West’s Kingsley Brown (22) cheers together with his teammates earlier than a highschool soccer sport towards Roy Excessive on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, at West Excessive Faculty in Salt Lake Metropolis. Shafkat Anowar, Deseret Information
West and Kearns proceed to construct up Area 2 after each groups received a playoff sport a 12 months in the past.
Coach Olosaa Solovi’s squad returns 15 starters from a group that completed with solely a single common season loss in addition to an ideal 6-0 report in area play. They had been voted amongst their friends to complete first within the area once more.
The Panthers have some of the grueling nonregion schedules in your entire state. All three video games can be performed on the street, with two coming towards American Fork and the defending nationwide champions in Mater Dei Excessive out of California.
“We wish to see the place we're at. We by no means know the place our area goes to finish up, so we needed to problem our teaching and problem our youngsters. If we wish to take that subsequent step, we received to play the massive canines.” commented coach Solovi on the powerful schedule.
As for on the sphere, the Panthers completed third in defensive factors per sport final 12 months, and can look to construct off that.
“It begins with our protection, we received numerous expertise coming again however do have some query marks we received to determine. If our D-line can come collectively by the top of the season, I actually like our alternative to make a run.”
Loads of expectations on the protection journey on the shoulders of Viliata Tuaono and Lutu Nau, each four-year starters with potential to have large seasons.
Offensively, it begins within the trenches for the Panthers. Whereas the hope is to have 4 offensive linemen with legit varsity expertise, just a few early camp accidents has left that unsure till the beginning of area play.
Kearns is projected to complete second within the area. After back-to-back profitable seasons, a brief time period step again might result in an enormous push ahead from the Cougars. With the departures of Iosefa Toia’ivao and Naki Leha, the offense misplaced over 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 dashing yards for a unit that completed seventh in factors per sport.
“It's powerful to exchange that manufacturing nevertheless it helps when you may have a very good offensive line.” commented coach Matt Rickards. “This 12 months they're actually younger, we don’t have one senior with our group. however they're actually proficient. That's going to be one in every of our strengths on offense this 12 months. Mone Fangupo is the chief of the group, our alpha canine who began each sport final 12 months as a freshman.”
Kearns hasn’t made a ultimate name at quarterback but as a freshman and sophomore battle it out for the beginning job.
Regardless of all of the youth and potential for the long run, success can nonetheless occur this 12 months for the Cougars.
“We positively wish to win, we aren’t fascinated by subsequent 12 months. I really feel strongly we could be profitable and aggressive this 12 months. The query is, did the rising pains occur in summer season camp, proper now, or will we now have to be taught them through the season. I’d slightly them occur now than in Week 8, 9, or 10.”
In accordance with their friends, Area 2 is large open within the center as Cyprus, Hunter, Granger, and Roy all completed inside only a couple votes of one another.
Roy will look to construct off a powerful 5-1 opening act within the area. Cyprus can shock some individuals, because it has some nice gamers within the trenches however have to reply some questions across the talent positions to tally up some wins. Granger is harmful with Ricky Mamone returning at quarterback and Hunter is happy about its progress. Taylorsville will even look to enhance because the Warriors return 17 starters from a 12 months in the past.
Area 2 play will kick off on Sept. 2 with three video games and proceed by mid-October. Kearns will journey to tackle West on Oct. 7 the place the Panthers can be ending a 15-day span with out a sport.
“I've seen numerous enchancment in our area. It has been a objective for us coaches to all enhance and we wish to all make an affect within the playoffs. It's no secret that Area 2 hasn’t completed a very good job of that, however we're all desperate to develop and make some noise.
1. West Panthers
2021 report: 8-2 (first in Area 2 with a 6-0 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 11 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Farmington, 44841, within the 6A second spherical.
All-time report: 588-455-34 (128 years).
State titles: 7 (1925, 1927, 1973, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1992) — additionally received 14 extra championships between 1898 and 1915 when season report vs. different excessive colleges decided titles.
