High school football: Region 9 preview
If there’s one thing Crimson Cliffs head football coach Wayne Alofipo learned last year, it’s that his team will nearly always have a shot even if it lacks returning players.
The Mustangs graduated 42 seniors in 2023 but still dominated their region and won the 4A championship after a barn burner against Spanish Fork.
Alofipo is in a similar situation this year as he returns only six starters, though coaches seem to be in agreement: Crimson Cliffs is the Region 9 front runner and a top contender for the 2025 4A title.
“We’re at a place at Crimson Cliffs where we’re replacing seniors with incoming seniors,” Alofipo said. “What I mean by that is the last couple of years, like last year, we replaced 19 starters. The year before that we replaced I think 17. This year we’re replacing 16 again. So, you don’t win championships with underclassmen, you win them with upperclassmen and playing some underclassmen where and when it makes sense.”
Among the few returning offensive starters is receiver Jaxson Holt, who recorded 612 receiving yards on 46 receptions while scoring seven touchdowns in 2024.
While Crimson cliffs is a light on returning defensive starters as well, it has a lot to be excited about among those returning players.
As a freshman, defensive lineman Major Stokes recorded 61 tackles and three sacks, and he will be a strong part of the defense for Crimson Cliffs throughout his tenure with the Mustangs.
He also already has a plethora of Division I offers from schools such as Utah, Oregon State, UNLV and Washington State.
Linebacker Bryce Strickland also returns for Crimson Cliffs after putting up 42 tackles, four sacks and one interception last season.
Despite the success in recent years, Alofipo is making it a priority that his team knows success isn’t guaranteed.
“We try to keep the kids’ minds right,” Alofipo said. “This senior class, they’ve been to three straight championships. We lost three years ago, and we won the last two, so they had a front row seat to understand what it takes to win.
“We just try to help them understand year after year that you can’t live off of previous years’ successes.”
Elsewhere in Region 9, it’s been five years since Pine View last won a region title and the Panthers have never won a state championship, though head coach KJ Boyer is very optimistic with this year’s team as it has eight offensive starters returning.
Despite a rough 2-4 in-region finish last season, coaches are banking on Pine View’s returning starters to place it second in Region 9.
“We have a lot of experience coming back,” Boyer said. “The boys have put in a lot of work this offseason. We have high expectations for ourselves this year.”
Senior quarterback Levi Shaw returns with a year of varsity experience under his belt. Shaw threw for 2621 yards in 2024, completing almost 58% of his passes and scoring 20 touchdowns.
Kyle Richardson also comes back after a season as Pine View’s top running back. Richarson scored three touchdowns while recording 534 rushing yards on 102 carries.
As usual, Desert Hills looks to be in the mix for Region 9 as coaches voted it to finish third. The Thunder nearly took a region title last year but were held off in a close loss to Crimson Cliffs.
The Thunder set themselves up for an early challenge with their non-region schedule. Desert Hills will face two out-of-state foes in Nevada’s Faith Lutheran and Arizona’s Centennial, and also scheduled games against Herriman and Lehi.
“Last year the team had a strong senior class that helped propel the team from a difficult start to a winning record,” said head coach Solomona Tapasa. “This year will have an equally challenging start with games versus Faith Lutheran and Centennial. Along with road games against Herriman High in week two and Lehi High in week four.”
“There are a number of returning starters on both offense and defense that will be looked at to be leaders early. The non-region schedule should prepare the team for a competitive region 9 schedule and hopefully a strong playoff run.”
Snow Canyon head coach Mike Esplin hits his decade mark with the Warriors as they were voted fourth in Region 9. Snow Canyon finished fourth in-region last year with an overall record of 4-8.
The Warriors boast 17 returning starters, the most in Region 9, seven offensive and 10 defensive. Continuity will be imperative as Snow Canyon hopes to improve on its lacking offense last season. The Warriors ranked 23rd in 4A, generating only an average of 19 points per game.
Defensively, Snow Canyon has a chance to be solid as it returns 10 starters from last years’ defense which held teams to an average of 25 points per game.
“We are excited for our coming football season,” Esplin said. “We have worked earlier and more together in all of our training through winter, spring, and up to this point in the summer. We understand putting in the preparations as a team will give us the best chance of success during our season.”
“We have a solid and talented senior class returning many key positions but more importantly they have strived hard to become the best leaders they can be. Our underclassmen are strong and talented as well. They are bought in and a part of the leadership of our team.”
Dixie finished fifth in the preseason poll. The Flyers had a middling in-region record last year, finishing 3-3, but struggled out of region with an overall record of 4-7. With just nine starters returning, Dixie will look to its youth to step up.
“(We have) multiple returning sophomores that saw extensive reps last season,” said first year Dixie head coach Will Liebert. “Great skill positions. Young but building in the right direction.”
Liebert replaces Blaine Monkres after a 34-year head coaching career, 14 of which he spent at Dixie. Dixie is still looking for its first region title since 2018.
Finishing last in the poll is the Hurricane Tigers. Jerry Cowan is entering his second year as head coach and the Tigers are still looking to break their 13-year region title drought.
