Utah Valley Prep Football Preview

June 13, 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Utah Valley high school football by the numbers — 3 Jared & Darnell go1-on-1 — 4 High School team previews 6-11, 16-20

School pride — 12 Top returners — 21 Utah Valley Top 5 — 22

Editor’s note

F

rom the cold and snow of December, January and February to the heat of June and July, the time has come for Friday nights to change.

Turn on the lights, it’s football season.

For students, alumni, family and even the players and coaches’ the beginning of Friday Night Lights is a special time. For the participants, the games are a time to showcase all of the hard work that was put in during the offseason and take pride in their efforts on the field. They can take pride in the school that they represent and shows their true colors.

We, the staff at the Daily Herald, are proud of this magazine. From the writing of Jared Lloyd and Darnell Dickson, to the photography of Evan Cobb and Isaac Hale and the design skills of David Revilla to bring them together, this high school preview magazine has been a team effort.

As the 18 area high schools prepare to begin their seasons Aug. 16 or Aug. 17, we wish them luck in their efforts to continuing to build the legacy of their schools, and worth toward their goal of winning a state championship.

Phillip Morgan Sports editor

ONLINE

heraldextra.com/preps18

ON THE COVER

www.heraldextra.com

TEAM

RHETT LONG Publisher + Advertising Director

EDITORIAL JORDAN CARROLL Managing Editor + Digital Editor

A visual design with portraits of Chase Roberts (left,) Logan Sagapolu (center) and Masen Wake (right.)

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Utah Valley Football Preview

PHILLIP MORGAN Sports Editor

ART DAVID REVILLA Art Direction + Graphic Design

ADVERTISING CRAIG CONOVER Retail Manager

CIRCULATION MORGAN BASSETT Circulation Manager

WRITERS JARED LLOYD DARNELL DICKSON

PHOTOGRAPHY EVAN COBB ISAAC HALE

BY THE NUMBERS

BIG SHOES TO FILL

4,726 NEARLY 6 MILES COVERED

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passing yards (331-of-523)

by Lehi senior QB Cammon Cooper in 2017.

passing yards (6-of-13) by available Pioneer quarterbacks heading into 2018.

10,517

career yards and 86 total career touchdowns from Orem’s two biggest offensive stars.

5,409

passing yards, 1,656 rushing yards, 240 receiving yards, 54 TDs from senior quarterback Cooper Legas.

2,934

receiving yards, 181 return yards, 97 rush yards, 32 TDs from senior receiver Puka Nacua.

A STEP FORWARD

Teams who made big improvement in the win column between 2016 and 2017.

Orem (+7)

Skyridge (+6) Lehi (+4)

Mountain View (+3) Payson (+3) Timpanogos (+3) Springville (+3) Spanish Fork (+3)

LOOKING FOR RESURGENCE

Looking at 2018 Utah Valley prep football Timpview football averaged

11.2 wins per yr in the past decade, 7-3 in 2017.

QB VALLEY

4 of the top 5 quarterbacks in passing yards in Utah in 2017 came from Utah Valley:

No. 1 Cammon Cooper (Sr., Lehi): 4,726 yards No. 2 Cooper Legas (Jr., Orem): 4,115 yards No. 4 Brock Jones (Sr., Lone Peak): 3,531 yards No. 5 Bronson Barron (Sr. AF): 3,310 yards

CONSISTENCY EMBODIED

LONE PEAK

Semifinals in 2017 Finals in 2016 Finals in 2015

SPRINGVILLE

Semifinals in 2017 • Finals in 2016 • Semifinals in 2015 2018 Season

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PREP 1-ON-1

What to expect for Utah Valley high school football in 2018

T

he Daily Herald sports experts Jared Lloyd and Darnell Dickson breakdown the biggest questions regarding high school football heading into the season:

JARED LLOYD

1. The city of Lehi had a

banner year in 2017 with the Pioneers defeating Skyridge for the 5A title.

What will the two schools do for an encore?

Jared: Wasn’t it thrilling to see a crosstown battle and the first meeting between the two squads decide a state title? I loved it and wouldn’t mind seeing it happen again — but it’s not going to be easy. Both Lehi and SkyDARNELL ridge lost some key pieces and will have to DICKSON have others step up to fill the holes. The Pioneers and the Falcons believe, however, that they have the guys to make it a reloading process instead of a rebuilding process. I like their schemes and I expect both to be in the mix. My prediction is that we will see both make it back to Rice-Eccles Stadium in 2018.

Darnell: It’s been quite a rise for north Utah County. Lone Peak has been the king of football out there for a long time and Lehi was suffering through losing season after losing season. But the Pioneers got good and for a new school, Skyridge has been a revelation. American Fork is always a contender as well. I expect Skyridge to be one of the favorites in Class 5A but Lehi lost so many good players to graduation I would be surprised if they can make it back to the finals.

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Utah Valley Football Preview

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Orem players and coaches congratulate cornerback Ben Daley (3) after he returned a kick off for numerous yards during a 4A state semifinal game between the Orem Golden Tigers and the Sky View Bobcats on Nov. 10, 2017 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

2. What type of statement will Orem make when the Tigers host Bingham to start the season?

Darnell: Bingham has really been the gold standard for Utah football the past 10 years and a win by the Tigers would be monumental. It can happen. With plenty of returning players on both sides of the ball, Orem should be able to give the Miners a really good game. If you haven’t seen the Cooper Legas-to-Puka Nacua connection, this would be a great game to take in. Legas threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns for Orem last year, 24 of them to Nacua, a recent USC commit.

Jared: The final score of the 2017 matchup at Bingham appeared one-sided (41-14) but the Tigers were within striking distance of the mighty Miners until the fourth quarter.

With the number of skilled players Orem has returning, the Tigers have the ability to put some points on the board. The real statement, however, will be in the trenches. If Orem can successfully compete up front with the size and depth of Bingham, it will indicate the Tigers have a great shot at repeating as Class 4A champs.

