by James Tate

The Fremont Silverwolves have embraced the mantra “Anytime Anywhere,” reflecting their resilience, unity, and commitment to excellence. Under Head Coach Nate Tuatagaloa, the team captured back-to-back region titles in two different classifications, 6A-Region 1 in 2024 and 5A-Region 5 in 2025.

Central to this success were four senior captains, Slade Parker, Cooper Allen, Manase Tuatagaloa, and Salesi Moa, who embody the “Anytime Anywhere” spirit on and off the field. Coach Tuatagaloa credits these leaders with shaping the team’s culture and driving its achievements.

“The biggest cultural shift has been in expectations and our assistant coaches,” Coach Tuatagaloa said. “We coach through tough love with an emphasis on love. We don’t play mind games. We tell them straight up what is expected and how we will achieve it. This approach fosters growth and confidence, not just for players, but for coaches as well.”

Despite a smaller roster than in previous years, the Silverwolves showed remarkable unity and commitment. Every player’s contribution, whether in practice or on game day, was vital.

“Anytime, Anywhere, it’s not just against opponents, it is also for each other, Coach Tuatagaloa said. ” We will always have a teammate who will answer your call, anytime, anywhere. This also means that we will play anyone, anytime, anywhere. We feel confident moving forward that we will have a program with kids that will compete with anyone.”

Slade Parker: From quarterback to All-State receiver

Parker’s journey from starting quarterback to standout wide receiver and safety highlights his adaptability and dedication. After two challenging years at quarterback, Parker embraced the position change, crediting Coach Tuatagaloa’s offseason training for his growth.

“Mentally I was ready to change positions after the two rough years, my freshman and sophomore year,” Parker said. “Coach Nate helped me get up to speed, and I was motivated by the team’s potential.”

By his senior year, Parker earned First Team All-Region, Deseret News 5A All-State Honorable Mention honors, and surpassed 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in his career. His leadership helped transform Fremont from struggling seasons to back-to-back region championships.

“Winning back-to-back region titles was surreal,” Parker said. “I loved being a captain and showing the young kids what they need to do.”

He hopes his legacy inspires younger players to value hard work and dedication.

“I want them to see my work,” Parker said. “You can’t be mad when you aren’t putting in the work.”

Parker praises fellow captains Cooper Allen, Salesi Moa, and Manase Tuatagaloa for their leadership and accountability.

“We all understand that winning takes a lot of work,” Parker said. “Cooper, Sa, and Manase are truly great captains and leaders for the team.”

His deep connection with Manase Tuatagaloa, dating back to fourth grade, strengthened their on-field chemistry. Parker also highlighted Moa’s humility and Allen’s relentless work ethic and leadership.

This journey reflects Parker’s resilience, growth, and commitment to Fremont football.

Cooper Allen: The anchor in the trenches

Allen’s leadership on both the offensive and defensive lines was a cornerstone of Fremont’s back-to-back region titles. Reflecting on what it means to be a region champion.

“I think it means we don’t just dominate in places where we are comfortable,” Allen said. “We have won back to back in two different regions, and that is hard to do with all new teams and at a different level as well.”

As a captain, Allen emphasized that leadership is about more than words.

“I learned that it takes more than just saying words,” Allen said. “That’s only 25%; the rest is by showing. People learn from examples, not just words. Actions speak very loudly, too.”

One of Allen’s most memorable moments was in a hard-fought 35-34 overtime win at former Region 1 rival Davis this past season. The Silverwolves defeated the Darts, one of the state’s top teams, in an all-time classic game.

“Looking up and seeing the field goal attempt was good was seriously the craziest feeling,” Allen said. “We worked better as a team than they did.”

For years, Allen was the steady force anchoring Fremont’s offensive and defensive lines. A First Team All-Region and Deseret News 5A All-State Honorable Mention honoree this season, Allen embodied dependability, toughness, and leadership.

On offense, Allen’s leadership was vital in protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes. His strength and technique set the tone for the offensive line, ensuring the Silverwolves could execute their game plan effectively. Defensively, Allen’s relentless play disrupted opposing offenses, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team’s success.

Allen led an offensive line that saw the Silverwolves rush for over 2,000 yards this season, led by seniors Cade Hadley (745), Tuatagaloa (633), Taylor Graham (434), and Chase Blanch (271).

Allen held his teammates to the highest standards, leading by example both on and off the field. His legacy is not measured in flashy stats but in the foundation he built, an anchor who ensured the Silverwolves could rise to championship heights through grit and determination.

Manase Tuatagaloa: The quarterback and record-setter

Manase Tuatagaloa’s varsity journey began at Ben Lomond High School before transferring to Fremont, where he quickly adapted to the faster pace and greater responsibility of quarterback.

“The early years at Ben Lomond helped me understand the pressure and role of a QB,” Tuatagaloa said. “Adjusting to Fremont’s speed took time, but I found my rhythm and home.”

Over the past two years at Fremont, Tuatagaloa has led the team to two region titles and playoff runs with precision and a strong work ethic.

“Everyone wanted to win, and we put in the work on and off the field,” Tuatagaloa said. “It was an honor to lead a team trusted by coaches, teammates, and the community.”

Tuatagaloa’s milestones include passing for 10,163 career yards, ranking 10th in Utah High School football history across all classifications. Tuatagaloa was also named to the Deseret News 5A All-State Honorable Mention team this season.

“I didn’t realize I hit that milestone until after the fact,” Tuatagaloa said. “It shows how blessed I was to stay healthy throughout high school.”

Defining moments include a comeback win against Davis and his first career touchdown pass to his older brother.

“That Davis game showed our never-give-up spirit,” Tuatagaloa said.

Looking ahead, Tuatagaloa plans to continue playing football in college, though his destination is undecided. He hopes to be remembered for his leadership and character on and off the field.

“If I could write my Fremont legacy headline, it would be: ‘Manase Tuatagaloa breaks records with community and teammates behind him,” Tuatagaloa said.

Tuatagaloa also values supporting classmates and teammates in other sports, paying back their support by cheering them on. His journey reflects leadership, resilience, and a deep connection to his team and community, setting a high standard for future Fremont quarterbacks and players.

Salesi Moa: The playmaker and Region 5 MVP

Moa quickly became Fremont’s go-to receiver, known for his ability to outjump defenders and make clutch catches. Despite opponents keying on him, Moa recorded eight straight games with over 100 receiving yards in 2025.

He was a major contributor to the victory over Davis, with eight catches and two touchdowns. Named Region 5 MVP, Moa finished the season with 63 receptions for 1,272 yards and 16 touchdowns. Over his career, he totaled 226 receptions, 3,757 yards, and 44 touchdowns, along with six interceptions on defense.

Ranked as Utah’s top recruit in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Moa has committed to the University of Utah, where his versatility and explosiveness will continue to shine. Moa was also named to the Deseret News 5A All-State First Team this season.

Moa’s leadership and playmaking ability have been vital to Fremont’s success, making him a key figure in the team’s championship culture.

Together, Parker, Allen, Moa, and Tuatagaloa represent the heart of Fremont football. Their journeys, marked by position changes, perseverance, star power, and record-setting performances, culminated in back-to-back region championships.

Coach Tuatagaloa’s leadership, paired with these captains’ dedication, has restored Fremont to prominence. Their story is one of unity, sacrifice, and belief, a reminder that championships are built not just on talent, but on trust and brotherhood.

As the Silverwolves look to the future, the imprint of these four seniors will remain. They leave behind more than wins; they leave a standard for every Fremont team to follow.

cover photo courtesy of Jordan Lacy, IG: @jlacy_media

Leave a Reply

Trending