High school football: Granger, Kearns, West Jordan headline new-look Region 4 as West Side schools look forward to shift to 5A
Except for a couple of team swaps, the West side region of the Salt Lake valley didn’t change all that much in the latest UHSAA realignment. But despite that, there’s a completely different feeling surrounding the region heading into the 2023 season.
As 6A schools in recent years, Cyprus, Granger, Hunter, Kearns, Taylorsville and West Jordan were often overmatched when they were forced to compete against the traditional powers of 6A football.
All six, however, have dropped down into Class 5A this year to form the new Region 4, and there’s a feeling within those teams that there’s a more realistic change to be competitive at the state level.
“The region being placed in 5A is a good move. The participation numbers in our region have been 60% to 50% of the participation numbers of the other 6A schools. We have a good number of local rivalries within our region that makes it fun for our kids and communities,” said Kearns coach Matt Rickards.
His team lost to Riverton 48-16 in the 6A first round a year ago. Of the six current Region 4 schools, they went 0-5 in the playoffs a year ago.
Five of the six teams are from the old Region 2, with West and Roy the only teams departing to different regions — both dropping down to 6A.
West Jordan shifts over to Region 4 from Region 3 last season, where it had an impressive showing to finish tied for second in the region with Riverton with a 3-2 record. It turned heads with region wins over Riverton and Herriman, but it ultimately lost to West 45-0 in the 6A second round after a first-round bye.
Despite returning the bulk of its offensive and defensive starters a year ago, West Jordan was pegged to finish third in the Region 4 preseason rankings by the coaches.
It’s a region that West Jordan coach Ron Halbert said everyone is exciting about participating in.
“We have all West side schools. Back to the old original. Being that our schools are so close in proximity and similar in demographics it will be fun with a lot of these kids that know each other,” said Halbert, who’s entering his third year as head coach at West Jordan.
He’s been very pleased with the participation numbers this season, particularly in the trenches as the program seeks its third straight winning season.
Granger is the team that will open the 2023 season as the early favorite in Region 4.
It finished last with a 5-5 record, its first non-losing season since post a 5-6 record in 2016. Coach Pala Vaitu’u’s squad returns five starters on offense and four on defense as it looks to build on the momentum from a year ago.
While Granger enjoyed some rare success a year ago, region rival Kearns suffered through some rare adversity. It went 2-9, snapping a seven-year streak of at least seven victories.
Nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters return, which gives the Cougars plenty of reason to be optimistic about 2023.
“Given that many of our players are returning with a lot of experience the season looks to be trending in a positive direction. If myself and the coaches can get our players to understand the schemes, techniques, discipline, and instill some toughness I feel we can be pretty good,” said Rickards. “I would like to compete for a region championship and make a deep run in the tournament. Ultimately our progress on those things I mentioned will determine the success in those areas.”
Cyprus was projected fourth in the region. Coach Tyler Garcia said the program has taken a hit with some noteworthy outgoing transfers, but he continues to focus on the culture within the program and instilling pride in the community.
“We have some young players stepping up to fill vacancies. We know that we are going to make mistakes, but we are also going to learn from them and get better each week. Many people count us out, but I am confident that through our hard work and playing as a team we will surprise some people this year,” said Garcia.
Cyprus will lean heavily on its dynamic returning starting quarterback, Skyler Armenta. He rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last season, including 16 TDs.
The projected bottom two teams in the new-look Region 4 are Hunter and Taylorsville, each of which only won two games a year ago.
“We have been working hard during the off season and are looking to improve on last year’s performance,” said second-year coach Harold Moleni.
Region 4 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Granger Lancers
2022 Record: 5-5 (third in Region 2 with a 4-2 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to Fremont, 23-13, in the 6A first round
All-time record: 277-361-5 (65 years)
State titles: None
Region titles: 9 (1967, 1976 co, 1977 co, 1985, 1987 co, 1988, 1989 co, 1995, 1999 co)
Head coach: Pala Vaitu’u
Entering his fifth year as head coach at Granger, with a 10-31 record during that stretch. Previously he served as the head coach at Taylorsville for three years where his teams went 12-20. He’s a graduate of Compton High School in California and SLCC.
Offensive coordinator: Ulualo Vaitu’u Jr
2022 offense: 21.9 ppg (No. 15 in 6A)
Five returning starters
Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
Landon Figueroa, Sr., WR
Johvian Ki, Sr., WR
Chase Stiles, Sr., OL
Kyler Peterson, Jr., OL
Malu Sili, Sr., 0L
Key offensive newcomers
Carson Sue’sue, Sr., QB
Jordan Tuuao, Sr., RB
Dee Kofe, Jr., RB/FB
Uisi Tuuao, Jr., WR
Tyler Arlaud, Sr., TE
Mekiloni (Benson) Kofe, Sr., OL/DL
Porter Vaituu, Sr., OL
Vaka Patetefa, Sr., DL/TE/FB
Co- Defensive coordinator: Pita Tanuvasa and Tyler Haslam
2022 defense: 19.3 ppg (No. 8 in 6A)
Four returning starters
Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
Jordan Tuuao, Sr., WLB
Johvian Ki, Sr., DB
Mason Kasataki, Jr., DL
Mikey Matangi, Sr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
Vaka Patetefa, Sr., DL
Mekiloni Benson Kofe, Sr., DL
Taufa Tonga, Sr., DL
Tyler Arlaud, Sr., LB
Maka Sonasi, Jr., MLB
Elijah Scott, Sr., DB
Altrese Fale, Sr., SS
2. Kearns Cougars
2022 Record: 2-9 (tied for fourth in Region 2 with a 2-4 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 23 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to Riverton, 48-16, in the 6A first round
All-time record: 220-352-1 (57 years)
State titles: 2 (1972, 1989)
Region titles: 7 (1969, 1973 co, 1989 co, 1993, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Head coach: Matt Rickards
Entering his 11th season as head coach at Kearns High School, where he’s tallied a 66-44 record over the previous decade. He’s a graduate of Hunter High School and Weber State.