Area titles: 26 (1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1925 co, 1927, 1928, 1933, 1936 co, 1941, 1946, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1978 co, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2014 co, 2020, 2021).
Head coach: Olosaa Solovi. Getting into his fourth season as head coach at West, the place he’s posted a 21-11 report over that span. He’s a graduate of West Excessive Faculty.
Coach Olosaa Solovi’s normal outlook: We have now an skilled group coming again so we’re excited for this group this 12 months.
Offensive coordinator: Bryant Masina
2021 offense: 27.5 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
- Eight returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Sesi Vailahi, Sr., WR/RB
- Kingsley Brown, Sr., WR
- Saia Suesue, Jr., QB
- Jacob Wilson, Sr., WR
- Kymani Lautaimi, Sr., TE
- Semisi Falatea, Sr., OL
- Semi Hamilton, Sr., OL
- Nuku Mafi, Jr., OL
- Talitui Pututau, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Semisi Tonga, Jr., OL
- Tai Arona, Sr., RB
- Foti Vaenuku, Jr., RB
- Charlie Holbrook, Sr., WR
- Staten Havili, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Monte Jr Keiaho
2021 protection: 15.4 ppg (No. 3 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Kalisoni Malu, Sr., DL
- Kymani Lautaimi, Sr., DL
- Viliata Tuaone, Sr., DB
- Lutu Nau, Sr., DB
- Talitui Pututau, DL
- Masao Otuafi, LB
- Ryder Masina, LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Faimafili Snuka, LB
2. Kearns Cougars
2021 report: 7-5 (third in Area 2 with a 4-2 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 16 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Nook Canyon, 49-14, within the 6A second spherical.
All-time report: 218-341-1 (56 years).
State titles: 2 (1972, 1989).
Area titles: 7 (1969, 1973 co, 1989 co, 1993, 2017, 2018, 2019).
Head coach: Matt Rickards. Getting into his tenth season as head coach at Kearns Excessive Faculty, the place he’s tallied a 64-35 report over the earlier 9 seasons. He’s a graduate of Hunter Excessive Faculty and Weber State.
Coach Matt Rickards’ normal outlook: We can be a younger group however have some proficient gamers. Our line appears to be sturdy with numerous expertise and expertise. We can be changing some productive gamers at QB and RB on offense. We anticipate to proceed to play bodily soccer with a large amount of effort. We anticipate to compete for a area championship and make a future into the state match.
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Good
2021 offense: 30.9 ppg (No. 7 in 6A)
- 5 returning starters
- A number of offenses
Returning offensive starter
- Kapeli Smith, Sr., WR
- Kody Barrett, Sr., WR
- Mone Fangupo, So., C
- Ivan Kaufusi, Jr., T
- Ray Tongolei, Jr., T
Key offensive newcomers
- Azias Esera, Jr., RB
- Matt Aiono, Jr., G
- Mark Aiono, Jr., G
- Tohi Similai, So., T
- Will Moe, So., WR
- Lamoni Matua, So., WR
- Bryce Benson, So., QB
- Teki Finau, Fr., Ath
- Kayden Morrey, Jr., QB
- Kymani Fautea, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Matt Rickards
2021 protection: 28.33 ppg (No. 19 in 6A)
- 5 returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Sterling Hunkin, Sr., DT
- Joe Katoa, Sr., DT
- Ryan Talo, Jr., LB
- Taylor Levao, Sr., LB
- Carson Zierse, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Zander Valero, Sr., DB
- Fiki Talia, So., LB
- Aries Faletui, Jr., LB
- Gabe Talia, So., LB
- Brandon Payments, Jr., DB
- Kyler Buhler, So., DB
- Kymani Hunkin, Jr., DT
- Moses Maumau, Sr., DE
3. Cyprus Pirates
2021 report: 1-10 (sixth in Area 2 with a 1-5 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 24 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Riverton, 63-6, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time report: 347-494-25 (95 years).
State titles: 1 (1944).
Area titles: 8 (1944, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1971, 1977 co, 1990, 2000).
