Syracuse’s Brevin Hamblin celebrates as he runs off the sphere after scoring a pick-six in a sport towards Mountain Ridge within the second spherical of the state soccer playoffs in Herriman on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information
The final time a present Area 1 group gained a state championship was Davis in 2004.
However don’t be deceived, the area has been enjoying stable soccer yr after yr, and that’s anticipated to proceed in 2022.
The area has had three totally different champions the final three years, and in keeping with the coaches, the Farmington Phoenix are anticipated to proceed that pattern and win their first ever Area 1 title.
Farmington’s coaches and gamers share that very same expectation.
“The expectation is to win video games and are available out on prime,” Farmington head coach Daniel Coats mentioned. “We don’t need to be cocky, however we do need to be assured. That’s the mindset we’re attempting to push.”
The Phoenix return key contributors from final season, particularly on the offensive facet of the ball.
Quarterback Easton Wight — who’s been enjoying on Friday nights for Farmington since he was a freshman — is again for one final season, alongside along with his prime goal Mitch Nielsen, who led the group with 500 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns final season.
Brandon Arveseth and Cole Kasparian return to steer the offensive line, whereas gifted working again Boston Reinhold returns after rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered final season.
A 3-point loss to Weber was the one factor that stood in the way in which of the Phoenix from clinching the area title final yr, however Coats mentioned the group is motivated to show itself and make its mark in class historical past.
“We've that expectation to win and to do effectively, however I’m continually reminding them that we haven’t completed something but,” Coats mentioned.
“We solely have one area championship within the college’s historical past (2019 in Area 5). We’ve come shut a few instances, however we haven’t completed it, so we now have nothing to be cocky about. They need to be hungry as a result of successful like that hasn’t been completed right here at Farmington.”
However like years previous, the area is predicted to be aggressive once more, and the Syracuse Titans additionally need to get their fingers on a area title.
The Titans return 13 of twenty-two starters from final yr, the place they gained two playoff video games and made an look within the 6A quarterfinals.
On protection, the ball-hawking security tandem of Brevin Hamblin and Daxton Faddis (who mixed for 10 interceptions final yr) are again, together with linebacker Miles Draper (second main tackler final season).
Like Farmington, Syracuse additionally brings again its quarterback in Jake Hopkins, who tossed over 2,200 yards and 16 touchdowns final yr as a sophomore. However what’s most intriguing about this yr’s Titans squad is the truth that 4 starters return on the offensive line (JJ Rusch, Ben Acker-Oatis, Afleck Ladore and Tate Hokum) — one thing that can assist what was a younger offense final yr take that subsequent step.
Syracuse head coach Mike Knight mentioned the expertise the Titans gained after a powerful end final season would be the group’s most helpful attribute.
“The reps and that have is actually the best power that our group has,” Knight mentioned.
“We've it in any respect ranges of our offense and all ranges of our protection. … The youngsters knew proper when the season ended final yr, we’d have a fairly good group coming again, so we’re all excited to place what we’ve realized to make use of.”
Weber, which defeated Syracuse within the quarterfinals, is seeking to be the primary repeat area champion because it achieved the feat in 2018. However the Warriors could have their work reduce out for them, as they are going to make use of a reasonably recent group of gamers.
Regardless of the shortage of expertise, the area nonetheless has respect for the reigning champs, as they got here in at third within the preseason projections.
Layton got here in fourth within the ballot after a third-place end and a 6-5 season final yr. The Lancers return six gamers from an offensive unit that completed second within the area on a factors per sport foundation, together with three beginning offensive linemen (Spencer Hill, Kasen Handcock and Issac Vimahi).
Fremont might be one more younger group within the area, with simply 5 mixed starters getting back from a squad that suffered a tricky, one-point loss to Kearns within the first spherical of the playoffs final season. The Silverwolves have been picked to complete fifth by the coaches.