Coach Matt Rickards’s general outlook
Given that many of our players are returning with a lot of experience the season looks to be trending in a positive direction. If myself and coaches can get our players to understand the schemes, techniques, discipline, and instill some toughness I feel we can be pretty good. I would like to compete for a Region Championship and make a deep run in the tournament. Ultimately our progress on those things I mentioned will determine the success in those areas.
Offensively we return nearly the entire offense from last year. Our line had a very good offseason and I expect our skills group to play well. Defensively I really like our front 7 and the things they have been doing so far. We think our safeties are very good and capable of making plays in the pass game along with coming up and making tackles in the box. We are further along in June then we were in the middle of last season, so it looks promising.
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Good
2022 offense: 18.6 ppg (No. 19 in 6A)
Nine returning starters
Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
Ivan Kaufusi, Sr., RT
Matt Aiono, Sr., LG
Mark Aiono, Sr., RG
Ray Tongolei, Sr., LT
Kayden Morrey, Sr., WR
Kymani Fautea, Sr., RB
Marley Sio, Jr., WR/Ath
Bryce Benson, Jr., QB
Teki Finau So, QB/Ath
Will Moe, Jr., TE
Key offensive newcomers
Lamoni Matua, Jr., WR
Gavon Riggs, Sr., TE
Siua Pauni, Sr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Matt Rickards
2022 defense: 34.0 ppg (No. 22 in 6A)
Seven returning starters
3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
Ryan Talo, Sr., LB
Kymani Falepailangi, Sr., DL
Aries Faletui, Sr., LB
Lione Hola, Jr., LB
Fiki Talia, Jr., LB
Tohi Similai, Jr., DL
Alijah Levao, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
Gabe Talia, Jr., S
Marley Sio, Jr., S
Kyler Buhler, Jr., CB
Toke Kupu, Sr., DL
3. West Jordan Jaguars
2022 Record: 6-4 (tied for second in Region 3 with a 3-2 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to West, 45-0, in the 6A second round
All-time record: 181-239 (46 years)
State titles: None
Region titles: 3 (1992, 1994, 1999 co)
Head Coach: Ron Halbert
Heading into his third season as head coach after posting an 14-7 record the first two seasons. He’s a long-time assistant coach at several schools in Utah, including six years at West Jordan from 1989 to 1995. He’s a graduate of Roy High School and Southern Utah.
Coach Ron Halbert’s general outlook
We will have a lot of experience back on our defensive side. Our defense was the big impact last year that we needed to win some big games. We have a big stable of running backs that will get a lot of carries. We have over 30 offensive linemen out this year and has been very competitive on who will be the starters. Our culture has really made a big change in that we have really come together as a team and that will have each others back. B.L.U.E.
Offensive coordinator: Cayden Mietchen
2022 offense: 21.2 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
Ten returning starters
Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
Dominic Overby, Sr., WR
Kyle Curtis, Sr., Slot
Beau Brant, Jr., Center
Saiah Misifoa, Sr., Tackle
Nisi Talanoa, Sr., FB
Opeti Maka, Jr.
Jaxon Harris, Sr., TE
Carter Fredrickson, Sr., G
Key offensive newcomers
Nia Ioapo Soph WR
Jackson Roybal, Sr., QB
Gio Polanco, Jr., RB
Gavin Houston, Sr., Slot
Traedon Siaosi, Jr., G
Opeti Naulu, Jr., G
Defensive coordinator: Ron Halbert
2022 defense: 22.4 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
Seven returning starters
4-2-5 and 3-4-4 and Stack defense
Returning defensive starters
Jaxon Harris, Sr., LB
Dominic Overby, Sr., FS
Dimitri Lovio, Sr., Corner
Kyle Curtis, Sr., SS/C
Ian Matau, Jr., Corner
Key defensive newcomers
Traedon Siaosi, Jr., Nose/Tackle
Keaton Lewis, Jr., LBer/DE
Opeti Naulu, Jr., Dline
Jackson Worthington, DE
Cody Johnson, Soph SS
Porter Creasy, Safety
Nela Tupola, Frosh, Dline
Julio Ruiz, Sr., DE
Marcus Lopez, Soph, LB
LA Moala, Soph, LB
Tevita Maakafi, Sr., LB
Ayden Dean, Jr., Corner
4. Cyprus Pirates
2022 Record: 4-7 (tied for fourth in Region 2 with a 2-4 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove, 63-38, in the 6A first round
All-time record: 351-501-25 (96 years)
State titles: 1 (1944)
Region titles: 8 (1944, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1971, 1977 co, 1990, 2000)
Head coach: Tyler Garcia
Entering his fifth season with the Pirates, recording a 9-33 those first four seasons. Garcia is a graduate of Cyprus High School and Denver University.
