Region 6 Preview: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 6 is loaded with some of the top teams in 5A. We wanted to preview some of the best teams that reside in the new-look Region 6 before the season gets underway this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alta Hawks&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks return plenty of talent on both sides of the ball that made them one of the toughest teams in 5A last fall. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='698401' first='Matt' last='McKea'] is back to lead what should be one of the state's most efficient offenses. McKea possesses a potent arm and is exceptionally accurate. Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='212445' first='Jaxon' last='Toala'] should be in for a big year, making several big plays in the process. The Offensive line should once again be elite with [player_tooltip player_id='406976' first='Siosaia' last='Lapuaho'] leading the group up front. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='894787' first='Kalvin' last='Liavaa'] and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='705848' first='Abe' last='Jager'] should make plenty of big stops. The Hawks defense will also be bolstered by the addition of one of the states best players in linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='406968' first='Peizge' last='Mailei']. Alta and Head Coach Alema Jones will be contending for much more than the Region title this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olympus Titans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olympus will be tough to handle each Friday night. The Titans, under Head Coach Brandon Burt, have the chance to win Region 6 and contend for a state championship. [player_tooltip player_id='406970' first='Luke' last='Bryant'] is one of the state's best players and will be making things happen on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Chase Moseley should help the Titans offense reach new heights in 2023. Defensively [player_tooltip player_id='406972' first='Nash' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='491876' first='Weston' last='Olsen'] are going to be flying all over the field slowing down offenses. Look for defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='698342' first='James' last='Schlendorf'] to pick off serval passes this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Panthers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers have one of the best rosters in the 5A classification. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='532680' first='Isaiah' last='SueSue'] is one of the state's most dynamic signal callers. West is loaded with talented linemen who will help them dominate the trenches on both sides of the ball. The offensive line features talented players like [player_tooltip player_id='875505' first='Nuku' last='Mafi'], [player_tooltip player_id='406969' first='Semisi' last='Tonga'], and [player_tooltip player_id='894734' first='Vaea' last='Ikakoula'] who will all be playing on Saturday in the near future. Defensive the Panthers have [player_tooltip player_id='875507' first='Alvin' last='Puefua'], [player_tooltip player_id='406995' first='Devin' last='Roberts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='875581' first='Leon' last='Crutcher'] to help them stop the run. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='681354' first='Taimane' last='Brown'] is also one of the state's premier tacklers. Head Coach Junior Solovi and the Panthers could win it all this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Leopards&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Leopards are always one of the toughest teams in 5A, and this year will be no different. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='698479' first='Dameon' last='Crosby'] transferred over after a great year leading the West Jordan offense. His ability to make plays inside and outside the pocket will unlock a new dynamic for the East offense. The Leopard's rushing attack will be imposing again, with offensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='681224' first='Vaka' last='Patetefa'] leading the charge upfront. Defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='532685' first='Papa' last='Matelau'] is one of the state's best pass rushers and will lead an elite East defense. Head Coach Brandon Matich and the Leopards will be contenders for the Region 6 title come late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->