Region 7 Preview: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 7 features several of the top contenders in 5A. Each of these three teams are loaded with premier talent that will make this one of the state's most tightly contested regions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orem Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have been knocking on the door of the state championship game the last few seasons, and they could break through in 2023. Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='406967' first='Roger' last='Saleapaga'] is our top-ranked pass catcher in the state and one of the top tight ends in the country. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='681222' first='Lance' last='Reynolds'] is the perfect signal caller to lead the Tiger's talented offenses. Running backs [player_tooltip player_id='406977' first='Mack' last='Hixson'], [player_tooltip player_id='681236' first='Tru' last='To'a'], and [player_tooltip player_id='698325' first='Feleti' last='Iongi'] make up the state's best running back room. Each of them can line up all over the field and make plays. Receivers [player_tooltip player_id='681402' first='Asher' last='Young'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402750' first='Kaue' last='Akana'] are tough covers on the outside who will threaten defenses at every level of the field. The offensive line led by [player_tooltip player_id='407000' first='Misi' last='Poti'], [player_tooltip player_id='681400' first='Johnny' last='Prescott'], and [player_tooltip player_id='681401' first='Marley' last='Filiaga'] will be one of the best in 5A. Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='875576' first='Dallin' last='Heal'] leads a tenacious Tigers defense capable of shutting down any offense they face. Coach Reynolds and Orem are primed for a state title run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Timpview Thunderbirds&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timpview took the eventual 5A state champion Lehi Pioneers to triple overtime but still came up just short. Head Coach Donny Atuaia Thunderbirds could return to the state championship this fall and win it all. Quarterback Helamann Casuga is one of the state's top quarterbacks despite just entering his sophomore year. His poise in the pocket and ability to pick apart a defense is remarkable. The receiving core of [player_tooltip player_id='406958' first='Tei' last='Nacua'], [player_tooltip player_id='681238' first='Isaiah' last='Vaea'], and [player_tooltip player_id='905111' first='Jaron' last='Pula'] is one of the best in the state. Each of these three talented wideouts are skilled route runners and difficult to bring down after the catch. Defensive backs [player_tooltip player_id='681220' first='Haven' last='Halliday'], [player_tooltip player_id='905086' first='Aisa' last='Galea'i'], and [player_tooltip player_id='698329' first='Taaniela' last='Makasini'] lead one of the best secondaries in the state. Look for linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='894687' first='Matthias' last='Lesa'] to fly across the field, making plays behind the line of scrimmage each and every Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Springville Red Devils&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils may have lost one of the state's top quarterbacks, but they return some of the most talented players in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='406957' first='Dallin' last='Johnson'] is our top-rated defensive lineman and will wreck plenty of game plans this fall. When you pair Johnson with defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='406978' first='Kinilau' last='Fonohema'], you have one of the state's premier pass rush duos. Offensively, Springville welcomes back the states leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id='406997' first='Tevita' last='Valeti']. His special combination of speed, shiftiness, vision, and strength will potentially lead to him leading the state in yards on the ground for a second consecutive year. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='698551' first='Easton' last='Leavitt'] and tight end [player_tooltip player_id='402738' first='Tua' last='Kalatoni Naufahu'] should both have breakout seasons in 2023. [player_tooltip player_id='406957' first='Dallin' last='Johnson'] will also be joined by [player_tooltip player_id='717886' first='Cade' last='Johnson'] to lead an intimidating offensive line. Springville Head Coach Dave Valeti and the Red Devils are capable of making a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->