Two-time 2A state champion San Juan heads into the 2023 season because the heavy favourite within the 2A South area. James Edward, Deseret Information
By final season’s 2A soccer state playoffs, eventual champion San Juan proved that generally one of the best protection is certainly a superb offense.
The Broncos had been scarcely challenged in a 13-0 season capped by a demolition of Beaver for the second yr in a row, securing their second straight title and eighth in class historical past. The Broncos haven’t truly misplaced a recreation since its season opener in 2021, marking a 25-game profitable streak.
Along with that, San Juan returns a younger man by the identify of Parker Snyder.
That’s only a few good the explanation why coaches throughout the 2A South agreed on the Broncos as being the preseason No. 1 staff within the area getting into the brand new season.
“(Our) biggest benefit is our expertise in our returners and (the) confidence in figuring out what it takes to be there on the finish,” San Juan coach Barkley Christiansen mentioned.
From a staff that was already constantly and significantly extra gifted than nearly all of its competitors, the Broncos will return eight starters on offense: the quarterback (Snyder), the highest working again, two high receivers, and 4 of 5 offensive linemen.
Snyder’s not simply any quarterback both. The senior lit up the state to the tune of over 3,500 passing yards and 46 touchdowns with simply 9 interceptions. If Snyder throws for 51 scores this season, he’ll turn out to be the ninth quarterback in state historical past to achieve 100 passing TDs. Christiansen expects Snyder can be reaching for these benchmarks. “He’s by no means glad,” he mentioned.
Senior working again Zach Conway is one other large menace after posting 1,399 speeding yards and 20 TDs. He additionally caught 29 passes for 577 yards and eight TDs.
On protection, San Juan returns seven starters to a unit that pitched two shutouts and held 4 different opponents to a landing or much less. The Broncos’ main sack artist is Conway, who had eight sacks within the 2022 season. Outdoors of that, there can be manufacturing that wants changing. A number of of their main tacklers graduated, and their high two defensive backs are additionally gone. Of the 2 DBs returning, one in all them is Snyder, who undoubtedly will have to be targeted on conserving the offense on observe.
San Juan’s run of dominance has been magnetic when it comes to the staff’s participation. Roughly 90 youngsters turned out to affix the staff.
“I really really feel we're going to take the subsequent step and never simply be referred to as an offensive staff, however an entire staff,” Christiansen mentioned.
For the final two seasons, San Juan’s high challenger has been Beaver, assembly them twice within the state title staff, however realignment dropped the Beavers right down to 1A. If anybody stands an opportunity of unseating the Broncos, it might be the staff that fought them right down to the wire within the semifinals final yr.
That's San Juan’s area foe, the Emery Spartans, who secured a No. 2 rating. The Spartans just lately made the arduous climb again into competition within the 2A South, due to a 7-4 season, however much more spectacular was the 56-48 shootout they bought into with the undefeated Broncos as they practically made the journey to the title recreation themselves.
In that recreation, quarterback Wade Stilson, returning as a senior this yr, wowed watchers with a 528-yard passing efficiency, the seventh-most single-game passing yards in state historical past, as he accounted for 5 passing TDs and one other two scores on the bottom.
Just like Snyder, Stilson had a major yr beneath heart, throwing for two,792 yards and 32 TDs with 10 interceptions, the second-most TD passes in 2A.
Coach Jon Faimalo, in his third yr with this system, incurred a 25-49 profession report in his first six years with this system, which noticed its first profitable season in 10 years final fall, but it surely could possibly be the time that Emery makes a return to the limelight. Emery final gained the state championship in 1987.
The Spartans, identical to San Juan, additionally return eight starters on offense and 7 on protection, and people starters are available nearly each place group.
For Faimalo, Emery’s focus is to “proceed the place we left off final yr.”
“I feel Wade’s arm (within the semifinal recreation) was an eye-opener to everyone,” Faimalo mentioned. “It confirmed we may cling with a staff like San Juan. Hopefully, defensively we will get higher than final yr … and get extra stops.”
