High school football: Brighton, West headline new-look Region 6, which coaches believe will be competitive top to bottom
When last year’s high school football playoffs shifted to the semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium, there wasn’t a current team from Region 6 to be found. It was a gut punch for a region that throughout the regular season believed it had teams capable of competing at the state level.
Alta came closest to crashing the semifinal party, but even that would’ve been as a No. 19 seed.
A year later, the sentiment internally hasn’t changed that the region is strong top to bottom, but with the addition of two new teams there is legitimate truth to the belief.
Resurgent West joins Region 6 this season, a year after advancing to the 6A quarterfinals, while Alta is also back in the region after competing with Utah County teams in recent years.
The addition of those two teams, along with the departure of Park City and Murray down to 4A, has completely altered the landscape of the region.
“I think our region from top to bottom is a really good region,” said second-year Brighton coach Casey Sutera. “It’s going to take playing some games to see how we all stack up, and that’s how you want it. You want a lot of teams competing.”
Four different Region 6 teams received a first-place vote in the coaches preseason region straw poll, with Brighton leading the way with three. It narrowly came out on top in those preseason rankings, edging West, Alta and East for the top preseason spot in Region 6.
In the overall 5A rankings, West received far more votes than any other Region 6 team, but the coaches within the region believe it will be more balanced.
For Brighton, Sutera hopes his program takes the next steps to be recognized as a 5A contender, but first it has to prove it on the field. In the past four years — including the previous three before Sutera took over as head coach — Brighton’s playoff seeding has been No. 5, 1, 12, 5 and its record is 1-4, with all four playoff loses coming at home.
“The biggest thing for us is how can we take a step forward, and that’s the emphasis, how can we take a step forward and not just being a good region team, but how can we be a premier in 5A and have a chance to compete for a state championship,” said Sutera.
Last year Brighton was a No. 5 seed but lost on its home field to No. 21 Olympus in the second round 28-20.
Brighton returns six starters on each side of the ball from that team, including quarterback Jack Johnson and explosive receiver Nash Matheson.
Sutera said his team has enjoyed a great summer and it is ready to hit the ground running at 4A No. 1 Desert Hills in Week 1.
West is equally as loaded offensively as it embarks on a new challenge in Region 6 after competing in 6A’s Region 2 recently.
Among the eight returning starters offensively for West is returning 6A first team all-state offensive lineman Semisi Tonga. Also back is two-threat QB Isaiah Su’esu’e, who was a 6A honorable mention a year ago.
Defensively, however, West has a bunch of a major holes to fill as only three starters return from a group that only allowed 11.7 ppg a year ago.
“We have a lot of young guys stepping in so that will be interesting to see how fast they can adjust with a tough schedule,” said West coach Olosaa Solovi.
Few teams in Region 6 return more experience than Alta, however, with eight offensive starters back and seven defensive starters.
That youth took its lumps through the meat of its regular season schedule a year ago with a four-game losing streak. The group displayed confidence by the end of the season, though, with back-to-back road playoff wins over Bonneville and Springville before narrowly losing to Orem 26-24 in the quarterfinals.
Alta opens with three straight winnable games in the preseason before a region-opener against East. If the Hawks take care of business early, it could build a lot of momentum heading into the tough Region 6 slate.
On paper, East was as strong as anyone in Region 6 a year ago, finishing second to Brighton. But a tough preseason schedule, including losses to Skyridge and nationally-ranked IMG Academy from Florida, contributed to No. 15 seed in the playoffs and a date with No. 2 seed Timpview in the second round.
East believed it could compete with the T-Birds, but quickly fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter and never stood a chance.
Fast forward to this season, and the Leopards have a chip on their shoulder as they try and return to relevancy at the top of 5A.
East returns quality experience in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and newcomers on coaching staff at both coordinator positions have shaken things up within the program.
The projected bottom three in Region 6 are Olympus, Highland and Skyline.
Former Olympus coach Aaron Whitehead took a job with Granite District in early July, with long-time defensive coordinator Brandon Burt taking over as head coach. His team returns 10 starters on defense and seven more on offense.
That experience has helped for a smooth coaching transition late in the process.
“The coaching staff will remain intact, which has been a huge plus. We owe coach Whitehead so much for the work he has done for the players, community and school. As for the team, we will have good team speed and will be physical. We have a good core of returning players that gained valuable experience last year. We play a very tough schedule and are looking forward to competing each week. We will be tough to beat,” said Burt.