Davis (sixth) and Clearfield (seventh) spherical out the outcomes of the ballot. The coaches could also be promoting the Darts a bit quick, because the group brings again a big quantity of expertise, particularly on the defensive entrance.
The Falcons come into the season with nothing to lose, because the group’s solely claimed three area wins during the last 4 seasons.
Whereas the area has not turned out many state champions as of late, there’s little argument that the packages every ship stable performances on Friday nights.
“We don’t get quite a lot of credit score up (north) in comparison with a few of these Utah County and Salt Lake space faculties — that are nice — however we generally get neglected,” Knight mentioned.
“From prime to backside, we’ve received quite a lot of nice gamers again and a few actually nice coaches coming into this yr. We’re all acquainted with one another and the youngsters play onerous — so I count on some actually nice soccer up right here.”
Area 1 projections
(Preseason rankings are primarily based on coaches’ votes)
1. Farmington Phoenix
2021 file: 8-4 (second in Area 1 with a 5-1 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 6 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Skyridge, 52-7, within the 6A quarterfinals.
All-time file: 21-24 (4 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 1 (2019).
Head coach: Daniel Coats. Has guided Farmington to a 21-24 file in its first 4 seasons since opening in 2018. He’s a graduate of Northridge Excessive Faculty and BYU. He spent 4 seasons within the NFL from 2007 to 2010, the majority of it with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Coach Daniel Coats’ normal outlook: Excited for an additional yr to compete. We didn’t have the end that we have been in search of final yr in area and state. This yr the boys are hungry to chase down the highest dawgs.
Offensive coordinator: Daniel Coats
2021 offense: 24.8 ppg (No. 14 in 6A)
- 5 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Easton Wight, Jr., QB
- Mitch Nielsen, Sr., TE
- Brandon Arveseth, Sr., OL
- Boston Reinhold, Sr., RB
- Cole Kasparian, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Ben Stucki, Sr., WR.
- Adam Stucki, Sr., WR.
- Devon Clark, Sr., RB.
Defensive coordinator: Cody Caputo
2021 protection: 23.2 ppg (No. 15 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- 4-2 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Luke Hansen, Sr., LB
- Kainoa Jones, Sr., DT
- Jed Judkins, Sr., OLB
Key defensive newcomers
- Dayton Runyan, Jr., SS
- Jaxson Eastman, Sr., C
2. Syracuse Titans
2021 file: 8-5 (tied for fourth in Area 1 with a 2-4 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 12 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Weber, 14-7, within the 6A quarterfinals.
All-time file: 100-65 (15 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 3 (2012, 2016 co, 2019).
Head coach: Mike Knight. Coming into his sixth season as head coach at Syracuse, posting an 29-26 file over that span. He’s a graduate of Murray Excessive Faculty and Southern Utah College.
Coach Mike Knight’s normal outlook: I’m excited concerning the group that's getting back from a very good yr final yr. They've labored onerous this offseason and we're wanting ahead to the problem this yr.
Offensive coordinator: Braden Hamblin
2021 offense: 22.2 ppg (No. 15 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jake Hopkins, Jr., QB
- Noah Yeates, Sr., WR
- Dylan Croxford, Sr., WR
- JJ Rusch, Sr., OL
- Ben Acker-Oatis, Jr., OL
- Afleck Ladore, Sr., OL
- Tate Hokum, Sr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Mitch Tulane
Syracuse protection: 15.2 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-2-5 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Miles Draper, Sr., LB
- Brevin Hamblin, Sr., S
- Daxton Faddis, Sr., S
- Sam Pula, Sr., DT
- Tyson Sweeten, Sr., DT
- Jake Metcalfe, Jr
3. Weber Warriors
2021 file: 10-3 (first in Area 1 with a 6-0 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 4 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Nook Canyon, 48-13, within the 6A semifinals.
All-time file: 334-500-22 (95 years).
State titles: 2 (1985, 1999).
