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.

Weber Warriors

2023 Record (6-5) (4-1)

Head Coach: Mo Cannon

The Warriors are about to embark on an exciting new chapter under the guidance of first-year Head Coach Mo Cannon. A former Roy High School offensive line coach and Weber State University football alum, Coach Cannon brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Warriors program. His enthusiasm and energy will ignite the team, preparing them to face every challenge confidently and eagerly.

“You can expect to see a group flying around with energy and passion for the game,” Coach Cannon said. “We will be a united group that understands team achievement over personal achievement. The process will guide us through any adversity we face this year, but if you are not embracing adversity why play sports? We will be ready!”  

Quarterbacks/running backs

The Warriors exploded last season for 30 points per game, up from the 2022 season that saw the team score 20 points per game. Returning senior starting quarterback Crew Cacciacarne is expected back after an injury earlier this year. Cacciacarne threw for 2,281 yards, 25 touchdowns to only four interceptions, a significant reason for the Warrior’s improved offense. Junior Josh Hamblin spelled Caccicarne in two games last year and can step in if Cacciacarner is slowed. Hamblin is a dual-threat quarterback with elite speed. Hamblin is a two-time state-champion hurdler and will give the Warrior’s offense many options to move the ball and score points.  

Warriors running back Dyson Parker

The Warriors running game was just as crucial as Cacciacarne last year, with Nakosi Swain rushing for 935 yards and ten touchdowns. Swain has graduated, so the Warriors will count on junior Dyson Parker to be the lead back after rushing for 509 yards and five touchdowns last season. Look for Parker to have a breakout season with his speed, ability to run inside, and talent as a pass catcher.

Wide receivers/tight ends

The Warriors will be looking to revamp their passing game after Salesi Moa’s departure to the Fremont Silverwolves. Look for seniors Ian Elmore, Tyson Higgs, and Tyler Payne to have essential roles, as the offense will still be a handful to contain.  

Elmore is a highly skilled playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. In 2023, Elmore produced 44 receptions, 764 yards, and eight touchdowns, and his 17.4 yards per reception led the Warriors. Higgs is a dependable veteran receiver who runs excellent routes and had 31 catches for 394 yards last year. Also an outstanding kick returner and special teams performer, Higgs will see the field in every phase and make an impact for the Warriors.

Payne has verbally committed to play at Brigham Young University and returns after being recognized as the Region 1 defensive most valuable player. An underrated tight end on the offensive side of the ball, Payne will keep the chains moving. He can line up wide, at the classic tight end position, or in the backfield. Payne is an excellent all-around football player who can do it all and is ready for a monster year. Last season, Payne hauled 13 receptions for 141 yards for the Warriors.

Offensive/defensive line

The Warriors’ offensive line will be a strength and lead the offense if Caccicarne is sidelined for any time. Seniors Ben McMurrin, Ridge Torman, Colter White, and juniors Boltyn Sacre and Ethan Whisler will return up front. This impressive group was part of the Warriors’ offense, which averaged 391 total yards per game last season. Coach Cannon and the Warriors staff have an excellent starting point in their first season with the experience and talent of the offensive line.

“Our new coaching staff is young and ready to take this team to another level; they have lit a fire under all of us to be the best we can be,” said Sacre. “I am more than excited to see us excel with this new coaching staff and a new attitude. We have learned much from last year and are ready to attack this year. It takes what it takes.”

Opening running lanes and protecting the quarterback will be vital to the Warrior’s offensive success.

“As a whole offensive line unit, we are excited to let Dyson and the running backs show their skill out on the field, and we are excited to see how our quarterbacks do as well,” White said. “Our offensive line is also emotionally together; we fit as puzzle pieces because we have been growing up and playing with each other for so long and have grown a connection of trust that some teams can struggle with. I’m excited to show people in our community something to be excited about.”

Senior Sterling Mund returns to the defensive line and leads a defense that got better at the end of last season by allowing a stingy 12.6 points over their final three games.

Linebackers/defensive backs

Warriors linebacker Tyler Payne

The linebacker trio of seniors Payne, Caden Lindholm, and junior Parker may be the best in the region. Payne, rated as the number one linebacker in the state according to Slingin the Pill Media, is ready to lead a dominant defense. Last year, Payne also claimed 2023 The Hive Sports Defensive Most Valuable Player award and recognized as a 2023 Standard-Examiner All Area Football First Team player led the region with 123 total tackles. Payne is an elite linebacker with speed, always in a great position, and will punish ball carriers.

Lindholm finished second on the team last season with 68 tackles and may also see time on offense. Parker’s emergence last season gives the Warriors a player who can impact both sides of the ball. Parker is a talented and sure tackler who flies around the field and causes opponents problems.  Senior Kannon Pluim will be one to watch at linebacker as he is a capable pass rusher and run stopper on the outside.

Elmore will step into the secondary leadership role at free safety. Elmore has excellent instincts, having grabbed six interceptions and is a hard-hitting safety after making 55 tackles last season. Hamblin and Higgs will join Elmore with defensive backfield experience and playmaking abilities.

Special teams

Kickoff and punt return duties look to be handled by Parker, Hamblin, Higgs, and Elmore.

Senior Alex Johnson returns to handle the kicking duties for the Warriors after a stellar 2023 season.

Key games

August 30, 2024, at Roy Royals, coach Cannon goes back home in the shield game.

September 20, 2024, vs Davis Darts. Darts defeated the Warriors twice last season.

October 4, 2024, vs Farmington Phoenix. Underrated rivalry between teams that have split their last four games. Warriors won last season’s matchup 30-27.

photos courtesy James Tate