The Hive Sports

by James Tate

This is a part of an offseason series previewing teams in Davis and Weber County. To look at other team previews, click here.

Clearfield Falcons

2023 record (0-10) (0-8)

Head coach: Cody Caputo

Change has been a constant companion for the Clearfield football team in recent years, but this season marks a positive turn. Last December, the Falcons welcomed new Head coach Cody Caputo. Coach Caputo has brought a renewed sense of vigor and a program ready to embrace a culture of resilience, hard work, and daily improvement.

Coach Caputo, the former defensive coordinator at Farmington High School, understands what it takes to achieve a winning attitude and culture.  

“My philosophy is always the same, build relationships with my players and earn their trust,” Coach Caputo said. “That happens through consistently holding everyone accountable and being competent as a coach. We want to instill confidence in our players by teaching them the basic fundamentals. The players are gaining confidence every day and I can see them starting to believe. We believe in executing the basics at a high level; blocking, tackling, and playing assignment sound football.”

Running back Gage Miles

Quarterbacks/running backs

Senior Jordan Tovey, a veteran who has thrown for over 1,000 career yards, gives the Falcons an experienced signal caller. Competition will still be a focal point for the Falcons in every position. Tovey is highly coachable and can adjust to new offenses. Brody Unc will provide the competition and give the Falcons options to lead the team under center.

“Tovey has a great attitude and is taking in a lot of information and improving daily,” Coach Caputo said. “He is humble; his teammates trust him and will follow his lead and play hard for him. We have three quarterbacks in the program right now. Tovey is set to start for his second year. Jordan is a good-sized quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to be a strong runner. He can be a dual-threat guy and ready to have a great season. Brody throws the ball well; he is a baseball player with a great arm. Brody works hard and better understands the offense each time we practice. Freshman quarterback Brik Barlow is a fast learner and a very sharp young football player. Brik has a great sense of confidence but is humble and hungry enough to come to practice daily with a purpose and is a competitor.”

Senior Gage Miles will spearhead the Falcons’ running game. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Fred Fernandes, Miles is poised for a breakout season. A tough, physical back, Miles rushed for a team-leading 292 yards last season and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Landon Hittle, Cade Kingston, Sean Peterson and Zane Bingham are players to watch for the Falcons at receiver. Hittle is quick and will make defenders miss when trying to bring him down. Kingston is a strong, physical receiver and Peterson is sure handed and finds openings in the defense. Bingham will move all around the field to help the offense keep the ball moving.

Offensive/defensive linemen

The Falcons bring back seniors Jonah Mandleco, Nate Eborn, and Joe Cluff on the offensive line. Mandleco is a top offensive line prospect in the state and will garner more attention from colleges as the season gets in full swing. Eborn and Cluff will be vital in the Falcons controlling the ball on offense.

“Mandleco will be a three-year starter on the offensive line,” Coach Caputo said. “Jonah is a veteran of the Clearfield program. He is a very intelligent player that all of the boy’s respect. He picks up everything quickly and gets the job done. Jonah is big and should be able to continue his football career at the next level.”

Coach Caputo will be in charge of the defense, and the line will be much improved, helping to improve the average points per game allowed in 2023.

Linebackers/defensive backs

Senior A.J. Stark will be the leader on the defensive side for the Falcons. Finishing second on the team last season with 56 tackles, Stark has an excellent nose for the ball and is a sure tackler.

“Stark is our inside linebacker and a returning starter,” Coach Caputo said. “He is tenacious and plays with heart. AJ does everything 100%; I don’t think anyone would question his effort. He works his tail off daily, has great energy, loves football, and is very coachable. He leads by example and is a vocal leader that the boys believe in.”

Senior Wyatt Williams is a name to watch at linebacker and safety for the Falcons this season. Williams is a great athlete with the size and speed to cover ground quickly and make tackles. Senior Zack Clow will make an impact at safety with excellent ball skills and his leadership.

Quarterback Jordan Tovey

Season outlook

Coach Caputo and the Falcon coaching staff are excited to bring their experience and knowledge of high school football as coaches and teachers to the Falcon football team. Coach Caputo was part of the staff that saw the Phoenix reach the state semi-finals in 2022. Coach Fernandes brought a winning culture back to Roy High School, leading them to the 2014 state championship game. With this potential, the Falcons are poised for a promising season.

“Forget the past,” Coach Caputo said. “The coaching staff and I have been doing our best to hold them to a higher standard. We’ve told them from day one that we have high expectations for you guys and will not lower expectations and settle for mediocrity. Do the right thing day in and day out, be consistent, and we will get some wins.”

Key games

Aug. 16, 2024, at Copper Hills Grizzlies. This is the first game of the season and the start of a new chapter for Falcon football.

Aug. 22, 2024, vs. Hunter Wolverines. This will be the first home game on the new turf and in front of one the top fan bases in the state. Falcon supporters will be excited to welcome this team to this non-region contest.

Sept. 6, 2024, at Roy Royals. This is the Falcons’ first region game and Coach Caputo and Coach Fernandes’ homecoming back at Roy High School.

photos courtesy James Tate