South Summit has ‘unfinished enterprise’ because the No. 1 staff within the 2A North. South Summit Excessive College
The panorama of the 2A North has at all times been an fascinating one, consisting virtually completely of personal and constitution colleges alongside the Wasatch Entrance versus the agricultural public excessive colleges of the 2A South.
This season could possibly be a enjoyable one for these groups, with two new head coaches and plenty of momentum.
Lance Burrell, previously of Windfall Corridor, took the reins at American Management Academy, and Justin Wilbur took on the job at Summit Academy, which drastically ups the probability for the area to interrupt script somewhat with regard to previous seasons.
That mentioned, relating to preseason polls, it’s exhausting to look far previous an already elite staff bringing virtually everybody again, which is why South Summit, contemporary off an 11-1 season and a visit to the 2A semifinals, was pegged because the No. 1 staff within the 2A North coming into this fall.
The Wildcats’ 2022 season final result is a basic take a look at of a glass as half-full or half-empty. Burning via an undefeated common season was a powerful look, particularly with nonregion victories over a number of upper-classification groups and a blowout win over an out-of-state opponent. Nonetheless, all that success got here to a screeching halt within the 2A semifinals, when Beaver unceremoniously ousted them from the playoffs in a 35-0 shutout.
One can definitely argue it was a season forward of expectations for first-year head coach Mike Ruf, however the staff is definitely not content material with leaving championship aspirations on the doorstep.
“I believe we've got some unfinished enterprise,” Ruf mentioned. “South Summit’s at all times had a practice of excellence. We’ve been very constant in being a type of top-echelon groups, and our purpose is to proceed that. … That’s all anybody can ask for is to be in rivalry (in the long run) and hope issues go your means.”
The Wildcats may have a stable probability at issues going their means as they return 9 starters to their offense and 6 to their protection. South Summit was significantly versatile when it comes to the way it defeated its opponents. The offense averaged 34.3 factors per recreation, whereas the protection pitched three shutouts and allowed simply 35 factors to area opponents.
The Wildcats may have each their beginning quarterback in Bracken Lassche and prime rusher in Britton Woolstenhulme. Lassche threw for two,123 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions final season, whereas Woolstenhulme had six TDs on the bottom.
Defensively, South Summit was an agent of chaos, scoring six defensive TDs and nabbing 15 interceptions between 11 totally different gamers. This yr, the staff returns its second-leading sack artist, Noah Gunnerson, who had 10 sacks final season.
South Summit, the one public faculty staff, looks as if it is likely to be the surest wager in a area that guarantees to be a wild experience, particularly with LCA within the combine.
“It could possibly be anyone’s recreation so far as the highest 4,” Ruf mentioned.
Within the midst of all that, Windfall Corridor, the area’s No. 2 staff, quietly put collectively an offseason all about “shopping for in,” and after taking massive strides ahead in 2022, the Patriots could also be about to have their second.
“It’s been kinda cool,” Hardcastle mentioned. “I’ve been part of this system since its inception. We’re now in our fifth season. … Seeing it develop from what actually was only a JV staff taking part in varsity in its first yr to now being a staff the place individuals learn about us now. We’re not going into this (season) as a shock like final yr.”
The Patriots went 5-6 final season and struggled mightily out of the gate with a 1-3 begin however began to ascend later, finally choosing up a signature win over Summit Academy and making it to the 2A quarterfinals.
Windfall Corridor could possibly be particularly harmful this yr in that the Patriots return 9 starters to a pro-style/unfold offense: the quarterback, operating again, three receivers and 4 offensive linemen.
Coming in at No. 3 is Summit Academy. The Bears are due for a mushy reset after shedding a lot of their manufacturing from final yr, they usually’ll have a brand new coach in Wilbur to information it. Simply 4 starters on offense and three on protection return to the staff, together with a number of sophomores who obtained to play varsity of their freshman years.
Wilbur, who's a College of Utah graduate, took on the position of defensive coordinator, which can sign a change in identification from the staff that was third in 2A in scoring final season.
Even for a staff that obtained voted No. 4 in area, elevated from a decrease classification, and has extra manufacturing misplaced from final yr than virtually every other staff within the state, Layton Christian nonetheless seems to have individuals’s consideration.