Coach Tyler Garcia’s general outlook
The desire to create “super teams” like in the professional leagues creates a different dynamic each year. Players being allowed to enter a high school transfer portal and having it be glamorized on social media not only has a negative impact on the teams and the game of football but also in the communities in terms of loyalty, pride, and service. We have lost some players this year to this way of thinking, but we continue to improve and we continue to promote pride in our community and our school as well as focus on the concept that the TEAM is greater than individual. We have some young players stepping up to fill vacancies. We know that we are going to make mistakes, but we are also going to learn from them and get better each week. Many people count us out, but I am confident that through our hard work and playing as a team we will surprise some people this year. I am excited to see how we respond to adversity and how we grow as a team throughout the season.
Offensive coordinator: Travis Mehlhoff
2022 offense: 21.6 ppg (No. 16 in 6A)
Five returning starters
Our offensive identity is a run-first identity
Returning offensive starters
Skyler Armenta QB/SS, Sr.
Carter Langford WR, Sr.
Brayden Leng SB, Sr.
Trey Lester RB, Sr.
Spencer Speirs TE, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
Jared Chavez FB, Sr.
Britton Jepsen SB, Jr.
Dayton Valdez OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Casey Miller
2022 defense: 35.1 ppg (No. 24 in 6A)
Four returning starters
4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
Carter Langford FS, Sr.
Brayden Leng CB, Sr.
Aleki Langi LB, Sr.
Uha Malekamu LB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
Kayson Mayo DE, Jr.
Britton Jepsen SS, Jr.
Mason Glover Utility, Sr.
Luis Koziba CB, Sr.
Gabriel Draper Utility, Sr.
Davontee Madera DB, Sr.
5. Hunter Wolverines
2022 Record: 2-8 (tied for fourth in Region 2 with a 2-4 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 24 in 6A
2022 postseason: Lost to West, 42-9, in the 6A first round
All-time record: 200-152 (33 years)
State titles: 1 (2003)
Region titles: 8 (1991 co, 1996 co, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2009 co, 2012, 2014 co)
Head coach: Harold Moleni
Led his alma mater to a 2-8 record in his debut season last year. He’s a graduate of the University of Hawaii.
Coach Harold Moleni’s general outlook
We have been working hard during the offseason and are looking to improve on last year’s performance.
Offensive coordinator: Aaron Rodney
2022 offense: 13.5 ppg (No. 24 in 6A)
Three returning starters
Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
Lote Sotele, Sr.
Jonathan Lole, Sr.
Uluaki Taukeavea, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
Jared Chase, Jr.
Lui Schwenke, Sr.
Daniel Misinale, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Travis Aiono
2022 defense: 30.5 ppg (No. 19 in 6A)
Four returning starters
3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
Siope Havea, Sr.
Sione Manisela, Jr.
Lucas Heflin, Sr.
MJ Taulafo, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
Landon Graham, So.
Paula Makaafi, Fr.
6. Taylorsville Warriors
2022 Record: 2-8 (seventh in Region 2 with a 0-6 record)
2022 RPI ranking: No. 26 in 6A
2022 postseason: Did not qualify
All-time record: 128-285 (42 years)
State titles: None
Region titles: 2 (1999 co, 2013 co)
Head coach: Chris Rosales
He’s entering his third season as head coach at Taylorsville, where his teams own a 2-17 record over that span. He’s a graduate of Hillcrest High School and Eagle Gate College.
Coach Chris Rosales’ general outlook
The Warriors are looking to build off their success they had last season. The Warriors will be having their first game outside of Utah on Aug. 18 against Chatfield High School in Colorado.
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Lang
2022 offense: 11.7 ppg (No. 25 in 6A)
Nine returning starters
Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
Leland Ako, Sr., RB
Jack Billingsley, Sr., WR
Brandon Gustman, Sr., TE
Kobe Allen, Jr., WR
Karsan Kirkman, Jr., WR
Jacob Lee, Jr., OL
Wes Hall, So., OL
Cole Kramer, Jr., QB
Key offensive newcomers
Marshall Evans, Jr., RB
Elijah Rix, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Chris Rosales
2022 defense: 33.5 ppg (No. 21 in 6A)
Seven returning starters
Nickel defense
Returning defensive starters
Brandon Bills, Sr., DB
Karsan Kirkman, Jr., DB
Michael Lawerence, Sr., DT
Manny Gustman, Sr., LB
Brandon Gustman, Sr., DE
Malakhai Peterson, Sr., LB
Holden Cottle, Jr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
Nephi Taufa, Sr., LB/DB
Bronson Dallimore, Sr., DE