Between the Broncos and the Spartans, the sheer quantity of returning manufacturing frankly dwarfs the opposite three colleges of their area as nobody else returns greater than 5 starters to both facet of the ball.
After a yr of adjustment, the Delta Rabbits are available at No. 3 within the rankings as coach Colin Christensen enters his second yr. Transitioning from a run-heavy choice scheme to a variety offense was a troublesome job, however Delta nonetheless pulled its method to 4-8 and hopes to take one other step ahead. On the heart of that can be a brand new QB in junior Hunt Robinson, who has three returning linemen and a working again becoming a member of him.
South Sevier checks in at No. 4 and Grand is available in because the No. 5 staff to spherical out the rankings.
2A South projections
(Preseason rankings are based mostly on coaches’ votes)
1. San Juan Broncos
2022 Document 13-0 (first in 2A South with a 5-0 report)
2022 RPI rankings No. 2 in 2A
2022 postseason Beat Beaver, 41-21, within the 2A 2A championship
All-time report: 460-240-4 (67 years)
State titles: 8 (1989, 1998, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2021, 2022)
Area titles: 21 (1958, 1960, 1992 co, 1993, 1994 co, 1995 co, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 co, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2022)
Head coach: Barkley Christensen
Getting into his seventh season as head coach at his alma mater, the place his groups have posted a 51-19 report over the previous 4 seasons, together with a state title in 2021 and 2022. He’s a graduate of Dixie State.
Coach Barkley Christensen’s common outlook
We're very excited coming into this season. After going again to again, the youngsters are greater than motivated to try to make it three. We've 90 plus youngsters out for soccer this yr and we're having fun with the depth of a 5-6A staff. The children know the stress that's on them and are embracing it. We all know there are some nice groups in 2A and we're very excited for the problem. The toughest drawback we try to resolve proper now's who's going to win jobs and play the place. We convey again eight guys on offense and 7 on protection and we really feel now we have guys able to fill the roles from the seniors we misplaced. We count on to maintain the offensive manufacturing we had final yr due to our O-line, and it helps bringing again a backfield with the fireplace energy of Parker Snyder and Zack Conway. Defensively, I really really feel we're going to take the subsequent step and never simply be referred to as an offensive staff, however an entire staff. The children have been working extraordinarily arduous this summer season and they're prepared for it to be August!
Offensive coordinator: Barkley Christensen
2022 offense: 46.38 ppg (No. 1 in 2A)
- Eight returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Parker Snyder, Sr., QB
- Zack Conway, Sr., RB
- Keaton Ivins, Sr., WR
- Anthony Performed, Sr., WR
- Taeg Palmer, Sr., OL
- Taylor Black, Sr., OL
- Jarrod Burke, Sr., OL
- Isaac Warner, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Brigham Nielson, Sr., WR
- Tyler Peherson, Sr., WR
- Hint Bennet, Sr., Tight Finish
- Jake Ivins, Jr., WR
- Easton Langston, Sr., OL
- Cooper Palmer, Jr., OL
- Money Palmer, Sophomore, OL
- Owen Adams, Jr., WR
- Cutler Baker, Jr., OL
- Javin Montella, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Bobby Bowring
2022 protection: 17.54 ppg (No. 3 in 2A)
- Seven returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Taylor Black, Sr., DT
- Zack Conway, Sr., DL, LB
- Jordan Duke, Sr., LB
- Jake Ivins, Jr., LB
- Hint Bennet, Sr., LB
- Parker Snyer, Sr., FS
- Brigham Nielson, Sr., SS
Key defensive newcomers
- Jaiten Knight, Jr., DE
- Deklan Helquist, Sr., DB
- Javin Montella, Jr., FS
- Branten Bethea, Jr., FS
- Taeg Palmer, Sr., DE
- Jarrod Burke, Sr., DT
- Anthony Performed, Sr., DB
- Owen Adams, Jr., DE
- Brody Bilbao, Jr., DB
- Josiah LaPalmer, Jr., DB
- JD Palmer, Jr., LB
2. Emery Spartans
2022 Document 7-4 (second in 2A North with a 4-1 report)
2022 RPI rankings No. 3 in 2A
2022 postseason Misplaced to San Juan, 56-48, within the 2A semifinals
All-time report: 267-340-4 (61 years)
State titles: 1 (1987)
Area titles: 8 (1967 co, 1987, 1988 co, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999)
Head coach: Jon Faimalo
Getting into his eighth season as head coach at Emery, with a 25-49 report in his first seven seasons. He’s a graduate of Emery Excessive Faculty and Snow School.