3. Timpview endured some tough times and now has a new coaching staff. What do you expect for the Thunderbirds?

Jared: After being moved to Class 5A and put in a region with Salt Lake City schools, Timpview “struggled” to a 7-3 season and was ousted in the first round of the playoffs. That certainly isn’t going to sit well with the proud Thunderbird program and I expect those athletes to have used their disappointment as motivation throughout the offseason. New coach Andy Stokes is a guy who is used to winning (27-9 record at Dixie High), so I don’t expect any dropoff. This is going to be a dangerous team this year.

Darnell: Timpview has been the beneficiary of plenty of transfers over the years. When you win as much as the T-Birds have won, that’s what happens. Here’s the question: Will Timpview still be a destination school under Stokes? Or will kids begin to look elsewhere? There’s talent in the T-Bird pipeline but it has always been bolstered by transfers and move-ins. The challenge for Stokes is to sort through all of the hype and get his team to buy in to his system. There will be an adjustment period and Timpview will be vulnerable during that time. If they can survive the first part of the season, I expect the T-Birds to be a challenger in Class 5A.

4. Region 4 is always brutal and it looks like it will be again in 2018. Which teams will make the 6A playoffs?

Darnell: Westlake could be much improved and still the miss the playoffs. That’s how tough Region 4 can be. Bingham takes the mantle of favorite but Lone Peak, American Fork and Pleasant Grove will all have their shot at the top.

Those matchups — Bingham-Lone Peak, BIngham-American Fork, Bingham-Pleasant Grove — are all games that shouldn’t be missed. I think Lone Peak could pull off the upset at home on Sept. 28 and claim the No. 1 playoff spot.

Jared: In a five-team region that gets four playoff berths, there is only going to be one squad on the outside looking in. Since Bingham is again the odds-on favorite to win not just the league title but the 6A crown as well, that means one of the four Utah Valley squads will likely won’t make the cut. American Fork and Lone Peak both look safe, in my opinion, so I think it will come down to how much Pleasant Grove and Westlake have improved. No, the Thunder didn’t win a game last season but I think that changes this fall. I’m going to predict a Westlake upset to get the fourth playoff spot.

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Lehi wide receiver Gentry Cox (83) can’t complete a catch while guarded by Skyridge safety Jaxon Peck (42) during the 5A state championship game between the Lehi Pioneers and the Skyridge Falcons on Nov. 17, 2017 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

5. With the exception of a good Springville team, southern Utah County football was down last season.

Will that turn around this fall?

Jared: Once again, I see Springville as being the class of Nebo School District. The Red Devils have consistently been one of the top teams in Utah Valley and they always seem to have guys ready to shine under the lights. I also, however, have high hopes for Maple Mountain, Spanish Fork and Salem Hills. I think those three schools went through some growing pains with underclassmen in key positions that will pay dividends this year. I believe Payson will be better but depth has been an issue, so the Lions have to stay healthy.

Darnell: Springville always seems to have the athletes and the big dudes in the trenches to dominate south county. Willy Child creates a terrific atmosphere and a competitive program every year. I think Spanish Fork will have a pretty good defense and if some of its untested offensive players find their feet, the Dons could challenge Orem in Region 10. Salem Hills is in its second season under Harry Schwenke and his some great young players to keep building the program.

2018 Season 5

WESTLAKE THUNDER Head coach: Louis Wong 2017 record: 0-4 in 6A Region 4, 0-10 overall Playoffs: None Players to Watch: Bronson Goodwin (Sr. LB), Kaden Johnson (Sr. QB), Hayden Furey (Sr. TE/LB), Blain Ballard (Sr. WR), Ben Morales (Sr. RB/WR), Jared Shimamoto (Sr. RB/LB) Outlook: Life in a region with some of the best teams in the state presents plenty of challenges but Westlake feels like it is ready to face those head-on in 2018.

2018 SCHEDULE “I think difference this year is going to be our mentality,” senior Bronson Goodwin said. “Last year we had some people who got down on themselves early. This year we are ready to work and play hard every game.”

Senior quarterback Kaden Johnson sees the offense as being more cohesive heading into the season and ready to be more effective, while the defense has playmakers as well.

The Thunder believe that playing with fire and passion will be their calling card as they battle to get things going the right direction.

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The Pride Factor: “I think having a team where everyone is bought in to doing what is best for the team is always a great sign,” Behm said. “We live in a place and time where there are a lot of choices for kids. I think kids really do take pride in wearing that block ‘A’ on their helmet. The first game was played here in 1908 and a lot of kids have had family come through.

It’s something that makes this team special.”

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Utah Valley Football Preview

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The Pride Factor: “We emphasize every day that we have to work as a team if we want to succeed,” senior Hayden Furey said. “We can’t have everyone out there doing their own thing. We have to play as a team. This is so important to the community. Win or lose, we always fill the stands. We are coming out here changed and going to play better this year.”

AMERICAN FORK CAVEMEN

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 vs. Weber 8/24 at Timpview 8/31 vs. Lehi 9/7 at Herriman 9/14 at Westlake 9/21 vs. Lone Peak 9/28 at Granger 10/5 vs. Pleasant Grove 10/12 at Bingham 10/17 vs. Davis

8/17 at West Jordan 8/24 vs. Provo 8/31 vs. Corner Canyon 9/7 at Skyline 9/14 vs. American Fork 9/21 at Bingham 9/28 at Pleasant Grove 10/5 vs. Lone Peak 10/12 vs. Cyprus 10/17 vs. Taylorsville

Head coach: Aaron Behm 2017 record: 2-2 in 6A Region 4, 6-5 overall Playoffs: Lost to East, 67-31, in 6A quarterfinals Players to Watch: Chase Roberts (Sr. WR), Boone Abbott (Sr. QB), Devin Downing (Jr. QB), Tanner Vickers (Sr. LB), Brock Hughes (Sr. LB), Jonah Leung-Wai (Sr. OL/DL) Outlook: Last year’s American Fork team featured immense offensive potential with its collection of weapons — but many of those graduated and moved on. The question heading into 2018 is whether the Cavemen can reload.

“We are pretty excited because we have a lot coming back defensively,” head

coach Aaron Behm said. “We still have some weapons on offense but we feel like we have some kids who have been behindthe-scenes guys who are ready to see what they can do.”

Senior Boone Abbott and Devin Downing both have a lot of speed, so as American Fork looks to replace Bronson Barron at quarterback there will be some different skillsets available.