Hurricane has a chance to find its footing with a returning coaching staff and 16 returning starters.
“Our 2025 team returns most of its starters,” Cowan said. “This being my second year in Hurricane, I’ve had a chance to spend an entire offseason with our kids and been able to watch them work for the opportunity to build off what our team last season was able to accomplish. We are very excited to compete each week in a very competitive Region 9.”
Region 9 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs
Head coach: Wayne Alofipo
Has enjoyed a dominant run in his first three years as head coach, racking up a 35-6 record with a runner-up finish in 2022 and state titles in 2023 and 2024. He’s a graduate of West High School and Dixie State University.
Coach Wayne Alofipo’s general outlook
We are replacing 16 starters from last years team. We have a lot of going to be seniors who have been waiting their turns to take the field and are excited to carry the torch from those who came before them. It will be fun to see how they come together.
Offensive coordinator: Andy Stokes
2024 offense: 33.36 ppg (No. 7 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jaxson Holt
- Madden Smith
- Ryker Campbell
Key offensive newcomers
- Van Dailey, Sr., RB
- Briton Phillips, Sr., WR
- Gavin Ipson, Sr., OL
- Ryder Wilkinson, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Wayne Alofipo
2024 defense: 23.79 ppg (No. 9 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Major Stokes, So., DL
- Tyler Gibb, Sr., CB
- LJ Langston, Sr., LB
- Bryce Strickland, Sr., OLB
Key defensive newcomers
- Kammon Uluave, Jr., FS
- Nate Ence, Sr., MLB
- Diedrick Moore, Sr., LB
2. Pine View Panthers
Head coach: KJ Boyer
The Pine View alum is heading into his fourth season as head coach after leading the program to a 7-22 record the past two years. He’s a graduate of Dixie State.
Coach KJ Boyer’s general outlook
We have a lot of experience coming back. The boys have put in a lot of work this off-season. We have high expectations for ourselves this year.
Offensive coordinator: Todd Shaw
2024 offense: 27.8 ppg (No. 14 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Levi Shaw, Sr., QB
- Colt Falaniko, Sr., WR
- Brock Harris, Sr., TE
- Corbin yochum, Sr., Wing
- Caleb Patton, Sr., OT
- Talon Abbot, Sr., OT
- Teneri, TEl, Sr., OG
- Kyle Richardson, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Dre Smith
2024 defense: 36.4 ppg (No. 23 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 4,-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Malosi Moors, Sr., LB
- Paul Caver, Sr., DB
- Danny Maya, Sr., DE
Key defensive newcomers
- Audra Fifita, Sr., DT
3. Desert Hills Thunder
Head coach: Solomona Tapasa
Heads into his third season as head coach for the Thunder after leading the program to a 14-9 record the past two years. Prior to that he was an assistant coach at Southern Utah University.
Coach Solomona Tapasa’s general outlook
Last year the team had a strong senior class that helped propel the team from a difficult start to a winning record. This year will have an equally challenging start with games versus Faith Lutheran and Centennial High out of Las Vegas. Along with road games against Herriman High in week two and Lehi High in week four. There are a number of returning starters on both offense and defense that will be looked at to be leaders early. The non-region schedule should prepare the team for a competitive region 9 schedule and hopefully a strong playoff run.
Offensive coordinator: Sam Stevens
2024 offense: 33.09 ppg (No. 8 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- West Coast offense
Returning offensive starters
- Michael Vandermyde, Sr., RT
- Keven Endsley, Sr., RG
- Olin Clawson, Jr., OL
- Gavin Young, Sr., Slot WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Max Brownstein, Sr., QB
- Isaac Andresen, Jr., RB
- Koy Duckett, Jr., WR
- Kit Robinson, Sr., Center
- Brock Stookey, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Tanner Balderree
2024 defense: 19.27 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Beau Meredith, Sr., LB
- Lucas Guadarrama, Jr., LB
- Anyzja Cummings, Sr., DB
- Zach Darger, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Boston Bundy, Sr., LB
- Reegan Zufelt, Sr., DB
- Steven Cruz, Sr., DB
- Lincoln Hillyard, Jr., DB
- Colton Hooper, Jr., DE
- C.J, Tafua, So., NT
4. Snow Canyon Warriors
Head coach: Mike Esplin
Entering his 10th season as head coach at Snow Canyon where his teams have posted a 49-37 record the past nine years. He’s a graduate of Snow Canyon High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Mike Esplin’s general outlook
We are excited for our coming football season. We have worked earlier & more together in all of our training through winter, spring, & up to this point in the summer. We understand putting in the preparations as a Team will give us the best chance of success during our season.
We have a solid & talented senior class returning many key positions but more importantly they have strived hard to become the best leaders they can be. Our underclassmen are strong and talented as well. They are bought in and a part of the leadership of our Team.
Our Team chemistry & the bonding of our Team as a whole, for the positive, is high. We are on an accelerated pace to be completely unified by the time we hit game 1.
We have bigger and stronger lineman than we generally have that have been leading the charge as a unit in the weight room. We know how important the role of lineman is in having success on the football field. We will need to continue to get better in every way together in the role each Team member plays to reach our potential. I expect that will happen and we are excited to see the results as the season progresses.