The Eagles are contemporary off a championship yr as they claimed the 1A title in a 55-19 blowout, however this yr will probably be far more difficult for coach Ray Stowers and his squad. There are not any returning starters on offense and simply three on protection.
“They’re powerful,” Ruf mentioned of the Eagles. “They’ve obtained some nice coaches which are going to have these guys dialed in as soon as once more. I get that there’s attrition, however they’re going to have dudes able to play.”
American Management is available in at No. 5 because the Eagles begin a brand new period below Burrell and an all-new teaching workers.
Lastly, a really younger however skilled Choose Memorial squad took the No. 6 spot.
2A North projections
(Preseason rankings are primarily based on coaches’ votes)
1. South Summit Wildcats
2022 report: 11-1 (first in 2A North with a 5-0 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 1 in 2A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Beaver, 35-0, within the 2A semifinals.
All-time report: 424-347-8 (85 years).
State titles: 8 (1977, 1978, 1984, 1988, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018).
Area titles: 14 (1925, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1977 co, 2000, 2009 co, 2013 co, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2022).
Head coach: Mike Ruf
Heading into his second season as head coach at his alma mater after main the staff to an 11-1 report a yr in the past.
Coach Mike Ruf’s common outlook
“We're very excited for this upcoming season. Numerous returners who're hoping to have the ability to do nice issues once more this yr.”
Offensive coordinators: Rob Gempler/Isaac Tillet
2022 offense: 34.33 ppg (No. 2 in 2A).
- 9 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Bracken Lassche, Sr., QB.
- Jeramiah Jesse, Sr., OL.
- Brennan Montgomery, Sr., OL.
- Trey Stembridge, Sr., RB.
- Britton Woolstenhulme, Sr., RB.
- Stratton Stevens, Sr., WR.
- Mitchell Gempeler, Sr., WR.
- Braedon Larson, Sr., OL.
- JT Williams, Sr., OL.
Defensive coordinators: Mike Osguthorpe/Dave Bateman
2022 protection: 11.08 ppg (No. 1 in 2A).
- Six returning starters.
- 4-4 protection..
Returning defensive starters
- Braeden Osguthorpe.
- Noah Gunnerson.
- Brandon Mora.
- Kaden Hunter.
- Brady Freeman.
- Cole Lloyd.
2. Windfall Corridor Patriots
2022 report: 5-6 (third in 2A North with a 3-2 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 6 in 2A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Emery, 36-31, within the 2A quarterfinals.
All-time report: 14-28 (4 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: Jake Hardcastle
A graduate of Wasatch Excessive and Dixie State, he’s coming into his second season as head coach at Windfall Corridor after final yr’s 5-6 debut season.
Coach Jake Hardcastle’s common outlook
“Expectations have by no means been increased at Windfall Corridor. We're an skilled senior-led staff that believes they belong on the sphere with anyone. Having a player-led staff is big and our leaders are taking possession of that and have gotten participant coaches on and off the sphere. We don’t have massive numbers this yr however these gamers which are with us are purchased in and are prepared.”
Offensive coordinator: Brian Jacketta
2022 offense: 21.64 ppg (No. 7 in 2A).
- 9 returning starters.
- Professional unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Maile Fonua, Sr., OL.
- Sebastian Fonua, Sr., OL.
- Tui Fonua, Sr., QB.
- Aaron Barlow, Sr., WR.
- Jaiden Reyes, Sr., WR.
- Cade Fox, Sr., WR.
- Boden Welch, Sr., OL.
- Easton Thompson, Sr., RB.
- Alex Reynolds, Sr., OL.
Key offensive newcomers
- Daylan Alzamora, Sr., OL.
- Tyler Warnick, Jr., WR.
Defensive coordinator: Dave Smith
2022 protection: 22.18 ppg (No. 4 in 2A).
- Six returning starters.
- 3-3-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Jaiden Reyes, Sr., DB.
- Maile Fonua, Sr., DL.
- Sebastian Fonua, Sr., DL.
- Cade Fox, Sr., DB.
- Aaron Barlow, Sr., DB.
