two weeks later after a first-round bye misplaced to the Panthers 37-35 within the quarterfinals on a landing on the ultimate play of the sport.
Solely three starters return defensively for the Area 10 favorites, which would be the largest query mark heading into the season for Desert Hills. The children anticipated to slip into these new varsity roles have the expertise and athleticism to excel, Berry simply stated they want the sport expertise.
Offensively that’s not a problem. Fuailetolo is again after passing for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns final yr, whereas operating again Tyden Morris is again together with a operating again switch from Crimson Cliffs, Kona Crowell.
“Having a three-year starter at QB, it’s good. I coached in opposition to him his sophomore yr after which the expansion I’ve seen from that yr to this yr, is big. Yearly he’s gotten higher. This yr he’s in the most effective form he’s ever been in,” stated Berry.
Desert Hills’ coach is aware of the expertise doesn’t assure the Thunder repeat Area 10 success.
“I believe this yr greater than any, you could possibly put a bunch of groups in a hat and simply draw it. It’s at all times aggressive down right here. Children are very properly coached, nice youngsters. Each week you’ve acquired to be able to play, and that’s enjoyable, it’s enjoyable for the children and enjoyable for the followers,” stated Berry.
Crimson Cliffs was pegged to complete second in Area 10 by the coaches, and first-year coach Wayne Alofipo disagrees with Berry’s evaluation that the area is extensive open.
“Desert Hills is the group to beat, little question. They’re loaded with seniors at ability and quarterback, and at any time when you may have that quarterback-running again combo you’re going to be particular,” stated Alofipo, who was an assistant coach at Crimson Cliffs earlier than taking on as head coach.
Crimson Cliffs’ projection as runner-up in Area 10 is fairly shocking contemplating what little expertise is returning. It has zero returning starters on offense, though there’s a bit extra returning offensively with 5 starters again. That new protection may solely function one senior starter in addition to the Mustangs can be younger and inexperienced.
Alofipo is the group’s defensive coordinator, and although he admits a steep studying curve lies forward for his gamers, they’re very proficient and adequate to make some noise in area.
Snow Canyon completed fourth in area with a 3-3 document a yr in the past, and this yr is projected to complete third. It’s loaded with returning expertise to make an analogous bounce as Desert Hills the yr earlier than.
A giant motive why is 9 returning starters, led by quarterback Hunter Johnson. As a junior final yr he was third within the state in passing yards and touchdowns behind on 4A Participant of the 12 months Kaden Cox at Ridgeline after which Desert Hills’ Fuailetolo.
“He had a very good junior season and we'll search for him to be on the highest degree this season as one of many elite QBs within the state with weapons to unfold the ball round to,” stated Esplin. “Defensively we have now pace everywhere in the discipline and we can be a bodily protection with leaders on all ranges that perceive our system inside and outside.”
Dixie has seven returning starters offensively to make a push for a area title, whereas Pine View figures to even be within the combine as at all times with expertise at QB. Pine View received the area title in 2019 and 2020 earlier than slipping a bit and ending fifth within the area a yr in the past.
KJ Boyer will take over as head coach on an interim foundation this season as Ray Hosner can be recovering from hip surgical procedure.
Area 10 projections
(Preseason rankings are primarily based on coaches’ votes)
1. Desert Hills Thunder
2021 document: 9-2 (first in Area 10 with a 6-0 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 1 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Pine View, 37-35, within the 4A quarterfinals.
All-time document: 100-57 (14 years).
State titles: 2 (2013, 2016).
Area titles: 4 (2012 co, 2014 co, 2015 co, 2021).
Head coach: Rick Berry. Had a formidable debut season with Desert Hills in 2021 main this system to a 9-2 document and a area title. He’s a graduate of Skyline Excessive Faculty and BYU Idaho.
Coach Rick Berry’s basic outlook: We could have a three-year stater at QB, returning operating again, a number of receivers and O-lineman. We're enthusiastic about our offensive and the probabilities and match up issues with this group. Our protection can be younger, nonetheless, athletic and needs to be bodily and extra pace than final season.