“We are going to have a lot of different weapons, so we need guys to be unselfish,” Behm said. “We need guys to be happy with points going on the board, no matter who put them there. So far our guys have bought into that.”

LONE PEAK KNIGHTS

2018 SCHEDULE

run-and-shoot team but we have some Head coach: Bart Brockbank 2017 record: 3-1 in 6A Region 4, 9-3 overall real power coming out of the backfield.

We have more depth this year.”

Playoffs: Lost to East, 28-13, in 6A semifinals The biggest question might be Players to Watch: Masen Wake (Sr. whether quarterback Braden RB), Kobe Freeman (Sr. RB), BraSiri can fill the big shoes left den Siri (Sr. QB), Tommy Doman

by Brock Jones. If he can keep (Sr. WR), Jacob Munford (Sr. S), opponents from creeping Michael Daley (Sr. DE) up to stop what should be a potent run game, the Knights Outlook: Lone Peak featured could be very difficult to a really good football team stop. in 2017 that just wasn’t able to get past the “A big thing for us is two 6A elites (Bingham coming together,” and East). The question Brockbank said. “We is now whether the probably have seven Knights can narrow kids who should be the gap. playing at the next level next year. We “Coming into have really good 2018, we have a fair individual talent but amount of returning we have to have the starters,” head coach synergy of the great Bart Brockbank said. players lift the other “We had some senior players. We have to leaders but we were have the leaders lift young overall last the other players.” year. Normally we are a

8/17 vs. Herriman 8/24 at Skyridge 8/31 at Liberty (NV) 9/7 at Highland 9/14 vs. Kearns 9/21 at American Fork 9/28 vs. Bingham 10/5 at Westlake 10/12 vs. Pleasant Grove

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The Pride Factor: “Having team pride is essential,” Brockbank said.

“We preach it as coaches. We have sat kids who haven’t bought into the team concept. We are significantly better when we play as a team as opposed to when we have a handful of individuals who are trying to win the games for us.”

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2018 Season

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LEHI PIONEERS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 vs. Alta 8/24 vs. Taylorsville 8/31 at American Fork 9/7 at Springville 9/14 vs. Maple Mountain 9/21 at Olympus 9/28 vs. West 10/5 vs. Highland 10/12 at Murray 10/17 at Skyline

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The Pride Factor: ”At Lehi, we hope kids come up through the Lehi little league program and can’t wait to be on the field on Friday night,” Larson said.

“That’s what you try to instill in your program. We were 0-10 and people filled the seats, then we got complaints because we had banners so people could only stand and watch. I looked at the kids and said, ‘what a great place to go to school.’ ”

“The coaches know we lost a lot of guys but Head coach: Ed Larson 2017 record: 5-0 in 5A Region 6, 12-2 overall the players know who the defending chamPlayoffs: Defeated Skyridge, 55-17, to win 5A pions are and that it is always nice to knock them off.” championship Players to Watch: Carsen ManooThe Pioneers aren’t going to worry kin (Jr. RB), Ammon Critchfield about other teams nearly as (Sr. OL), Dallin Green (Sr. LB), much as they focus on making Oakley Krumvieda (Sr. DB), sure they are the best they can Bridger Rhoades (Sr. OL/DL) be.

Outlook: On the one hand, “Our process has always been to Lehi is coming off one of its take care of each rep and hopebest years ever as it won fully it works out the best that it the 5A state football can,” Larson said. “If you championship. On compete every play and the other, it lost maximize what you a tremendous have, then you can amount of prosay we got everything duction from out of these kids the 2017 team, that we could. The meaning there are nice thing about unknowns heading football is that into this season. if you do that, then the ball “I’d rather be in this bounces situation than my your way. It first year when we still has to be were 0-10 and no one determined becares about you,” head tween the lines.” coach Ed Larson said.

PLEASANT GROVE VIKINGS Head Coach: Mark Wootton 2017 record: 1-3 6A Region 4, 4-8 overall Playoffs: Def. Kearns 35-31 in first round, lost to Herriman 21-3 in 6A second round Players to watch: Jake Jensen (6-5 210 Sr. QB), Dayne Christiansen (5-9 175 Sr. RB/SB), Wyatt Dawe (6-1 240 Jr. C/DT), Maika Tauteoli (5-10 210 Sr. RB/LB) Outlook: Wootton, now in his 28th season as a head coach, enters his third year in Pleasant Grove.

Slowly but surely, he is molding the program into his vision.

“When I was hired, several D1-type players transferred to other schools from Pleasant Grove,” Wootton said. “That was new to me. When I came to PG I told the players and the community that we would build a program from within. We will not recruit 8

Utah Valley Football Preview

2018 SCHEDULE

or go out and try to take kids from other schools. The exciting thing for me is taking our own players and developing them into a championships team.”

The Vikings return a good quarterback in Jensen, who has thrown for 4,700 yards and 41 touchdowns in his career. He’ll have some speedy targets in Christiansen (22 catches for 426 yards and nine touchdowns last season) and Fowler. The offensive line has some experience, led by Dawe and seniors Dyson Ferguson and Kyle Sorenson. Tauteoli, who led PG in tackles from his linebacker spot last year, will also take a turn at running back.

“We are in a tough region and there are no easy games,” Wootton said. “Hopefully, we will be prepared to make a run in the playoffs.”

8/17 at Corner Canyon 8/24 vs. Fremont 8/31 vs. Jordan 9/7 at Riverton 9/14 vs. Brigham 9/21 at Hilcrest 9/28 vs. Westlake 10/5 at American Fork 10/12 at Lone Peak 10/17 at West Jordan

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The Pride Factor: “We don’t have a theme other than working hard to develop and turn young men into champions through hard work,” Wootton said.

TIMPVIEW THUNDERBIRDS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 at St. John Bosco (CA) 8 p.m.

8/24 vs. American Fork 7 p.m.

8/31 vs. Wayne Hills (N.J.) 7 p.m.

9/7 at Provo 7 p.m.

9/21 vs. Corner Canyon 7 p.m.

9/28 at Alta 7 p.m.

10/5 at Brighton 7 p.m.

10/11 vs. Jordan 7 p.m.

