Region 8 preview part 2: Six months out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 8 was completely reshaped amidst the latest UHSAA relainmgent. In part one of our Region 8 preview we looked at Payson, Provo and Spanish Fork. In part two we'll focus in on the other four teams that will make Region 8 one of the states most unpredictable in 2023. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Timpanogos Timberwolves&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Timberwolves started the season 4-0 before they entered Region 7 play. Timpanogos would finish region play 4-3 to give them a 6-4 record. The Timberwolves would fall in the first round to Park City, but the future of head coach Austin Heaps' program is bright. [player_tooltip player_id='406983' first='Luke' last='Livingston'] is one of the best players in the state of Utah. He was terrific in 2022, with over 580 yards rushing, receiving, and passing. Quarterback Chase Riggs and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='983152' first='Easton' last='Bretzing'] also return to give the Timberwolves a high-powered offense this coming season. The top four tacklers for the Timberwolves are all back, including defensive back Tyler Hunter who has started the last two seasons for Timpanogos. As the Timberwolves move into Region 8, they will compete for the region title and much more later in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Uintah Utes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Utes finished the 2022 season 4-7 and 3-4 in Region 7. Uintah fought hard each game and will look to rebound in the new look Region 7. Head Coach Justin Decol will need to figure out their quarterback situation heading into the 2023 season, but they return leading rusher Dace O'Bagy. Wide Receivers Jaron Colton and Kasyten Ussery should both be in for big years after combining for over 500 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago. Linebacker Brody Rhoades had over 50 tackles and should lead the Utes in tackles this season. Uintah will have a chance to upset some teams come to the start of the 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Salem Hills Skyhawks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Skyhawks faced a brutal schedule in 2022. Salem Hills faced off with Lehi, Syracuse, and the rest of the Region 9 teams. Salem Hills was 2-8 last year, so come 2023, head coach Jeff Higginson will look to get his team back on track. The Skyhawks lose a lot of their starters from their 2022 team, but there are several players on their roster posed for a breakout. Salem Hills running back Roper Kay and receiver Kort Stewart should both have significant years after making a few plays last year. Defensively Vandin Fusselman returns after making 90 stops in 2022. Salem Hills will look for a fresh start in Region 8 and should get its program back on track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mountain View Bruins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins struggled in 2022, going 1-6 in Region 7 play and 1-9 overall. Mountain View is undoubtedly excited for a fresh start as they look to restabilize their program. Head coach Abe Poduska and the Bruins return starting quarterback Sei Iotoa who gained valuable experience as a Sophomore in 2022. Receiver Kalvin Floyd and Ty Mullen are also back, giving Iotoa two experienced receivers on the outside. Defensively the Bruins return Logan Lunt, who flashed in 2022 and should be a force on defenses this season. Mountain View should be much improved in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->