Offensive coordinator: Sam Stevens
2021 offense: 37.1 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)
- Seven returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Noah Fuailetolo, Sr., QB
- Tyden Morris, Sr., RB
- Tayven Mortensen, Sr., WR
- Lincoln Holmes, Sr., WR
- Cyrus Polu, So., TE
- Stewart Taufa, So., T
- Jarom Wilkins, Jr., T
- Zach Ford, Sr., Slot
Key offensive newcomers
Kona Crowell, Sr., RB/WR
Ayzen Cummings, Sr., RB
Javien Cummings, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Rick Berry
2021 protection: 21.8 ppg (No. 6 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Cyrus Polu, So., LB
- Lincoln Holmes, Sr., DB/LB
- Tayven Mortensen, DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Ayzen Cummings, Sr., LB
- Kona Crowell, Sr., LB
- Alec Tafua, So., DL
- Hunter Clark, Jr., DB
- Tamatasi Sauta, Sr., DL
2. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs
2021 document: 8-5 (third in Area 10 with a 4-2 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 6 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Ridgeline, 49-34, within the 4A semifinals.
All-time document: 13-21 (three years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: Wayne Alofipo. After assistant teaching stints at Dixie and Crimson Cliffs, Wayne Alofipo is taking on as head coach for the Mustangs in 2021. He’s a graduate of West Excessive Faculty and Dixie State College.
Coach Wayne Alofipo’s basic outlook: We're changing 16 starters in whole, 11 on protection and 6 on offense. Offensively we return three lineman which is our largest plus. Now we have two quarterbacks competing for the beginning spot, Steele Barben and Darius Strickland. Mason Topalian will get the nod on the operating again spot. Although we substitute three of our 4 receivers we have now some younger expertise coming as much as fill the roles. Konner Kell (is our solely returning receiver but additionally our pace demon and explosive participant), Luke Childs, Boston Adamson and Jordan Eaton (our star basketball participant coming again to soccer for his senior yr) then another younger guys like Owen Peterson, Noah Nielson and Malakai Alofipo.
Defensively we're changing all 11 starters plus seven backups that have been seniors. So this can be fairly the duty. We can be younger and have plenty of rising as much as do however expertise may be related if we as coaches can enhance the IQ quickly.
Offensive coordinator: Kellan Weiss
2021 offense: 25.7 ppg (No. 6 in 4A)
- 5 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Stone Hansen, Sr., OT/OG
- Jacob Zarate, Jr., OT/OG
- Conley Ulrich, Sr., OT/OG
- Parker Andrus, Jr., OG (transferring D-line)
- Konner Kell, Jr., slot
Key offensive newcomers
- Jordan Eaton, Sr., WR
- Luke Childs, Jr., WR
- Boston Adamson, Jr., WR
- Owen Peterson, Jr., WR
- Mason Topalian, Jr., RB
- Steele Barben, Jr., QB
- Darius Strickland, Jr., QB
Defensive coordinator: Wayne Alofipo
Crimson Cliffs protection: 15.7 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)
- Zero returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- None
Key defensive newcomers
- Keawe Ahquin, S
- Jace Sweeten, S
- Jordan Phillips, MLB
- Brayson Phillips, OLB
- Rowen Williams, OLB
- Tyson Marshal, CB
- Brock Baker, CB.
- Jack Morby, CB
- Parker Andrus, NB
- Brooks Jensen, DE
- Scott Nisson, DE
3. Snow Canyon Warriors
2021 document: 5-5 (fourth in Area 10 with a 3-3 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 8 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Pine View, 31-22, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time document: 171-122 (28 years).
State titles: 2 (1996, 1999).
Area titles: 5 (1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003 co).
Head coach: Mike Esplin. Coming into his sixth season as head coach at Snow Canyon the place his groups have posted a 34-28 document the previous 5 years. He’s a graduate of Snow Canyon Excessive Faculty and the College of Utah.
Coach Mike Esplin’s basic outlook: We're very enthusiastic about our potential as a group this season. Now we have athletes throughout the board lots of them being returning starters. We even have extra depth than we have now probably ever seen with an excellent junior and sophomore class coming via the system. Now we have nice group pace in any respect positions. We return 4 offensive lineman and two defensive lineman. We can be led on offense by Hunter Johnson, a returning starter at quarterback. He had a very good junior season and we'll search for him to be on the highest degree this season as one of many elite QBs within the state with weapons to unfold the ball round to. Defensively we have now pace everywhere in the discipline and we can be a bodily protection with leaders on all ranges that perceive our system inside and outside.
