5A-Region 5 Preview Pt2.

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this edition, we cover Bountiful, Clearfield and West Field</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bountiful Redhawks<br>2024 record: 13-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, August 15- Herriman<br>Friday, August 22- at Farmington<br>Friday, August 29- Syracuse<br>Friday, September 5- Morgan<br>Friday, September 12- Park City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhawks are the defending 5A state champions, and they face an interesting mix of non-region games, which includes two tough 6A opponents in Herriman and Farmington. The first five games of the season will be important, if the Redhawks can win all five games, it will set them up nicely for the rest of the season and their quest to win back to back 5A state titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Hardest Games:<br>Friday, September 26- at Viewmont<br>Thursday, October 9- at Brighton<br>Wednesday, October 15- Olympus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The realignment allows the Redhawks to avoid Fremont and Roy, but they still have a trio of tough games, including road games at Viewmont and Brighton, and a home game against Olympus. If the Redhawks can win two of three, they'll be in good shape</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhawks will have a quest for a repeat and they'll have a large target on them every week, they'll have to come out ready to go each week. <br><br>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1148539"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e3dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fekitoa will be a belllcow again. He's coming off 259 carries last season and with the Redhawks deploying a new signal caller, they'll lean on him early in the season and could very well surpass 300 carries and possibly over 330 touches if you include his work as a receiver out of the backfield. He showcases soft hands, great vision, and moves well laterally and is a nimble, and elusive back. He is primed for a gigantic season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1556076"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e435"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Murdock will be the 1A and could be the key part in the run game, to fill in on short-yardage situations and move the chains. He's a runner who has good contact balance, is willing to run between the tackles, and has good patience. He looks to add to their run game this season. Defensively, he'll be asked to help out a new defensive unit and he's one of the top two way players that is returning this season for the Redhawks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1556084"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e47f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allsop is the leader of the defensive unit and he is a tackling machine. He has a knack for being around the ball and is a player that shoes good anticapation. He has good leverages, with good tackling form and is a player with a quick burst. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1556088"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e4c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mertz is an attacking backer who I prefer as an on-ball backer where he can showcase his acceleration, lateral quickness and physicality to his game. He'll be back to lead a strong backer crew and should be ultra productive this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1714830"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e50c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Willis leads a secondary unit that will be revamped and he brings a ton of experience and will be a key contributor. As a box safety, he does an excellent job in run support and is a physical defensive back who is not afraid to get dirty and clean up any mistakes that may occur. In coverage, he shows good range and does a good job covering bigger players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1556103"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687632939e550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manning will be a key part of a revamp defensive line unit. He'll be ask to take on a lot of snaps and become a key part of the front line. He has good size, is strong and does a good job shedding his blocks. He has a quick burst and is in line for a big season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Clearfield Falcons<br>2024 record: 1-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, August 15- at Cyprus<br>Friday, August 22- Kearns<br>Friday, August 29- Jordan<br>Friday, September 5- Ogden<br>Friday, September 19- at West Field</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons have a chance to get two wins from these set of games. They have a shot in each of these five. They'll likely get one win from these games, but have a shot at two and possibly three if things go their way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Hardest Games:<br>Friday, September 12- Fremont<br>Friday, September26- Roy<br>Wednesday, October 15- Northridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons likely lose all three and possibly by double digits by halftime. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons won one game last year, they have a shot to double that within the first six games of the season. It'll be tough, but if they can get a win early in the season and keep the key games close, they can come out on top of a couple of games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692822"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6876e2ef918f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barlow inherits the starting role and in limited action last year, he was serviceable. With another year under his belt, he should hone and refine his craft and if the game slows down for him, he should take the next steps</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1556724"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6876ed2ec1578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hittle is the gadgety all purpose weapon on offense. He is the leading rusher that returns and he is naturally a receiver who has good hands. He'll likely be asked to take on a bigger role this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1715320"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6876ed2ec15c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Radar is a thumper, and he might be the secret weapon this year, with his frame and size, if he can carve out a niche, that'll free up the other playmakers on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Field Longhorns<br>2024 record: 1-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, September 19- Clearfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This might be the only game where the Longhorns have a shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Hardest Games:<br>Remaining schedule</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It'll be a long season for the Longhorns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The realignment did the Longhorns no favors. After one win in 4A, they make the jump to 5A and into a tough region. It'll be a tough season as they transition to the new level and competition of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->