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.

Farmington Phoenix

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

Head coach: Daniel Coats

The Farmington Phoenix’s historic 2022 run into the state semi-finals was followed by a dip in the 2023 season when they finished 2-8. The Phoenix will look to get back on the right side of their win-loss record with a talented and hungry group. As is the case every year, the Phoenix play the most brutal non-region schedule in the state.

The 2023 season started with a game against the Pleasant Grove Vikings (6A state quarterfinalist), followed by a contest against the Bountiful Redhawks (5A state runner-up), and then the Skyridge Falcons (6A state runner-up) and ended with the Corner Canyon Chargers (6A state champions). The Phoenix season ended in a road playoff loss to the Falcons.   

The Phoenix, despite a narrow loss to Region 1 champion Davis Darts in last year’s contest, showed their readiness to challenge for the region championship this season. Leading at halftime 28-14, the Phoenix demonstrated their potential to be a formidable force in the upcoming season.

The non-region schedule this season will be a challenge for the Phoenix, as they will open their first five games against teams that combined for a 44-19 record in 2023.

Quarterbacks/running backs

Lucas Peterson

Despite the departure of the three-year starting quarterback Easton Wight, the Phoenix offense will rebound with the emergence of a highly promising junior signal caller, Will Peterson. Having backed up Wight for the past two years, Will Peterson has a firm grasp of the Phoenix offense and has showcased his impressive arm strength and accuracy over the summer.

Will Peterson undoubtedly is the front-runner as the starting quarterback this season and is a dual-threat quarterback that the Phoenix are excited to see on display and return to making a deep playoff run.

“Our goals are to put our best effort into every play and go out and show the state that we are a top team in 6A,” Will Peterson said. “I’m really excited for this upcoming season especially because the guys have been putting in a lot of work in the weight room throughout this off-season and it’s helped create a tight bond as a team.”  

Lining up at running back will be two veteran players in seniors, Travis Hoopes and Lucas Peterson. Hoopes returns after accumulating 1,127 yards on the ground the past two seasons, and Lucas Peterson led the Phoenix with five rushing touchdowns last year.

Hoopes and Lucas Peterson are multi-talented players. Hoopes is a dynamic kickoff and punt returner, and Lucas Peterson is a defensive leader from his linebacker position. Both players are excellent receivers out of the backfield and in the slot, and they will play vital roles in getting the Phoenix offense on track.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Reloading the receiving corps will be instrumental in allowing Will Peterson to open up the offense with his strong arm and stretch the defenses, opening up opportunities for Hoopes and Lucas Peterson. Look for seniors Afu Fiefia, Austin Wilcox, and junior Tanner Nielsen to take the lead roles as pass catchers for Will Peterson.

Fiefia is a talented, fearless receiver with excellent hands and a remarkable ability to make catches in tight spaces. Fiefia gives the Phoenix a dependable receiver for Will Peterson and a dynamic player after the catch. Wilcox mainly played on defense last year but will add depth to the receiving corps for the Phoenix. Nielsen is an excellent route runner and a go-to receiver to get first downs.

Offensive/defensive linemen

A strength for the Phoenix will be on the offensive line. Returning experienced seniors Braxton Cottam, Ethan Roghaar, Blake Rawson, and Tevita Holani will provide a solid foundation for the team, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the offense. At center, Roghaar is poised to have a breakout season, as he is already regarded as one of the top long snappers in the state.

Cottam can play both guard positions and had a tremendous junior season. Cottam worked hard over the summer and received offers to play college football from Boxer University and Eastern Oregon University. Rawson garnered all-region honors and was a first-team offense selection for The Hive Sports last season.

The defensive line will have sophomore Easton Hunt back after an outstanding freshman season and receiving All-region honorable mention honors. Cottam, Holani, Rawson, and Ragnaar will join Hunt on the defensive front line.

Linebackers/defensive backs

All-region linebacker Lucas Peterson is the leader and most experienced player on the defense. Lucas Peterson is fast, strong, and determined for a breakout year. Lucas Peterson will team with 2023 All-region honorable mention player Carter Tingey.

Wilcox is back in the Phoenix secondary and is ready to lead a young group of defensive backs. Wilcox, who earned All-region honorable mention honors last season, brings experience and toughness to the defensive backfield for the Phoenix. Fiefia will join Wilcox in the defensive backfield for the Phoenix.

Afu Fiefia

Special teams and season outlook

Junior Jaxon Beynon will be the kicker for the Phoenix this season. Beynon saw action last year as the punter and is coming off a great summer with outstanding performances at Brigham Young University and Weber State University kicking camps. Hoopes is the 2023 All-Region MVP- Return Specialist and The Hive Sports Second Team Kick-Returner.

The Phoenix is a battle-tested team that plays against the state’s best teams every season. This team is tough, will play hard, and will ultimately be in contention for the region championship.

Key games

August 16, 2024, vs Roy Royals. A fast start with a win over the Royals in a non-region contest would get the Phoenix off to a great start.

September 20, 2024, at Syracuse Titans. This game will be the Phoenix first region game against a young Titans team. The Titans will get better each week, and this will be a pivotal game for the Phoenix.

October 10, 2024, at Davis Darts. The defending region champion Darts will have all teams looking to take them down this year, and the Phoenix is no different.

photos courtesy of Jody Rose of sidelinesportsimage.net