The stalwart and usually unchanging panorama of the 3A South area has loads of upheaval, not from realignment, however due to a plethora of teaching modifications that coincidentally occurred . 4 of the six faculties within the area enter this season with new coaches, all of whom are filling huge sneakers after their predecessors had distinctive tenures with every program.
Longtime head coaches Cole Meacham of Manti and Mike Bowring of Juab each retired. They had been the longest and second-longest tenured head soccer coaches, respectively, within the state till their retirements. Meacham received three 2A state titles with the Templars whereas Bowring introduced Juab its first-ever state title in 2020.
Rhett Chicken of North Sanpete and Ryan Shaddix of Richfield each resigned as nicely, citing private causes. Chicken’s seven-year tenure included North Sanpete’s first-ever state championship look, whereas Shaddix guided the Wildcats to their first 10-win season within the twenty first century.
That stated, the extra issues change, the extra they keep the identical, as three of the 4 openings went to veteran assistant coaches in this system, whereas Richfield rehired its earlier head coach.
It might be that hidden side of consistency that results in the No. 1 preseason decide going to essentially the most constant world-beater within the area, the Juab Wasps.
New head coach Jake Downard spent 13 years as an assistant coach underneath Bowring and was on that state championship squad. Bowring’s retirement, which stemmed, amongst different issues, from being known as as a bishop in his native Latter-Day Saint ward, was utterly sudden to anybody on the employees.
That stated, Downard’s plan for the Wasps is straightforward: “If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.”
It’s onerous to seek out fault together with his plan. Below Bowring, the Wasps had been the category of the 3A South for the final 4 seasons, together with three journeys to the title recreation and 4 consecutive area titles. Since 2019, Juab hasn’t even misplaced a area recreation.
“Consistency is big,” Downard stated. “After we went by the interview course of, a whole lot of my interview was about protecting issues constant for the youngsters and protecting this system going. We’ve acquired a reasonably good program right here. We’ve acquired, like, 120 youngsters out for soccer. … It’s been a very good problem for us.”
This season might be a bit harder for the Wasps as they not solely have a training change, but additionally look to maneuver on after the commencement of their quarterback. Former QB Alex Jackson, who's now serving a mission in England, went down as one of the vital prolific passers in state historical past, throwing for 3,530 yards and 54 touchdowns with simply three interceptions. His profession numbers included 108 whole passing touchdowns, turning into the eighth QB in Utah historical past to achieve 100 TDs as he completed sixth all time.
Jackson is, by far, the best loss to the workforce, however the Wasps are going to have rising pains on offense regardless with simply three starters returning. Due to 9 returning starters on protection, it might be a yr when Juab pivots again to being a defensively-minded workforce, much like its 2020 title run, than an offensive one.
“It's an understatement to attempt to exchange what Alex was capable of accomplish and all he introduced into our program. (He was an) unreal participant and a good higher child,” Downard stated. “Happily, we have now some nice QBs in our program. Austin Park is poised to have a giant yr, we have now an amazing working again in Ryan Robison. We now have stable ability gamers which might be excited to indicate what they're able to for our program. Will probably be an offense by committee. We might want to take what the protection will give us, and we have now weapons that we're enthusiastic about.”
On a very completely different aspect of issues, the Canyon View Falcons are the No. 2 workforce within the area.
The Falcons are on a really completely different, albeit optimistic, journey from the Wasps. The workforce got here out of nowhere final season to complete 8-4, simply the second successful season for this system ever within the college’s 26 years of existence. The Falcons additionally reached the 3A semifinals as a No. 4 seed within the RPI and gave Juab a run for its cash earlier than falling brief.
Not dangerous for a program with a historic file of 64-190.
Falcons head coach Burke Miller, simply one in every of two coaches returning to the area from final season, stated the workforce “can’t wait to get entering into Week 1.” It’s all optimism throughout the program because the offense returns eight starters, together with its QB, working again and two extensive receivers. The workforce had an exceptionally younger offensive line final season however will return 4 of 5 offensive linemen because the Falcons hope to higher shield their sign caller in an expansion offense.
