5A-Region 7 Preview: Pleasant Grove

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 record: 1-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:<br><br>Friday, August 29- Green Canyon<br>Friday, September 5- Maple Mountain<br>Friday, September 26- at Wasatch<br>Wednesday, October 15- at Payson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings need to win all four games. They have some tough games and a couple of 50/50 games. If the Vikings can sweep these four games, they should make a strong case for postseason play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Hardest Games:<br><br>Friday, August 15- at American Fork<br>Friday, August 22- at Westlake<br>Friday, October 3- Orem<br>Thursday, October 9- Timpview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings open the season with two 6A teams and, towards the end of the season, have two difficult region games. If they can find a way to win one of these games, they might be in the driver's seat to make the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings drop from 6A to 5A. They land in a tough region, but could find themselves in the mix for postseason play if they can win all the games they should and come away with a win for the fringe 50/50 games. The Vikings are an interesting team with the drop in classification.<br><br>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581483"],"_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-688755e286f2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stanley's 2024 season was cut short due to injury, but he is healthy now and should be able to showcase his talents this year. He has a quick delivery, throws a good intermediate ball, and will get to his second read. As a Senior, he has a full understanding of learning new systems the offense will implement, and should be the leader of the QB room, earning him the starting position. He'll look to have a full season and hopes to lead Pleasant Grove to the postseason with the new 5A classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1720083"],"_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-688755e286fc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobson has done well this offseason. He has good size and should get to 200 lbs. Jacobson has good arm talent and throws a tight spiral. His intermediate and deep throws are solid, and he will be competing for playing time this year and is on track to be the starter next season. He's a player to know. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402752"],"_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-688755e287036"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hafoka is a good athlete and has the size to play outside or in the slot as a receiver. He has a good release package, good footwork, and showcases hip fluidity. Hafoka has good speed and creates late separation. He is strong at the catch point and transitions well upfield. With consistent QB play, he'll be able to showcase his talents on the field, and he is set up for a huge blowup season. He'll garner regional offers and has D1 ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944757"],"_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-688755e2870a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huntsman is an exciting two-way player. As a receiver, he was a dependable target and moved the chains. He showcases good movement patterns and is a player who is primed for a huge season. The maturation process of an enhanced route tree is expected, and if the QB play is stable, he is set up for a big year. As a defensive back, he was a key cog last year and showcased good anticipation and range. His hip fluidity comes into play as he moves well and can plant his foot and go. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944677"],"_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-688755e28711b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hansen was an effective, versatile player last year. He might end up as a running back, with how the room is shaping up. He was used as a short route, YAC receiver, and he might naturally transform to a running back, where he can be utilized full-time, instead of a slot receiver or rotational piece on the outside. With his ability to create on his own, that naturally lends itself to the move to a running back, where he can showcase his vision and lateral movement, and he has the speed to get to the edge once he gets to the second level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683701"],"_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-688755e287189"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brinton will look to take over as the leader of the defense, and he shows a good frame for a backer. He has been most effective as an on-ball backer, but was used in all situations last year as he was one of their best players. The experience last year should translate this year. He has good quickness, moves well, has good pursuit, and is a physical player. He potentially is a player who can garner 100+ tackles. He is set up for a big year, and he should get regional looks in recruiting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1737550"],"_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-688755e287207"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nuttall is a cornerback who has a good frame to be a boundary cornerback and moves well laterally, and will handle smaller, twitchier receivers. He has good hip fluidity and the ability to stick to his receivers. He does well in disrupting balls that come his way, and his ball-tracking skills come in handy. He'll look to lead that defensive back unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1737552"],"_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-688755e287284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Webb is an important piece along the defensive line. He is a strong, physical player with good ability to create pressure. Webb does well with slipping past his blocker and has good leverage and quick hands. He's a player who is a key cog for the defensive unit and set up for another big year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683718"],"_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-688755e2872fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilkes has good size and frame for a deep safety. He showcases a good range, has the speed to close ground, and physicality to be an eraser. He was a productive player last year, and he looks to build on that this year. He'll be an important piece to the defense, and his skill set will be in full use this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228090"],"_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-688755e287372"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mortensen has good size and versatility. He can be used on the offensive or defensive line. He shows good footwork, is light on his feet, moves well laterally, and has good physicality. He does a good job of advancing his position and has leverages that work to his style of play. He is looking to have a bigger season and be an important piece for the Vikings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1737555"],"_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-688755e2873e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McBride is an interior defensive lineman with good strength and physicality to his play. He has quick, violent hands and does well advancing his position. McBride moves well laterally and is a good run-stuffing defensive tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That was our look at Pleasant Grove, and with the drop in classification, they're an interesting team to make the postseason and have good pieces. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->