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.

Northridge Knights

2023 record (4-7) (2-5)

Head coach: Andrew Fresques

The Knights are gearing up for the 2024 season with a solid determination to reverse their fortunes after two consecutive losing seasons. Last season, the Knights were outscored in the second half of all five region losses. However, with a more dynamic offense and a relentless defense, the Knights are set to turn the tables this year. Under Head Coach Andrew Fresques’ leadership, the Knights aim to exceed their win total from last year and contend for the Region 5 championship.

“At Northridge, we expect our athletes to win and be successful on and off the field,” Coach Fresques said. “Our philosophy is to choose the hard road and embrace it. Ultimately, we want to compete for championships and be known nationally.”

Coach Fresques will have a team ready to display their speed and quickness on both sides of the ball.

“We have to do the little things when it comes to discipline and execution,” Coach Fresques said. “They make a big difference, especially in close, tightly contested games. Our team will have speed and athleticism, and we will be much more of a team this year.”

Speed and athleticism will be displayed for the Knights, starting with returning senior captain wide receiver Jaxon Fresques.

Jaxon Fresques

Quarterbacks/running backs

The Knights are excited about the upcoming season, ready to bring the heat and play fast and strong. They have the players and the determination to make it happen. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, senior quarterback Tre Nye is all set to lead the charge for the Knights. Nye, who honed his skills at Syracuse High School last year, is equipped with all the tools to make this an exhilarating season with a fast-paced offense.

“Tre’s character, coming into a new program but having the hunger and dedication to learn everything about our offense and get better every day, is what makes him special,” Fresques said. “It shows that this team means something special to him as well. Our junior class has really impressed me this summer. They are doing what it takes to help out and make the team better, and that is the winning attitude we preach all the time.”

Junior running back Andrew Ortiz looks to be a contender for the lead back position for the Knights. Ortiz rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Wide Receivers/tight ends

Fresques will be a problem for opposing defenses to stop this season. He is quick, elusive, sure-handed, and can play any receiver position on the field. Look for Fresques to be Nye’s focal point and primary target as he closes in on 1,000 career receiving yards.

“I’m excited for the potential we have this year to prove ourselves as a team that opponents are scared to go up against,” Fresques said. “We have done a lot of preparation of running our plays, strength and conditioning, and becoming a brotherhood to compete at the highest standard we hold each other at. as it’s my senior season I’m looking forward to lead the team into every game with the mindset that we have put in so much work and now it’s time to prove it every friday night.”

Senior Chase Harris had an outstanding 2023 season with 46 receptions for 403 yards and a touchdown. Harris can line up wide or in tight and take advantage of any matchup with his sure hands and excellent route running.

Junior Israel Arocha is a rising star and is ready for a breakout season with the Knights after playing at Ben Lomond High School last year. Arocha played primarily defensive back for the Scots and will get time playing both ways for the Knights. Junior Rylen Rude is a big target at tight end and an excellent blocker on the line of scrimmage.

Offensive/defensive linemen

Andruw Hadley

Seniors Jonathan Sanchez, Kooper Salvador, and Andruw Hadley return to anchor the Knights offensive line. Giving Nye time to find his explosive receivers will be essential for the Knight’s offensive line.

The Knights’ offense averaged 23.1 points per game last season, and if this experienced offensive line can help the offense average one more touchdown per game this season, it will bode well for the Knights’ season.

The Knights’ defensive front will need to pressure opposing quarterbacks, get their hands on more passes, and force more turnovers. Rude and other linemen may see action playing both ways for the Knights this season on the line.

Linebackers/defensive backs

Losing Weber State University commit Zach Smith will be challenging, and his production allowed him to garner 2023 The Hive Sports Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year and 2023 Standard-Examiner All-Area First Team honors last season.

Senior Preston Haney will lead the defense after a great season at Syracuse High School last year. Haney racked up 92 tackles last season and is ready to use his excellent instincts and speed as a mainstay on the Knights’ defense. Haney will team with fellow seniors Diesel Daffer and Quinn Bideaux as a linebacking trio that can run ball carriers down with speed and athleticism.  

Knights defense

Junior Makai So’o is a special player who can line up anywhere on the field at a skill position and be a difference-maker. A gifted athlete, So’o has excellent instincts and is fearless on the field. Watch for So’o at the safety position and to move around on defense to use his great anticipation to generate game-changing plays.

Junior Dontae Dyson showed improvement throughout the 2023 season and will be a prominent piece in the defensive backfield for the Knights for the next two years. Look for Dyson to show his talents on the offensive side of the ball when needed for the Knights.

Dontae Dyson

Special teams

Fresques will be back as the Knights’ return specialist. One of the state’s most dangerous returners, Fresques accumulated six returns of 40 or more yards in 2023, including a 95-yard kickoff return against the Murray Spartans.

Key games

August 23, 2024, at Layton Lancers. Cross-town rivals have split the last two contests.

September 6, 2024, vs Box Elder Bees. First region game for both teams. Bees have won this game the previous two years.

October 16, 2024, vs Roy Royals. The regular season finale could cap off a bounce-back season for the Knights with a win.

photos courtesy James Tate