Region 3 Preview: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 4 was known as the top Region in the state, but the latest UHSAA realignment shakeup has changed that to Region 3. The new Region contains three state champions in the past two years. All three teams will once again be contenders entering 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Skyridge Falcons</strong><br>The 2022 6A state champions have a great shot at repeating in 2023. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='406973' first='Jackson' last='Stevens'] comes over to lead a Skyridge offense that looked unstoppable last fall. [player_tooltip player_id='406980' first='La'akea' last='Kalama'] is one of the state's shiftiest receivers, and Quexon Villas is one of the state's top athletes. The Falcons have some of the state's top offensive and defensive linemen. Offensive tackles [player_tooltip player_id='698234' first='Ben' last='Howard'], and [player_tooltip player_id='698244' first='Darius' last='Afalava'] give Skyridge one of the state's best tackle duos. Defensively [player_tooltip player_id='406974' first='Ian' last='Mariner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='698237' first='Deshawn' last='Toilolo'] lead a formidable front. New Falcons head coach Justin Hemm will look to lead Skyridge to back-to-back state titles after leading their offense to plenty of points in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lehi Pioneers</strong><br>The Pioneers won the last two 5A state titles and will be looking to win a third straight in not just a new region but an entirely new classification. They lost many of their top players from last year's team, but Lehi head coach Ed Larson always has his team ready for the season. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='698331' first='Jett' last='Niu'] is in for a monster breakout year. Niu will ensure the Pioneer's explosive offense remains challenging to contain in 2023. Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='532704' first='Grayson' last='Brosseau'], running back [player_tooltip player_id='875509' first='Kolose' last='Latu'], and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='532702' first='Jace' last='John'] give Niu plenty of potent playmakers. Recent UCLA commits [player_tooltip player_id='406960' first='Jensen' last='Somerville'] leads an elite offensive line that is ready to take on some of the state's top pass rushers. Lehi will have a shot at the 6A state championship in their first year in the classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lone Peak Knights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lone Peak will be looking to return to the state championship game in 2023 after winning it in 2021. Knights head coach Bart Brockbank will have a talented squad hoping to make some noise in one of the state's toughest regions. Offensively running back [player_tooltip player_id='573763' first='Brooks' last='Wilde'] is capable of picking up first downs carry after carry. He'll have one of the state's top offensive linemen, [player_tooltip player_id='894686' first='Austin' last='Pay'] leading the way. Defensive backs [player_tooltip player_id='681358' first='Pono' last='Ah Quin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='681229' first='Matthias' last='Nawahine'] will be tasked with trying to hold some of the state's top passing offenses in check. With talented players littered throughout the roster, the Knights will be able to beat any team they come across in 2023,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->