Head coach: Tyler Garcia. Getting into his fourth season with the Pirates, recording a 5-26 these first three seasons. Garcia is a graduate of Cyprus Excessive Faculty and Denver College.
Coach Tyler Garcia’s normal outlook: We had a number of shut video games final season the place a mistake right here or there made the distinction within the end result. This 12 months we glance to scrub up errors and penalties that take alternatives to win away from us. We have now some sturdy senior management and sit up for them main us right into a aggressive season.
Offensive coordinator: Travis Mehlhoff
2021 offense: 14.8 ppg (No. 22 in 6A)
- 9 returning starters
- a number of formation balanced offense
Returning offensive starters
- Spies Tia, Sr., TE
- Joeli Pela, Sr., C
- Ami Tuatonga, Sr., G
- Nela Moungaafi, Sr., G
- Julian Garcia, Sr., RB
- Jeff Griffith, Sr., RB
- Isaiah Garcia, Jr., T
- Benson Kofe, Jr., T
- Skyler Armenta, Jr., QB
Key offensive newcomers
- Trey Lester, Jr., RB
- Dee Kofe, So., RB
Defensive coordinators: Tyler Garcia/Fisi Tuatonga
Cyprus protection: 29.9 ppg (No. 21 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Spies Tia, Sr., DE
- Mark Hosea, Sr., DE
- Xander Morfin, Sr., NT
- Julian Garcia, Sr., DB
- Fernando Najera, Sr., DB
- Aleki Langi, Jr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Tave Tuatonga, Jr., DB
- Manasa Pela, So., DB
- Braedyn Leng, Jr., DB
4. Hunter Wolverines
2021 report: 3-7 (fourth in Area 2 with a 3-3 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 20 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Layton, 24-10, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time report: 198-144 (32 years).
State titles: 1 (2003).
Area titles: 8 (1991 co, 1996 co, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2009 co, 2012, 2014 co).
Head coach: Harold Moleni. The Hunter Excessive alum can be a first-time head soccer coach this 12 months. He’s spent the previous three years because the boys basketball coach at Hunter. He’s a graduate of the College of Hawaii.
Offensive coordinator: Muka Atiga
2021 offense: 15 ppg (No. 21 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- A number of I and unfold offense
Key offensive gamers
- Koni Halai Tahi, Sr
- Adam Burke, Sr
- Tanner Carlson, Sr
- Kenyon Paea, Jr
- Hemi Moleni, Sr
Defensive coordinator: Travis Aiono
2021 protection: 20.2 ppg (No. 10 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- 3-3-5 protection
5. Granger Lancers
2021 report: 2-9 (fifth in Area 2 with a 2-4 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 22 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to West, 35-16, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time report: 272-356-5 (64 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 9 (1967, 1976 co, 1977 co, 1985, 1987 co, 1988, 1989 co, 1995, 1999 co).
Head coach: Pala Vaitu’u. Getting into his fourth 12 months as head coach at Granger, with a 5-26 report throughout that stretch. Beforehand he served as the pinnacle coach at Taylorsville for 3 years the place his groups went 12-20. He’s a graduate of Compton Excessive Faculty in California and SLCC.
Coach Pala Vaitu’u’s normal outlook: Excited to see our offseason work present up on the sphere. We have now a really younger shut knit group.
Offensive coordinator: Ulualo Jr Vaitu’u
2021 offense: 20.2 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
- 5 returning starters
- A number of offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Ricky Mamone, Sr., Athlete
- Malu Sili, Jr., OL
- Chase Stiles, Jr., OL
- Chango Ruiz, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Matrix Vaituu, Sr., OL
- Fuauli Mulipola, Sr., OL
- Landon Figueroa, Jr., WR
- Ka”ena Carr, Sr., QB
- Chev Lamoya, So., RB
Defensive coordinator: Tyler Haslam
2021 protection: 39.7 ppg (No. 23 in 6A)
- Eight returning starters
- A number of defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Jordan Tuuao, Jr., S
- Johvian Ki, Jr., S
- Landon Figueroa, Jr., S
- Sai Sai Laita, Sr., CB
- Mauka Bernard, Sr., LB
- Matt Jones, Sr., LB
- Ricky Mamone, Sr., LB
- Mikey Matangi, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Kenan Quintos Freeman, Jr., S
- Mason Kasataki, So., DE
- Taufa Tonga, Jr., DE
6. Roy Royals
2021 report: 7-4 (second in Area 2 with a 5-1 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 14 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Misplaced to Westlake, 30-28, within the 6A first spherical.