Of the 4 groups with new coaches, maybe no squad has extra familiarity inside its program than the Manti Templars, who had been voted No. 3 within the rankings. Manti courted a lot of suitors for the pinnacle job, however finally, the place went to Fred Taukei’aho, the 19-year assistant of Meacham.
Taukei’aho inherits a squad with six returning starters on offense and eight on protection. They’ll have a promising junior QB in Maison Starkweather, who has served as the first backup since his freshman season and logged his first begin final season.
Consistency is paying off for the Richfield Wildcats, who had been pegged because the No. 4 workforce heading into the season. Richfield unexpectedly noticed Shaddix resign after main this system for the previous three seasons, however coach Eric Thorson, who coached Richfield from 2014-2016, stepped again into the position.
Richfield has six returning starters on offense and 7 on protection.
North Sanpete checks in at No. 5. North Sanpete’s earlier season noticed some change in actual time because the Hawks pulled away from the unfold they grew accustomed to over the previous few seasons and began to focus extra on the working recreation and enjoying smash-mouth soccer. Former Hawks offensive coordinator Tu Tui took over this system instead of Chicken. Tui stated the workforce will proceed restoring the workforce’s outdated bodily, power-running identification with 5 returning offensive starters and 7 defensive starters.
Rounding out the votes is Carbon at No. 6. The Dinos return fewer starters than anybody with simply three again on offense and 5 on protection. They're the one different program in addition to Canyon View with the identical head coach as Phil Howa enters his fourth season.
3A South projections
(Preseason rankings are based mostly on coaches’ votes)
1. Juab Wasps
2022 file: 12-1 (first in 3A South with a 5-0 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 1 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Morgan, 55-3, within the 3A championship.
All-time file: 334-336-3 (67 years).
State titles: 1 (2020).
Area titles: 13 (1976 co, 1995, 1997, 2005 co, 2006 co, 2008, 2014, 2015 co, 2016, 2017 co, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2022).
Head coach: Jake Downard
Taking on as head coach for Mike Bowring, who’d patrolled the sidelines for 18 seasons at Juab, Downard is a graduate of North Summit Excessive Faculty and Utah State.
Coach Jake Downard’s common outlook
“We're excited for our 2023 season! This group has been placing in stable work since winter. We misplaced fairly a little bit of our offensive manufacturing that we have now been working towards changing this offseason.
“We even have fairly a little bit of expertise, who've had a whole lot of success in our program and have a chip on their shoulder. They're excited for his or her alternatives to make some noise.
“We return fairly a number of gamers on our protection this yr and we're working actually onerous to get again to the place we belong defensively. Each our DL and OL can be a power for our workforce this season. We now have nice custom right here at Juab and are blessed with unreal neighborhood help for our program. We now have excessive expectations and the youngsters are excited to get the season going.”
Offensive coordinator: Austin Soper
2022 offense: 45.2 ppg (No. 1 in 3A).
- Three returning starters.
- A number of offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Austin Hopoate, Sr., OL.
- Ryan Robison, Sr., RB.
- Cooper Blackett, Sr., Slot WR.
Key offensive newcomers
- Austin Park, Jr., QB.
- Hayden Park, Sr., Slot.
- Stockton Shepherd, Sr., Slot.
- Jaden Heap SO Slot WR.
- Easton Brown, Jr., OL.
- Brennan Webb, Jr., OL.
- Logan Phillips, Sr., OL.
- Dylan Callaway, Sr., OL.
- Weston Perry, Sr., WR.
- Dallen Harris, Sr., WR.
- Colton Johansen, Jr., WR.
- Beau Halverson, So., QB.
Defensive coordinator: Jake Downard
2022 protection: 24.5 ppg (No. 5 in 3A).
- 9 returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Keagan Corridor, Sr., DL.
- Kody Brandon, Sr., DL.
- Aisea Hosea, Sr., DL.
- Rance Christensen, Jr., DL.
- Porter Jackson, Jr., LB.
- Porter Anderson, Sr., LB.