Region 6 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Brighton Bengals
2022 Record: 9-2 (first in Region 6 with a 6-0 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 5A
2022 postseason: Lost to Olympus, 28-20, in the 5A second round
All-time record: 391-205-2 (54 years)
State titles: 1 (1982)
Region titles: 19 (1977 co, 1978, 1979, 1981 co, 1982, 1986, 1988 co, 1992, 1995 co, 1996 co, 1997, 2000 co, 2001, 2002 co, 2004, 2005 co, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Head coach: Casey Sutera
In his debut season at Brighton, he guided the program to a 9-2 record and a region title. He’s a graduate of Murray High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Casey Sutera’s general outlook
“The team is ready to build on a last year. We have a lot of returning leadership that always makes you feel good as a coach. The kids have worked really hard this offseason and it is always exciting to see how that translates to the field.”
Offensive coordinator: Josiah Price
2022 offense: 36.1 ppg (No. 6 in 5A)
Six returning starters.
Spread offense.
Returning offensive starters
Jack Johnson, Sr., QB.
Nash Matheson, Sr., WR.
Myles Peters, Sr., TE.
Easton Smith, Sr., WR.
Donovan Wismer, Sr., WR.
Jack Bowers, Sr., OL.
Key offensive newcomers
Mason Haertel, Jr., RB.
Ben Henriquez, Sr., OL.
Marshall Huber, Soph OL.
Gustavo Queiroz, Sr., OL.
Beau La Fleur, Jr., RB.
Conner Melchior, Jr., OL.
Rowan Hennings, Sr., WR.
Easton Adamson, Sr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Frankie Sutera
2022 defense: 17.4 ppg (No. 4 in 5A)
Six returning starters.
Multiple defenses.
Returning defensive starters
Andrew Wood, Sr., LB.
Jarom Tapusoa, Sr., LB.
Miles Morgan, Sr., LB.
Siale Ofa, Sr., DB.
Dylan Thomas, Sr., DB.
Kaimana Fuertes, Sr., DB.
Key defensive newcomers
Easton Adamson, Sr., DL.
Kaden Morzewelski, Sr., DB.
Kimball Shill, Sr., DE.
Braxton Morzewelski, Sr., DE.
Caleb Stock, Jr., DL.
Kaleb Miller, Jr., DL.
Tyree Pearson, Jr., DL.
2. West Panthers
2022 Record: 9-3 (first in Region 2 with a 6-0 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon, 35-7, in the 6A quarterfinals
All-time record: 597-458-34 (129 years)
State titles: 7 (1925, 1927, 1973, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1992) — also won 14 additional championships between 1898 and 1915 when season record vs. other high schools determined titles.
Region titles: 27 (1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1925 co, 1927, 1928, 1933, 1936 co, 1941, 1946, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1978 co, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2014 co, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Head coach: Olosaa Solovi
Entering his fifth season as head coach at West, where he’s posted a 30-14 record over that span. He’s a graduate of West High School.
Coach Olosaa Solovi’s general outlook
“We’re excited for this team this year. We have a lot of young guys stepping in, so that will be interesting to see how fast they can adjust with a tough schedule.”
Offensive coordinator: Olosaa Solovi
2022 offense: 34.2 ppg (No. 4 in 6A)
Eight returning starters.
Multiple offenses.
Returning offensive starters
Isaiah Su’esu’e.
Semisi Tonga.
Nuku Mafi.
Foti Vaenuku.
Luseni Fifita.
Carson Taula.
Leon Crutcher.
Key offensive newcomers
Vaea Ikakoula.
Rob Lapuaho.
Charles Pan, Jr.
Louie Hamilton.
Kelvan Malepeai.
Defensive coordinator: Manaia Brown
2022 defense: 11.7 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
Three returning starters.
Multiple defenses.
Returning defensive starters
Lava Vailahi.
Taimane Brown.
Darian Ma’ae.
Key defensive newcomers
Alvin Puefua.
Aisea Angilau.
Miller Carter.
Charles Pan, Jr.
Rayce Walker.
3. Alta Hawks
2022 Record: 6-6 (fourth in Region 8 with a 1-3 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 5A
2022 postseason: Lost to Orem, 26-24, in the 5A quarterfinals
All-time record: 304-191 (45 years)
State titles: 4 (1983, 1988, 2007, 2008)
Region titles: 12 (1984 co, 1985 co, 1988 co, 2000 co, 2003, 2005 co, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 co, 2011, 2016)
Head coach: Alema Teo
Entering his ninth year as Alta head coach, compiling a 54-38 record his first eight seasons. Teo was Woods Cross’ head coach from 2000-2004 and posted a 7-42 record during that stint. He’s a graduate of Leone High School in American Samoa and Southern Utah University.
