Region 4 Preview: Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 4 was completely changed in the latest UHSAA realignment. Gone are all the previous teams that called the region home, and Region 4 also shifted to the 5A classification. All three of these teams should all be considered state championship contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Granger Lancers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lancers are one of the strongest teams in the 5A classification. Recent BYU commit and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='870715' first='Carson' last='Su'esu'e'] will make the Granger passing attack challenging to contain. Su'esu'e and [player_tooltip player_id='532688' first='Landon' last='Figueroa'] will be one of if not the toughest quarterback-receiver connection in 5A. An offensive line led by [player_tooltip player_id='875510' first='Benson' last='Kofe'] will ensure the duo have plenty of time to make plays. Defensively look for defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='904949' first='Anthony' last='Fale'] to break up potential big pass plays. Head Coach Pala Vaitu'u and the Lancers have the talent on both sides of the ball to win Region 4 and even more in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Jordan Jaguars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars make the switch over to 5A and should hit the ground running this fall. In 2022 they got off to a great start and could do it again in 2023. West Jordan has talented players littered all over their offense eager to make plays for the Jaguars this fall. West Jordan also possesses an imposing defense led by linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='698480' first='Ikani' last='Maka'] and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='406979' first='Dimitri' last='Lovio']. West Jordan head coach Ron Halbert and the Jaguars defenses will be a force to be reckoned with all season and could contend for a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Wolverines&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunter now resides in 5A, and the change in classifications should lead to immediate results this season. The return of linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='681346' first='Ephraim' last='Asiata'] should help the defense be one of the best in the state. Asiata is an elite pass rusher and tackler who could play any position in the front seven. Also leading the defense for the Wolverines will be [player_tooltip player_id='905100' first='Niko' last='Taeoali'i'], who possesses exceptional sideline-to-sideline speed. Look for defensive back Luca Helfin and defensive lineman Siope Havea to also make plays for Hunter. The Wolverine's leading rusher Kenyon Paea also returns and should shred defenses each Friday night. Hunter Head Coach Harold Moleni and the Wolverines should be in for a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->