- Cooper Blackett, Sr., FS.
- Hayden Park, Sr., SS.
- Cooper Nelson, Jr., WS.
Key defensive newcomers
- Porter Wohlforth, Sr., DL.
- Rio Wright, Sr., DL.
- Connor Cowan, Jr., FS.
- Jay Rowley, Jr., LB.
- Andrew Woodland, Jr., LB.
- Sosaia Paongo, Jr., DB.
- Joe Garrett, Jr., DB.
- Payton Myers, So., DB.
- Jaden Heap, So., DB.
2. Canyon View Falcons
2022 file: 8-4 (second in 3A South with a 4-1 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 4 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Juab, 37-21, within the 3A semifinals.
All-time file: 64-190 (26 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: Burke Miller
After stints as an assistant coach at Parowan, Cedar and Canyon View, Burke Miller took over as Canyon View head coach final yr and led this system to an 8-4 file and a 3A semifinal look. He’s a graduate of Moapa Valley Excessive Faculty and the College of Phoenix.
Coach Burke Miller’s common outlook
“We're excited to construct off final yr’s semifinal look. We return fairly a number of gamers from final yr’s workforce. We will’t wait to get going Week 1!”
Offensive coordinator: Burke Miller
2022 offense: 29.1 ppg (No. 5 in 3A).
- Eight returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Jaxon Jensen, QB, Sr.
- Asher Groft, RB, Sr.
- Traie Buhler, WR, Sr.
- Moose Barton, OL, Sr.
- Peyton Roundy, OL, Sr.
- Parker Cheney, C, Jr.
- Trenton Ludlow, WR, Jr.
- Colt Parker, OL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Deegan Davies, WR, Jr.
- Asher Slack, WR, Jr.
- Caleb Paule, WR, Jr.
- Dax Nichol, WR, Jr.
- Jayson Higgins, RB, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Pat Ward
2022 protection: 22.3 ppg (No. 4 in 3A).
- Six returning starters.
- 4-3 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Traie Buhler, Sr., DB.
- Marc Richardson, Sr., DL/LB.
- Lincoln Rushton, Sr., LB.
- Scotty Irons, Sr., LB.
- Sam Vest, Jr., DE.
- Trenton Ludlow DB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Seth Morris, Jr., DB.
- Asher Groft, Sr., DB.
- Dalton Malcolm, Jr., DE.
3. Manti Templars
2022 file: 5-7 (tied for third in 3A South with a 2-3 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 8 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Juab, 52-15, within the 3A second spherical.
All-time file: 274-276 (55 years).
State titles: 4 (1999, 2003, 2011, 2012).
Area titles: 9 (1994, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005 co, 2009 co, 2011, 2012, 2013).
Head coach: Fred Taukei’aho
After serving as an assistant coach at Manti for 19 of the previous 21 years beginning in 2002, he’s taking up as head coach for Cole Meacham, who retired after 23 years. He’s a graduate of Lahaina Luna Excessive Faculty on Maui and Snow Faculty.
Coach Fred Taukei’aho’s common outlook
“I really feel assured in our workforce and our returners this yr, who convey again nice management. Having a pair years of expertise with our offense has been useful in making ready for this coming season. Defensively we have now a whole lot of returners who've been working onerous within the low season, and are desperate to get on the sphere. We now have some new gamers arising which might be able to fill the holes, and as a workforce we're excited to begin the season.”
Offensive coordinator: Cameron Shumway
2022 offense: 28.83 ppg (No. 6 in 3A).
- Six returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Braxton Henningson, Sr., OL.
- Tima Moe, Sr., OL.
- Hint Cox, Sr., OL.
- Reggie Frischknecht, Sr., WR/TE.
- Hunter Stevens, Sr., WR.
- Preston Thompson, Sr., WR/TE.
Key offensive newcomers
- Maison Starkweather, Jr., QB.
- Carter Mason, So., QB.
- Kevin Sterner, Sr., WR/TE.
- Stone Mortensen, So., WR.
- Isaac Crowther, So., RB.