Offensive coordinator: Tim Nowatzke
2024 offense: 19 ppg (No. 23 in 4A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Cael Esplin, Sr., RB
- Hank West, Sr., OL
- Brody Lounsbury, Jr., QB
- Brody Cooke, Jr., OL
- Porter, TErry, Sr., OL
- Jaxton Hansen, Sr., OL
- Issaiah Thompson, Jr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Sokai Fa, Sr., WR
- Cam Hill, Sr., WR
- Brett Bethers, Jr., WR
- Liam Morales, Jr., OL
- Milo Ence, Jr., WR
- Jalend Filipe, Jr., OL
- Parker Olson, Jr., WR/QB
- Tristan Bostwick, Sr., WR
- Miles Randolph, Jr., WR
- Manix Shakespere, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Zach Tauteoli
2024 defense: 25.08 ppg (No. 10 in 4A)
- 10 returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Manix Shakespeare, Sr., DB
- Calan Kelly, Sr., LB
- Milo Ence, Jr., DE
- Hank West, Sr., DL
- Trey Vaughn, Sr., DE
- Cael Esplin, Sr., LB
- Miles Randolph, Sr., LB/DB
- Easton Nowatzke, Sr., DB
- Tristan Bostwick, Sr., DB
- Parker Olsen, Jr., LB
- Cash Ence, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Porter Hutchings, Sr., LB
- Brett Bethers, Jr., DB
- Sokai Fa, Sr., DB/LB
- Caleb Greenwood, Jr., LB
- Jaylend Filipe, Jr., DL
- Jaxton Hansen, Sr., DL
- Porter, TErry, Sr., DL
- Liam Morales, Jr., DL
- Will Fisher, Jr., DL
- Anthony Granillo, Sr., LB
- Harley Pfoutz, Sr., OL
5. Dixie Flyers
Head coach: Will Liebert
Taking over as head coach for the retiring long-time coach Blaine Monkres, who he was an assistant coach with for several years. Liebert also was an assistant coach at Dixie State University of rsix years. He’s a graduate of Bonneville High School in Idaho and Dixie State.
Coach Will Liebert’s general outlook
Multiple returning sophomores that saw extensive reps last season. Great skill positions. Young but building in the right direction.
Offensive coordinator: Kody Wilstead
2024 offense: 21.27 ppg (No. 21 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Isiah Johnson
- Treyzon Halveron
- Zeke Alldredge
- Tano Anzalone
- Aiden Hellus
Key offensive newcomers
- Deacon Virgin Jr., QB
- Caleb field, TE
- Gabe Chandler, RB
Defensive coordinator: Brian Virgin
2024 defense: 36.18 ppg (No. 22 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Matt Davidson Sr., DB
- Bristol Woods Sr., DE
- Knew Berezay Jr., S
- JJ Malufau Jr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Kasel Berezay Jr., LB
- Brady Christensen Jr., DE
6. Hurricane Tigers
Head coach: Jerry Cowan
Now entering his second season as head coach at Hurricane after leading the program to a 5-7 record in 2024. Previously, Jerry Cowan spent 17 seasons as head coach at Duchesne over two different stints with a combined 154-42 record, including state titles in 2006, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2020. He’s a graduate of Grand High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Jerry Cowan’s general outlook
Our 2025 team returns most of its starters. This being my second year in Hurricane, I’ve had a chance to spend an entire offseason with our kids and been able to watch them work for the opportunity to build off what our team last season was able to accomplish. We are very excited to compete each week in a very competitive Region 9.
Offensive coordinator: Brett Harrison
2024 offense: 27.75 ppg (No. 15 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Gun T, Pistol Wing T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Dylyn Gabriel, Sr., QB
- Austyn McRoberts, Sr., Slot
- Brody Jacobs, Sr., slot
- CJ Trump, Sr., TE
- Conner Clyde, Sr., FB
- Tanner Matua, Jr., OL
- Titan, Wright, Sr., OL
- Matthew Parry, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Bradley Rose, Jr., WR
- Gunnar Gardner, Jr., OL
- McKabe Gardner, Jr., OL
- RJ Allred, Jr., Slot
- Carter Wardle, Jr., WR
- Andrew Mugelston, Sr., OT
Defensive coordinator: Vince Johnson
2024 defense: 30.17 ppg (No. 18 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jaxon Winegar, Sr., FS
- Carter Wardle, Jr., DB
- Nate Swapp, Sr., DB
- Parker Hurst, Jr., S
- Peyton Salvino, Sr., MLB
- Titan, Wright, Sr., DT
- Armondo Barrientos, Sr., DE
- Tanner Matua, Jr., DE
- Brice Hawkins, Jr., MLB
Key defensive newcomers
- Curtis Barlow, Sr., DE
- McKabe Gardner, Jr., DT
- Gunnar Gardner, Jr., DE
- RJ Allred, Jr., MLB
- Diego Hernandez, Sr., OLB
- Colten Higgins, Jr., DB
- Porter Allred, Jr., DB
- Bentley Fischer, Jr., OLB
Category: General Sports