10/17 at Cottonwood 7 p.m.

The Pride Factor: “We don’t address pride as a topic,” Stokes said. “We teach our kids to love and care about themselves, their personal family, their team family and the Timpview community. You cannot force pride. It’s something that only comes after you care about and love that object first.

Pride to us means representing ourselves and our families in a reputable way, leaving opportunities better than we found them and creating stand up young men that make a difference in the community.”

Head Coach: Andy Stokes 2017 record: 4-1 5A Region 7, 7-3 overall Playoffs: Lost to Woods Cross 28-24 in 5A first round Players to watch: Ammon Ah Quin (6-0 205 Sr. RB), Targhee Lambson (5-10 190 So. RB), Raider Damuni (6-1 175 So. WR/DB), Kani Tafua (6-1 275 Sr. DE)

280 Sr.) and Sonny Makasini (6-3 290 Sr.).

Three starters return on the defensive line, led by BYU recruit C.J. Alatini (6-1 300 Sr.).

Damuni is a rising sophomore and one of the top recruits in the state in his class.

Outlook: Stokes, who comes from Dixie High School, steps into a job with tremendous pressure and large expectations. The T’Birds have won eight state championships since 2004, the last in 2014.

Last year’s shocking first round upset loss should provide plenty of incentive to return to glory.

“Coming off a 7-3 season and a quarterfinal loss, we’re looking to rebuild,” Stokes said. “ ‘Different’ is the motto. We want to be different in the way we prepare, practice, play, treat others and hold ourselves accountable, as student athletes, as young men.”

Timpview will be very big and strong on the offensive line with Canaan Yarro (6-3 285 Sr.), Nick Child (6-3 250 Sr.), Luke Child (6-3

PROVO BULLDOGS of playing on University Avenue, we will Head Coach: Tony McGeary suit up at a new campus this year. We are 2017 record: 2-3 5A Region 8, 5-6 overall Playoffs: Lost to Lehi 42-16 in 5A first round excited to establish a winning tradition. We have a number of key contributors Players to watch: Mason Cobb returning on offense and a new (6-1 235 Jr. LB/TE), Ryan Hardefensive scheme which will ward (5-9 185 Jr. DB/WR), allow our athletes to make Drason Havea (6-2 220 Jr. plays all over the field. With RB/LB), Siaki Lesa (6-1 our focus on special teams, 230 Sr. OL) we will be a well-rounded Outlook: The Bulldogs program.” lost in the first round of the playoffs last season but exciting young players such as Cobb (67 tackles in 2017), Harward and Havea help provide an optimistic feel for the new season.

There is also the excitement of opening the new Provo High on Lakeshore Drive.

“2018 will be a pivotal year for Provo High football,” McGeary said. “After decades

The preseason schedule is brutal, opening with the No. 1 prep team in the country in St. John Bosco (Calif.), followed by American Fork and east coast powerhouse Wayne Hills (NJ).

“In order to be successful we will have to focus on the one team we can control, ourselves, and become the best team we can,” Stokes said.

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 vs. Cedar 7 p.m.

8/24 at Westlake 7 p.m.

8/31 vs. Riverton 7 p.m.

9/7 vs. Timpview 7 p.m.

9/14 at Orem 7 p.m.

9/21 at Skyridge 7 p.m.

9/28 vs. Maple Mountain 7 p.m.

10/4 at Timpanogos 7 p.m.

10/11 at Wasatch 7 p.m.

10/17 vs. Springville 7 p.m.

The Pride Factor: “Team pride for the Provo Bulldogs means honoring the legacy left by the many great teams that have played for Provo High throughout the years,” McGeary said. “Team pride means using the position of athletes to bring confidence and self-worth to the entire student body. We build team pride by the dedication we build in practice and by the community service projects we do during the year.”

2018 Season

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SKYRIDGE FALCONS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 at Riverton 8/24 vs. Lone Peak 8/31 at Roy 9/7 vs. Viewmont 9/21 vs. Provo 9/28 at Timpanogos 10/5 at Springville 10/11 vs. Maple Mountain 10/17 vs. Wasatch

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The Pride Factor: “You want to develop the collective identity,” Lehman said. “Football is a great sport because it is a team sport. It doesn’t work at any level from the top to the bottom if guys are in it for themselves.”

Head coach: Jon Lehman 2017 record: 4-1 in 5A Region 8, 13-2 overall Playoffs: Lost to Lehi, 55-17, in 5A championship Players to Watch: Jayden Clemons (Sr. QB), Logan Sagapolu (Sr. OL), Alex Laford (Sr. OL), Nathan Upham (Sr. WR), Logan Raass (Jr. DE), Jaxon Peck (Sr. S), Blayden Togiai (Sr. LB) Outlook: It’s an impressive accomplishment for a second-year school to go to a state championship game like Skyridge did in 2017, but now the Falcons have set a pretty high standard to live up to.

“We established expectations that are process-driven more than anything else,” head coach Jon Lehman said. “That goes back to our first year with how we worked and treated each other. That is still our focus and I believe that is a big part of our early success. As long as they keep their focus on that, then I will be happy about the course we are on.”

TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES Head Coach: Daniel Tervort 2017 record: 1-4 5A Region 8, 6-4 overall Playoffs: None Players to watch: Gabe Sweeten (6-2 175 Sr. QB), Kaden Bretzing (6-1 180 Sr. OL), Rory Ziegra (5-9 175 Sr. RB), Max McWhorter (5-10 165 Sr. WR) Outlook: The Timberwolves started fast in 2017 with a 6-0 record, but lost four in a row in Region 8 play and failed to make the playoffs. There is good offensive firepower returning with Sweeten (2,223 passing yards and 21 touchdowns), Ziegra (680 rushing yards, four scores) and McWhorter (42 catches, 695 yards, five TDs). Bretzing leads an experienced offensive line.

“Our team is really excited to take another step forward,” Tevort said. “We’re fortunate to have all five starting offensive lineman returning and we have some other key pieces returning on offense.”

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Utah Valley Football Preview

He explained that if external things start to intrude on the established method, then that’s when he will be more concerned about the direction of the team.

Skyridge lost some pieces but is moving forward with a lot of talent, so they have every reason to be optimistic about the future.

