Defending 3A state champion Morgan was voted the 3A North crew to beat this 12 months because the Trojans returning 5 offensive starters from a 12 months in the past. James Edward
To say that the Morgan Trojans have been one of the best crew in 3A soccer final season can be an understatement. Phrases hardly do justice for the extent of sheer dominance they exhibited all through the 2022 season, wanting oftentimes like a borderline 6A crew that was within the mistaken league.
Morgan head coach Jared Barlow mentioned his program “turned the web page” final 12 months. The Trojans final gained 3A in 2019 however fell quick within the title sport the next two years, though each of these losses may have been thought of upsets. Then, in 2022, no matter ceiling could have existed above Morgan’s head was shattered.
Morgan beat opponents by a mean of 34.1 factors per sport, and its protection allowed fewer touchdowns than video games performed. If that wasn’t sufficient, the Trojans went up towards Juab, which had maybe one of the crucial prolific offenses in latest reminiscence with a record-setting quarterback underneath middle, and completely pulverized the Wasps, 55-3.
Whilst Barlow takes inventory of a brand new 12 months with a reasonably youthful crew, the Trojans clearly stay the category of the 3A North and albeit all of 3A basically. His fellow coaches knew it, which is why Morgan unanimously took the highest spot in preseason for the 3A North rankings.
The Trojans have been closely senior-laden final season, in order that they’ll return simply eight whole starters to the crew — 5 on offense, three on protection.
“I believe yearly is a brand new 12 months,” Barlow mentioned. “Final 12 months’s group was a particular group. We simply perceive it is a new 12 months and a brand new crew.”
But, even with a comparatively low variety of starters, a program performing the best way Morgan has for the final a number of seasons appears to be in a state of perennial reload with out having to rebuild a lot. The Trojans return junior working again Jett Salmon, who ran for practically 479 yards and 10 TDs. They’ll additionally return their second-best receiver, senior Lincoln Gilson, who had 52 catches for 709 yards and 7 TDs final 12 months. Three of final 12 months’s 5 offensive linemen return, so despite the fact that they’ll be breaking in a brand new QB, junior Beck Sheffield, the small supporting solid checks each field.
Morgan’s teardown of Juab could have had a ripple impact on Barlow’s capability to schedule for nonregion play. The coach mentioned he had bother getting anybody within the 3A South to conform to a sport, so as an alternative, the Trojans will run by a gauntlet of 4A squads — Crimson Cliffs, Bear River, Sky View and Inexperienced Canyon — earlier than capping off nonregion play with a visit to the 5A Kearns Cougars.
So what likelihood does the remainder of the area have? If ever there’s been a “David” to Morgan’s “Goliath,” it's Grantsville. The Cowboys, who polled at No. 2 within the area, have been maybe one of the best shot anybody had on the Trojans final season. Morgan had a mean of roughly a four-TD lead on opponents final season, however within the two groups’ common season matchup, the Cowboys trailed simply 14-13 on the half earlier than Morgan pulled away within the third quarter. The Cowboys are the one 3A squad that has a win over Morgan within the final two seasons.
“There are a number of good groups within the 3A North,” Barlow mentioned. “Grantsville’s all the time a very good sport for us. … It’s simple to stand up for as a result of you know the way laborious they’re working, and you know the way laborious you need to play to have an opportunity to beat them.”
The difficulty for Grantsville this season is, like Morgan, the Cowboys have been closely affected by commencement. Solely seven starters return — three on offense, 4 on protection — and all three of the offensive returners are linemen. The duty is on Grantsville coach Kody Byrd and his employees to convey alongside an entire new crop of talent gamers at each place.
“I’m actually excited,” Byrd mentioned. “We did lose fairly a number of children, however I believe we’ve bought some actually proficient children stepping as much as fill these voids, and we’re excited to see what they will do.”
The Cowboys are definitely wanting ahead to that Morgan sport, through which the Trojans might be out in Grantsville to play this 12 months.
“For so long as I’ve been part of this program, it’s only a nice, nice matchup, and so they’re all the time fairly tight,” Byrd mentioned. “It’s only a matter of which children need it extra.”
What occurs over the remainder of the 3A North could possibly be considerably of a toss-up. Each Barlow and Byrd have been vocal about anticipating a number of enchancment out of the usually lower-finishing groups within the area, and the votes from coaches confirmed the angle of tighter competitors.
Even Ben Lomond bought a vote to complete in second place.
Because it shakes out, Juan Diego checks in at No. 3, and the Hovering Eagle have much more returning manufacturing than the opposite high groups. Juan Diego was extraordinarily younger with quite a few sophomore starters, and all of that returns as seven starters return on offense, 4 of that are juniors. 5 starters are again on protection, 4 of that are additionally juniors.
