Skyridge quarterback McCae Hillstead tries to get a go off underneath stress from Lone Peak’s Saveaalii Malietoa Fitisemanu in a 6A soccer semifinal recreation at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake Metropolis on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Spenser Heaps, Deseret Information
Girls and gents, the second you’ve all been ready for, Area 4 soccer is right here.
On this nook, coming into the season because the defending 6A state champ, Lone Peak is loaded with athleticism however not missing in query marks with one returning starter defensively. In one other nook, a program hungry for the mountaintop after its four-peat hopes had been dashed a yr in the past, Nook Canyon faces its personal query marks with only one returning starter offensively. In one other nook, by far one of the best workforce on paper with 10 defensive starters coming back from final yr’s dominant group, Skyridge is extraordinarily desperate to take the following step as a program. And within the remaining nook, a workforce hungry to show it’s not the Area 4 afterthought, American Fork hopes it has sufficient expertise offensively to compete with the massive three and never get swept for a 3rd straight season.
A yr in the past, the massive three in Area 4 every suffered a area loss, however it was Lone Peak that flexed its muscle groups within the playoffs with convincing wins over Skyridge within the semifinals after which Nook Canyon within the championship.
For Skyridge, that loss was notably robust to swallow after handing Lone Peak its solely area loss 5 weeks earlier.
“No matter who we lose to within the playoffs there’s going to be an extremely bitter style, however when it’s a workforce you realize you possibly can beat and you've got overwhelmed in the previous couple of weeks, it amplifies that a bit of bit,” stated Skyridge coach Jon Lehman. “However we all know when good groups play good groups there are a variable of outcomes and it’s going to be exhausting, so our guys know the problem is hard they usually must carry it.”
With 10 starters again defensively after which six extra offensively, together with QB McCae Hillstead who’s coming into his third yr as a starter, there’s been a assured swagger all through Skyridge camp this summer season.
“Each workforce is completely different no matter when you've got returning gamers coming again, and each workforce develops its personal id, however when you've got returning gamers they know the place they match inside all of that they usually take cost lots sooner,” stated Lehman. “Our guys are assured they usually imagine in one another they usually have excessive expectations for themselves they usually demand that from one another daily.”
It’s straightforward to grasp the boldness as Skyridge has three gamers ranked within the Rivals.com high 10 2023 recruits in Utah. Along with Hillstead at QB, the record additionally options cornerback Smith Snowden and linebacker Tausili Akana.
Nook Canyon was the one workforce final season that discovered sustained success in opposition to Skyridge final season, however coach Eric Kjar acknowledges that Skyridge’s expertise provides it a leg up heading into the season.
“Simply with what they've again and the place they’ve been I believe they’re the workforce for certain,” stated Kjar.
For Nook Canyon, there’s a barely completely different vibe across the program than lately. The three-time state champs had their 48-game successful streak snapped by Lone Peak in a 41-16 rout in Week 9, after which six weeks later they misplaced to Lone Peak once more, 49-42, within the championship.
These had been the one two losses of the season, however helped reset the deck for the Chargers heading into the 2022 season.
“The children have labored actually exhausting they usually’ve had good intent of making an attempt to get lots higher and actually focusing and bringing a number of depth to their offseason stuff,” stated Kjar.
Nook Canyon’s solely returning offensive starter is sophomore offensive lineman Zion Finau, who began about half the season final yr due to harm. After that, it’s a complete bunch of latest faces who will lead Nook Canyon’s historically potent offense.
The faces is perhaps new, however the identify actually isn’t for considered one of them. Junior Isaac Wilson, the youthful brother of New York Jets QB Zach Wilson, takes over QB this yr and expectations are sky excessive that he continues the custom of Kjar QBs who put up ridiculous offensive numbers.
Kjar isn’t involved in any respect that the load of expectations that comes along with his household tree will weigh on Wilson.
“He’s already needed to take care of it a lot, I believe he’s previous that,” stated Kjar.
Defensively, Nook Canyon returns 5 starters and it’s a bunch that actually has one thing to show after it completely couldn’t cease Lone Peak within the championship recreation a yr in the past. It’s a tough capsule to swallow to attain 42 factors in a loss.
“There’s been a number of give attention to that within the offseason, simply making an attempt to be extra bodily and even the best way we’re training now we’re making an attempt to organize higher for it,” stated Kjar.
