The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Layton Lancers

2024 Overall and region record (4-7) (0-5)

Head Coach: Trevor Thomas

The Layton Lancer football program is on the rise, fueled by grit, growth, and the steady leadership of third-year Head Coach Trevor Thomas. After a challenging one-win season in 2023, the Lancers bounced back with four victories last year and came within a touchdown of toppling co-region champions Fremont and Farmington.

The signs of progress are undeniable, discipline is sharpening, development is accelerating, and the team is hungry for more. Now, the focus shifts to physicality, a trait that could be the difference-maker in turning close losses into statement wins.

“After the 4-1 start, we went into the region and lost our first two games by a touchdown, and in both of those games we were winning,” Coach Thomas said. “After those games, our kids hit a mental block. One thing that we didn’t do well is run the football. Our main off-season goal was to change the run game and take the weight room more seriously.”

That renewed commitment is already paying off. With a stronger, faster roster and a sharpened mindset, the Lancers are poised to take the next step, not just competing, but contending.

Solomon Lee

Quarterbacks/running backs

The Lancers will kick off the season with a new starting quarterback, and Coach Thomas is enthusiastic about the progress and competition during the off-season.

“Right now, we have a two-way race for the QB position with Koen Doane and Lincoln Wilcox,” Coach Thomas said. “Koen transferred from Syracuse and has only been in the system since January.  Lincoln Wilcox has been in the system since his sophomore season. They both have been getting equal reps in practice, and we will make our decision after this week. Our junior varsity quarterback, Ethan Larsen, has been in the mix as well, but we will be using him in other areas on offense, defense, and special teams.”  

Maintaining a strong running game has been a priority for the Lancers since the end of last season. Keeping drives alive and gaining tough yards will benefit the offense significantly.

Senior Solomon Lee is expected to be the lead running back, having made significant contributions in three of the Lancers’ victories last year. Other players to watch for carries include seniors Ryan Mumford and Gavin Hurst, and juniors Ivan Contreras and Jake Strong.

Wide receivers/tight ends

The Lancers need to replace a significant portion of their receiving corps from last year, but promising young players are ready to step up to the challenge. Seniors Nathan Meacham, Preston DeWitt, Mason Condiff, and Carter Hughes bring size and speed that will enhance the Lancers’ offense when needed.

Establishing a strong running game will create opportunities for downfield plays, allowing the Lancers to utilize their complete offensive strategy. Controlling the game and keeping defenses on their toes will be crucial for the offense’s success. The receivers must contribute both in the passing game and as blockers.

At tight end, the team boasts athletic players, including seniors Harrison Swain and Lincoln Peterson, along with junior Jace Porter.

Tray McKinley

Offensive/defensive line

The strength of the Layton Lancers this season lies in their physicality up front. The offensive line returns a seasoned group, including seniors Evan Humphries, Parker Thurgood, and Fotu Aneti, along with juniors Xander Williams and Jayden Williams. Sophomore Tray McKinley, who earned starts at left tackle last year, stands at 6-foot-4 and is poised to become a dominant force in the trenches for years to come.

“On both sides of the ball, we have changed it up a little bit,” Coach Thomas said. “Last season we abandoned the run and threw the ball a lot. This season we will use our strengths, and right now that is our offensive line. We changed up a lot of our running game, that should help with our passing game.”

Defensively, the Lancers return a tough and experienced front anchored by Peterson, Xander Williams, Jayden Williams, and Swain. Their ability to generate pressure and shut down the run will be critical to Layton’s defensive success.

“On defense we have a new defensive coordinator, and he has come in and brought some new coverage as well as pressure packages,” Coach Thomas said. “Our defensive line will be the anchor for our defense.”

Linebackers/defensive backs

New faces will emerge at linebacker for the Lancers this season, with seniors Erick West, Trenton Mansfield, Elijah Castro, and Isaac Rojas joining forces with juniors Luke Byers and Jack Andersen to form a deep and versatile rotation across both inside and outside spots. The group brings a mix of experience, athleticism, and hunger to fill the void left by last year’s starters.

Anchoring the defense is senior JP Garlick, a dynamic hybrid linebacker/safety who racked up 44 tackles in 2024. Fast, fearless, and instinctive, Garlick excels in both run support and deep coverage, giving Layton a true defensive weapon. He’ll be joined by senior Carter Hughes, whose range and ball skills, highlighted by two interceptions last season, make him another key piece in the Lancers’ effort to keep pace with the region’s top offenses.

JP Garlick

Special teams

DeWitt showed he has a strong leg to handle kickoff and punting duties for the Lancers last year. The kicking specialist will look to junior Miles Neuteboom to add points on field goals and point-after-touchdown attempts.

Key players to return kickoffs and punts will be Hughes, Garlick, Hurst, and Dewitt.

Season outlook

The Lancers will be able to count on the support of a fantastic community and student body to show up and make things difficult for opponents at home. Bringing a balanced attack on offense and physical play on the lines will give the Lancers an excellent chance for a winning season.

“I am really excited about the year; each season brings new enthusiasm for the school and the community,” Coach Thomas said. “These kids have worked hard and are excited to get the season started.”

The players are fully bought in, trusting the coaching staff, believing in one another, and embracing a team-first mentality that’s fueling high expectations. It’s not just about effort; it’s about connection, clarity, and commitment.

“The coaches are great this year for sure,” Swain said. “They really make sure you understand what you’re doing and will answer your questions on the spot. They give everything they have to help us succeed.”

Key games

Aug. 15, 2025, vs. Tooele Buffaloes. Getting off on the right foot, and a home win to start the season will give the Lancers that boost.

Sep. 19, 2025, at Syracuse. It’s the first region game of the season, and after going 0-5 in the region last year, this will be a good game to start region action with a win.

Oct. 9, 2025, vs. Davis. This classic rivalry will test the Lancers, but in front of their amazing home crowd, don’t count the Lancers out.

photos courtesy James Tate