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.

Fremont Silverwolves

2023 record: (2-9) (1-4)

Head coach: Nate Tuatagaloa

The Fremont Silverwolves, with a combined 15-30 record in the last four years, are determined for a turnaround season. The team’s focus and commitment during summer workouts testify to their readiness to turn the tide. First-year Head coach Nate Tuatagaloa, with his experience, excellence, and passion for the game, is a beacon of hope for the team and the community.

“We promise two things,” coach Tuatagaloa said. “Development and opportunity. As coaches, we want to make sure every kid is getting coached up and create depth. We also need the 2’s and 3’s to get in.”

The Silverwolves’ offense will be more explosive this season with the addition of junior wide receiver Salesi Moa and junior quarterback Manase Tuatagaloa. This combination will be dynamic and will make an immediate impact. The return of linebacker Bubba Koford will ignite a team crushed by injuries in 2023. The Silverwolves are a contender for the region title and will play with a chip on their shoulder every game. Coach Tuatagaloa has an excited, energetic group ready to return winning football to Fremont.

“Our goals are to be competitive and win, coach Tuatagaloa said. “To make our community proud and allow the chance for our kids that want to play football beyond high school to have that opportunity.”

Quarterbacks/running backs

Tuatagaloa will step in and be the starting quarterback after two seasons starting at Ben Lomond High School, where he threw for 4,917 yards and 42 touchdowns. Last year’s quarterback, Slade Parker, will move to the defensive backfield for the Silverwolves and bring his experience and athleticism to a loaded defensive unit.

The lead ball carrier for the Silverwolves will look at senior Owen Simkins. After spending time on the defensive side last season, Simkins showed his power and speed during summer workouts and is ready to be an impact player out of the Silverwolves backfield. Simkins will be pushed by junior running back Cade Hadley for the starting position and playing time. Hadley rushed for 117 yards last season and has shown he is ready to be a significant part of the offense. Junior Taylor Graham is a player to watch at running back or in the slot, providing depth at multiple positions for the Silverwolves.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Moa, a top 2026 recruit, has size, speed, and athleticism and will be a defensive matchup problem. Having excellent knowledge of the game, experience, and work ethic, Moa is poised for a special year on both sides of the ball. Moa led the Weber Warriors last season with 56 receptions, 820 yards, and 11 touchdowns and is on track for a big season in a new offense.

Returning senior receiver Jace Hadley provides another experienced playmaker with elite speed and will be a crucial player for the team. Jace Hadley finished last season as the second-leading receiver with 37 receptions for 337 yards and led the team in receiving touchdowns with six. With his size and athletic ability, Zach Masters will be a primary target playing the tight end position for the Silverwolves. Look for many red zone opportunities for Masters to get in the end zone.

The Silverwolves averaged a region-low 13.6 points per game last season, but Tuatagaloa, Moa, Simkins, Jace Hadley, Masters, and a revamped offensive line will change that stat.

Offensive/defensive line

Lineman Dax Neerings

The Silverwolves will display a new group of offensive linemen, starting with seniors Sam Layton and Ben Calvert. Calvert is a converted tight end and makes the move to the offensive line, bringing athleticism and talent to the group. Sophomore newcomer Cooper Tumanuvao has been impressive at summer camps and has received attention from college football programs. Tumanuvao has the size, strength, and determination to dominate both sides of the ball.

In addition to Calvert and Tumanuvao, players to watch on the offensive line will be seniors Dax Neerings, Noah Walton, Sam Layton, and juniors Zach Hancock and Cooper Allen. The offensive linemen are learning to work together and are excited about what the new coaching staff brings and support each other.

“The coaches love the players and care about us,” Neerings said. “They take the time to coach and ensure we know how to do everything perfectly. All the coaches are there and will take time off to be with us. We take care of each other and always bring each other up when we have a bad play or are struggling to keep playing.”

Ridge Lindley

Senior Ridgle Lindley returns to lead the defensive front after posting 86 tackles, a team-leading 13.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks last season. The 6-foot-2 Lindley showed his athleticism by returning an interception for a touchdown against the Roy Royals last year.

Jakson Masters is a rising star at defensive end for the Silverwolves. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound sophomore had 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season and has impressed with his explosiveness and over the summer. Tuatagaloa will add depth to the defensive line at the end position.

Linebackers/defensive backs

The Silverwolves will be bolstered by the return of senior Bubba Koford, who missed last season due to injury. His comeback will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s defensive unit, and he will provide leadership and big-play capabilities. As a sophomore, Koford racked up 103 tackles and could read plays quickly and bring down ball carriers.

“Our team’s strength is our trust in one another,” Koford said. “We all know each other very well and trust each other no matter the circumstances. This offseason, we have all been so very amped and excited to get into the season, no matter if we are lifting, conditioning, or practicing we have all had great attitudes.”

With Koford out last year, the Silverwolves saw the emergence of Nash Bailey and Krew Hassell as linebackers. Hassell led the team with 88 tackles, and Bailey finished with 51 tackles.

Slade Parker

The defensive backfield will be a shining light for the Silverwolves, with Parker, Moa, and seniors Orion Patten and Parks Benson. Parker will be new to the secondary, but his experience as a quarterback over the last two years allows him to understand what opposing offenses are trying to do. Patten is a burner and fits nicely at cornerback. Moa will play both ways, using his athleticsm and skill to blanket opposing receivers and be physical in supporting the run. Benson and junior Mathis Bell are returners who understand the game and add depth to the Silverwolves.

Zach Masters is a physical strong safety who is athletic enough to line up anywhere in the secondary or at linebacker.

Special teams

Junior Cam Graves looks to be the new kicker for the Silverwolves and handle kickoff duties.

Jace Hadley has the most experience returning kicks but will share those duties with Patten and others.

Key games

August 23, 2024, at Roy Royals. A cross-town rivalry is re-ignited.

September 20, 2024, at Layton Lancers. First region game for the new-look Silverwolves.

October 10, 2024, vs Weber Warriors. Moa plays against his former team, and fireworks are likely in this Region 1 thriller.

photo courtesy James Tate