After three years of Cache Valley dominating the narrative of 4A soccer, the northern Utah area took a backseat to southern Utah in 2022.
4 of the highest 5 RPI seeds had been from down south, with Desert Hills in the end beating Crimson Cliffs within the championship.
Quick ahead to 2023, and although the dimensions of the classification has doubled within the newest UHSAA realignment, the sensation amongst Area 11 coaches is their groups are higher geared up to compete close to the highest of 4A once more.
The highest 4 projected groups within the preseason coaches rankings all return over half their starters from a yr in the past, whereas the opposite two — Inexperienced Canyon and Logan — have new head coaches which might result in large enhancements as properly.
“Our area shall be actually good this yr. Each Ridgeline and Mountain Crest return a bunch of actually good gamers from their groups final yr. Will probably be thrilling to see what the brand new coaches at Inexperienced Canyon and Logan deliver to their groups. Bear River is all the time a very robust workforce. Each week shall be a battle,” stated Sky View coach Chris Howell.
Though the Area 11 groups had been down a bit total a yr in the past, Ridgeline coach Travis Cox stated throughout the area issues had been as aggressive as all the time, and he expects that pattern to proceed in 2023.
“Our area is all the time robust and each recreation is a battle. We’ve bought nice coaches and expertise within the area and the video games are all the time nice,” stated Cox.
Ridgeline narrowly edged Sky View within the preseason coaches rankings for the highest spot in Area 11. The Riverhawks return seven offensive starters from final yr’s semifinal workforce that misplaced to Crimson Cliffs, after which 4 defensively.
A yr in the past Ridgeline ranked 10th out of 13 groups in 4A in scoring offense at simply 19.8 ppg, however with QB Nate Dahle returning together with high receivers Carson Cox and Graham Livingston, there’s loads of expertise to assist the 2021 state champs get again to the highest.
“I’m enthusiastic about our workforce. We’ve bought a superb mixture of returning starters and children who’ve needed to wait their flip. Offensively, we're slightly forward of the place we had been a yr in the past as we've got our QB and several other WRs and a few linemen again,” stated Cox.
The Sky View Bobcats — the 2019 and 2020 state champs — had been pegged to complete second in Area 11 by the coaches. Throughout these two title-winning seasons they went a mixed 26-1, however over the previous two years their mixed file was 13-12.
Regardless of a little bit of a down season, Sky View nonetheless earned a share of the Area 11 title with Ridgeline final yr, and Howell is hoping that catapults this system to higher success in 2023.
“We return a variety of key gamers on each side of the ball. We have now a very good core of senior linemen who return this yr and anticipate good issues out of them. It's all the time good to have a returning QB, so we're enthusiastic about that as properly. So long as we keep wholesome, we've got an opportunity to be stable this yr,” stated Howell.
Quarterback Carson Thatcher threw for 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns final yr, whereas all-state operating again Brevin Egbert returns after dashing for 883 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The offensive line shall be led by 4 returning starters, Connor Dean, Seath Toolson, Landon Elsner and Carter Andrews.
Sky View’s protection ranked second in 4A in 2022, and 7 starters return from that group to bolster the opposite facet of the ball.
Mountain Crest was projected third in Area 11 a yr after its shocking 4A semifinal run as a No. 6 seed. Final yr was this system’s first profitable season since 2018, and second-year coach Ryan Visser hopes extra of the identical is on the horizon this yr.
“Good group of returning gamers that performed an important roll in our run final season. Ought to have playmakers everywhere in the area. This workforce has been working actually onerous to be within the combine with a really deep 4A this yr,” stated Visser.
Main the way in which for Mountain Crest shall be second workforce all-state receiver Will DeKorver and second workforce all-state defensive sort out Porter Kennington.
The projected backside three groups in Area 11 all completed under .500 a yr in the past, and, maybe not surprisingly, it’s the place they’re projected to complete once more.
Bear River second-year coach Trampis Waite is optimistic final yr’s lumps results in improved outcomes with eight returning starters offensively and 7 defensively.
“It was essential for us to get a full offseason collectively as gamers and training workers. This offseason we bought stronger, quicker, and got here collectively as a cohesive group. This can assist us out tremendously this season as we glance to compete in our area and this expanded 4A classification,” stated Waite.
Inexperienced Canyon is popping its teaching reins over to JT Tauiliili, a Hunter Excessive graduate. He was on workers at 5A state champ Lehi final season, and is a graduate of Utah State. He has earlier teaching expertise within the area at Sky View.
“There's a number of optimism across the workforce with what number of starters we return on the O-line and our stars on the defensive facet of the ball,” stated Tauiliili.
