The Hive Sports

by James Tate

1. Davis Darts

Senior Wyatt Rash returns with three other Dart starters on the offensive line. Back with Rash will be seniors Drew Waters, Dylan Child, and Jackson Rust. This line led the Darts to score 29 points per game in region play in 2022.

Jordan Taula is a 2-star recruit, according to 247sports. Taula registered a team-leading 9.5 sacks last season. He explodes off the line at the snap of the ball and disrupts both rush-end positions. He can diagnose plays quickly and get up field into the backfield. He has impressed in summer workouts with his agility and ability to get in the backfield. He is ready for a great season and take his game to the next level this season.

Newcomer to the Dart’s defensive line is 6’3″, 290-pound sophomore Vilami Moala. Moala, a heavily recruited lineman, will make it challenging for offenses to run inside. Moala moves exceptionally well and will get better over the next few seasons. Junior Jackson Kuma will be a force on the defensive front with a burst to the ball and relentless motor.

Juni Moala is another lineman to keep an eye on with his speed, and ability to chase down ball carriers. Seniors Sam Stewart, Coby Trivitt, and junior Aaron Carpenter are offensive linemen to watch for the Darts this season.

2. Syracuse Titans

The Titans return arguably the best offensive lineman in the state in Ben Acker-Otis. The 6’5 275-pound lineman Acker-Otis was a first-team all-region selection by the coaches, The Hive Sports first-team All-Region, and All-Area first team. Joining Acker-Oatis on the line will be senior Will Draper and juniors Ty Hunter, Zack Gonzales, and Topi Lelenoa.

The offensive line was vital in the Titans, averaging a region-best 43.6 points per game in region competition. With five non-region games this year, challenging games will come from the Riverton Silverwolves, Brighton Bengals, and Corner Canyon Chargers.

The Titan’s defensive front will be filled with talented seniors Riggin Hamblin and Marriner Richards. Junior Hoyt Pula is a playmaker and will disrupt the opponent’s backfields this year. Hamblin, Pula, and Pierce combined for ten sacks last season, which will increase in 2023.

3. Fremont Silverwolves

The Silverwolve’s offense will be ready to improve from last season’s 19.3 points per game in region action. The improvement upfront with the offensive line is a top priority for the Silverwolves. Seniors Mason Cherry, Wyatt Larue, Max Hale, Carson Richards, and Thomas Matthews are the pillars to get the offense moving this season.

This offensive line group is tough, athletic, and determined to help bring a region championship to Fremont. The defensive line will have first-team all-region performer senior Ridge Lindley returning and honorable mention all-region defensive end Mason Palmer.

Joining Lindley and Palmer will be senior Zach Delbridge to form a formidable front for opponents this season. The Silverwolves will have an improved offense, and the defense could be even better, even after losing one of the best linebackers, Christian Blanch, to graduation.

4. Farmington Phoenix

If the Phoenix wants to return to the state semi-finals this season, it must reload on the offensive line. Four starters have graduated that worked well together and became a unit that was one of the best in the state by year-end. Offensive line coach Dustin McQuivey is one of the best and knows how to get the most out of his players each year.

The Phoenix will look to senior Scott Purdie, juniors Blake Rawson, and newcomer Tevita Holani to continue outstanding line play. Senior JJ Speredon will see action on both sides of the line and bring athleticism and high energy to the Phoenix team. Speredon is exceptionally talented, with quickness, long arms, and game-changing abilities.

Senior Lilo Jones has been impressive over the summer and will be one to watch both sides of the ball this season. Replacing the talented line group from last season’s state semi-finalist team will be tough, but the Phoenix team and coaches are ready for the challenge.

5. Weber Warriors

The Warriors return three starters on the offensive line from last season’s team, senior Dakota Wilcox and juniors Ben McMurrin and Gibson Ferry. A primary focus for this team will be improving the running game. This returning group and returning running back Nakosi Swain will make the offense hard for defenses to stop.

Last season’s first-round playoff victory on the road over the Roy Royals gives this group and team momentum heading into this year. The Weber-Roy “Shield Game” will be played at Weber on August 25th, and the rivalry rematch will be a must-see game.

The Warrior’s defensive line returns experience seniors Bauer Mcauley, Kadyn Aaron, and Cooper Christensen. Newcomers to watch include juniors Hunter Ferguson, Ridge Torman, and Aidan Briones.

6. Layton Lancers

Senior Isaac Vimahi returns for the Lancers as one of the most dominant linemen in the region. Vimahi is strong, athletic and will use his talents on both sides of the ball this season for the Lancers. Seniors Braiden Moon and Tyler Croston return to the offensive line to provide experience to the Lancer’s new coaching staff.

Vimahi, Moon, and Croston were part of the line that enabled Braxton Martin to lead Region 1 in rushing with 727 yards. Croston plays center and having that experience and stability in the middle of the line will see this group rise up the rankings throughout the season.

The Lancers return senior Jesse Chatelain to a defensive that was ranked third in region games, allowing an average of 21.8 points per game last season. Chatelain finished second on the team with 4.5 sacks, and is primed for a great senior year with new defensive coordinator Tyler Gladwell on board. The Lancers will look to Vimahi. He is joining Chatelain on the line after mostly playing on the offensive side.

cover photo courtesy of Kim McFadden