Regardless of its youth, Juan Diego navigated a troublesome schedule to succeed in 6-6 final 12 months. The Hovering Eagle’s distinctive veer offense will profit from the return of QB Hayden Mezenan, who totaled 16 touchdowns (8 by air, 8 by floor).
Ogden is available in at No. 4, and the Tigers know they've a number of work to do. Coach Erik Thompson cited some offseason struggles with accidents and inexperience that also should be overcome, however is optimistic within the crew’s capability to compete when at full-strength. The Tigers return 4 starters on offense and 6 on protection.
Union had only one win final season in area play however checks in at No. 5. The Cougars misplaced 4 video games final season by only one possession, however inexperience might be an impediment to beat. The Cougars have simply two returning offensive starters to go along with 5 on protection. They’ll even have a brand new head coach for the primary time in 11 years as Dustin Lengthy enters this system.
Rounding out the rankings at No. 6 will be the most attention-grabbing crew of all of them, Ben Lomond. The Scots have struggled for a while now as a soccer program, however a number of coaches had excessive reward for his or her potential this season. As well as, they've essentially the most returning starters by a mile, with 9 returning on offense and 10 on protection.
3A North projections
(Preseason rankings are primarily based on coaches’ votes)
1. Morgan Trojans
2022 document: 13-0 (first in 3A North with a 5-0 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 2 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Beat Juab, 55-3, within the 3A championship.
All-time document: 516-345-22 (95 years).
State titles: 8 (1940, 1977, 1979, 1983, 1993, 1997, 2019, 2022).
Area titles: 27 (1930 co, 1935, 1939, 1940, 1946, 1947, 1975 co, 1976, 1977 co, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1989, 1991 co, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2005 co, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 co, 2022).
Head coach: Jared Barlow
Coming into his fourth season as head coach at Morgan after posting a 30-7 document his first three seasons, together with a state title in 2022. He beforehand served as an assistant coach at Morgan for 15 years. He’s a graduate of Morgan Excessive Faculty and Weber State.
Coach Jared Barlow’s basic outlook
“We're excited for a brand new chapter in our program. Having our classification keep because it was provides us a possibility to compete towards some high quality applications. The preseason will put together us for a troublesome area schedule. There are such a lot of issues to look ahead to and may’t await a season kickoff on Aug. 11.”
Offensive coordinator: Chase Roberts
2022 offense: 41.23 ppg (No. 2 in 3A).
- 5 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Cooper McGiven, Sr., OL.
- Izaiah Henshilwood, Jr., OL.
- Will Fisher, Sr., OL.
- Lincoln Gilson, Jr., WR.
- Jett Salmon, Jr., RB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Christian Nunez, Sr., WR.
- Luke Olson, Sr., OL.
- Derrick Tilby, Sr., WR.
- Zak Sargent, Sr., RB.
- Brogan Garrett, Sr., WR.
- Beck Sheffield, Jr., QB.
Defensive coordinator: Matt Larsen
2022 protection: 6.92 ppg (No. 1 in 3A).
- Three returning starters.
- 3-4 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Zak Sargent, Sr., LB.
- Tate Nelson, Sr., FS.
- Jett Salmon, Jr., LB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Tate Metal, Jr., DL.
- Treyson Wealthy, Sr., DL.
- Nick Preece, Jr., DL.
- Tytan Willis, Sr., LB.
- Krew Galbraith, Jr., LB.
- Cameron Menlove, Sr., C.
- Jack Despain, Jr., C.
- Abe Anderton, Jr., SS.
2. Grantsville Cowboys
2022 document: 10-2 (second in 3A North with a 4-1 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 3 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Morgan, 27-0, within the 3A semifinals.
All-time document: 430-472-21 (106 years).
State titles: 4 (1992, 1996, 1997, 2022).
Area titles: 11 (1960, 1967 co, 1973, 1978, 1984 co, 1985, 1986, 1991 co, 1998, 2019, 2022 co).
Head coach: Kody Byrd
Coming into his seventh 12 months as head coach at Grantsville with a 50-21 document in his first six seasons, together with a state title in 2022. He’s a graduate of Granite Excessive Faculty and Occidental Faculty in California.
Coach Kody Byrd’s basic outlook
“We really feel actually good about our possibilities this season. We have now a very good class of seniors developing and a robust class of juniors able to step up and fill new roles on the crew.”
Offensive coordinator: Josh McMorris
2022 offense: 37.1 ppg (No. 3 in 3A).
- Three returning starters.
- A number of Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Damian Nelson, Sr., OL.
- Deagan Herren, Sr., OL.
- Jax Allred, Jr., OL.
Key offensive newcomers
- Keegan Kinsman, Sr., RB.
- Max Critchlow, Sr., OL.