Logan shall be led by first-year coach Carson Mund, who beforehand was the pinnacle coach at West Jordan from 2019-2020.
Logan completed fourth within the area a yr in the past, and Mund is hoping he may also help this system break into the highest three this yr.
“Logan Excessive soccer has an excellent custom of success in Utah soccer. We hope to begin constructing upon that after once more with a younger soccer workforce this yr. With a really small senior class we're asking a number of younger gamers to carry out at a excessive degree,” stated Mund.
Area 11 projections
(Preseason rankings are based mostly on coaches’ votes)
1. Ridgeline RiverHawks
2022 file: 8-5 (tied for first in Area 11 with a 4-1 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 4 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Crimson Cliffs, 27-13, within the 4A semifinals.
All-time file: 53-30 (7 years).
State titles: 1 (2021)
Area titles: 2 (2021, 2022 co).
Head coach: Travis Cox
Coming into his fourth season as head coach at Ridgeline Excessive College after a formidable 30-7 file the previous three years, together with a state title in 2021. He’s a graduate of Mountain Crest and Utah State.
Coach Travis Cox’s normal outlook
“I’m enthusiastic about our workforce. We’ve bought a superb mixture of returning starters and children who’ve needed to wait their flip. Offensively, we're slightly forward of the place we had been a yr in the past as we've got our QB and several other WRs and a few linemen again. Defensively, we have to change a number of extra guys and it’s been nice to look at the youngsters battle for these spots. We’ve had an excellent offseason and shedding within the semis the way in which we did has caught with us and motivated our children.”
Offensive coordinator: Jeremy Livingston
2022 offense: 19.8 ppg (No. 10 in 4A).
- Seven returning starters.
- Unfold, A number of offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Carson Cox, WR.
- Graham Livingston, WR.
- Nate Dahle, QB.
- Hunter Knighton, WR.
- Levi Painter, OL.
- Easton Hammond, OL.
- JT White, RB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Krew Jones, Fr., TE.
- Trey Purser, Sr., TE.
- Ben Thomas, Sr., OL.
- Austin Sorenson, Sr., OL.
- Jagger Francom, Sr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Jake Pitcher
2022 protection: 16.69 ppg (No. 1 in 4A).
- 4 returning starters.
- 3-4 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Avyn Gore, Sr., SS.
- Caysen Dana, Sr., NG.
- Cooper Clark, So., OLB.
- Dante Bond, Sr., DE
Key defensive newcomers
- Krew Jones, Fr., DE.
- Charlie Sales space, Jr., LB.
- Will Graham, Sr., LB.
- Hunter Knighton, So., LB.
- Aidan Anderson, Sr., DB.
- Hint Dustin, Sr., DB.
- Bronco Gallaway, Sr., DB.
- Fred Malouf, Sr., DE.
- Trey Purser, Sr., DE.
2. Sky View Bobcats
2022 file: 6-5 (tied for first in Area 11 with a 4-1 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 7 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Desert Hills, 35-21, within the 4A quarterfinals.
All-time file: 320-267-8 (59 years).
State titles: 2 (2019, 2020).
Area titles: 12 (1969, 1972, 1979 co, 1982, 2006, 2007 co, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 co).
Head coach: Christopher Howell
In 4 seasons as Sky View’s head coach, he’s led the workforce to a 39-11 mixed file and state titles in 2019 and 2020. Beforehand, he was the pinnacle coach at Ridgeline from 2016 to 2018 with a 19-15 file. He’s a graduate of Logan Excessive College and Utah State.
Coach Christopher Howell’s normal outlook
“We return a variety of key gamers on each side of the ball. We have now a very good core of senior linemen who return this yr and anticipate good issues out of them. It's all the time good to have a returning QB, so we're enthusiastic about that as properly. So long as we keep wholesome, we've got an opportunity to be stable this yr.”
Offensive coordinator: Brandt Reese
2022 offense: 21.7 ppg (No. 5 in 4A).
- Eight returning starters.
- A number of offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Carson Thatcher, Sr., QB.
- Brevin Egbert, Sr., RB.
- Garrett Zahmel, Sr., TE.
- Bryton Williams, Sr., Slot.
- Connor Dean, Sr., OT.
- Seth Toolson, Sr., OT.
- Landon Elsner, Sr., G.
- Carter Andrews, Sr., C.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jace Favero, Sr., WR.
- Ramsey Vicars, Sr., RB.
- Easton Ballard, Sr., WR.
- Preston Smith, Jr., OL.
- Taylor Lindley, Sr., TE.