Lone Peak’s physicality within the trenches separated itself from the remainder of 6A, and particularly Nook Canyon and Skyridge, a yr in the past. It’s again to sq. one although for the Knights.
Defensive deal with Nathan Darrington is the one returning starter from final yr’s squad that solely allowed 18.8 ppg. On the offensive facet of the ball there are 4 starters returning, with Cooper Mumford and Spencer Bradshaw bringing expertise again to the road.
With a brand new quarterback after which new operating backs for the Knights, there might be an inevitable studying curve in lots of key areas this season, and the way shortly these gamers modify will decide if this workforce is able to a 6A repeat.
There’s been two tiers in Area 4 the previous two years, and American Fork would love to interrupt into that higher tier this season. The Cavemen are 0-6 in opposition to Area 4’s massive three the previous two season, however with six starters again on offensive, and 4 defensively — together with highly-recruited D-lineman Hunter Clegg — there’s motive for optimism.
“Each side of the ball have a couple of returners who're hungry for one more season and our younger guys have labored actually exhausting to place themselves ready to achieve success on the Varsity stage,” stated coach Aaron Behm.
Westlake graduated 31 seniors from final season’s workforce and can inevitably face some early challenges within the season. Nice Grove might be younger once more underneath second-year coach Taylor Walkenhorst, however he’s hopeful that the gamers who had been compelled into beginning roles as sophomores might be extra bodily prepared for the grind of varsity soccer.
Area 4 projections
(Preseason rankings are based mostly on coaches’ votes)
1 (tie). Nook Canyon Chargers
2021 file: 12-2 (tied for first in Area 4 with a 4-1 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 1 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Lone Peak, 49-42, within the 6A championship.
All-time file: 91-22 (9 years).
State titles: 3 (2018, 2019, 2020).
Area titles: 7 (2013 co, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 co).
Head coach: Eric Kjar. When it comes to successful proportion, he’s established himself as among the finest in state historical past with a 132-32 mixed file in 13 years at Jordan and Nook Canyon. He’s coming into his sixth yr with the Chargers, the place his groups are 63-3 with state titles in 2018, 2019 and 2020. He was Jordan’s head coach from 2009 to 2016, posting a 69-29 file and successful a state title in 2012. He’s a graduate of Kemmerer Excessive Faculty in Wyoming and Wayne State in Nebraska.
Coach Eric Kjar’s basic outlook: We might be very younger on offense this yr. We might want to exchange just about our complete offense from final yr. We've got some superb returners on protection that can present an excellent base for our soccer workforce. The gamers have labored very exhausting within the offseason and are excited to get going.
Offensive coordinator: Eric Kjar
2021 offense: 48 ppg (No. 1 in 6A)
- One returning starter
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Zion Finau, So., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Isaac Wilson, QB, Jr
- Quinn Hale, WR, Sr
- Tate Kjar, Wr, Jr
- Bridger Davies, WR, Sr
- Drew Patterson, RB, Sr
- Kai Sevy, OL, Sr
- Noah Kim, OL, Jr
- Matt Snarr, OL, Sr
Defensive coordinator: Cody Gardner
2021 protection: 17.6 ppg (No. 5 in 6A)
- 5 returning starters
- A number of defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Owen Borg, Sr., LB
- Aiden Mcdonald, Sr., DB
- Tank Mitchell, Sr., DE
- Charlie Ebeling, FS
- Kash Richards, DE
Key defensive newcomers
- Dave Brinton, Sr., LB
- Drew Patterson, Sr., LB
- Kolbyn Jackson, Sr., DB
- Ruben Otuafi, Sr., DB
1 (tie). Skyridge Falcons
2021 file: 11-2 (tied for first in Area 4 with a 4-1 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 3 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Lone Peak, 20-0, within the 6A semifinals.
All-time file: 57-17 (6 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 2 (2018, 2021 co).
Head coach: Jon Lehman. Coming into his seventh season as head coach at Skyridge, the one coach in class historical past. His groups have posted a 57-17 file the previous six years and state runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018. He’s a graduate of Milford Excessive Faculty in Ohio and Trinity Faculty in Connecticut.