Coach Jon Faimalo’s common outlook
We convey again numerous skilled gamers from final yr’s staff and look ahead to carrying over a few of that very same momentum we had from final yr.
Offensive coordinator: Chris Justice
2022 offense: 31.09 ppg (No. 4 in 2A)
- Eight returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Wade Stilson, Sr., QB
- Creek Sharp, Sr., WR
- Matt Olsen, Sr., WR
- Dane Sitterud, Sr., RB
- Easton Thornley, Sr., OL
- Derick Jensen, Sr., OL
- Jared Cowley, Sr., OL
- Kalib Olsen, Jr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Mason Stilson, Sr., WR
- Boston Huntington, Sr., WR
- Jaxon Johnson, Jr., WR
- Luke Justice, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Jon Faimalo
2022 protection: 26.55 ppg (No. 7 in 2A)
- Seven returning starters
- 4-3 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Creek Sharp, Sr., DB
- Dane Sitterud, Sr., LB
- Matt Olsen, Sr., LB
- Boston Huntington, Sr., LB
- Peyton Alton, Sr., S
- Easton Thornely, Sr., DL
- Kalib Olsen, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Mason Stilson, Sr., DB
- Luke Justice, Sr., S
- Jaxon Johnson, Jr., S
- Derick Jensen, Sr., DE
- Jared Cowley, Sr., DE
- Josh Howard, Jr., DT
3. Delta Rabbits
2022 Document 4-8 (third in 2A South with a 3-2 report)
2022 RPI rankings No. 8 in 2A
2022 postseason Misplaced to South Summit, 30-26, within the 2A quarterfinals
All-time report: 562-331-24 (99 years)
State titles: 9 (1938, 1966, 1968, 1975, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001)
Area titles: 30 (1927, 1930 co, 1931, 1932 co, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1947 co, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 co, 1975, 1976 co, 1977, 1983 co, 1986, 1991 co, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2003 co, 2004 co, 2005 co, 2009 co, 2010, 2011)
Head coach: Colin Christensen
Enters his second season as head coach at Delta after a 4-8 debut season. He’s a graduate of Delta Excessive Faculty in 2012, and in addition the College of Utah.
Coach Colin Christensen’s common outlook
The 2023 season needs to be an thrilling season for Delta. We've some nice youngsters coming again that can be leaders for us. Our senior class is stuffed with nice youngsters that may assist steer us in the precise course as a staff. There are many holes to fill and a necessity for teenagers to step up in virtually all positions — however that's what is thrilling concerning the upcoming season, numerous youngsters will get probabilities to contribute. We're excited for the upcoming season to hopefully put the work in to be aggressive in a powerful 2A class.
Offensive coordinator: Colin Christensen
2022 offense: 20.08 ppg (No. 8 in 2A)
- 5 returning starters
- Unfold offense
Returning offensive starters
- Marcus Chase, Sr., TE
- Elijah Webb, Sr., OL
- Cooper Nielsen, Sr., OL
- Colter Bloomfield, Sr., OL
- Ty Stefanoff, Jr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Hunt Robinson, Jr., QB
- Kadence Lovell, Sr., WR
- Kyson Jensen, Jr., OL
- Braedyn Tom, Jr., RB
- Blade Brandow, Sr., RB
- Connor Pruitt, Jr., WR
- Kael Bryan, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Jake Abbott
2022 protection: 31.5 ppg (No. 10 in 2A)
- 4 returning starters
- 4-2-5 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Marcus Chase, Sr., LB
- Drew Beckstrom, Sr., LB
- Ty Stefanoff, Jr., DE
- Colter Bloomfield, Sr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Brock Rowley, Sr., LB
- Roper Crane, Jr., DB
- Calder Johnson, Jr., DL
- Alex Walker, Jr., LB
4. South Sevier Rams
2022 Document 4-8 (fifth in 2A South with a 1-4 report)
2022 RPI rankings No. 10 in 2A
2022 postseason Misplaced to San Juan, 54-6, within the 2A quarterfinals
All-time report: 222-366-1 (68 years)
State titles: 1 (1925)* Payson and South Sevier tied within the semifinals in 1925, however no state championship was held. Each had been awarded state titles.