Offensive coordinator: Tim Nowatzke
2021 offense: 25.7 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)
- 9 returning starters
- A number of offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Hunter Johnson, Sr., QB
- Bo Hickman, Sr., RB/Slot
- Carson Nowatzke, RB/Slot
- Tag Gubler, Jr., OL
- Abram Gardner, Sr., OL
- Beau Miller, Sr., OL
- Traiden Filipe, Sr., OL
- Brooks Esplin, Sr., WR
- Jake Hill, Sr., WR
- Will Warner, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Rylan Filipe, Jr., OL.
- Teagan Hugh, Sr., RB
- Kolter Stuart, Sr., WR
- Dahrius Romander, Sr., RB
- Brandon Gough, Sr., WR
- Semaj Thompson, Jr., WR
- Kai Kaufusi, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Dre Smith
2021 protection: 25.9 ppg (No. 7 in 4A)
- Six returning starters
- A number of defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Brandon Gough, Sr., DB
- Rio Ochoa, Sr., DL
- Phoenix Oliver, Sr., DL
- Brooks Esplin, Sr., DB
- Rockwell Jones, Sr., LB
- Jake Hill, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Kolter Stuart, Sr., DB
- Duke Muir, Sr., DL
- Makaio Swensen, Jr., LB
- Tegun Whitehead, Jr., LB
- Dahrius Romander, Sr., DB
- Will West, Jr., LB
- Konrad Inexperienced, Jr., DB
4. Dixie Flyers
2021 document: 9-4 (second in Area 10 with a 5-1 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 4 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Ridgeline, 45-20, within the 4A championship.
All-time document: 466-261-6 (77 years).
State titles: 8 (1957, 1967, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1998, 2012, 2014).
Area titles: 27 (1949, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 co, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991 co, 1994 co, 2009 co, 2013, 2015 co, 2016, 2017, 2018).
Head coach: Blaine Monkres. Probably the most tenured coach within the state, Monkres is coming into his thirty second season as a head coach in Utah with a 227-124 document. He’s coached at Morgan, Fremont, Murray, Riverton and Dixie. He’s in his second stint at Dixie, the place he’s coached a mixed 11 years with an 88-42 document and state titles in 2012 and 2014. He’s a graduate of Clearfield Excessive Faculty and Weber State.
Coach Blaine Monkres’ basic outlook: We misplaced plenty of key gamers on each side of the ball final yr. Searching for some youngsters to step up on offense and protection. The area can be excellent once more this yr. Hopefully our robust preseason schedule will put together us for area play.
Offensive coordinator: Blaine Monkres
2021 offense: 31.1 ppg (No. 4 in 4A)
- Seven returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Aiden Hatch, Sr., C
- Alex Maycock, Sr., OT
- Jordan Semmens, Sr., OG
- Jeffery Christian, Sr., RB
- Seth Takao, Sr., RB
- Jaxon Barben, Jr., WR
- Mason Kesterson, Sr., TE
Key offensive newcomers
- Blake Watson, Sr., WR
- Lucidio Bennett, So., WR
- Jalen Schultz, Sr., QB
Defensive coordinator: Dan Odette
2021 protection: 21.6 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Chet Atkinson, Sr., S
- Treven Alldredge, Sr., LB
- Dave Hollings, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Junior Coughlin, So., S
- Jake Dombroski, Jr., LB
- Errol Dyer, Sr., CB
- Kaden Cooper, Sr., CB
5. Pine View Panthers
2021 document: 7-5 (fifth in Area 10 with a 2-4 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 9 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Dixie, 42-20, within the 4A semifinals.
All-time document: 257-155 (39 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 12 (1985-co, 1986, 1993, 1994 co, 2001, 2003 co, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2014 co, 2019, 2020).
Head coach: KJ Boyer. Head coach Ray Hosner can be out this season for hip surgical procedure, so KJ Boyer is taking on as head coach on an interim foundation.
Coach Ray Hosner’s basic outlook: We're excited for the upcoming season. Our children have been working laborious and had a busy summer season. We will’t wait to see what their laborious work will present in the course of the season.
Offensive coordinator: Brett Harrison
2021 offense: 34.9 ppg (No. 3 in 4A)
- 4 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Abe Roseland, Sr., QB
- Sawyer Woods, Sr., QB
- Camden Smith, Jr., G
- Blake Stucki, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Zach Tauteoli
2021 protection: 28.1 ppg (No. 8 in 4A)
- 4 returning starters
- 4-2 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Caden Nelson, Jr., DE
- Preston Christenson, Sr., S
- Tyson Dinsmore, Sr., CB
- Jacob Sersansie, Sr., Nickel
6. Cedar Metropolis Reds
2021 document: 2-8 (sixth in Area 10 with a 1-5 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 10 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Logan, 46-24, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time document: 378-337-8 (75 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 18 (1953, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 co, 1987, 1994 co, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010 co).