Coach Jon Lehman’s basic outlook: We're excited for the upcoming season. I've been actually pleased with the work our guys have put in through the offseason and all through this summer season. We've got an excellent core of returning gamers and an excellent group of leaders. Our aim is to compete as a workforce and to get higher every day. We're excited to be part of one other aggressive area with a few of the finest groups within the state.
Offensive coordinator: Justin Hemm
2021 offense: 32.6 ppg (No. 4 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Mccae Hillstead, Sr., QB
- Tate Walker, Sr., RB
- Josh Davis, Sr., TE
- La’a Kalama, Jr., WR
- Adam Stepens, Jr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Jackson Andrus, Sr., WR
- Kyle Valdez, Sr., WR
- Jack Burke, Jr., WR
- Cannon Jensen, Sr., WR
- Caleb Yentes, Sr., TE
- Trevan McClellan, Jr., WR
- Trent Name, Jr., WR/QB
- Ben Howard, So., OL
- Willy Launoa, Sr., OL
- Garrett King, Sr., OL
- Ami Fifita, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Jon Lehman
Skyridge protection: 9.7 ppg (No. 1 in 6A)
- Ten returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Tausili Akana, Sr., edge
- Ian Mariner, Jr., DT
- Deshawn Toilolo, So., DE
- Collin Sheffield, Sr., OLB
- Sione Westover, Sr., OLB
- Elijah Teriipaia, Sr., ILB
- Jace Doman, Sr., CB
- Smith Snowden, Sr., CB
- Saxon Higbee, Sr., S
- Dalton Younger, Sr., S
Key defensive newcomers
- Brady Beers, Sr., DB
- Mark Baird, Jr., DB
- Mason Anderson, Sr., LB
- Jackson Fenton, Jr., LB
- Darius Afalava, So., DL
- Probability Peterson, Jr., DL
3. Lone Peak Knights
2021 file: 10-2 (tied for first in Area 4 with a 4-1 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 2 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Beat Nook Canyon, 49-42, within the 6A championship.
All-time file: 217-88 (25 years).
State titles: 3 (2011, 2018, 2021).
Area titles: 15 (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 co, 2005, 2009-co, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 co, 2015, 2016, 2018 co, 2021 co).
Head coach: Bart Brockbank. Coming into his sixth season as head coach at Lone Peak, the place he’s compiled a 45-20 file throughout that stretch and state titles in 2018 and 2021. He’s a graduate of Lehi Excessive Faculty and BYU.
Coach Bart Brockbank’s basic outlook: We've got some returning starters on offense however want to switch a number of key gamers on protection.
Offensive coordinator: Gary Trowbridge
2021 offense: 31.7 ppg (No. 6 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cole Christensen, Sr., WR
- Crew McChesney, Sr., WR
- Max Bateman, Sr., TE
- Cooper Mumford, Sr., OL
- Spencer Bradshaw, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Trey Robinson, Jr., WR
- Shaun Blanton, Jr., WR
- Brooks Wilde, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Ryan Denney
2021 protection: 18.8 ppg (No. 8 in 6A)
- One returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Nathan Darrington, Sr., DT
Key defensive newcomers
- Matthias Nawahine, Jr., DB
- CJ Ruble, Jr., DB
- Alex Passey, Sr., DB
- Tyler Denney, Sr., LB
- Kyle West, Sr., DE
4. American Fork Cavemen
2021 file: 7-4 (fourth in Area 4 with a 2-3 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 8 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Nook Canyon, 45-28, within the 6A quarterfinals.
All-time file: 514-337-21 (96 years).
State titles: 2 (1961, 1962).
Area titles: 17 (1937, 1938, 1939, 1942, 1953, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1977 co, 1980, 1984, 1995 co, 2007 co, 2014, 2018 co).
Head coach: Aaron Behm. Coming into his thirteenth season as American Fork’s head coach, the place he’s guided the workforce to an 83-60 file. He led the Cavemen to runner-up appearances in 2014, 2018 and 2019. He’s a graduate of Grant Neighborhood Excessive Faculty and Trinity Worldwide College, each in Illinois.
Coach Aaron Behm’s basic outlook: We're excited to hit the sphere this fall. We've got seen a number of offseason progress from this group and are excited to see if on the sphere this fall. Each side of the ball have a couple of returners who're hungry for one more season and our younger guys have labored actually exhausting to place themselves ready to achieve success on the varsity stage.
