Region 11 part 2: six months out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 11 featured four teams that won five or more games in 2022. As the only region amidst the latest UHSAA shakeup to keep all its members and region designation, we should be in for another great year of Region 11 action. We looked at Logan, Bear River, and Green Canyon in part one, and here we'll look at the other teams that make Region 11 one of the states most competitive each season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ridgeline River Hawks&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The River Hawks were outstanding in 2022. Ridgeline was 0-3 against 5A teams, but they were dominant against 4A competition all season. The River Hawks were 6-1 against 4A team in the regular season, and they carried that momentum into the postseason. Ridgeline beat Pine View and Snow Canyon in the first round and the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the River Hawks season would come to an end against Crimson Cliffs, but Ridgeline could easily be back in the Semifinals in 2023. Ridgeline welcomes back running back JT White, receiver Carson Cox and quarterback Nate Dahle who all impressed with big plays last season. White was also a force on defenses, and along with linebacker Avny Gore, combined for over 115 tackles in 2022. Head Coach Travis Cox and the Ridgeline should once again be one of the elite teams in 4A in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mountain Crest Mustangs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs started their season 2-0, including an impressive win against Payson. However, things would quickly change for Mountain Crest after three straight losses to Box Elder, Bonneville, and Ridgeline. After this rough stretch, the Mustangs would go on a tear, winning four of their next five games. Mountain Crest would use this momentum to their advantage in the playoffs beating Bear River and Dixie in the first round and quarterfinals. The Mustangs' season would come to an end against the eventual 4A state champs, Desert Hills, but Mountain Crest did lead the game at halftime, and they are no doubt hungry to try and return to that stage. Mustangs head coach Ryan Visser and his team return starting quarterback Casey Crofts who should be even better under center in 2023. Wide Receiver Will DeKorver also returns after leading the Mustangs in receiving yards with over 730 last season. Linebacker Dax Benson and defensive lineman Porter Kennington are back to lead the defenses after combining for over 168 tackles and eight sacks. Mountain Crest will compete for the Region 11 title in October and could still be playing come November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sky View Bobcats&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bobcats had one of the states' most deceptive 6-5 records. Sky View started the season 1-3, but that was because they faced off against Wasatch, Mountain Ridge, and the Rigby Idaho Trojans. Once Region 11 play began, the Bobcats looked spectacular, going 4-1 in their five region games. In those five games, Sky Views' defense only allowed 47 points, by far the most of any Region 11 team. Sky View would beat Hurricane in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Desert Hills in the Quarterfinals. The Bobcats and head coach Chris Howell get starting quarterback Carson Thatcher and running back Brevin Egbert for the 2023 season. The pair combined for over 2,260 yards and 21 touchdowns. Receiver Bryton Williams is also back, giving the Bobcats what should be one of the state's best offenses in 2023. Linebacker Hans Herrmann returns to lead what could once again be a primer defense this fall. Sky View will be a formidable force this season, and they could make a run at it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->