Region 7 Preview Part 1: Six Months Out
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The latest UHSAA realignment shook up regions all across the state. One of those regions drastically affected was Region 7. Seven of the eight teams were relocated to the 4A classification, with Cedar Valley the lone holdover. The new teams…
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Continue ReadingThe latest UHSAA realignment shook up regions all across the state. One of those regions drastically affected was Region 7. Seven of the eight teams were relocated to the 4A classification, with Cedar Valley the lone holdover. The new teams include some of the best in the 5A classification, with Timpview, Orem, Springville, Wasatch, and Maple Mountain joining the fray. Region 7 should be one of the best in the state, so we wanted to give each team their do and broke our preview into two parts. In part one, we look at some of the most potent teams in 5A who now call Region 7 home.
Timpview Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds were loaded with talent heading into the 2022 season. Questions persisted about whether Timpview could put it all together, but head coach Donny Atuai and his team quickly proved the doubters wrong. The Thunderbirds started the season with a 31-10 statement win against the reigning 6A champions, Lone Peak. Timpview entered Region 8 play 4-1 after a close loss to Skyridge, the eventual 2022 6A state champions. The Thunderbirds dominated in Region 8, going 3-1, with their only loss coming in a thrilling game at Lehi. Timpview would go on to reach the state championship game with three dominant wins in the playoffs. The Thunderbirds would again take on Lehi and nearly knocked off the Pioneers. The game went into triple OT, but Timpview would lose despite an incredible performance. The Thunderbird may have come up short in 2022 but are as well positioned as anyone to win it all in 2023. Timpview returns quarterback Helaman Casuga Helaman Casuga QB Corner Canyon | 2026 State UT who helped the Thunderbirds reach the championship game as just a freshman. He threw for over 2,320 yards and 25 touchdowns while splitting time in 2022 and could take another leap next year. Quezon Villa Quezon Villa 6'1" | 205 lbs | ATH Timpview | 2024 State UT returns as one of the state’s best athletes, and when you pair him with Tei Nacua Tei Nacua 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Timpview | 2024 State UT , it gives the Thunderbirds two elite playmakers. Offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu is one of the best players in the class of 2025, while Haven Halliday is one of the state’s best defensive backs. The Thunderbirds are loaded and could return to the state championship game in 2023 with different results than last year.
Orem Tigers
The Tigers underwhelmed during the 2021 regular season but still reached the semifinals. In 2022 Orem once again struggled in the regular season. The Tigers finished the regular season 5-4 and 2-2 in Region 8 play entering the playoffs. Orem would win three straight playoff games again and find themselves in the semifinals. The Tigers beat Uintah, Bountiful, and Alta on their way back to Rice Eccles. Orem had to take on Timpview for a second time. The Tigers were close with the Thunderbirds for most of the game but fell late 48-31 in a game much closer than the score indicated. Heading into the new look, Region 7 Orem returns key players on both sides of the ball. Tight end Roger Saleapaga Roger Saleapaga 6'4" | 195 lbs | TE Orem | 2024 State UT is one of the best pass catchers in the state and had over 720 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. Quarterback Lance Reynolds and running backs Feleti Iongi and Mack Hixson Mack Hixson 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Orem | 2024 State UT give the Tigers one of the state’s best offenses going into 2023. Defensively the Tigers lost a lot of talent, but watch out for Jiovani Kenese, who could break out after flashing as a junior. Head Coach Lance Reynolds Jr. steps up from his offensive coordinator role and will look to lead the Tigers to success in 2023. Orem will have another great chance to make a deep run come playoff time.
Springville Red Devils
The Red Devils got off to a great start in the 2022 season. Springville was upset by Riverton in the middle of the season, but outside of that game, the Red Devils finished the regular season 8-1 and 5-0 in Region 9 play. Their success earned them a first-round bye, but they would go on to lose to Alta in the second round. Springville’s season may have reached a disappointing conclusion, but the Red Devils are still set up for success in 2023. Head Coach Dave Valeti’s team returns star running back Tevita Valeti Tevita Valeti 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Springville | 2024 State UT , who decimated defenses with over 1,675 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in 2022. Receiver Luke Nadauld also returns to lead the passing game as the Red Devils quarterback situation is currently unknown. Springville did lose a lot on offense, but they returned their top five tacklers on defense. Defensive linemen Dallion Johnson and Siosifa Kolomalu combined for 14 sacks in 2022. The Red Devils young defense gained valuable experience last year, and they should be one of the state’s top units in 2023. Springville could win the Region 7 crown and will have a chance to return to the state championship game after doing so in 2021.