“The key is being great teammates and loving the challenge of getting better everyday,” Lehman said. “I believe strongly in positivity and through the grind, you have to love it and love each other.

They need to be willing to be selfless.”

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 vs. Farmington 8/24 at Mountain View 8/31 vs. Canyon View 9/7 at West 9/14 at Uintah 9/21 at Wasatch 9/28 vs. Skyridge 10/4 vs. Provo 10/11 vs. Springville 10/17 at Maple Mountain

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The Pride Factor: “Most of these guys have been with me for four years now and have seen improvement every season,” Tervort said.

“One of the biggest ways we have created a culture of team pride has been by doing difficult things together as a team. We have tried to make our off season work outs more difficult than in the past. With more consistent attendance and higher level of intensity we are building trust in each other and confidence in the program.”

SPANISH FORK DONS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 at Ridgeline 8/24 at Springville 8/31 vs. Maple Mountain 9/7 at Cyrus 9/21 vs. Salem Hills 9/28 at Payson 10/5 at Mountain View 10/11 vs. Uintah 10/17 vs. Orem

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The Pride Factor: “Spanish Fork Pride is a very big concept for us,” Parrish said. “This team will mark the 99th team to come out of Spanish Fork High School and with that comes a lot of responsibility to compete at a high standard and live up to the tradition that was set long before these young men were wearing the Red and Gray but also set a standard for future teams to live up to.”

Head Coach: Preston Parrish 2017 record: 4-1 4A Region 10, 6-4 overall Playoffs: Lost to Ridgeline 25-22 in 4A first round Players to watch: Sam Dawe (6-4 280 Sr. OL), Ben Boyack (6-0 215 Sr. LB), Kimball Morley (5-11 180 Sr. ATH), Trey Loftin (6-2 180 Sr. WR) Outlook: The Dons were hit hard by graduation in the skills positions where running back Mateen Lomax (944 rushing yards), quarterback Carson Chappell (23 touchdown passes) and receiver Wei Stanton (10 receiving touchdowns) carried much of the load.

Still, Parrish is counting on a solid group of returners to step up in 2018. Morely and Loftin have speed and athleticism to make big plays and Boyack led the Dons last season with 90 tackles.

who have bought into the program and have worked hard to hopefully have a successful season. The strength of my team is experience. Many of the seniors have started since they were sophomores so across the board at every position there is experience and players who know how to play at a varsity speed.”

“My personal outlook for this year’s team is very positive,” Parrish said. “We have a lot of players

It’s football season!

Good luck to all of our 2018 football players!

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2018 Season

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Utah Valley Football Preview

ENTRUSTED

WITH A LEGACY To be great, Utah Valley high school football players have to be proud to represent their schools and communities

By Jared Lloyd Daily Herald

A

fter his sophomore season, Orem’s Ethan Slade was ready to move on from high school football.

The Tigers had a talented group of guys in 2016, but ended the year with a disappointing 5-7 record.

“I wasn’t going to play football my junior or senior year,” Slade recalled. “I was just going to focus on basketball.”

Part of his frustration with a sport he loved was the sense that some of the Orem upperclassmen had their own agendas.

“It felt like the seniors at the time were playing for themselves,” Slade said. “They thought they were the best and could just do it all by themselves.”

Anyone who watched the Tigers in 2017 as they ended up rolling to the 4A state title knows that Slade played a huge role for the Orem secondary.

So what changed?

“Some of my friends on the football team came to me and said that they were changing it around and things were going to be different (in 2017),” Slade said. “I decided to give it a shot and see how it worked out. We talked as players and said we needed to change this and play better as a team.”

The results spoke for themselves as the Tigers went on to have a great year.

“This last year, my junior year, everyone realized that we needed each other to do something and win a state championship,” Slade said. “Everyone came together and said that we were going to play as a football team and not as individuals. Everything kind of clicked. The team was a lot more fun to play with and be around.”

2018 Season

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He said he was really grateful that he elected to return to the gridiron.

“It’s definitely the best decision I ever made,” Slade said.

The best players and coaches on all 18 area high school football teams all place tremendous importance on the value of building team chemistry and being proud to represent their school and community.

“When your best players are bought into the team concept, it makes it easier,” Lone Peak head coach Bart Brockbank said. “That starts from the top down. If they do all the intangibles and care about the team, everyone sees that and develops that as well. Having team pride is essential.”

team pride as well.

“Unfortunately what most people see is just wins and losses,” Mountain View head coach Tyler Anderson said. “I think there is something to be said for playing with your buddies that you’ve grown up with, playing for the school that you wanted to play for.

Then, when you are successful with a group like that, I think it means a little more.”

For teams that haven’t seen a lot of wins, it can be hard to maintain cohesion.

“It’s always hard to take a group of kids who aren’t always best friends, kids who are playing for different reasons,” Payson head coach Derek Campbell said. “With those dynamics, a lot of it is getting the right kids to switch that attitude, to focus on the benefit of the team and not themselves. You get a group who buy into what the coaches are asking and then they get the other kids to buy in. It’s getting the whole team to believe they are in control of their own destiny. You have to find the right team to put Area teams who have won in the work and they’ll get the a lot of games often savor reward.” riding the wave of energy and There is also a balance, adrenaline together. however, as successful teams “Now that we are wellcan fall apart when players known throughout the state get trapped by their own as a football team, everyone egos. is taking pride in that,” Slade “As a coach, my No. 1 consaid. “We are going to come cern is losing the team pride out with more swagger and and buy-in, whether you more pride. Everyone is feel- are having success or not,” ing that.”

Maple Mountain head coach Slade agreed that winning Brad Burtenshaw said. “If helps make everyone more you are not having success, proud of their football proyou worry that you are going gram, but schools who have to lose kids and they aren’t run into tough times need going to want to play any

Impact of wins and losses

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Utah Valley Football Preview

more. If you win a lot, you worry that they think they did it by themselves and they get complacent. It’s always a challenge to keep that edge.”

Historic tradition and building something fresh Schools like American Fork and Springville have been playing football for decades and that has helped the programs develop identities.

