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.

St. Joseph Jayhawks

8-man football

2023 record (2-8) (2-3)

Head coach: Deshon Butler

The 8-man football program at St. Joseph High School is not just growing, it’s thriving in its second season. The Jayhawks are gearing up for an exhilarating season under the dynamic leadership of new Head Coach Deshon Butler and his team of assistant coaches Taveon Hunter, Lawrence Yarbrough, and Bronko Phillips. The high-scoring nature of 8-man football demands peak physical condition from players and a deep team roster for success.

“The turnout has been pretty good, with the program going from 13 boys last season to 24 currently,” Coach Butler said. “The boys have been hard at work all off-season with strength and conditioning. And now we are just fine-tuning our skills to prepare for the season. My coaching philosophy is we play fast, we play aggressively, and we will run a spread offense.”

Offense

Daniel Fontes

Senior Gunner Windsor will start as the quarterback for the Jayhawks this season. Windsor has a strong arm, is a great athlete, and will have the weapons to give the Jayhawks an explosive offense.

At running back, the Jayhawks will need to replace last season’s 8-man football leading rusher Roderick Richards III. Richards III capped off a spectacular season with 1,335 yards and 25 touchdowns. Senior Daniel Fontes and Koi Simpson will lead the way at running back. Fontes, an all-state performer in 2023, racked up 647 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns. A hard-working all-around athlete, Fontes was a 2024 Standard-Examiner boys soccer first team member. Simpson will step into the role of giving the Jayhawks depth at running back.

Senior Kayden Huss has emerged as a top receiver for the Jayhawks over the summer. Huss is fast (4.5 40-yard dash) and ready to use his speed to create defensive mismatches.

Defense

Senior Brayden Hawkins will lead the defensive line unit. Hawkins stands 6-foot-four and is strong, quick, and able to rush the passer and play solidly against the run. Putting pressure on the opponent’s offense will be Hawkins’ specialty, which will help the defense force turnovers. Joining Hawkins on the line will be holdover junior Marshell Beatty. Look for Beatty to see time on the defensive line this season.

Sophomore linebacker Jacob Scehnet returns after making 65 tackles last season, which was good for second on the team.

The Jayhawk secondary will be athletic and speedy with Huss, Yarosik, and Morales. Keeping the players fresh throughout the game will be challenging as games will be high-scoring, and players will be playing both ways. The Jayhawks will use their speed in the secondary to limit big plays and create turnovers.

“Eight-man football is much faster than 11-man football,” Coach Butler said. “To compete, you must keep up with the uptempo play.”

Special teams and season outlook

Fontes handled the kicking duties and was a return specialist for the Jayhawks last season, but look for Yarosik, Morales, and Huss to pick up some of the return opportunities this year.

With the high turnout of players and the experience of having the first year under their belt, the Jayhawks are not just hopeful, they’re determined to improve from last season and make a playoff run.

“With the Jayhawks entering our second season ever, I have higher expectations than most for this program,” Coach Butler said. “I expect us to finish in the top four seedlings in the playoffs. I also expect us to establish ourselves as a future threat to the division, putting our names in the discussion of being one of the elite eight-man teams within the state. I know it’s a stretch for most, but I believe in this group of boys and their ability.”

Key games

August 23, 2024, at Whitehorse Raiders. This is the season’s first game and a matchup of these two teams. A region win would be an excellent start for the Jayhawks’ season.

September 6, 2024, at Altamont Longhorns. The Longhorns defeated the Jayhawks in the playoffs last year, and this game will be an early season test for the Jayhawks.

September 13, 2024, vs Utah Military Academy Hill Field Thunderbirds. The Thunderbird’s inaugural season and local 8-man rivalry game.

photos courtesy James Tate