- Easton Thompson, Sr., LB.
Key defensive newcomers
- Brayden Grayson, Jr., LB.
- Cannon Heatherington, Jr., DL.
- Dominic Noguera, So., DB.
3. Summit Academy Bears
2022 report: 6-6 (fourth in 2A North with a 2-3 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 5 in 2A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Beaver, 27-24, within the 2A quarterfinals.
All-time report: 78-47 (11 years).
State titles: 1 (2018).
Area titles: 3 (2016, 2017 co, 2018).
Head coach: Justin Wilbur
The Lehi graduate is heading into his first season as head coach at Summit Academy. He’s a graduate of the College of Utah.
Coach Justin Wilbur’s common outlook
“We might not have as many returning starters as in years previous and are a lot youthful than up to now, however we is likely to be the deepest we've got ever been. We have now plenty of nice underclassmen competing and pushing the seniors. We have now an important receiving core, could also be higher upfront than final yr, and have an important RB returning. On protection, we've got the highest edge man within the area returning, and an important group of linebackers and DBs. We will likely be quick and aggressive on protection. Our kicker will return so particular groups will likely be impactful for us as nicely. General, we're excited to see how the younger youngsters step up and compete.”
Offensive coordinator: Parker Morrill
2022 offense: 31.67 ppg (No. 3 in 2A).
- 4 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Caleb Blake, So., C.
- Bronson Dixon, Jr., RB.
- Kyle Vigorous, Jr., WR.
- Josh Morrill, Sr., WR.
Key offensive newcomers
- Aden Stines, Sr., WR.
- Kyan Anderson, Sr., QB.
- Logan Serr, Sr., OL.
- Max Despain, Sr., OL.
- Tarun Ashliesh, Sr., OL.
- Jake Briggs, Sr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Justin Wilbur
2022 protection: 26.17 ppg (No. 6 in 2A).
- Three returning starters.
- 3/4 4/3 defenses.
Returning defensive starters
- Owen Egler, Sr., Edge.
- Khaii Matagi, Sr., LB.
- Tug Wilbur, Soph, Edge (began offense final yr).
Key defensive newcomers
- Caden Collotzi, Sr., LBM.
- Max Despain, Sr., DL.
- Ace Dressler, Sr., S.
- Thomas Richardson, Sr., S.
- Cole Stokoe, Sr., DB.
4. Layton Christian Eagles
2022 report: 10-3 (first in 1A North with a 4-0 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 1 in 1A.
2022 postseason: Beat Kanab, 55-19, within the 1A 1A championship.
All-time report: 80-117 (19 years).
State titles: 1 (2022).
Area titles: 1 (2022).
Head coach: Ray Stowers
Stowers is coming into his third season as head coach at Layton Christian, proudly owning a 19-8 report and a 1A state title in 2022. He’s a graduate of Iolani Excessive College in Hawaii and the College of Utah. Previous to taking the LCA job, he was an administrative assistant on the College of Utah.
Coach Ray Stowers’ common outlook
“We’re going to be a younger staff trying to make our mark this yr. We're excited and searching ahead to the problem within the 2A.”
Offensive coordinator: Ray Stowers
2022 offense: 30.31 ppg (No. 5 in 1A).
- Zero returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Key offensive newcomers
- Marcus Miles, Sr., QB.
Defensive coordinator: Cory Jones
2022 protection: 10.69 ppg (No. 1 in 1A).
- Three returning starters.
- 4-3 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Max Montgomery, Sr., FS.
- Justin Sau, Jr., C.
- Iverson Report, Jr., DL.
Key defensive newcomers
- Elijah Elliss, Sr., DE.
5. American Management Eagles
2022 report: 0-11 (sixth in 2A North with a 0-5 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 11 in 2A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to Windfall Corridor, 38-3, within the 2A first spherical.
All-time report: 41-133 (17 years).
State titles: None.
Area titles: None.
Head coach: Lance Burrell
Taking on as head coach for ALA after beforehand serving as a head coach at Windfall Corridor with a 3-8 report. He’s a graduate of Cactus Excessive College in Arizona and Southern Utah.