Offensive coordinator: Micah Hunsaker
2021 offense: 36.4 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Dax Watts
- Trey Roberts
- Peyton Rees
- Jarvis Griffiths
- Jake Greenwood
- Hunter Clegg
Key offensive newcomers
- Josh Andrus, Jr., TE
- Jace Hull, Sr., Slot
- Luke Vickers, Jr.. Guard
- Andrew Brady, Jr., Deal with
- Maximus Edwards, Slot
Defensive coordinator: Nate Cummings
2021 protection: 21.8 ppg (No. 13 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Hunter Clegg, Sr., DL
- Siosifa Lavulavu, Sr., DL
- Evan Agor, Sr., DL
- Davis Andrews, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Andrew Dickey, Jr., DL
- Tyson Eggett, Jr., LB
- Wesley Viehweg, Sr., DB
- Aidan Cage, Sr., DB
5. Westlake Thunder
2021 file: 4-8 (fifth in Area 4 with a 1-4 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 19 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Skyridge, 58-14, within the 6A second spherical.
All-time file: 49-86 (13 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: Louis Wong. Coming into his seventh season as head coach at Westlake, posting a 18-48 file over the previous 5 years. Beforehand he was the top coach at Timpview from 2005 to 2011, the place his groups went 77-10 with state titles in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He additionally coached at Mountain View from 2014 to 2015 with a 3-17 file. He’s a graduate of Fort Excessive Faculty in Hawaii and BYU.
Coach Louis Wong’s basic outlook: We knew going into this season we had been going to face early challenges when it got here to the youth in us in addition to enjoying time expertise. We had 31 seniors final yr. It presents its challenges however on the similar time we're so excited to see this younger core of youngsters carry out in opposition to Utah’s hardest expertise within the state on the subject of our area.
Offensive coordinator: Chris Bahr
2021 offense: 12.33 ppg (No. 24 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Carter Quiring
- Ezra Heiner
- Jace Mackey
- Ryken Featherstone
- Aidan Hammond
Key offensive newcomers
- Drake Youngberg
- Landon Rasmussen
- Mason Jenkins
- Derek Anderson
Defensive coordinator: Viliami Halasim
2021 protection: 29.8 ppg (No. 20 in 6A)
- Two returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Manasseh Te’o
- Colson Quiring
Key defensive newcomers
- Dylan Hansen
- Nusi Taumoepeau
- Jaxson Pilgrom
- Maverick McManus
6. Nice Grove Vikings
2021 file: 1-10 (sixth in Area 4 with a 0-5 file).
2021 RPI rating: No. 21 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Syracuse, 33-7, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time file: 411-408-11 (81 years).
State titles: 3 (1955, 1956, 1993).
Area titles: 14 (1955, 1956, 1957, 1973 co, 1982 co, 1986 co, 1988 co, 1993 co, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2007 co, 2008, 2013 co).
Head coach: Taylor Walkenhorst. Coming into his second season as head coach at Nice Grove after final yr’s 1-10 season.
Coach Taylor Walkenhorst’s basic outlook: In the course of the 2021 season we began a number of sophomores. These sophomores might be returning and might be juniors. This yr the gamers could have varsity expertise. We glance to be extra aggressive in our area with the returners that we've got.
Offensive coordinators: Allen Purvis and Taylor Walkenhorst
2021 offense: 16.0 ppg (No. 20 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- West Coast/RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Bryce Paulson, Sr. LT
- Ty Lilywhite, Sr., C
- Jaeden Wright, Sr., RB
- Shawn Cottle, Jr., WR
- Kael McCoy, Jr., Slot
- Bronco Winterton, Jr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Wade Christianson, So., RB
- Lucas Jackson, Jr., RT
Defensive coordinators: Steve Brady and Taylor Walkenhorst
2021 protection: 41.45 ppg (No. 25 in 6A)
- Eight returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Thatcher Coon, Jr., Finish
- Levi Bezant, Jr., Nostril
- Trevyn Gates, Jr., LB
- Jaeden Wrigt, Sr., LB
- Gabe McCoy, Jr., CB
- Makai Peterson, Jr., CB
- Bronco Winterton, Jr., S
- Shawn Cottle, Jr., S
Key defensive newcomers
- Lucas Jackson, Jr., DE
- Connor Day, Sr., Rover