Both Cavemen head coach Aaron Behm and Red Devils head coach Willy Child talked about how it’s special to have players compete at the same place that their dad or grandfather or uncle did.

“It does mean a lot to a lot of our kids,” Behm said. “I think that’s something that makes this community and this high school special.”

On the flip side, newer schools like Skyridge use having a fresh start as a chance to build the team bonds.

“There is a sense of pride for the kids in building something at Skyridge,” Falcon head coach Jon Lehman said. “Our senior class is the first class that has only gone to Skyridge.

That’s an incredible opportunity for them because they will be able to say they were there from the beginning and be proud of the growth of the program.”

Whether at a new school or an established school, all of the coaches believe that the kids who are proud of their

chance to wear the uniform with their friends on the football field will value that forever.

“In 10 or 20 or 30 years from now, what they are going to look back and remember from high school football are the guys they sweated with and bled with and worked for and blocked for and tackled with,” Burtenshaw said. “Those are the memories that stick with you.

Any time you do something hard and you put a lot into something, it’s more valuable. That’s where the team buy-in comes from and why football and team sports are so valuable.”

A neverending process Since high schools experience such significant turnover every year, creating and maintaining team pride is a constant factor for every football team. Some squads appear to be strong now but that can change quickly.

At some point, it comes down to the players and coach making a conscious decision that they will put the team first.

Slade said the best thing an athlete can do for his program is be the best, most dedicated player he can be.

“You have to lead by example,” Slade said. “I think that is the best way to teach people. If you are on a team without much pride, be the first to practice, be the guy who is always there helping out. If everyone is going to lead by example, you are going to have a whole lot of studs out there. It will catch on from one person to the next person.

That will build the team pride.”

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MAPLE MOUNTAIN GOLDEN EAGLES Head coach: Brad Burtenshaw 2017 record: 0-5 in 5A Region 8, 0-10 overall Playoffs: NonePlayers to Watch: Cameron Dorny (Sr. QB/DB), Austin Olsen (Sr. T/DT), Wade Bastian (Sr. OL/DL), Kaden Crowther (Sr. LB), Jack Francis (Sr. LB), Carson Kay (OL/DL)

pressure to get the first one,” he said. “We have to handle that pressure well. The interior pressure they put on themselves is quite high, so I feel like if we can get that first win in the first few weeks, we can then just relax and play.”

2018 SCHEDULE

Outlook: Things didn’t go as planned for Maple Mountain in 2017 as a combination of factors resulted in a winless season.

Don’t expect the Golden Eagles to waste time bemoaning those struggles, however.

8/17 vs. Woods Cross 8/24 vs. Uintah 8/31 at Spanish Fork 9/7 at Salem Hills 9/14 at Lehi 9/21 vs. Springville 9/28 at Provo 10/5 vs. Wasatch 10/11 at Skyridge 10/17 vs. Timpanogos

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“With having such a rough year last year, I’ve tried to make it a point to fix things and do better,” head coach Brad Burtenshaw said. “We have worked to improve in all places to ensure that doesn’t happen again. You go back to the basics, work on getting better at all the little things. We felt like that was where we fell apart.”

The Pride Factor: ”I feel like in football it is crucial to have team buy-in,” Burtenshaw said. “There isn’t really any other sport where it takes so much teamwork and work for so few opportunities. We are trying to sell the program and create a culture where they will buy in.”

Maple Mountain led in six of its 10 losses and this year plans to finish the job. Burtenshaw said that getting back on the winning track will make a big difference.

“When you lose a lot of games, there is a

WASATCH WASPS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 vs. Park City 8/24 vs. Mountain Crest 8/31 at Mountain View 9/7 at Castle View (CO) 9/14 vs. Cottonwood 9/21 vs. Timpanogos 9/28 at Springville 10/5 at Maple Mountain 10/11 vs. Provo 10/17 at Skyridge

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Head Coach: Steve Coburn 2017 record: 3-2 5A Region 8, 5-5 overall Playoffs: Lost to Highland 61-24 in 5A first round Players to Watch: Brock Cloward (6-1 215 Sr. QB), Brydger Purdy (5-9 170 Sr. DB/WR), Kaden Smith (5-10 165 Sr. DB/WR), Braxton Turner (6-2 265 So. OL/DL, Keegan Sabey 5-10 150 Sr. DB/WR) Outlook: Wasatch fielded a playoff team in its first year in Class 5A, eventually falling to Highland in the first round.

Taking the next step and advancing in the playoffs is on the agenda for the Wasps.

“The goal for the Wasatch football team continues to be to compete for a region title and win a playoff game,” Coburn said. “Our challenge will be replacing four

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Utah Valley Football Preview

offensive linemen who graduated. If we can step up on the offensive and defensive lines despite the inexperience, we should be able to compete for a playoff spot again this year.”

Cloward completed 65 percent of his passes last year and threw for 2,152 yards and 20 touchdowns. He returns for his third year as the starting quarterback.

Purdy is the anchor for the defense at safety after starting last season and earning the defensive back MVP at the All-Poly camp this summer.

The Pride Factor: “We build our team pride in the weight room, working and suffering together and building team unity,” Coburn said. “We are usually smaller and slower than every team that we play so we take pride in being strong and tough. We love to bring back former players to discuss what football meant to them.”

SPRINGVILLE RED DEVILS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 at Dixie 8/24 vs. Spanish Fork 8/31 vs. Sky View 9/7 vs. Lehi 9/14 at Jordan 9/21 at Maple Mountain 9/28 vs. Wasatch 10/5 vs. Skyridge 10/11 at Timpanogos 10/17 at Provo

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The Pride Factor: “We feel like we are unique because we are one of the few places where one city feeds into our school,” Child said. “Our motto this year is ‘one city, one team, one goal.’

We get a lot of support for our community and the school.”

Head coach: Willy Child 2017 record: 5-0 in 5A Region 8, 9-4 overall Playoffs: Lost to Lehi, 41-21, in 5A semifinals Players to Watch: Simote Iloa (Sr. DE/OL), Jaeden Church (Sr. CB/QB/WR), Clayton Johnson (Sr. WR/FS), Ryder Peterson (Sr. OL/DL), Isaiah Webb (Sr. RB/LB) Outlook: One of the most consistent high school football teams in the last few years has been Springville, where the Red Devils have been in the mix at the end every season. The Red Devils are looking to maintain that level of performance and take another step forward in 2018.

