The Hive Sports

by James Tate

Weber Warriors

Head coach: Mo Cannon

2024 Overall and region record (7-5) (2-3)

The Weber Warriors didn’t just survive the challenges of 2024; they thrived in the face of them. With a freshman quarterback under center to start the season, a first-year head coach calling the shots, and the loss of their top offensive weapons, questions swirled around the program. But instead of faltering, Weber came out swinging, racing to a 4–1 start and putting teams on notice. Along the way, they discovered Carter Payne, their quarterback of the future, and unearthed one of the state’s premier running backs in senior Dyson Parker.

Payne and Parker are dynamic talents who embody the team’s relentless work ethic, grit, and toughness. Competition brings out the best, and the Warriors will compete with anyone. As the 2025 season dawns, the Warriors aren’t just rebuilding, they’re reloading.

“This team has the potential to make some serious noise,” Coach Cannon said. “We’ve got a talented, driven group, and while there are still some spots to secure, our focus is on making sure we have the best 11 on the field at all times in all three phases of the game. One thing we pride ourselves on at Weber is playing a full 48 minutes, not 30, not 25, a full 48. That’s a staple of our program. No matter where we’re at in the game, our guys will fight until the final whistle. A lot of players are starting to show flashes of being big-time names in this state, and now it’s on us as coaches to put them in the best position to succeed. We’re fired up for what’s ahead.”

Dyson Parker

Quarterbacks/running backs

Sophomore quarterback Carter Payne is poised to lead the Weber Warriors after a promising freshman campaign, where he threw for 952 yards and 10 touchdowns. With the complete confidence of his teammates and coaches, Payne is just getting started. Senior Dave Wolfinger is a tall, strong-armed quarterback available when needed.

“Carter Payne is heading into his sophomore year with valuable experience under his belt and a serious chip on his shoulder,” Coach Cannon said. “He’s taken full advantage of the offseason, growing a few inches to hit the 6-foot mark and adding quality size and strength to his frame. Carter has always had the tools, but now he’s combining that with physical growth and a deeper understanding of the game. He’s a natural leader who carries himself with poise and confidence, no matter the situation. We’re extremely excited to see what Carter does this season. It’s the beginning of what we believe will be a standout career and the rise of one of the top quarterbacks in the state for years to come.”

On the ground, the Warriors boast one of the most dynamic weapons in Utah: Dyson Parker. A three-star recruit per 247Sports, Parker led all 6A rushers in 2024 with 1,586 yards and remains a nightmare for defenses. But he’s not just a threat in the backfield; Parker led the team with 59 receptions last season, making him a true all-purpose force.

“Dyson Parker is, without a doubt, the best all-purpose back in the state,” Coach Cannon said. “He’s an elite competitor and one of the hardest workers you’ll find, on the field, in the weight room, and every other area of his life. This offseason has been huge for him, not just physically but mentally. He’s put in serious work, hitting 415 on the squat, 275 on bench, and 315 on clean, numbers that show just how strong and explosive he’s become.”

Brock Dean

Wide receivers/tight ends

Senior Brock Dean returns as the top wideout for the Warriors, bringing experience, reliability, and a nose for the end zone after hauling in seven touchdown catches last season. He’ll be a go-to target in the passing game, especially in clutch situations.

Joining him is junior Reese Cantwell, a dynamic playmaker poised to make waves in Region 1. Cantwell posted an impressive 64 receptions for 733 yards last year at Bonneville, and his physical style and route-running precision make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs.

The depth at receiver is promising, with seniors Ty Hellmann, Kelton Tree, and Linken Huston all capable of stretching the field. Junior Bracken Day adds versatility, while sophomore Creed Devries is a rising talent to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Boltyn Sacre

Offensive/defensive lines

The heartbeat of the Warriors starts up front, where senior leaders Boltyn Sacre and Ethan Whisler anchor a tough, disciplined offensive line. Sacre, a third-year starter at center, combines athleticism with a sharp football IQ and is already drawing interest from college programs. Whisler brings grit and consistency, forming a formidable duo that sets the tone in the trenches.

On the defensive side, junior Eli Swenson returns with valuable experience and a motor that disrupts opposing offenses. Sacre and Whisler are expected to contribute on the defensive front as well, showcasing their versatility and toughness.

Depth and talent run deep, with seniors Jayce Young, Maxton Elliott, and Ryder Bosley rounding out a physical group that will be key to controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Coach Cannon will have this group and the entire team ready to go after putting in the work this offseason.

“As I head into my second year as head coach at Weber High School, my expectations for this squad are extremely high,” Coach Cannon said. “We’ve got a tough, hard-working group of young men who give everything they’ve got, whether it’s in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom. That relentless effort and dedication directly translate to our success as a team. But this season, our definition of success goes far beyond wins and losses. It’s about building high-character individuals and instilling a work ethic that will carry these young men through the rest of their lives.”

Eli Swenson

Linebackers/defensive backs

Replacing All-State standout Tyler Payne is no small task, but the Warriors have promising options to fill the void. Parker started at linebacker as a sophomore before shifting to running back last season, and he could see defensive reps once again thanks to his physicality and field awareness. Alongside him, senior Case Bailey is a name to watch as he competes for meaningful snaps at linebacker.

In the secondary, Dean returns as a proven playmaker after leading the team with three interceptions last season. His ball-hawking instincts and versatility make him a key piece of the defensive puzzle. Seniors Tanner Farr and Josh Hamblin are expected to step into larger roles, bringing leadership and toughness to a unit that will be tested early and often.

Special teams

Parker and Dean bring valuable experience to the return game, giving the Warriors reliable options for kickoffs and punts. Both players have the speed and vision to flip field position and spark momentum. Meanwhile, the competition to fill the kicker and punter roles is heating up, with senior Rayce Stone emerging as a strong candidate to take on those duties.

Key losses

Tyler Payne (Brigham Young University)

Caden Lindholm (Southern Utah University)

Ian Elmore (Weber State University)

Ridge Torman (Colorado Mesa University)

Jagger Hammer (Southern Utah University)

Key games

Aug. 15, 2025, vs Fremont Silverwolves. Last season’s 35–21 loss to rival Fremont still stings, and the Warriors are eager to flip the script in this year’s season opener. Expect fireworks as emotions run high and both teams look to set the tone early. This one could be a statement game.

Aug. 29, 2025, vs Roy Royals. The Shield Game: One of the most anticipated matchups of the year, the Shield Game never disappoints. The rivalry between these schools brings out the best in both squads, with bragging rights and pride on the line. Circle this date, it’s always a thriller.

Sep. 12, 2025, at Lehi Pioneers. A tough mid-season road test against the Pioneers will challenge the Warriors before region play begins. Lehi’s disciplined style and strong program make this a measuring-stick game, offering insight into how far the Warriors have come—and how far they can go.

photos courtesy of James Tate