The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Davis Darts

2024 record (8-4) (3-2)

Head coach: Scott Peery

The Davis Darts enter the 2025 season hungry to recapture the dominance they displayed in 2023, when they stormed through region play with an undefeated 5–0 record to clinch the championship title. Last season saw the Darts stumble with key region losses to co-champions Fremont Silverwolves and Farmington Phoenix. Despite Fremont’s move to a different region after realignment, the Silverwolves still loom large on Davis’s schedule this fall—setting the stage for a must-watch rematch.

Offensively, the Darts are locked and loaded with one of the most explosive units in the state. Senior quarterback Tradon Bessenger returns to command the huddle, flanked by a dangerous trio of wide receivers, each of whom racked up over 900 receiving yards last season. However, the missing piece could be a consistent ground game. Establishing a reliable rushing attack will be critical to keeping defenses honest and maximizing this offense’s full potential.

On the other side of the ball, Davis plans to maintain its defensive tenacity, even after graduating several key contributors. With a hardened defensive front, experienced linebackers, and a confident secondary, the Darts defense is built to frustrate opposing offenses and keep the scoreboard in check.

Tradon Bessinger

Quarterbacks/running backs

Bessinger, a senior and Boise State University commit, has lit up opponents the past two years to the tune of 6,595 passing yards and 74 touchdowns. A multi-sport athlete who was part of the Darts state champion basketball team last season, Bessinger brings the entire package: an outstanding leader, strong arm, excellent mobility, and great decision maker.

Senior Ryker Roundy is the leading returning rusher for the Darts. Roundy will share the workload out of the backfield with fellow seniors Noah Whitesides and Ryker Sheffield.

Wide receivers

The Darts receiving corps will be highlighted with senior Tyson Baggett, and juniors Bode Sparrow and Jaxton Itaaehau. This trio is one of the best in the state, and all had over 900 receiving yards last season. Baggett had 55 receptions for the second straight season and increased his yards per catch from 11.5 as a sophomore to 16.4 as a junior.

Sparrow is on pace to become one of the state’s most dominant receivers with already 130 receptions, 1,836 yards, and 26 touchdowns. An extremely tough and physical receiver with the ability to get behind defenses makes Sparrow unique. A star on the basketball court as well as on the football field, Sparrow uses his six-foot-three frame extremely well and is a problem for defenses. Itaaehau burst onto the scene last season as a big-play machine, hauling in 52 catches, 968 yards, and eight touchdowns. His explosive production earned him All-State Honorable Mention honors from Deseret News and cemented his status as one of the most dynamic young receivers in the state.

Senior Isaac Morrison will be another dependable target for Bessinger and the Darts throughout the season.

Tomasi Hasson

Offensive/defensive line

Senior Tomasi Hasson, a Second Team All-Region selection, returns as the unquestioned leader of the offensive line. Widely regarded as one of the top linemen in the state, Hasson sets the tone with his physicality and experience. Joining him up front is fellow senior Will Smith, an All-Region Honorable Mention honoree, who adds stability and grit to the Darts’ frontline.

The offensive line depth continues with seniors William Nixon, Cameron Mason, and Davis Ferree—each poised to make an impact and provide the protection and push needed to fuel the Darts’ offense.

On the defensive side, senior captain Caden Montgomery is ready to dominate. After an impressive offseason, Montgomery enters the year with a relentless motor and a reputation for toughness. His leadership and intensity will be key to anchoring the defensive front and disrupting opposing offenses.

Caden Montgomery

Linebackers/defensive backs

The Darts’ defense is loaded with athletic, physical playmakers who thrive on disruption. After holding opponents to just 19.4 points per game last season, this unit looks ready to raise the bar even higher.

Senior linebacker Ethan Lockwood, the team’s leading tackler with 97 stops, is a relentless force with a nose for the ball. He’s joined by senior Johnny Parker, a sideline-to-sideline enforcer whose athleticism earned him All-American honors in the hammer throw at the 2025 Nike Outdoor Nationals. Senior Cole Clark adds depth and consistency, bringing sure tackling and veteran savvy to the linebacker corps.

In the secondary, senior safety Cooper Harsin returns after a breakout campaign that included 88 tackles and All-State Honorable Mention recognition from Deseret News. Expect his name to surface among the state’s elite defenders this fall.

Bode Sparrow

Then there’s Sparrow, one of the state’s most electrifying all-around players. His instincts, reaction time, and ball skills are elite, as evidenced by his 6A-leading nine interceptions last season. He anchors a secondary that’s opportunistic, intelligent, and fearless.

Senior cornerback Isaac Morrison is a dual-threat standout, seamlessly transitioning between receiver and defensive back. His ability to blanket deep routes and deliver punishing run support makes him a cornerstone of the defense. Morrison’s offseason focus on speed and route running has paid off:

“This offseason I had a lot of goals to improve things, but especially in my speed and route running ability,” Morrison said. “I put a lot of work into those, and I saw a lot of growth.”

Opposite Morrison is senior Connor Brown, a long, physical corner who turned heads over the summer. His athleticism and upside have begun to attract college recruiters, and he’s poised for a breakout year.

Sophomore Bridger Young, a promising transfer from Corner Canyon, adds even more firepower to an already stacked unit. Coaches expect him to make an immediate impact.

Special teams

Veteran returner Morrison anchors the Darts’ special teams unit with smart decision-making and a knack for setting up the offense with strong field position. With Davis boasting impressive depth, expect a rotation of explosive athletes capable of flipping the field and delivering game-changing plays. One name to watch: Itaaehau, whose elusiveness and vision could make him a dynamic threat in the return game.

The most significant question mark heading into the season is replacing kicker/punter Finn Garff, who graduated after two solid years handling both roles. Finding a reliable leg will be a top priority for the coaching staff as the season approaches.

Season outlook

Coach Peery remains one of the premier football minds in the state, and under his leadership, the Darts are poised to contend for the region crown and make noise in the postseason. After three consecutive second-round playoff exits on the road, securing a home game in that round could be the spark for a deeper run.

The formula for a breakout season is clear: establish a consistent ground game, give quarterback Bessinger time to operate, and let the defensive line wreak havoc. If those pieces fall into place, Davis could be staring down a special year.

Key games

Aug. 14, 2025, at Brighton Bengals. The Darts have started 0-3 the last three years against powerhouse Lehi. A 1-0 start would be a great start to the season, but traveling to Brighton will be a tough challenge.

Oct. 3, 2025, at Farmington Phoenix. The Darts’ only home loss in 2024 came against the Phoenix. Returning the favor in 2025 would be a nice get back.

Oct. 15, 2025, vs Weber Warriors. The Darts have defeated the Warriors four straight times. Will this game be for the region championship?

photos courtesy of James Tate