“Our kids

over the last four years have understood the importance of winning our region, which has helped us get home playoff games,” head coach Willy Child said. “That has made a difference in getting to Rice-Eccles Stadium. But it’s always a difficult task.

We have experience of being there but we want to get it done.”

Although Springville has some holes to fill, the team is confident it has the guys to compete with the best once again.

“This year one of the keys will be experience at the quarterback position,” Child said. “We’ve been really spoiled, but this year we have guys who don’t have the same experience.

Getting them comfortable early is probably the biggest key for us.”

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SALEM HILLS SKYHAWKS Head Coach: Harry Schwenke 2017 record: 2-3 4A Region 10, 6-5 overall Playoffs: Def. Payson 58-13 in Region 10 play-in game, lost to Mountain Crest 4434 in 4A first round Players to watch: Reed Johnson (5-11 175 So. DB/WR), Derek Burton (6-3 220 Jr. DE/ TE), John Nelson (6-5 260 Jr. OL/DL), Sam Hughes (5-11 190 Jr. LB) Outlook: Salem Hills figures to be a contender in Region 10 after a 6-5 mark last season, but Schwenke knows it will be a challenge.

“Everything has got to go through Orem,” Schwenke said. “We’re fairly young at the quarterback position but we’ve got a ton of depth pretty much everywhere else. We’re

2018 SCHEDULE excited about the young talent we have on the team.”

Basketball standout James Nelson was a pretty good football player for the Skyhawks, throwing for 2,269 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. Schwenke said there is a “dead heat” between several young players to fill that spot. Meanwhile, he’ll count on last year’s young stars to continue to improve.

Johnson started as a true freshman, Burton and Nelson contributed as sophomores and Hughes had a headhunter mentality from his linebacker spot.

“We were plagued by some injuries last year, like most teams,” Schwenke said. “That’s just the grind. Through a lot of hard offseason work and increased numbers, we’re better prepared with our depth.”

8/17 at Mountain Crest 8/24 at Desert Hills 8/31 at Fremont 9/7 vs. Maple Mountain 9/14 vs. Corner Canyon 9/21 at Spanish Fork 9/28 at Orem 10/5 vs. Payson 10/11 vs. Mountain View 10/17 vs. Uintah

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The Pride Factor: The Skyhawks have already participated in two service projects with the city of Salem Hills and Schwenke said engaging with the community will help build team pride.

“We want a strong sense of support from the community and when we do the work it creates a sense of pride in the boys,” he said. “We’re also just getting underway with a $100,000 refit of our weight room. That’s where a lot of the pride, belief and confidence starts. We’re going to make it more personal for us.”

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MOUNTAIN VIEW BRUINS Head coach: Tyler Anderson 2017 record: 2-3 in 4A Region 10, 3-8 overall Playoffs: Lost to Sky View, 50-14, in 4A first round Players to Watch: David Herring (Sr. OL), Foli Fonua (Sr. WR/ OLB), Liam Hone (So. RB), Duce Anderson (Sr. QB/WR), Elwood Afalava (Sr. DE), Antonio Tovar (Sr. S/WR) Outlook: Considering some of the tough times for Mountain View, getting to the state playoffs was a big deal in 2017. Now, however, the Bruins plan to keep climbing.

“We had a good spring and summer,” head coach Tyler Anderson said. “I think our kids are excited for this year. I think making the playoffs got every-

2018 SCHEDULE one excited. We have a good sophomore class coming in who will step up and help.

The team has been working hard. They want to be back in the playoffs and hopefully win a game.”

Now the Bruins know what that type of success feels like and they feel like they have the guys to maintain the momentum.

Anderson said he thinks having young players step and become playmakers will be critical for Mountain View as they look to compete and get more wins.

The Pride Factor: ”Team pride is huge and for us it really starts up top,” Hill said. “I look at Cooper Legas and Puka Nacua, who are record-setting guys who are putting up big numbers, and they lead by example. Puka doesn’t care if he has 12 catches or two catches in a game as long as we win, and Cooper is the same way. Winning is the main goal and that really trickles down.”

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The Pride Factor: “Something I’ve tried to build since I’ve been here is to have pride in playing for Mountain View,” Anderson said. “Having pride and wanting to build something here instead of going elsewhere is something we have stressed.”

OREM TIGERS

2018 SCHEDULE 8/16 vs. Bingham 7 p.m.

8/24 at Century (ID) 8:15 p.m.

8/31 vs. Canyon Springs (NV) 7 p.m.

9/7 at Bishop Gorman (NV) 8 p.m.

9/14 vs. Provo 7 p.m.

9/21 vs. Mountain View 7 p.m.

9/28 vs. Salem Hills 7 p.m.

10/5 at Uintah 7 p.m.

10/11 vs. Payson 7 p.m.

10/17 at Spanish Fork 7 p.m.

8/17 at Hurricane 8/24 vs. Timpanogos 8/31 vs. Wasatch 9/7 at Union 9/14 at Payson 9/21 at Orem 9/28 vs. Uintah 10/5 vs. Spanish Fork 10/11 at Salem Hills 10/17 vs. West

Head coach: Jeremy Hill 2017 record: 5-0 in 4A Region 10, 12-2 overall Playoffs: Defeated Mountain Crest, 26-0, to win 4A championship

Players to Watch: Cooper Legas (Sr. QB), Puka Nacua (Sr. WR), Ethan Slade (Sr. S), Hunter Hill (Sr. OL), Rylen Sua-filo (Sr. DL) Outlook: After a dominant run through the 2017 4A state tournament and with a lot of talent returning, it’s safe to say that Orem isn’t going to sneak up on anyone this season.

“We’ve really focused on keeping the boys hungry,” head coach Jeremy Hill said.

“There is a reason it is difficult to go backto-back because you do have that target.

Everyone is going to get up for you because they know you were the champs last year.

The nice thing that we have is that this group of kids who will graduate in 2019 have been playing together for seven or eight years. This is their senior year and they want to go out big.”

