The Hive Sports

by James Tate

1. Fremont Silverwolves

The Silverwolves will replace the production all-state performer and Region 1 defensive MVP, Christian Blanch. That production will come from junior Brant “Bubba” Koford. Koford was a standout as a sophomore accumulating 103 total tackles. Koford is strong and is always in the right place to make plays for the Silverwolve’s defense. A leader with an excellent feel for the game and game situations, Koford is ready for an even better junior season.

Koford will team with junior Krew Hassell at linebacker for the Silverwolves and form an excellent duo for the next two years. Junior Zach Masters is an athletic linebacker that will provide depth on the Silverwolve’s defense.

The Silverwolves return two All-Region performers in safeties, Noah Austin and Hayden Willis. Austin is fast and covers ground quickly in the secondary, and Willis is excellent in run support. The duo combined for 91 total tackles, Austin also contributed with two interceptions last season.

Replacing standout cornerback Ridge Whitney will be a task, given that look for junior Parks Benson, who tallied 23 tackles and had an interception in 2022, to fill in nicely.

Finishing 2022 with a 4-8 record, the Silverwolves had arguably the most challenging football schedule in the 6A class. Playing the 6A state champion Skyridge Falcons twice, the 5A state champion Lehi Pioneers, and the state semifinalist Farmington Phoenix. The secondary played against elite talent and will come into this season with confidence and skills to be the best group in the region.

2. Syracuse Titans

The defending region champions can thank its defense for being vital in bringing the title to Titan Nation in 2022. The Titan’s defense held region opponent to an average of seven points per game, including a stretch of three consecutive shutouts.

The Titans must reload after only allowing Farmington to crack 20 points in region competition in 2022. The defense must replace critical pieces at the linebacker and the defensive backfield. At linebacker, replacing the ultra-productive Miles, Draper will fall to senior Riggin Hamblin, who may also play at defensive end. Junior Preston Haney will also get linebacker duties and come in on passing situations. Junior Marriner Richards is a name to watch this season.

The Titans will be looking to replace All-state and Region 1 defensive MVP Brevin Hamblin and all-region performer Daxton Faddis. Some will consider the secondary a rebuild. However, several players saw action and learned from these two outstanding players. Senior Keller Facer is a strong, athletic cornerback with two interceptions last season. Joining Facer is a group of experienced seniors, including Jayden Perry, Ty Tesch, and Carter Child.

Perry contributed with two interceptions last year. Additionally, Tesch has looked great in summer workouts. Tesch is a senior and is ready for a breakout senior season. Child recorded 22 tackles, had one interception in 2022, and will be a leader in the Titan’s secondary. A newcomer to watch this season will be junior Bracken Dockery.

The Titan’s defense in 2022 averaged giving up 147 yards passing per game on only 15 touchdown passes. Those numbers will be tough to match, but the secondary will be a strong and experienced unit for the Titans

3. Davis Darts

While the offense may take a few games to get on the same page and consistent, the Darts defense will be ready to lock down opponents from game one. The Darts look to be the dominant team in the region at the linebacker position with an experienced group of returners and newcomers. Returning for the Darts are all-region performers, senior linebackers Jacob Faerber and Carter Dorius.

Faerber led the Darts in tackles last season with 92 and is the leader of a defense that returns starters at every level. Dorius is making the transition from safety to linebacker. Dorius is a punishing tackler and will use his speed to blanket tight ends and running backs in coverage. Playing hurt for most of the 2023 season, Dorius still was in on 53 tackles and made two interceptions.

The Darts’ defensive backfield unit will be strong with experience and athleticism. Cornerback Damon Brown is solid in coverage and a sure tackler and will team with McCoy Frasure, Kash Gates, and Nick Johnson in the secondary. Brown brings experience after registering 38 tackles in 2022 and covering the opponent’s top receivers last year. Frasure amassed 42 total tackles, and Johnson led the team with three interceptions last season. Senior Crew Cunningham is an underrated linebacker that could make this defense one of the state’s best.

Gates will be a significant player coming back and will play both ways. The Darts will have depth and athleticism in the secondary. With the pressure the Dart’s front seven will put on opponents, big plays and interceptions are bound to happen. Newcomers to watch are junior Jace Taula and sophomores Isaac Morrison and Darious Watson.

4. Weber Warriors

The Warriors will have junior Tyler Payne back to lead a defense that must replace its top two tacklers from last season: Crash Coggins and Dawson Fenn. Payne, a three-star recruit according to 247sports, had a stellar sophomore season with 68 tackles. Payne has been impressive this summer with a great showing at camps and his ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Look for Payne to contribute on the offensive end for the Warriors at tight end.

Tyce Abbott could be considered playing linebacker and fill a position of need for the Warriors. Abbott, a junior who plays quarterback, is physical and athletic at 6’3” and 185 pounds.

The Warriors bring back starting free safety and second-team all-region standout Braylon Parker. Parker covers the ground fast and is an excellent open-field tackler from his safety position. Returning Parker in the secondary gives the Warriors a much-needed experienced player to defend challenging Region 1 offenses.

Junior Ian Elmore will see action in the defensive backfield for the Warriors this season. Elmore has excellent instincts and is a tough playmaker. Sophomore Salesi Moa starred on offense last year and will also get playing time in the secondary.

Newcomers to watch for will be junior Tyson Higgs, sophomore Josh Hamblin, and Chris Carpenter. Hamblin is the reigning 6A state 110m hurdle champion and will add speed and depth to the Warriors’ secondary.

5. Farmington Phoenix

Senior Mason Smith will bring athleticism to the defense and use his speed to make plays in the backfield, cover backs, and tight ends. Senior Matthew Croasmun understands defensive coordinator Cody Caputo’s schemes and is ready to be a leading player in the middle of the defense. Junior Lucas Peterson has been impressive in summer workouts and ready for a breakout year on defense.

The Phoenix will have a new starter at every position in the secondary this season. If the Phoenix want to take the region championship this season, the defensive backfield will play a pivotal role in bringing the title to Farmington.

New secondary coach Ty Metcalfe has the defensive backs enthusiastic about the competition and ready for the challenge. Newcomer Jake Metcalfe has varsity experience after moving from Syracuse High School this off-season. Because of his experience, count on Metcalfe to lead a group of talented and athletic defensive backs. Metcalfe registered 35 tackles last season and is ready for a big year for the Phoenix.

Newcomers to watch for this season will be senior Nao Medeiros, juniors Afu Fiefia, Carson Cook, Austin Wilcox, and sophomore Tanner Nielsen.

6. Layton Lancers

At the linebacker spots, senior Easton McMillan returns and is an athletic player able to make tackles from sideline to sideline. The Lancers may be undersized at linebacker, but they will be fast and tough to block. Making plays in the backfield will bode well for the Lancers to put opponents in passing situations.

The Lancers must find a new starting secondary after losing to graduation starters Teague Farr, Trey Reid, Elias Parkinson and Jaxson Henderson. New head coach Trevor Thomas will have defensive coordinator Tyler Gladwell leading the defense this upcoming season.

Junior Ryan Wensel has emerged as a leader in the secondary and is a highly gifted athlete. Wensel is the returning kicker for the Lancers. Senior Kanyon Loveland, juniors Boston Chavez and Dane Williams will be other newcomers to watch for this season. The Lancers are excited to see who else will emerge as the next group of exciting Lancer defensive backs.

Cover photo courtesy of Kim McFadden