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.

Bonneville Lakers

2023 record (6-6) (4-3)

Head coach: Jantz Afuvai

The Laker’s 2023 season, marked by a 4-3 record and a significant win over state semi-finalist Bountiful Redhawks, began on a high note. Despite the season’s ups and downs due to injuries, particularly on offense, the team’s unwavering resilience shined through, leading to a .500 overall record. The loss of starting quarterback Jaxon Johnson was a tough blow. Still, it also paved the way for the emergence of sophomore quarterback Paden Toula, who showcased exceptional potential for the team’s future.

With the Lakers finishing the last three seasons with six wins each year, the team, bolstered by returning playmakers on both sides of the ball, is eager to step into the eight or nine-win category.

Quarterbacks/running backs

Head coach Jantz Afuvai will get a good look at Toula and Cole Leuders to be the Lakers’ starting quarterback. Toula led the Lakers to an impressive playoff win against the Hunter Wolverines by passing for 322 yards and three touchdowns in a 24-21 Laker win. Leuders is a senior who has had an impressive summer and has shown his leadership, accuracy, and strong arm.

Senior Tavi Afuvai is a strong downhill running back who will give the Lakers a physical back that will grind out tough yards. Afuvai mainly played on the defensive side of the ball last season for the Lakers and will be counted on to go both ways this year. Senior Vainga Havili will fit in well in the Lakers offense with his toughness and ability to finish runs. Look for senior Diesel Citte and junior Noah Chavez to get opportunities in the backfield.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Senior Isaac Mansaray is a do-it-all player for the Lakers, and his playmaking abilities will see him line up anywhere on the field. Mansaray is a gifted athlete with over 1,000 all-purpose yards in his career and is ready to stand out as a wide receiver. Mansaray stepped in at the quarterback position in some plays last season to keep the offense moving and showcase his athletic talent to help the team win.

“You never know when someone is going to get injured; it’s football, and injuries happen,” Mansaray said. “If someone goes down, our coaches will have a solution, and people will have to step up. Seniors help the younger players by always having them ready and knowing the plays, their alignment, and their assignments. Because you never know when someone will get injured and who will have to step up.”

Senior Hunter Davis is prepared to complement Mansaray as another pass-catching weapon. Davis’ junior year was cut short by an injury, but he has fully recovered and will bring his speed and agility to the Lakers’ offense.

Offensive/defensive linemen

Tyson Pututau

The Lakers’ offensive line will be a strong unit in the upcoming season with the return of seniors Tyson Pututau, Jayden Hansen, and junior Urban Estes. Pututau is an exceptional athlete who will play on the offensive and defensive line this season.

Pututau and Hansen will be vital for the offense’s overall success, moving the ball and gaining first downs each game. Estes can play along the entire offensive line and is a top lineman in the region after earning The Hive Sports second-team honors last season.

The Lakers will have Mitch Thorngren, Nate Perry, Pututau, Hansen, and Estes ready to impact the defensive line.

Linebackers/defensive backs

The Lakers return a strong linebacking unit this season, with seniors Keaton Fuit and Tavi Afuvai leading. Fuit racked up 85 tackles last season, leading the Laker defense and earning The Hive Sports second-team honors. Afuvai was third on the team with 71 tackles and is ready for a breakout season for the Lakers. Havili will see action on defense with his athleticism and physical tackling.

With the return of Mansaray and Davis, the Lakers will be solid in the secondary. Reese Cantwell is ready to have an impactful season for the Lakers this season.   

Special Teams and season outlook

Isaac Mansaray

Mansaray is dynamic in the return game and understands how to best use his athleticism. His confidence and quick decisions in the return game are vital attributes that will give the Lakers excellent field position for the offense. Diesel Citte is a player to watch as a returner for the Lakers next to Mansaray.

The Lakers will be tough, play hard, and pull off an upset or two this year. Later in the season, the Lakers will play back-to-back road games against the Bountiful Redhawks and Roy Royals, which will be games to watch. The Lakers know the path to a region championship will likely go through those teams. These games will determine the region standings.

Key games

October 4, 2024, vs. Clearfield Falcons. This game will start the Lakers’ final three games of the season. If the Lakers can get this win and be healthy at critical positions, the region title could be within their reach.

October 10, 2024, at Viewmont Vikings. The Lakers will face a challenging road game against the talented Vikings in October.

October 16, 2024, vs. Box Elder. The final home game of the season is always a key game for the RPI playoff rankings.

photos courtesy of James Tate