Head coach: Josh Bennett. Coming into his eighth season as Cedar Metropolis’s head coach, tallying a 30-43 document over the earlier seven seasons. He’s a graduate of Millard Excessive Faculty and Southern Utah College.
Coach Josh Bennett’s basic outlook: We're excited for the upcoming season. With numerous returning starters and an amazing offseason dedication, we really feel we have now a group to compete at a excessive degree in a difficult area.
Offensive coordinator: Sam Elliot
2021 offense: 19.7 ppg (No. 10 in 4A)
- 9 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Bryson Bennett, Sr., Middle
- Matthew Villa-Rowe, Sr., Guard
- Trent Durbin, Sr., Guard
- Zander Weaver, Sr., Guard
- Koden Lunt, Jr., QB
- Devin Crenshaw, Jr., RB
- TreDyn Elliot, Jr., WR
- Conner Hardman, Sr., TE/WR
- Ammon York, Jr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Jayson Ziegler, Sr., OL
- Braxtyn Hascall, Jr., OL
- Damien McGarvey, Sr., WR
- Dontay McGarvey, Jr., WR
- Tel Hirschi, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Mark Esplin
2021 protection: 36.4 ppg (No. 11 in 4A)
- 9 returning starters
- 3-3/4-2 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Bryson Bennett, Sr., LB
- Matthew Villa-Rowe, Sr., DL
- Trent Durbin, Sr., DL
- Xander Weaver, Sr. DL
- Tel Hirschi, Sr., DB
- Jake Ellis, Jr., DB
- Jake Storie, Jr., DB
- TreDyn Elliot, Jr., DB
- Damien McGarvey, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Jourden Raftery, Jr., DE
- Tyler Ogden, Sr., LB
- Dontay McGarvey, Jr., DB
- Jayson Ziegler, Sr., DL
7. Hurricane Tigers
2021 document: 2-9 (seventh in Area 10 with a 0-6 document).
2021 RPI rating: No. 12 in 4A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Sky View, 34-3, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time document: 318-361-12 (72 years).
State titles: 1 (2011).
Area titles: 10 (1965 co, 1980, 1982, 1989 co, 1990, 2005, 2008, 2009 co, 2010 co, 2011, 2012 co).
Head coach: Cory Ashby. Coming into his second season as head coach at Hurricane after final yr’s 2-9 debut season. He’s a graduate of Hurricane and Southern Utah College.
Coach Cory Ashby’s basic outlook: The group understands that the one means to enhance is thru laborious work. We're excited to get the season going with a number of two-year starters returning for his or her senior season. The group has labored more durable this offseason than we ever had from contained in the weightroom and classroom to out on the sphere. With an excellent base or returners and an excellent group of underclassman moving into new roles I'm excited to see all of the work come out on the sphere. Main the cost of returners are all three of our All-State athletes RJ Wright (WR), Carter Ashby (athlete) and Mahonri Tonumaipea (middle).
Offensive coordinator: Carl Franke
2021 offense: 16.5 ppg (No. 11 in 4A)
- Seven returning starters
- A number of offenses
Returning offensive starters
- RJ Wright, Sr., WR
- Carter Ashby, Sr., Athlete
- Mahonri Tonumaipea, Sr., Middle
- Jake Barlow, Sr., OL
- Alexander Stubbs, Jr., RB
- Nifai Iloa, Sr., TE
- Jace Meacham, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Gerritt Grondel, So., QB
- Tovia Tuinei, Jr., OL
- Tanner Erickson, So., OL
- Ethan Staples, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Nick Hansen.
2021 protection: 41 ppg (No. 13 in 4A)
- 5 returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Adrixx Clegg, Sr., DL
- Kellan Pledger, Jr., LB
- Hunter Prince, Jr., DB/LB
- Carter Ashby, Sr., DB
- Jace Meacham, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Landon Stewart, Jr., LB
- Alek Campbell, Jr., DL
- Connor Robinson, Sr., DL
- Alexander Stubbs, Jr., LB