All-time report: 276-292-2 (57 years).
State titles: 1 (1981).
Area titles: 11 (1975, 1976, 1980 co, 1983 co, 1989 co, 1990 co, 1991 co, 2014, 2016 co, 2018, 2020 co).
Head coach: Chris Solomona. A graduate of San Pedro Excessive in California after which Oregon is taking on as head coach at Roy after serving as an assistant coach for the previous seven seasons.
Coach Chris Solomona’s normal outlook: Younger, proficient group. First-year head coach Chris Solomona, first-year offensive Connor Maguire, first-year defensive coordinator Jake Gallegos. We need to proceed to compete regardless of the coaches that departed on the finish of final 12 months. Most assistants nonetheless on board.
Offensive coordinator: Connor Maguire
2021 offense: 32.4 ppg (No. 5 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- Unfold/RPO/Wing T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cole Milward, Sr., LT
- Cole West, Jr., WR/RB
- Cade Draper, So., OG
- Ryson Money, Sr., RG/C
Key offensive newcomers
- Robert Younger, So., RB
- Kili Eleneke, So., WR
- Colby Frojker, So., QB/Okay
- Cove Rodriguez, Jr., TE
- Jake Viers, Jr., WR
- DaVon Harvey, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Jake Gallegos
2021 protection: 20.9 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
- 4 returning starters
- 3-4 offense
Returning defensive starters
- Ben Angulo, Sr., NT
- Alex Johnson, Sr., DE
- Cole West, Jr., S
- Kempton Christensen, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Robert Younger, So., Security
- Kili Eleneke, So., CB
- Jaxton Scoffield, So., LB
- Corben Schuffenhauer, Jr., CB
- Colbe Hepner, Jr., DL
- Maxx Johnson, Jr., LB
- Trevon Moreland, Sr., DE
7. Taylorsville Warriors
2021 report: 0-9 (seventh in Area 2 with a 0-6 report).
2021 RPI rating: No. 26 in 6A.
2021 postseason: Didn't qualify.
All-time report: 126-277 (41 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 2 (1999 co, 2013 co).
Head coach: Chris Rosales. He’s getting into his second season as head coach at Taylorsville after an 0-9 debut season in 2021. He’s a graduate of Hillcrest Excessive Faculty and Eagle Gate Faculty.
Coach Chris Rosales’ normal outlook: The Warriors need to maintain constructing on the positives that they had from final season to maintain making strides in the correct course. With a heavy quantity of younger returners coming again with varsity expertise, they give the impression of being to achieve success!
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Lang.
2021 offense: 6.3 ppg (No. 26 in 6A)
- Eight returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Leland Ako, Jr., RB
- Manu Faleola, Sr., WR
- Phenix Miera, Sr., TE
- Ryken Mullins, Sr., WR
- Gavin Govea, Jr., OL
- Matthew Griffiths, Jr., TE/OL
- Tyler Kirkman, Sr., WR
- Jacob Lee, So., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Cole Kramer, So., QB
Defensive coordinator: Will Faleola
2021 protection: 49.78 ppg (No. 26 in 6A)
- 9 returning starters
- Nickel protection
Returning defensive starters
- Ammon Filipe, Sr., DE
- Brandon Gustman, Jr., DE
- Jordan Karle, Sr., DB
- Tyler Kirkman, Sr., DB
- Manu Faleola, Sr., DB
- Mino Otu, Sr., LB
- Matthew Griffiths, Sr., LB
- Malakhai Peterson, Sr., DL
- Phenix Miera, Sr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Donate Walton, Sr., DB
- David Konan, So., DB