- Jack Hendrix, Sr., WR.
- Keltin Byrd, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Danny Warren
2022 protection: 17.5 ppg (No. 3 in 3A).
- 4 returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Lee Maile, Jr., Security.
- Hayden Corridor, Sr., CB.
- Luke Gourley, Jr., DL.
- Conner Horrocks, Sr., DL.
Key defensive newcomers
- Griffin Kimber, Sr., LB.
- Krue Warren, Jr., Security.
- Talon Butler, Jr., LB.
- Mason Butler, Jr., Security.
3. Juan Diego Hovering Eagle
2022 document: 6-6 (third in 3A North with a 3-2 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 7 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Morgan, 51-20, within the 3A quarterfinals.
All-time document: 203-64 (23 years).
State titles: 8 (2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017).
Area titles: 13 (2003, 2004, 2005 co, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 co, 2022 co).
Head coach: Ron James
Led Juan Diego to a 6-6 document in his first 12 months as head coach. He took over final 12 months with 30 years of professional and school teaching expertise. He’s a graduate of Christian Brothers Excessive Faculty in New York and Siena Faculty in New York.
Coach Ron James’s basic outlook
“We have now a younger soccer crew that may characteristic many two-way starters from our junior class. The few seniors we now have are skilled and keen to guide the cost. Our schedule is difficult, that includes groups above our classification in addition to area opponents who usually compete for 3A state titles.”
Offensive coordinator: DJ Larson
2022 offense: 23.83 ppg (No. 8 in 3A).
- Seven returning starters.
- Veer offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Hayden Mezenan, QB, Jr.
- Jeremiah Onwo, OG, Jr.
- Adric Liljestrand, OG, Jr.
- Antonio Archuletta, RB, Jr.
- Austin Lund, OC, Sr.
- Angelo Lewis, WR, Sr.
- Andrew Garzella, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Darion Otto, TE, Jr.
- Victor Barrigan, RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Ron James
2022 protection: 35 ppg (No. 11 in 3A)
- 5 returning starters.
- 4-3 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Angelo Lewis, DB, Sr.
- Jeremiah Onwo, DT, Jr.
- Adric Liljestrand, DT, Jr.
- Antonio Archuletta, LB, Jr.
- Peyton McCormick, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Darion Otto, DE, Jr.
- Toby Hardin, LB, Jr.
- Victor Barrigan, LB, Jr.
- Corbin Buckley, LB, Jr.
4. Ogden Tigers
2022 document: 3-7 (fourth in 3A North with a 2-3 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 9 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Manti, 48-15, within the 3A first spherical.
All-time document: 462-562-35 (122 years).
State titles: 7 (1901, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1916, 1958, 1966) — championships decided by season document vs. different excessive faculties from 1898-1918.
Area titles: 16 (1910, 1916, 1937 co, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1974 co, 1981).
Head coach: Erik Thompson
Coming into his seventh season as head coach at Ogden, the place his groups personal a 26-40 document the previous six years. Previous to that he was the top coach at Northridge for 13 seasons from 2004 to 2016, ending with a 79-60 document. He’s a graduate of Roy Excessive Faculty and Mesa State.
Coach Erik Thompson’s basic outlook
“We have now a really shut crew with nice unity and grit! They've been working very laborious within the offseason within the weight room. We have now some dynamic playmakers again on each side of the ball. We have now some work to do to on the offensive line and at quarterback the place we lack expertise.
“I really feel that the closeness of this crew will assist them overachieve and shock the critics. We're a crew that's working to develop into a F.A.M.I.L.Y. and we’re grateful to get to play an amazing sport of soccer. Sadly, we’re coping with a handful of offseason accidents and inexperience. I really feel that ultimately, when this crew will get wholesome, good points some expertise and executes, we might be a troublesome crew to play.”
Offensive coordinator: Erik Thompson
2022 offense: 18.3 ppg (No. 10 in 3A).
- 4 returning starters.
- Unfold/Wing-T offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Kire Thompson, WR.
- Max Trujillo, RB.
- Lincoln Barnes, TE.
- Kolton Wealthy, OC.
Key offensive newcomers
- Carter Rasmussen, OL.
- Eduardo Contreras, OL.
- Dallon Miller, WR.
- Kale Adams, WR.
- Lucas Heiner, RB.
- Vinnie Apodaca, QB.
- Will Minkevitch, QB.
Defensive coordinator: Terry Larsen
2022 protection: 31.9 ppg (No. 9 in 3A).
- Six returning starters.
- 3-4 a number of defenses.
Returning defensive starters
- Carter Rasmussen, DE.
- Alonso Solis, DT.
- Eduardo Contreras, DT.
- Lucas Heiner, LB.
- Jayden Lengthy, FS.