- Tala Taulapapa, So., RB.
- Max Taukeiaho, So., OL.
- Mac Olsen, So., WR/TE.
- Hint Justesen, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Cory Hatch
2022 protection: 28.67 ppg (No. 7 in 3A).
- Eight returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Braxton Henningson, Sr., DL.
- Tima Moe, Sr., DL.
- Lincoln Alder, Jr., DL.
- Dallin Sweat, Sr., LB.
- Kelan Layton, Sr., LB.
- Bo Stevens, Sr., LB.
- Hunter Stevens, Sr., CB.
- Reggie Frischknecht, Sr., S.
Key defensive newcomers
- Preston Thompson, Sr., DL.
- Hint Cox, Sr., DL.
- Max Taukeiaho, So., DL.
- Kevin Sterner, Sr., LB.
- Will Osborn, Jr., LB.
- Colby Simons, Jr., LB.
- Tala Taulapapa, So., LB.
- Lane Cox, Jr., CB.
- Dax Anderson, Jr., CB.
- Stone Mortensen, So., CB.
4. Richfield Wildcats
2023 Report: 7-5 (tied for third in 3A South with a 2-3 file)
2023 RPI rating: No. 5 in 3A
2023 postseason: Misplaced to Canyon View, 14-7, within the 3A quarterfinals
All-time file: 372-424-12 (93 years)
State titles: 1 (1984)
Area titles: 18 (1926, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1984 co, 1985, 1988 co, 2020)
Head coach: Eric Thorson
Getting into his first season as head coach in his second stint at Richfield. He beforehand coached at Richfield from 2014-2016, the place his groups posted a 10-21 file. He’s a graduate of Davis Excessive and Utah State.
Coach Eric Thorson’s common outlook
“Having the vast majority of the beginning lineup returning, Richfield is trying to be aggressive. The schedule is harder this yr than within the latest previous, however with seasoned gamers, the expansion of enjoying a harder schedule ought to repay later within the yr.”
Offensive coordinator: Eric Thorson
2022 offense: 31.7 ppg (No. 4 in 3A).
- Six returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Nathan Younger, Sr., OL.
- Ashton White, Sr., OL.
- Ryker Buchanan, Sr., OL.
- Reggie Hafen, Sr., QB.
- Kai Thomas, Sr., WR.
- Cort Moon, Sr., TE.
Key offensive newcomers
- Beck Giblete, Sr., RB.
- Gage Yardley, Jr., WR.
- Griffin Wayman, Jr., WR.
- Slate Reitz, Jr., RB.
- Malik Fautin, Jr., WR.
- Drey Myers, Sr., RB.
- Daken Douglas, Sr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Chet White
2022 protection: 16.58 ppg (No. 2 in 3A).
- Seven returning starters.
- 5-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Nathan Younger, Sr., DL.
- Ashton White, Sr., DL.
- Tanner Pollock, Jr., DB.
- Gage Yardley, Jr., LB.
- Malik Fautin, Jr., DB.
- Cort Moon, Sr., LB.
- Ryker Buchanan, Sr., DL.
Key defensive newcomers
- Dax Fjord, Sr., LB.
- Fisher Arnold, Sr., DT.
- Coleman Thorson, Jr., DT.
- Slate Reitz, Jr., LB.
5. North Sanpete Hawks
2022 file: 5-7 (tied for third in 3A South with a 2-3 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 6 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Grantsville, 28-9, within the 3A quarterfinals.
All-time file: 338-472-19 (107 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 11 (1923, 1984 co, 1990, 1996 co, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 co, 2004 co, 2005 co, 2015 co).
Head coach: Tu Tui
The Kahuku Excessive Faculty alum is coming into his first yr as head coach for the Hawks. He’s a graduate of Southern Utah College.
Coach Tu Tui’s common outlook
“We're smitten by this upcoming season. The coed-athletes have been placing within the work through the offseason within the weight room, getting stronger and constructing that workforce bond. We return lots of our OL/DL, they usually know that they're the important thing to our success. I do know we at North Sanpete have to reestablish bodily superiority and get again to our roots. I’m excited for what we'll convey to the 3A desk.”
