Region 7 Preview: Part 1
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Region 7 features several of the top contenders in 5A. Each of these three teams are loaded with premier talent that will make this one of the state’s most tightly contested regions. Orem Tigers The Tigers have been knocking on…
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Continue ReadingRegion 7 features several of the top contenders in 5A. Each of these three teams are loaded with premier talent that will make this one of the state’s most tightly contested regions.
Orem Tigers
The Tigers have been knocking on the door of the state championship game the last few seasons, and they could break through in 2023. Tight end Roger Saleapaga Roger Saleapaga 6'4" | 195 lbs | TE Orem | 2024 State UT is our top-ranked pass catcher in the state and one of the top tight ends in the country. Quarterback Lance Reynolds Lance Reynolds 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Orem | 2024 State UT is the perfect signal caller to lead the Tiger’s talented offenses. Running backs Mack Hixson Mack Hixson 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Orem | 2024 State UT , Tru To’a Tru To’a 6'0" | 165 lbs | RB Orem | 2024 State UT , and Feleti Iongi Feleti Iongi 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Orem | 2025 State UT make up the state’s best running back room. Each of them can line up all over the field and make plays. Receivers Asher Young Asher Young 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Orem | 2024 State UT and Kaue Akana Kaue Akana 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Skyridge | 2026 State UT are tough covers on the outside who will threaten defenses at every level of the field. The offensive line led by Misi Poti Misi Poti 5'10" | 265 lbs | OL Orem | 2024 State UT , Johnny Prescott Johnny Prescott 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Orem | 2024 State UT , and Marley Filiaga Marley Filiaga 6'0" | 275 lbs | OL Orem | 2024 State UT will be one of the best in 5A. Defensive back Dallin Heal Dallin Heal 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB Orem | 2024 State UT leads a tenacious Tigers defense capable of shutting down any offense they face. Coach Reynolds and Orem are primed for a state title run.
Timpview Thunderbirds
Timpview took the eventual 5A state champion Lehi Pioneers to triple overtime but still came up just short. Head Coach Donny Atuaia Thunderbirds could return to the state championship this fall and win it all. Quarterback Helamann Casuga is one of the state’s top quarterbacks despite just entering his sophomore year. His poise in the pocket and ability to pick apart a defense is remarkable. The receiving core of Tei Nacua Tei Nacua 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Timpview | 2024 State UT , Isaiah Vaea Isaiah Vaea 5'10" | 170 lbs | WR Timpview | 2024 State UT , and Jaron Pula Jaron Pula 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Timpview | 2026 State UT is one of the best in the state. Each of these three talented wideouts are skilled route runners and difficult to bring down after the catch. Defensive backs Haven Halliday Haven Halliday 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Timpview | 2024 State UT , Aisa Galea’i Aisa Galea’i 5'8" | 150 lbs | DB Timpiew | 2026 State UT , and Taaniela Makasini Taaniela Makasini 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB Timpview | 2025 State UT lead one of the best secondaries in the state. Look for linebacker Matthias Lesa Matthias Lesa 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Timpview | 2025 State UT to fly across the field, making plays behind the line of scrimmage each and every Friday night.
Springville Red Devils
The Red Devils may have lost one of the state’s top quarterbacks, but they return some of the most talented players in the state. Dallin Johnson Dallin Johnson 6'4" | 275 lbs | DL Springville | 2024 State UT is our top-rated defensive lineman and will wreck plenty of game plans this fall. When you pair Johnson with defensive lineman Kinilau Fonohema Kinilau Fonohema 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL Sprinville | 2024 State UT , you have one of the state’s premier pass rush duos. Offensively, Springville welcomes back the states leading rusher Tevita Valeti Tevita Valeti 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Springville | 2024 State UT . His special combination of speed, shiftiness, vision, and strength will potentially lead to him leading the state in yards on the ground for a second consecutive year. Quarterback Easton Leavitt Easton Leavitt 6'2" | 165 lbs | QB Springville | 2025 State UT and tight end Tua Kalatoni Naufahu Tua Kalatoni Naufahu 6'0" | 205 lbs | TE Springville | 2026 State UT should both have breakout seasons in 2023. Dallin Johnson Dallin Johnson 6'4" | 275 lbs | DL Springville | 2024 State UT will also be joined by Cade Johnson Cade Johnson 6'2" | 220 lbs | OL Springville | 2026 State UT to lead an intimidating offensive line. Springville Head Coach Dave Valeti and the Red Devils are capable of making a deep postseason run.