Note: Copper Hills finished with a 3-7 overall record in 2014 and was sixth in Region 3 with an 0-5 record. It did not qualify for the 5A playoffs.
WEST JORDAN — A new year, a new coach for the Copper Hills football team.
Experiencing change is not entirely new for the Grizzlies' football program, but this time it brings in a new lead guy who not only had collegiate playing experience at the University of Hawaii but also has more than 25 years of coaching experience across three states before landing at Copper Hills.
"I applied just wanting to branch out on my own," said first-year head coach Tavita Sagapolu, who was previously an assistant at West and Highland. "We're fortunate to land in this position here. Great school, beautiful facilities, great kids, and the kids have worked hard these past three months."
Sagapolu and his team hit the ground running as soon as he was hired last spring and with just weeks remaining before the opening night of the season, the head coach is pleased with what his players have already accomplished.
"We are much farther ahead than I expected us to be at this juncture," Sagapolu said. "After we got done with our first camp at the end of June, we were actually putting together our personnel. We have a lot of talent."
Now the objective is to take those talented kids and convince them they can do more than Copper Hills has done in previous seasons.
"Our ultimate goal is to get them to compete. To change the mindset, change the culture of Copper Hills and get them to compete. If I can get them to do that, then, boy, we're great — and so far, so good," Sagapolu said. "Right now they're like big sponges and they're just absorbing this thing with open arms and as if they've been waiting for this for a long time. I'm very pleased with our progress up to this point."
The Grizzlies are underclassmen-heavy this season with sophomores stepping in to guide the team at quarterback with Alex Zettler and running back with Justice Salisbury. Add to that junior linemen Alema Sagapolu and Mike Smith with newcomers Amare Poule and Jeff Osai.
Meanwhile, Copper Hills is anticipating more significant contributions from Nate Anderson, a senior wide receiver and defensive back who led the team with 64 tackles and had two sacks last season.
"He brings back a wealth of experience," Sagapolu said. "He plays receiver and is one of our slot guys, and he also doubles on the other side of the ball. He brings lots of experience and he is very athletic."
Another experienced player on the defensive side is Zach Fratto, a junior defensive tackle who had 12 tackles last season and will be an anchor this season. The head coach is also excited to see the contributions from junior cornerback Brandon Checketts, sophomore defensive back Trey Bartlett, and senior defensive back Tavious Hicks.
"These kids are up-and-coming," Sagapolu said. "Again, they're young, but what they've shown here in the last three months is exceptional so we are looking for some great things from them."
In spite of being a very young team with an entirely new coaching staff and team philosophy, Sagapolu is confident in what the Grizzlies have shown him so far.
"We've got some key guys in key positions that are going to really, really help the team to play as a team with the goal of competing," Sagapolu said.
Copper Hills Grizzlies at a glance
Head Coach: Tavita Sagapolu is entering his first season as the Copper Hills head coach. He’s a graduate of Radford High School in Hawaii and the University of Hawaii.
Offense (3 returning starters; Fly offense)
Offensive coordinator: Tavita Sagapolu
Returning offensive starters
Nate Anderson (WR)
Offensive newcomers to watch
Alex Zettler (QB)
Justice Salisbury (RB)
Alema Sagapolu (OL)
Mike Smith (OL)
Defense (3 returning starters, 4-4 defense)
Defensive coordinator: Dave Blaisdell
Returning defensive starters
Nate Anderson (DB)
Zach Fratto (DL)
Defensive newcomers to watch
Brandon Checketts (CB)
Trey Bartlett (DB)
Tavious Hicks (DB)
Coaches preseason Region 3 straw poll: Seventh
Deseret News Region 3 prediction: Seventh
Bottom line: The team is young, the coaching staff is new and the program has not been strong over the last few seasons. Therefore, for new head coach Tavita Sagapolu "the goal, first and foremost, is to change that culture and to get them to compete, and get them to believe that they can actually do this."
Last 5
2014 — 3-7 (0-5 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2013 — 1-9 (1-4 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2012 — 2-8 (0-5 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2011 — 3-7 (0-5 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
2010 — 0-10 (0-6 in Region 3 -- Missed playoffs)
Copper Hills coaching history
2015 — Tavita Sagapolu (0-0)
2013-2014 — John Teuscher (4-16)
2009-2012 — Kai Kapele (6-33)
2005-2008 — Art Erickson (13-27)
2000-2004 — Mike Smith (15-39)
1995-1999 — Ron Halbertson, Jr. (7-39)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
(None)
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Sarah Thomas earned a degree in Mathematics from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MBA at Westminster College. She has been covering sports for the Deseret News since 2008.