Offensive coordinator: Nic Evans
2022 offense: 20.9 ppg (No. 9 in 3A).
- 5 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Jacob Blackham, Sr. OL.
- Kelbe Herring, Sr., OL.
- Marshall Wright, Sr., OL.
- Carson Cook dinner, Sr., WR switching to QB.
- Cache Nicolson, Sr., RB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Daniel Lewis, Sr., WR.
- Odin Laupapa, Jr., TE.
- Preston Madsen, Jr., WR.
- Damon Vogt, Jr., OL.
- Payton Hendry, Sr., TE.
- Jackson Ivory, Sr., OL.
- Kash Cook dinner, Jr., RB.
- Jayden Reyes, Jr., RB.
Defensive coordinator: Tu Tui
2022 protection: 27.3 ppg (No. 6 in 3A).
- Seven returning starters.
- A number of defenses.
Returning defensive starters
- Kelbe Herring, Sr., DL.
- Cache Nicolson, Sr., DL.
- Jacob Blackham, Sr., DL.
- Odin Laupapa, Jr., LB.
- Preston Madsen, Jr., DB.
- Carson Cook dinner, Sr., DB.
- Daniel Lewis, Sr., DB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Kash Cook dinner, Jr., LB.
- Cole Staker, Jr., DL.
- Payton Hendry, Sr., DL.
- Gage Oldroyd, Jr., DB.
- Tyler Harward, Sr., DL.
- Krew King, Jr., DB.
- Wyatt Williams, So., DB.
6. Carbon Dinos
2022 file: 2-9 (sixth in 3A South with a 0-5 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 12 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Richfield, 49-0, within the 3A first spherical.
All-time file: 326-558-22 (104 years).
State titles: 3 (1924, 1938, 1951).
Area titles: 12 (1924, 1926, 1930, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1938, 1951, 1956, 1957, 1964).
Head coach: Phil Howa
Getting into his fourth season as head coach at Carbon after a 5-26 file his first three years. His earlier head teaching job was 35 years earlier as he coached one season at East Carbon Excessive Faculty in 1984, ending with a 3-6 file. In between, he spent 28 years as the pinnacle coach at Helper Center Faculty. He’s a graduate of Carbon Excessive Faculty and Southern Utah College.
Coach Phil Howa’s common outlook
“Carbon Excessive soccer is getting higher everyday. We now have seen a rise within the variety of athletes which have come out this yr. The offseason has been productive and well-attended. We're seeing a rise in confidence and optimistic attitudes in direction of this season. The teaching employees has been collectively for 3 years and are nicely collectively greater than ever. Our purpose at Carbon Excessive is to be a playoff contender and to be aggressive in each recreation we play.”
Offensive coordinator: Brandon Wilson
2022 offense: 9.1 ppg (No. 12 in 3A).
- Three returning starters.
- Flex Bone/Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Marshea Marvidakis.
- Dominic Cowan.
- Alan Saccomano.
Key offensive newcomers
- Anthony Wilson, Jr., RB.
- Maddux Wilson, So., TE.
- Deagan Richards, Jr., WR.
- McKade Manzanares, Jr., WR.
- Garrett Chappell, Jr., OL.
- Riley Winder, Sr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Phil Howa
2022 protection: 38.2 ppg (No. 12 in 3A).
- 5 returning starters.
- 4-4 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Alan Saccomano, Jr., DL.
- Stockton Kennedy, Jr., DB.
- Jeremy Smith, Sr., LB.
- Diego Vega, Sr., DL.
- Trevor Jones, Sr., DB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Deegan Richards, Jr., DB.
- Hint Crespin, So., DB.
- Maddux Wilson, So., DE.
- Alexis Bueno, Sr., LB.
- McKade Manzanares, Jr., DB.
- Anthony Wilson, Jr., LB.
- Stetson Paulson, Jr., LB.
- Logan Anderson, Jr., LB/SS.
- Stockton Kennedy, Jr., DB.