Area titles: 9 (1948, 1952, 1964, 1985 co, 1996 co, 2017, 2018, 2020 co, 2021).
Head coach: Jayson Anderson. Coming into his fourth season as head coach at Weber after main the varsity to a 23-9 file the previous two years and area titles in 2020 and 2021. Beforehand he was head coach at Logan from 2016-2017 with a 3-17 file. He’s a graduate of Field Elder Excessive Faculty and Utah State.
Coach Jayson Anderson’s normal outlook: It is a yr we glance the place we now have quite a lot of turnover and a gaggle of men with restricted expertise on Friday evening. We've a gaggle of men who're hungry and able to tackle greater roles. We've returners in some key spots on each side of the ball who might be requested to steer us and set the tone for the 2022 season.
Offensive coordinator: Jayson Anderson
2021 offense: 34.3 ppg (No. 3 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- A number of offense
Returning offensive starters
- Aidan Carter, Sr., QB
- Todd Johnson, Sr., OL
- Porter Hayes, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Salesi Moa, Fr., WR
- Corbin Alvord, Sr., WR
- Tyson Higgs, So., WR
- Nakosi Swain, Jr., RB
- Tavin Nye, Sr., RB
- Austin Gussie, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Billy Pluim
2021 protection: 27.5 ppg (No. 18 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Teegan Humphreys, Sr., CB
- Konrad Kerr, Sr., LB
- Crash Coggins, Sr., LB
- Carter Roberts, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Jayvin Cortes, Sr., DL
- Tyler Payne, So., LB
- Dawson Fenn, Sr., DL
- Tayven Norton, Sr., D.
- Tyson Higgs, So., DB
- Tavin Nye, Sr., DB
4. Layton Lancers
2021 file: 6-5 (tied for third in Area 1 with a 3-3 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 13 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Weber, 35-21, within the 6A second spherical.
All-time file: 248-304-1 (54 years).
State titles: 1 (1978).
Area titles: 10 (1969 co, 1971, 1974 co, 1977 co, 1978 co, 1979 co, 1987, 1993 co, 2007, 2008).
Head coach: Fo Katoa. Coming into his third season as head coach having posted a 8-12 file the previous two years. He beforehand was the top coach at Layton Christian in 2019 the place his group additionally went 2-7. He’s a graduate of Trinity Excessive Faculty in Texas and BYU.
Coach Fo Katoa’s normal outlook: We've a number of positions to fill. We've younger males who’ are excited to earn their spot and battle for these positions. We’ll have a group that can proceed working onerous by way of the season and play their hearts out for one another. The group had an extended offseason to assist one another construct our group. They realized our system and construct belief in one another by way of the method.
Total, we now have nice younger males on and off the sphere. They love enjoying soccer, and enjoying for one another. They're having a number of enjoyable and I hope that continues into the season.
Offensive coordinator: Brian Berrong
2021 offense: 27.2 ppg (No. 12 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Spencer Hill, Sr., OT/DT
- Kasen Handcock, Sr., OG/NG
- Issac Vimahi, Jr., OL/DL
- Brigham Lawson, Sr., WR/RB/C
- Trey Reid, Sr., WR/S
- Tyler Wensel, Sr., WR/QB
Defensive coordinator: Dell Stilson
2021 protection: 19.1 ppg (No. 9 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Damon Elmore, Sr., LB/DE/RB
- Xander Barnes, Sr., LB/Nickel
- Elias Parkinson, Sr., C/WR
- Teague Farr, Sr., C
- Jackson Henderson, Sr., S/SS
- Takoa Byrd, Jr., DL/LB
5. Fremont Silverwolves
2021 file: 4-7 (tied for fourth in Area 1 with a 2-4 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 17 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Kearns, 31-30, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time file: 182-123 (28 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 7 (2002 co, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016 co).
Head coach: Clay Bayard. After assistant teaching stints at Logan, Davis and Fremont, Clay Bayard is prepared for his first crack at being a head coach. He’s a graduate of Fremont and Utah State.