Coach Alema Teo’s general outlook
“We expect to be contenders this year.”
Offensive coordinator: Nick Robins
2022 offense: 22.8 ppg (No. 22 in 5A)
Eight returning starters.
Pro style offense.
Returning offensive starters
Matt McKea, QB, Jr.
Jaxon Toala, WR, So.
Anthony Cottis, RB, Sr.
Wyatt Johnson, TE, Sr.
Siosaia Lapuaho, OT, Sr.
Gabe Ofisa, OG, Sr.
Seth Watson, OC, Sr.
Jake Malieitulua, OG, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
Tuli Mamea, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Alema Te’o
2022 defense: 21.2 ppg (No. 14 in 5A)
Seven returning starters.
Even defense.
Returning defensive starters
Tony Vainuku, DT, Sr.
Garrett Jessop, DE, Sr.
Kalvin Liavaa, LB, Jr.
Damian Singelton, CB, Sr.
Abe Jager, FS, Jr.
Moses Mailei, DT, Jr.
Leka Tuakoi, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
Peizge Mailei, LB, Sr.
4. East Leopards
2022 Record: 7-5 (second in Region 6 with a 5-1 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 5A
2022 postseason: Lost to Timpview, 35-7, in the 5A second round
All-time record: 614-378-31 (109 years)
State titles: 17 (1917, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1943, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1964, 1974, 1996, 2015, 2016) — championships determined by season record vs. other high schools from 1898-1918.
Region titles: 39 (1917, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 co, 1925 co, 1926, 1929 co, 1934, 1935, 1936 co, 1937 co, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1996, 2006 co, 2007 co, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 co, 2020 co)
Head coach: Brandon Matich
Entering his 14th season as head coach at East, where he’s tallied a 116-49 record and two state titles (2015, 2016). Previously, he coached at Park City for five seasons from 2005 to 2009, with a 39-18 record and semifinal appearances in 2008 and 2009. His career record is 155-67. He’s a graduate of Brighton High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Brandon Matich’s general outlook
“I feel like it’s a team that has some great potential. We have really, really good running backs. We have the best quarterback room I’ve had since I’ve been at East, which is crazy. We have six dudes who could perform at a high level on a Friday night. Pretty good receiver core, we have a lot of team speed. We don’t have a ton of depth on the O-line/D-line, which is something we’ve been blessed with for so many years, we just don’t have that depth there. But our ones are pretty good. Our defensive line returns a guy that had 28 sacks last year and another guy that had 17.5, so there’s some really good players on that defensive front.”
Co-offensive coordinators: Brandon Matich, Kevin Alexander
2022 offense: 30.6 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)
7 returning starters.
Option offense.
Returning offensive starters
Sekope Wallace, Sr., RT.
Ben Blake, Sr., LG.
Tuai Tonga, Sr., C.
Sam Tuai, Sr., T.
Pharoah Hafoka, Sr., C.
Tucker McCormick, Sr., QB.
Nunu Fonua, Sr., RB.
Junior Kaufusi, TE/WR.
Key offensive newcomers
Marcus Loerscher, Jr., Slot/WR.
Nasio Otukolo, Jr., Slot/RB.
Sama Mapa, Jr., OL.
Defensive coordinator: Vaha Vainuku
2022 defense: 22.2 ppg (No. 16 in 5A)
Five returning starters.
Multiple defenses.
Returning defensive starters
Papa Matelau, Sr., DT.
Junior Kaufusi, Sr., DE.
Sam Tuai, Sr., DE.
John Amone, Jr., LB.
Damian Otukolo, Sr., S.
Key defensive newcomers
David Bergstedt, Sr., S.
Marcus Loerscher, Jr., CB.
Jonah Slighting, Jr., LB.
5. Olympus Titans
2022 Record: 7-6 (fourth in Region 6 with a 3-3 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 21 in 5A
2022 postseason: Lost to Stansbury, 42-7, in the 5A quarterfinals
All-time record: 410-291-9 (70 years)
State titles: 2 (1984, 1998)
Region titles: 15 (1964, 1977, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1998, 2001 co, 2003-co, 2011, 2012-co, 2013-co, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
Head coach: Brandon Burt
After serving as an assistant coach to Aaron Whitehead at Olympus for the past 12 years, Burt is taking over as head coach this season as Whitehead is taking a job in the Granite District Office. While Burt was an assistant, Olympus posted an 83-41 record over the past 11 years. He’s a graduate of Highland High School and Weber State.
