Region 2 Preview: Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 2 now occupies most of the teams from the old Region 3. Thanks to the latest UHSAA realignment shakeup. The new look Region 2 features many of the state's best and most underrated teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Copper Hills Grizzlies&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies may be one of the most overlooked teams in the state. If they didn't play in one of the most challenging regions in all of Utah, they would be generating a lot more hype heading into the season. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='894777' first='Maverick' last='Bowles'] and running back [player_tooltip player_id='681219' first='Nate' last='Kitchen'] will be a formidable duo for defenses to contain. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='705537' first='Ty' last='Cogswell'] is a breakout candidate to keep an eye on. Defensively linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='460227' first='Donovan' last='Arnold'] and [player_tooltip player_id='894742' first='Connor' last='Holbrook'] will be making several big plays along the front seven each game. Also, look for defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='875585' first='Bransen' last='Thatcher'] and defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='681741' first='Berith' last='Isaako Sopoaga'] to make clutch stops. Copper Hills head coach Corey Dodds and the Grizzlies could be in for a bounce-back season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverton Silverwolves&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverton went 7-5 last fall, and head coach Jim Freeland's second year could be even better. The Silverwolves played nearly every team they faced till the end of last year, with some of those games going their way and some of them not. Riverton returns one of the state's top athletes in [player_tooltip player_id='488339' first='Easton' last='Hicks']. Hicks can make plays in the run, pass, and return game. The Silverwolves will once again have a fierce rushing attack and elite offensive linemen leading the way like [player_tooltip player_id='875513' first='Justice' last='Rutledge']. Riverton's roster is littered with talented players who will help them make noise in Region 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Herriman Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herriman will have a chance to surprise everyone that is sleeping on them heading into the 2023 season. Starting quarterback Freddie Ta'ai is back after making impressive plays each game last fall. He'll be flanked by a talented supporting cast in tight end [player_tooltip player_id='407002' first='Zach' last='Smith'] and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='698402' first='Chachi' last='Pan']. Each pass catch does an excellent job of creating separation and making defenders miss after the catch. Defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='284199' first='Pepeloa' last='Kefu'] leads a Herriman defense that will be tasked with containing some of the best offenses in the state. Head Coach Dustin Pearce and the Mustangs are a team to watch for this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->