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.

Davis Darts

2023 record (10-2) (5-0)

Head coach: Scott Peery

The defending Region 1 champions, Davis Darts, will look to reload on both sides of the ball this season. Talent returns at the skilled positions on offense. Head Coach Scott Perry returns an even more potent offense in 2023 with size and speed on both sides of the ball. The task for the Darts this season will be replacing several defensive starters and the offensive line. Coach Peery knows each year represents a new journey for his team to reach their ultimate goals.

“We look at this year as a brand-new year and are not looking back at what we accomplished a year ago,” Coach Peery said. “We have a few new faces and a few veteran faces and look forward to the challenges and matchups we will face this Fall. Whatever work the boys put in from January until August will be the training they fall back on.”

The Darts have been overlooked before but have not taken a step back, and that is a testament to the culture in place the players and coaches have established. Jackson Kuma, The Hive Sports First-Team defense selection and a significant part of the Standard-Examiner Team of the Year, is a leader who will continue the standard previous teams have set at Davis on and off the field.

“Competing is one of our core values, so we are always competing in everything we do, whether on the field, in the weight room, or even in the classroom,” Kuma said. “If you can’t perform in the classroom you don’t deserve to be on the field and my boys understand that, and always give 100%. Our motto for this year is “One more.” This motto acts as a simple but powerful reminder to give extra effort which can be the difference between winning and losing games. This helps us be ready for any team we face.”

Quarterbacks/running backs

Returning starting quarterback Tradon Bessinger had an outstanding sophomore season, leading the Darts to a region championship and garnering all-region honors, Region 1 QB of the Year from Slingin’ the Pill Media, and The Hive Sports offensive most valuable player. Bessinger learned quickly in his first season as the starter and passed for a region-leading 2,925 yards and 32 touchdowns. A tall, strong-armed, and athletic leader, Bessinger is attracting attention from colleges and has received an offer from Weber State University. Behind Bessinger will be sophomore Johnny Parker.

Bessinger will have a familiar face in the backfield with returning leading rusher Owen Talbot. Talbot, a senior, led the Darts with 496 yards and ten rushing touchdowns. A strong and physical runner, Talbot also caught 22 passes and could be looked at more in the passing game as the offensive line gets more experience.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Bode Sparrow

Sophomore Bode Sparrow, a bona fide star, will lead a fresh batch of Darts playmakers. Sparrow caught 69 passes for 842 yards and ten touchdowns. Sparrow is a strong and physical receiver with college offers from the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and the University of California, with many more to come. The departure of Kash Gates (Weber State University) will leave a void, but the team is ready to step up collectively to fill it.

Defenses will be on high alert for Sparrow this season, opening up opportunities for junior Tyson Baggett. Baggett flew under the radar last year, made a significant impact with 55 catches for 632 yards and four touchdowns, and will have an even better 2024 season.

Seniors Easton Frasure, Ryder Stringham, and junior Isaac Morrison are other players to watch for increased playing time this season at receiver. Frasure made 12 receptions for 137 yards last season, and the speedy Morrison had 87 yards on nine catches.

Offensive/defensive linemen

The Darts will be looking to field a new offensive line this season. Replacing all five starters will be a challenge, but the Darts have talented newcomers ready to keep the offense as one of the best in the region. Junior Tomasi Hasson is prepared to step into the starting center spot and anchor the offensive line. Senior Siona Faeamani is strong and athletic and can play all positions on the line.

The defense’s strength will be the defensive line, which returns senior Jackson Kuma and junior Juni Moala. According to 247 Sports, Kuma is a 3-star recruit. He is extremely quick off the ball and a force to keep out of the backfield. Moala, with his quickness and strength, will wreck offenses this season. Senior Noah Fiso is back and will play both ways, along with Kuma and Faeamani.

Jackson Kuma

Linebackers/defensive backs

The Dart linebackers and defensive backs will hear many new names called making tackles and covering receivers. Players to watch at linebacker positions include juniors Cooper Harsin and Ethan Lockwood. Parker will also see action on defense with his brother Jarom in the linebacker or at the safety position.

Jace Tuala is emerging as a leader in secondary and will team with Connor Brown, Frasure, Sparrow, and Morrison. Look for sophomore Jaxton Itaaehau to make an impact in the secondary as well as spots on offense.

Special teams

Senior kicker Finn Garff returns to give the Darts an experienced and accurate kicker with a strong leg. Garff received first-team all-region honors last season.

Morrison is an outstanding returner and will handle kick and punt return duties. Morrison makes great decisions in the return game and will give the Darts offense excellent starting field position. Itaaehau is an elusive player with the ball in his hands and may get a chance to show that as a kick returner for the Darts.

Repeating as region champions is challenging. Three different teams have won Region 1 in the last three years.

“Going undefeated in region play was a challenging task, and if you don’t bring it every night, then one of those teams would get you,” Coach Perry said. “This offseason, we have worked on our mindset and how to handle moments and adversity. I’m excited to see what they can do this year.”

Key games

August 16, 2024, at Lehi Pioneers. The Pioneers defeated the Darts at the start and end of the 2023 season. Will Davis return the favor to start the 2024 season?

September 27, 2024, at Fremont Silverwolves. Are the Silverwolves for real at this point in the season, or are the Darts on track to defend their title?

October 16, 2024, at Syracuse Titans. Region finale of the last two region champions.

photos courtesy James Tate