Coach Brandon Burt’s general outlook
“With coach Whitehead leaving the program, these past 3 weeks have been very hectic for sure. The coaching staff will remain intact, which has been a huge plus. We owe coach Whitehead so much for the work he has done for the players, community and school. As for the team, we will have good team speed and will be physical. We have a good core of returning players that gained valuable experience last year. We play a very tough schedule and are looking forward to competing each week. We will be tough to beat.”
Offensive coordinator: Mark Smith
2022 offense: 23.4 ppg (No. 21 in 5A)
Seven returning starters.
Spread offense.
Returning offensive starters
Luke Bryant, Sr., WR.
Nash Taylor, Sr., WR.
Chase Moseley, Sr., QB.
Nic Brown, Sr., TB.
Logan Moeakiola, Jr., OL.
Max Harmer, Jr., OL.
Jarom Gilbert, Sr., OL.
Key offensive newcomers
Hugh Matsumori, So, WR.
Thomas Mauga, Jr., WR.
Collen Mauga, Jr., OL.
Morgan Boyce, Sr., TE.
Defensive coordinator: Brandon Burt
2022 defense: 19.9 ppg (No. 8 in 5A)
Ten returning starters.
4-3 defense.
Returning defensive starters
Gabe Johnson, Sr., DE.
Ammon Johnson, Sr., DT.
Dre Leota, Sr., DT.
Weston Olson, Sr., LB.
Jarom Gilbert, Sr., LB.
Tate Ames, Sr., DB.
Nash Taylor, Sr., DB.
Ty Seagle, Sr., DB.
Nic Brown, Sr., DB.
Jack Evans, Jr., DB.
Key defensive newcomers
James Schlendorf, Jr., DB.
Adam Bywater, So., LB.
Lincoln Ames, So., DE.
Nate Sheets, Jr., LB.
6. Highland Rams
2022 Record: 3-8 (sixth in Region 6 with a 1-5 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 24 in 5A
2022 postseason: Did not qualify
All-time record: 438-264-3 (66 years)
State titles: 5 (1959, 1961, 1963, 1986, 2010)
Region titles: 15 (1958, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1986, 1987, 1988 co, 1996, 1997, 2003 co, 2004 co, 2005 co, 2006 co, 2007 co, 2009)
Head coach: Kautai Olevao
Olevao is entering his third season as head coach at Highland, with here’s 4-16 in those previous two years. He’d previously served as an assistant for six years. He’s a graduate of Kahuku High School in Hawaii and the University of Utah.
Coach Kautai Olevao’s general outlook
“We have some good athletes returning back this upcoming season. We have had some bumps in the road the last couple of years but I feel this could be a successful year for the team.”
Offensive coordinator: Kautai Olevao
2022 offense: 22.6 ppg (No. 23 in 5A)
Five returning starters.
Spread offense.
Returning offensive starters
Sefa Brown, Sr., TE/WR.
Kas Bloxham, Sr., OL.
Jeremiah Jimoh, Sr., WR.
Jason Tupua, RB.
Grant Starks, WR.
Key offensive newcomers
Manasa Pela, Jr., QB.
Maka Fiefia, Jr., QB, WR.
Sione Noa, Fr, OL.
Defensive coordinator: Adam Flores
2022 defense: 25.4 ppg (No. 18 in 5A)
Six returning starters.
4-3 defense.
Returning defensive starters
Sefa Brown, Sr., DE.
Taione Vea, Sr., DT.
Danny Tupua, Sr., DE.
Jeremiah Jimoh, Sr., DB.
Max Erickson, Sr., LB.
Jason Tupua, Jr., LB.
Key defensive newcomers
Maka Fiefia, Jr., DB.
John Noa, Fr, DL.
7. Skyline Eagles
2022 Record: 4-7 (fifth in Region 6 with a 2-4 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 5A
2022 postseason: Lost to East, 70-28, in the 5A first round
All-time record: 472-220-1 (61 years)
State titles: 14 (1967, 1969, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005)
Region titles: 21 (1965, 1966, 1967, 1969 co, 1972, 1976, 1978 co, 1979, 1987 co, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994 co, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2012-co)
Head coach: John Rowbotham
Entering his third season as head coach at his alma mater after posting a 10-12 record the past two years. He’s a graduate of Pacific Lutheran College in Washington.
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Frandsen
2022 offense: 27.36 ppg (No. 15 in 5A)
Three returning starters.
Spread offense.
Defensive coordinator: Andy Selcho
2022 defense: 30.7 ppg (No. 21 in 5A)
Five returning starters.
3-4 defense.
