4A-Region 8 Preview: Salem Hills, Timpanogos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salem Hills<br>2024 record: 6-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, August 15- Sky View<br>Friday, August 22- Spanish Fork<br>Friday, August 29- West Field<br>Friday, September 12- at Timpanogos</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If they can win the first three games of the season, they get a bye week and will be primed for a huge region opener with Timpanogos.<br><br>2025 Hardest Games:<br><br>Friday, September 19- at Provo<br>Wednesday, October 15- at Bonneville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are their two toughest games and both take place on the road. It'll be tough games, but they could be riding the momentum to a hot start and ride that wave. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salem Hills doesn't have a brutal schedule, and they return some key players and have a veteran as their signal caller. They could be primed for a deep postseason run and could be vying for the region.<br><br>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681087"],"_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-68947b5e274c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hales takes over as the full-time starter, and he has done well this offseason. He has a compact delivery, has good ball placement, and is not afraid to take a deep shot. Hales will stress a defense by slinging it around and not leaning in on any one target. He moves well within the pocket and will move the chains with his legs. He's primed for a huge year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1768011"],"_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-68947b5e27534"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fusselman is a receiving back with some power. He has great hands as a receiver out of the backfield, does well in open space, and will make a defender miss. He has good speed to get to the edge and will have a bigger role in the offense this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683665"],"_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-68947b5e27581"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Higginson is an exceptional athlete and a two-way player. I'd argue he'd be a Power-Four recruit as a defensive back alone if he just focused on that. I prefer him as a receiver. He has great size and frame to grow into and should get near 200 lbs. He has good footwork, naturally creates separation, and is strong at the catch point. He is exceptional in the red and green zones and is primed to flirt with 15 touchdowns this season. Defensively, he is best as a deep safety, where he can use his range and overall speed to help be an eraser and make a play on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1565180"],"_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-68947b5e275c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson has great size and plays above the rim. He does a good job of using his frame to shield his defender from the ball in contested catch situations. He is another who is primed to be a red and green zone target, and he showcases good hands. It should be a good season for him, and he should have a breakout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1768340"],"_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-68947b5e27603"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Young has good size and will be asked to help fill a void left behind by a lot of production on defense. He has a good first step, has a good bend at the hip, and has good lateral quickness. He does have active hands, and he is someone who is going to be asked to step up on the defensive front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timpanogos<br>2024 record: 6-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Key Games:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, August 15- at Juan Diego<br>Friday, August 29- at Summit Academy<br>Friday, September 5- at Pine View</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three big road games that they'll need to take care of. If they stumble in any of those games, it becomes a speed bump for the rest of their season, it's three must win games. <br><br>2025 Hardest Games:<br>Friday, August 22- West<br>Friday, September 26- at Provo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West was a late-game assignment, and Provo is a region game; both are very tough games. The goal will be to win one of them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Outlook:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They're set up to win this year: a seasoned quarterback, good receivers, and a defense that has some key parts coming back. If they can get off to a hot start, they could continue that momentum deep into the postseason. <br><br>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1681354"],"_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-68947b5e27643"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hillstead is a quick processor, has a compact delivery, and overall has good arm talent. He does well with off-platform throws, moves well around the pocket, and has good pocket navigation. Hillstead has good velocity, his ball placement is good, and he will throw his receivers open. He is set up for a huge final season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692821"],"_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-68947b5e2767f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holloway is a name to know for the future. He'll be impactful on Thursday nights this season, and he is a player who throws a good ball, has good pocket navigation, and will be a runner. That asset makes him a threat, as defenses have to be honest when playing him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626320"],"_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-68947b5e276d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">LaPray is in a receiving room that vacates a lot of targets and overall production; he is primed to take over as one of the leading receivers. He has great size and a large catch radius. He has good footwork, uses his body to shield defenders, and in contested catch situations, does well coming down with the ball. He will be a red and green zone monster with that size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207660"],"_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-68947b5e2771b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iosefro will be one of the leaders on defense and will be asked to take on even more than he did last year. He is an instinctual backer who moves well and is a versatile backer. He does a good job creating pressure as a rusher and has good physicality and closing speed. In coverage, he doesn't get lost in space and does a good job of disrupting passing lanes. He is primed to produce over 100 tackles and 15 tackles for loss and pick up some regional offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1771269"],"_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-68947b5e27757"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Faatoafe will be one of the leaders in the secondary and has good range, physicality, and play strength. He is best as a box safety. He should help out that revamped defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904963"],"_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-68947b5e277b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fakahafua is a hybrid backer/edge rusher. He does well with overall athletic movement and has good hip bend as a rusher. He has a good closing speed and is a good run-stuffing defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149966"],"_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-68947b5e277f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King is an exciting pass rusher. He has great size and has a frame that he can continue to grow into and could get to the 245-250 range. He moves well, has good quickness, and has the hip bend necessary for an edge rusher, and has violent hands to disengage his blocks and close ground to the ball-carrier. He is a player who can flirt with 15 sacks this season. Highly productive player with a great motor, he should garner multiple regional offers and is a D1 athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->