- Carver Ballard, Sr., WR.
- Liam Guthrie, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Chris Howell
2022 protection: 17 ppg (No. 2 in 4A).
- Seven returning starters.
- 3-4 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Taylor Lindley, Sr., DE.
- Seth Toolson, Sr., DE.
- Jace Lillywhite, Jr., LB.
- Hans Herrmann, Sr., LB.
- Carver Ballard, Sr., DB.
- Ramsey Vicars, Sr., DB.
- Cort Rigby, Jr., DB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Garrett Zahmel, Sr., LB.
- Easton Ballard, Sr., DB.
- Probability Wilson, Jr., LB.
- Jacob McUne, Jr., DL.
- Sitilli Palmer, So., DL
3. Mountain Crest Mustangs
2022 file: 8-5 (third in Area 11 with a 3-2 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 6 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Desert Hills, 44-14, within the 4A semifinals.
All-time file: 260-185 (40 years).
State titles: 3 (1987, 2001, 2005).
Area titles: 13 (1991, 1992 co, 1994, 1998, 1999 co, 2001 co, 2004 co, 2005, 2007 co, 2008, 2009, 2010-co, 2012).
Head coach: Ryan Visser
Guided this system to an 8-5 file in his first yr as head coach in Utah. He beforehand was the pinnacle coach at Large Piney, Wyoming, the 2 years prior. He’s a graduate of Preston Excessive College in Idaho and Idaho State.
Coach Ryan Visser’s normal outlook
“Good group of returning gamers that performed an important roll in our run final season. Ought to have playmakers everywhere in the area. This workforce has been working actually onerous to be within the combine with a really deep 4A this yr.”
Offensive coordinator: Baker Ward
2022 offense: 20.5 ppg (No. 6 in 4A).
- 5 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Casey Crofts, Sr., QB.
- Will DeKorver, Sr., WR.
- Thatcher Phelps, Sr., WR.
- Exander Miller, Sr., OL.
- Cole Jones, Sr., RB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Owen Ryan, Sr., WR.
- Jakyb Bitton, Sr., WR.
- Dax Benson, Sr., WR/RB.
- Karston Buttars, Sr., RB.
- Porter Kennington, Sr., OL.
- Harper Walker, Sr., OL.
- Siaosi Tupuola, SO, OL.
- Kekoa Tupuola, SO, OL.
- Seth Burbank, Jr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Matt Landon
2022 protection: 17.2 ppg (No. 3 in 4A).
- Six returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Potter Kennington, Sr., DL.
- Dax Benson, Sr., LB.
- Karston Buttars, Sr., LB.
- Will DeKorver, Sr., SS.
- Jakyb Bitton, Sr., DB.
- Thatcher Phelps, Sr., FS.
Key defensive newcomers
- Porter Johnson, Sr., DB.
- Mason Geary, Sr., DB.
- Luke Freeman, Sr., DB.
- Kaden Hess, Sr., DL.
- Joseph Pedry, Sr., DL.
- Santiago Huerta, SO, Edge.
- Zyan Foulger, Jr., LB.
- Lincoln Lofthouse, Sr., Edge.
4. Bear River Bears
2022 file: 3-8 (tied for fifth in Area 11 with a 1-4 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 11 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Mountain Crest, 35-15, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time file: 407-481-19 (101 years).
State titles: 3 (2003, 2004, 2006).
Area titles: 13 (1937, 1959, 1983, 1984, 1985 co, 1986 co, 1987, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006).
Head coach: Trampis Waite
A local of Oregon, he’s heading into his second season as head coach after final yr’s 3-8 debut season. He’s a graduate of Ontario Excessive College in Oregon and attended Jap Oregon College.
Coach Trampis Waite’s normal outlook
“It was essential for us to get a full offseason collectively as gamers and training workers. This offseason we bought stronger, quicker, and got here collectively as a cohesive group. This can assist us out tremendously this season as we glance to compete in our area and this expanded 4A classification. I’m excited concerning the course we're headed and our senior management and expertise.”
Offensive coordinator: Trampis Waite.
2022 offense: 19.91 ppg (No. 8 in 4A).
- Eight returning starters.
- Unfold, zone offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Owen Olsen, Sr., QB.
- Jace Roberts, Sr., Slot.
- Tyson Braegger, Sr., TE.
- Nixon Weston, Sr., OL.
- Max Anderson, Jr., OL.
- Gavin Fitzgerald, Sr., OL
- Talon Marble, Sr., Slot.
- Tydon Jones, Jr., RB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Alex Holmes, Jr., OL.