Coach Clay Bayard’s normal outlook: This might be an general younger group however with nice senior management. We might be higher up entrance on each side of the ball and we now have nice talent gamers on each side of the ball.
Offensive coordinator: Clay Bayard
2021 offense: 21.8 ppg (No. 16 in 6A)
- Two returning starters
- A number of offense
Returning offensive starters
Will Bailey, Sr., C
Dave Calvert, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Bodee Goins, Sr., QB
- Brigg Grange, Jr., RB
- Luke Shulz, Jr., WR
- Mason Palmer, Jr., TE
- Carson Richards, Jr., G
- Ashton Ferguson, Sr., OT
Defensive coordinator: Lindsay Hassell
2021 protection: 22.5 ppg (No. 14 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- A number of protection
Returning defensive starters
- Ridge Whitney, Sr., CB
- Christian Blanch, Sr., LB
- Brant Koford, So., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Braxton Younger, Jr., S
- Zach Masters, So., S
- Tucker Keller, Jr., CB
- Kord Holmes, Jr., LB
- Jake Wilkinson, Sr., DT
6. Davis Darts
2021 file: 5-6 (tied for third in Area 1 with a 3-3 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 15 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Herriman, 35-21, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time file: 607-389-29 (106 years).
State titles: 7 (1937, 1943, 1949, 1965, 1974, 1976, 2004).
Area titles: 31 (1929, 1937, 1942, 1943, 1949, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1969 co, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979 co, 1980, 1981 co, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988 co, 1989 co, 1990 co, 1991 co, 1994 co, 2004, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016 co).
Head coach: Scott Peery. Posted a 5-6 file in his first season as Davis’ coach in 2021. He’s a graduate of Payson Excessive Faculty and Weber State.
Coach Scott Peery’s normal outlook: To sum up the group’s character in two phrases it will be a hungry brotherhood. This group cant get sufficient reps and all the time need extra time within the weight room or on the sphere. Each offseason it's enjoyable as a coach to take a seat again and see what sort of group we now have developing. Time and time once more they've displayed a detailed knit brotherhood. I cant wait to see all of it come collectively this fall. Offensively, we now have fairly a little bit of returners on the expert place who're fairly darn dynamic and I'm excited to see what they will do. Defensively, we now have a brand new defensive coordinator, Cameron Pribble and I really like his pure aggressive play-calling. We've a couple of returners on the defensive facet of the ball. A lot of our guys might be underclassmen on the defensive facet however that gained’t gradual them down as they’re sport prepared.
Offensive coordinator: Scott Peery
2021 offense: 18.9 ppg (No. 19 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jackson Stevens, Jr., QB
- Easton Baggett, Sr., WR
- Hunter Anderson, Sr., WR
- Kaden Eggett, Sr., WR
- Diego Uboldi, Sr., OL
- Wyatt Rash, Jr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Tyson Elkins, Sr., WR
- Kash Gates, Jr., WR
- Josh Barker, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Cameron Pribble
2021 protection: 25.6 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Palmer Gardiner SR. DT
- Jordan Taula JR. DE
- George Drakos JR. CB
- Cam Wilson SR. DE
Key defensive newcomers
- Jacob Faerber, Jr., MLB
- Crew Cunningham, Jr., OLB
- Carter Dorius, Jr., SS
- Jack Byers, Sr., FS
7. Clearfield Falcons
2021 file: 1-10 (seventh in Area 1 with a 0-6 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 23 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to West Jordan, 27-0, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time file: 254-358-4 (61 years).
State titles: 1 (1992).
Area titles: 8 (1975 co, 1976, 1984 co, 1992 co, 1994, 1996 co, 1998 co, 2002 co).
Head coach: Carl Harry
2021 offense: 12.73 ppg (No. 23 in 6A)
2021 protection: 34.91 ppg (No. 22 in 6A)