Area titles: 7 (1925, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 2000, 2009 co)
Head coach: Bryce Twitchell
Heading into his first season as head coach at his alma mater. He’s a graduate of Southern Utah College.
Coach Bryce Twitchell’s common outlook
There may be numerous pleasure surrounding our soccer program for the upcoming season. Our gamers have been placing in numerous work within the weight room and on the sector in the course of the offseason. We've a superb group of upperclassmen who've had numerous varsity expertise and are trying ahead to competing. Our staff has excessive expectations for this season.
Offensive coordinator: Bryce Twitchell
2022 offense: 21.83 ppg (No. 6 in 2A)
- 4 returning starters
- Wing-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Kanyon Okerlund, Jr., QB (new place)
- Brock Hardinger, Sr., OL
- Brock Bair, Sr., RB
- Holden Unsicker, Jr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Grayson Jenkins, Sr., WR
- Boston Palmer, Jr., RB
- Ryker Freeman, Jr., RB
- Nate Anderson, Jr., OL
- Chase Spackman, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Bryan Fortress
2022 protection: 28.08 ppg (No. 8 in 2A)
- 5 returning starters
- 3-5 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Kanyon Okerlund, Jr., LB
- Brock Bair, Sr., LB
- Brock Hardinger, Sr., DE
- Holden Unsicker, Jr., DT
- Grayson Jenkins, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Ryker Freeman, Jr., LB
- Boston Palmer, Jr., LB
- Quade Peterson, So., DE
- Chase Spakman, Jr., LB
5. Grand Purple Devils
2022 Document 2-9 (sixth in 2A South with a 0-5 report)
2022 RPI rankings No. 12 in 2A
2022 postseason Misplaced to Summit Academy, 42-6, within the 2A first spherical
All-time report: 440-419-18 (102 years)
State titles: 1 (2005)
Area titles: 24 (1923, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1932, 1950, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1984 co, 1995 co, 2005 co, 2018)
Head coach: Dennis Wells
After a one-year hiatus, Dennis Wells returned to Grand final yr and led his alma mater to a 2-9 report. He beforehand coached at Grand from 2002 to 2020. His teaching report sits at 104-112 heading into his twenty first yr, together with a state title in 2005. He’s a graduate of Southern Utah College.
Coach Dennis Wells’s common outlook
We're undoubtedly rebuilding. We've a couple of brilliant spots that we will construct on. It's going to take a couple of extra years to fully flip this program round.
Offensive coordinator: Dennis Wells
2022 offense: 14 ppg (No. 11 in 2A)
- 4 returning starters
- Wing T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Beachem Bosh, Jr., C
- Caden Swasey, Jr., OG
- Lane Berry, Sr., TE
- Aiden Gordon, Sr., TB
Key offensive newcomers
- Aiden Gordon, is switching from OL to TB
- Cooper Swasey, WB, Jr.
- Tyler Stott, G, So.
- Shane Randal, FB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Ron Dolphin
2022 protection: 37.27 ppg (No. 11 in 2A)
- 4 returning starters
- 3-4 protection
Returning defensive starters
- Cooper Swasey, Jr., SS
- Lane Berry, Sr., DL
- Aiden Gordon, Sr., OLB
- Caden Swasey, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Beachem Bosh, Jr., NG
- Shane Randal, Sr., LB
- Lane Peterson, Jr., DB
- Jose Santana, So., LB