Coach Lance Burrell’s common outlook
“We're excited and searching ahead to this season. The hassle, perspective and toughness our youngsters have proven from January to now's nothing wanting spectacular, and as a workers, we're wanting to see them earn the outcomes they've labored for. The youngsters have actually embraced the burden room, and the expectations for our program going ahead have been set. We have now a really gifted staff assembled and made up of the perfect athletes our faculty has to supply. We put collectively a gifted, energetic, hard-working workers that has actually dedicated to our youngsters and the success we are able to have at ALA. E.A.T.
Offensive coordinator: Lance Burrell
2022 offense: 5.73 ppg (No. 12 in 2A).
- Six returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Gabe Huff, Sr., TE.
- Noah Swarnes, Jr., WR.
- Seth Hernandez, Sr., WR.
- Briggs Nielsen, Jr., C.
- Koby Creviston, Sr., OL.
- Nico Marble, So., QB.
Key offensive newcomers
- Tad Swarnes, Jr., WR.
- Kannon Huntsman, Jr., RB.
- Hinkley Morley, Sr., Slot.
- Jordan Vogt, Sr., OL.
- Alec Corona, Sr., QB.
Defensive coordinator: Justin Hugie
2022 protection: 53 ppg (No. 12 in 2A).
- 4 returning starters.
- 3-3-5 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Gabe Huff, Sr., LB.
- Chris Marble, Sr., LB.
- Noah Swarnes, Jr., DB.
- Koby Creviston, Sr., DL.
Key defensive newcomers
- Jordan Vogt, Sr., DL.
- Tad Swarnes, Jr., DB.
- Gabe Hill, So, DB.
- Hinkley Morley, Sr., DB.
6. Choose Memorial Bulldogs
2022 report: 4-7 (fifth in 2A North with a 1-4 report).
2022 RPI rankings: No. 7 in 2A.
2022 postseason: Misplaced to South Sevier, 65-27, within the 2A first spherical.
All-time report: 459-413-9 (96 years).
State titles: 11 (1948, 1949, 1953, 1959, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1981, 1983, 2013, 2014).
Area titles: 18 (1948, 1949, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 co, 1972, 1977 co, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1993 co, 2008, 2013, 2014).
Head coach: Will Hawes
Getting into his fifth season as head coach at Choose Memorial, the place his groups are 7-34 the previous fourth years. Beforehand coached at Layton Christian and Clearfield. He was at Layton Christian from 2007 to 2011, ending with a 21-29 report, and was Clearfield’s coach in 2012 and 2013 ending with a 5-15 report. He’s a graduate of Locke Excessive College in California and Weber State.
Coach Will Hawes’ common outlook
“This yr, our purpose is to compete to win. Play exhausting, quick and below management as a staff. Do your job with 100% effort and accountability. Win As one!”
Offensive coordinator: Rashad Kennedy
2022 offense: 18.91 ppg (No. 9 in 2A).
- 9 returning starters.
- Unfold offense.
Returning offensive starters
- Tyrese Boyce, Sr., RB.
- Calvin McAward, Sr., QB.
- Oliver Laughlin, Sr., C.
- Thomas Gutierrez, Sr., WR.
- Henry Thompson, Sr., Slot /WR.
- Kyle Fredericks, Sr., OT.
- Kaden Merrills.
- Malakhy Smith, Jr., G.
- Jake Marland, Jr., G.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jayden Vaughns, Jr., OT.
- Texas Wilde, Jr., RB.
- King Lengthy Soph, WR.
- Sean Urwin Soph, RB.
Defensive coordinator: Chuck Miller
2022 protection: 30.45 ppg (No. 9 in 2A).
- 5 returning starters.
- 4-3 protection.
Returning defensive starters
- Tyrese Boyce, Sr., OLB.
- Henry Thompson, Sr., CB.
- Kyle Fredericks, Sr., DE.
- Malakhy Smith, Jr., NG.
- Marcus Herrera, Jr., FS.
Key defensive newcomers
- Carter Imamura, Jr., SS.
- Max Ledyard, Jr., DE.
- Jayden Vaughns, Jr., DT.
- King Lengthy Soph, DB.
- Demarion Hope Soph, DB.
- Erik Mickelson Soph, DE