- Zack Richards, CB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Gordy Allred, LB.
- Aaron Butler, OLB.
- Kire Thompson, SS.
- Chaz Sanchez, CB.
5. Union Cougars
2022 document: 3-8 (fifth in 3A North with a 1-4 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 10 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Juan Diego, 38-35, within the 3A first spherical.
All-time document: 284-382 (72 years).
State titles: 2 (1965, 1993).
Area titles: 11 (1951, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1971, 2000 co, 2005 co, 2007 co).
Head coach: Dustin Lengthy
Takes over as head coach at Union, the place he replaces Matt Labrum as head coach after he led this system for 11 years. He’s a graduate of Juab Excessive and Thomas Edison College.
Coach Dustin Lengthy’s basic outlook
“The children are excited to see the outcomes of a troublesome offseason. They’ve been working laborious within the weight room since March and displaying progress, so we’re all excited to see what that interprets to on the sphere.”
Offensive coordinator: Austin Jackson
2022 offense: 24.27 ppg (No. 7 in 3A).
- Two returning starters.
Returning offensive starters
- Daxtyn Feild, RB.
- Rylind Wooden, WR.
Key offensive newcomers
- Gannon Labrum, ATH, So.
- Bo Earl, WR So.
- Kyler Hackford, RB, Jr.
- Howdy Jackson, OL, Sr.
- Will Gamble, TE, Sr.
- Jacob Sasser, WR, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Dustin Lengthy
2022 protection: 28.91 ppg (No. 8 in 3A).
- 5 returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Will Gamble, Sr., FS.
- Crew Iverson, Sr., CB.
- Talon Dall, Jr., CB.
- Gannon Labrum, So., S.
- Kalani Palei, Jr., DL.
Key defensive newcomers
- Bo Earl, Jr., S.
- Jacob Sasser, Sr., LB.
- Isaac Mecham, Jr., LB.
- Zade Swain, So, DL.
- Chase Duncan, Jr., DL.
- Jed Chatwin, Jr., LB.
6. Ben Lomond Scots
2022 document: 3-8 (sixth in 3A North with a 0-5 document).
2022 RPI rating: No. 11 in 3A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to North Sanpete, 28-7, within the 3A first spherical.
All-time document: 185-475-9 (70 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: 3 (1965, 1967 co, 1985 co).
Head coach: Lyndon Johnson
Coming into his fifth season as Ben Lomond’s head coach after posting an 8-36 document the previous 4 years. He’s a graduate of Wealthy Excessive Faculty and Weber State. Johnson’s earlier head teaching expertise all got here on the hardcourt as he spent 15 mixed years as head basketball coach at Roy, Brighton and Northridge.
Coach Lyndon Johnson’s basic outlook
“We really feel it is a particular senior class. We're returning 17 starters from each side of the ball and our kicker, who was among the best within the state, can be returning. We have now many children who're 3-4 12 months starters and our freshman QB is again and extra poised to dominate. It’s going to come back all the way down to us executing in any respect phases as a result of we undoubtedly have the expertise and talent. We have now DI athletes taking part in on each side of the ball. We're excited for this season.
Offensive coordinator: Nate Tuatagaloa
2022 offense: 14.6 ppg (No. 11 in 3A).
- 9 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Manase Tuatagaloa, Sr., QB.
- Aunese Tuatagaloa, Sr., WR.
- Davian Muñoz, Sr., WR.
- Hunter Christensen, Sr., WR.
- Jaxon Watson, Sr., WR.
- Charlie Thornblad, Sr., HB.
- John Suka, Jr., WR.
- Miguel Santos, Sr., OL.
- Jake East, Sr., OL.
Key offensive newcomers
- Kyreese Hester, Sr., OL.
- John Suka, Jr., WR (larger function).
- Cadence Hayman, Sr., WR/TE.
- Maika Kurkowski, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Lyndon Johnson
2022 protection: 33.2 ppg (No. 10 in 3A).
- Ten returning starters.
- 3/4 Hybrid protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Aunese Tuatagaloa, Sr., CB.
- Jaxon Watson, Sr., CB.
- Davian Muñoz, Sr., S.
- Charlie Thornblad, Sr., S.
- Jake East, Sr., DL.
- Miguel Santos, Sr., DL.
- Luke Wharton, Sr., DL.
- Braedon Gil, Sr., S/LB.
- Haidynn Burdette, Sr., LB.
- Rohan Inexperienced, Sr., LB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Manase Tuatagaloa, So., Edge.
- Cadence Hayman, , Sr., LB.
- Izzy Arocha, So., CB.
- Jaxon Espinoza, So., S.
- Kenyon Marks, Sr., LB.
- John Suka, Jr., CB.
- Maika Kurkowski, Jr., LB.