- Jaden Decoursey, Sr., OL.
- Kolton Summers, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Jacob Batke.
2022 protection: 31.9 ppg (No. 11 in 4A).
- Seven returning starters.
- 4-2-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Aiden Wilson, Sr., DE.
- Max Anderson, Jr., DT.
- Xander Lish, Sr., DT.
- Tyson Braegger, Sr., MLB.
- Tucker Cutler, Sr., CB.
- Talon Marble, Sr., FS.
- Jace Roberts, Sr., OLB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Brody Miller, Sr., SS/OLB.
- Kash Avery, Jr., SS.
- Tydon Jones, Jr., ILB.
- Zach Cutler, Sr., CB.
5. Inexperienced Canyon Wolves
2022 file: 1-9 (tied for fifth in Area 11 with a 1-4 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 12 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Snow Canyon, 26-21, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time file: 27-35 (6 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: JT Tauiliili
After spending the previous two years as an assistant at Lehi Excessive College, he’s taking on as head coach for Inexperienced Canyon. He’s a graduate of Hunter Excessive and Utah State.
Coach JT Tauiliili’s normal outlook
“We're excited for the season. There's a number of optimism across the workforce with what number of starters we return on the O-line and our stars on the defensive facet of the ball. We anticipate to compete with anybody.”
Offensive coordinator: JT Tauiliili
2022 offense: 11.1 ppg (No. 13 in 4A).
- Six returning starters.
- A number of offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Ty Jensen, Jr., Heart.
- Joe Rubio, Sr., Sort out.
- Jacob Bast, Sr., Guard.
- Abram DeLisle, Sr., Sort out.
- Dewey Egan, Sr., WR.
- Tanner Ferrin, Sr., WR.
Key offensive newcomers
- Hayden Schramm, So., WR.
- Eric Oates, Sr., RB.
- Ethan Cutler, Jr., RB.
- Carter Stoddard, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Cam Johnson
2022 protection: 21.2 ppg (No. 8 in 4A).
- Six returning starters.
- 3-3 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Tanner Ferrin, Sr., Security.
- Dewey Egan, Sr., Nook.
- Will Wheatley, Sr., LB.
- Carter Stembridge, Sr., S/OLB.
- Collin Gibson, Sr., OLB.
- Calvin Wallis, Sr., OLB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Bryson Pabst, So., DB.
6. Logan Grizzlies
2022 file: 5-6 (fourth in Area 11 with a 2-3 file).
2022 RPI rating: No. 9 in 4A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Cedar, 7-0, within the 4A first spherical.
All-time file: 544-402-24 (107 years).
State titles: 8 (1978, 1988, 1989, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2015).
Area titles: 27 (1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1931, 1932, 1947, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1966 co, 1967 co, 1978, 1979 co, 1985 co, 1986 co, 1988, 1989, 1993, 2000, 2001 co, 2005, 2007, 2010 co, 2011, 2013, 2015).
Head coach: Carson Mund
Taking on as head coach at Logan after beforehand serving as the pinnacle coach at West Jordan in 2019 and 2020, the place his groups posted an 8-13 file. He’s a graduate of West Jordan Excessive and Snow School.
Coach Carson Mund’s normal outlook
“Logan Excessive soccer has an excellent custom of success in Utah soccer. We hope to begin constructing upon that after once more with a younger soccer workforce this yr. With a really small senior class we're asking a number of younger gamers to carry out at a excessive degree. We're in search of gamers to exchange a number of starters from final yr’s workforce. The younger children have put in a number of work and I imagine have ready themselves to carry out at a excessive degree this yr. I'm excited to see our workforce carry out this yr and achieve expertise wanted that may propel Logan Excessive soccer for the approaching years.”
Offensive coordinator: Carson Mund
2022 offense: 20.4 ppg (No. 7 in 4A).
- Three returning starters.
- A number of offenses.
Returning offensive starters
- Keaton Pond, Sr., QB.
- Makiya Denny, Sr., OL.
- Reed Olsen, Jr., TE.
Key offensive newcomers
- Skyler Jensen, Jr., WR.
- Jak Strubhar, Jr., OL.
- Cooper Redd, Sr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Aric Craig
2022 protection: 21.0 ppg (No. 7 in 4A).
- 5 returning starters.
- 3-4 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Brock Brown, Jr., S.
- Cooper Redd, Sr., S.
- Alan Lazzari, Sr., CB.
- Ryan Lazzari, Sr., CB.
- Connor Peters, Jr., LB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Xavier Aguilar, Sr., DL.
- Cruz Ramos, So., DL.