He likes the drive that he has seen from the Tiger leadership heading into the season and he feels like the team isn’t taking anything for granted.

“We have a lot of quality but we don’t have a lot of quantity,” Hill said. “We have to stay healthy as well as staying hungry.”

2018 Season

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PAYSON LIONS

2018 SCHEDULE

Head coach: Derek Campbell 2017 record: 2-3 4A Region 10, 4-7 overall Playoffs: Lost to Salem Hills, 58-13, in 4A play-in Players to Watch: Brock Sorensen (Sr. FS), Corben Gull (Sr. T/DE), McCoy Cook (Sr. DE/T), Dakota Boss (Sr. NG/G), Harrison Judd (Sr. RB/OLB), Landyn Westover (Sr. WR) Outlook: After struggling for much of the last few years, Payson made some strides forward in 2017.

The Lions believe the seniors will be the ones to set the tone. Campbell said the guys in the trenches are a little bigger this year, so that has the team optimistic as well as they run the ball and look to limit opponents.

To continue to improve, Campbell said Payson has to be able to score more points. He said turnovers and mistakes have to be limited to give the Lions a chance to win.

“The biggest thing we are looking for is improvement on last year, building on what we were doing well and trying to make improvements on other areas,” head coach Derek Campbell said. “We have a decent older group, so we are trying to get our younger kids caught up. It was about having a good offseason and also trying understand assignments better and execute those. The goal is to be a better team overall and not just rely on a couple of people.”

2018 SCHEDULE 8/17 at Duchesne 8/24 at Layton Christian 8/31 vs. Grand Canyon 9/7 at North Sevier 9/14 at South Summit 9/21 vs. Millard 9/28 vs. Gunnison Valley 10/5 vs. North Summit 10/12 at Delta

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The Pride Factor: ”I think the excitement is up because the players have seen what the school is putting into the program,” Porter said. “We have a brand-new field and a lot of upgrades.

I think that translates to the kids and gets them excited. There is also pride in that we beat teams last year who normally we got our butts handed to us against.”

Utah Valley Football Preview

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The Pride Factor: “100 percent of what drives success is having pride in your program and that is something we are trying to build,” Campbell said.

“We want kids to be proud they are on the football team. With a history of having a losing record in the last few years, it’s been harder to have that. We are hoping we can build that pride in the program.”

AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY EAGLES Head coach: Nate Porter 2017 record: 2-3 in 2A North, 5-7 overall Playoffs: Lost to Beaver, 56-3, in 2A quarterfinals Players to Watch: Fielding Morley (Jr. RB/FS), Jacob Negus (Sr. QB/SS), Luis Canizales (Sr. T/DT), Hayden Shockley (Sr. WR/OLB), Chandler Hone (Sr. WR/ DB), Jarius Searle (Sr. DT) Outlook: The Eagles are the smallest school that plays football in Utah Valley and that means size and depth will always be at a premium.

“We return a lot of our line,” head coach Nate Porter said. “We changed our offense last year to a spread and there were some growing pains with that, but this summer they have all gotten into it. Most of my offense last year was sophomores. On that end it is nice but on defense, we have some holes to fill.”

With ALA having lost its top three tacklers, the biggest area of concern is at linebacker but Porter believes the defense can still be strong.

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8/17 at Ben Lomond 8/24 vs. Carbon 8/31 vs. Emery 9/7 at Park City 9/14 vs. Mountain View 9/21 at Uintah 9/28 vs. Spanish Fork 10/5 at Salem Hills 10/11 at Orem 10/17 vs. Logan

He pointed to consistency as being the key for the Eagles, since they had a number of games where they were unable to quite finish things off.

“We’ve really worked on being a lot more disciplined,” Porter said.

RETURNERS

Top Utah Valley prep players from 2017 RUSHING YARDS

1. Carsen Manookin, Jr., Lehi: 1,189 yards 2. Masen Wake, Sr., Lone Peak: 1,142 yards 3. Cooper Legas, Sr., Orem: 1,076 yards 4. Payton Ainsworth, Sr., Skyridge: 767 yards 5. Rory Ziegra, Jr., Timpanogos: 680 yards

PASSING YARDS

1. Cooper Legas, Sr., Orem: 4,115 yards 2. Jake Jensen, Sr., Pleasant Grove: 2,304 yards 3. Gabe Sweeten, Sr., Timpanogos: 2,237 yards 4. Jayden Clemons, Sr., Skyridge: 2,138 yards 5. Brock Cloward, Sr., Wasatch: 2,127 yards

RECEIVING YARDS

1. Puka Nacua, Sr., Orem: 1,766 yards 2. Chase Roberts, Sr., American Fork: 1,200 yards 3. Nathan Upham, Sr., Skyridge: 703 yards 4. Maxx McWhorter, Sr., Timpanogos: 701 yards 5. Jairus “Jai” Satiu, Sr., Skyridge: 631 yards

TOTAL TACKLES

1. Ethan Slade, Sr., Orem: 125 tackles 2. Maika Tauteoli, Sr., Pleasant Grove: 84 tackles 3. Ben Boyack, Sr., Spanish Fork: 81 tackles 4. Kaden Crowther, Sr., Maple Mountain: 79 tackles 5. Rylan Poulsen, Sr., Springville: 72 tackles

SACKS

1. Logan Raass, Jr., Skyridge: 10 sacks 2. Taysili Fiatoa, Sr., Orem: 9 sacks 3. Simote Valeti Iloa, Sr., Springville: 7 sacks 4. Jared Fotu, Jr., Lone Peak: 7 sacks 5. Blayden Togiai, Sr., Skyridge: 5.5 sacks Statistics from MaxPreps.com 2018 Season

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TOP 5

High expectations 2018 preseason Utah Valley rankings

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The Knights are hungry to claw their way back into the 6A championship discussion.

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The Tigers appear to have the pieces to be the favorites once again in Class 4A.

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1 (12-2 in 2017)

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With the amount of size and athleticism the Falcons have, don’t be surprised if they make another deep run in the playoffs.

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The Red Devils have come up just short of their biggest goal the last couple of years but might be in position to change that script.

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Can the Pioneers prove they have the depth to reload instead of rebuild after winning the 5A title?

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2018 Season

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