The 2021 high school boys soccer season gets underway this week for teams across the state. After last year’s canceled season, there’s more anticipation than ever to get the season going. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 4A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are three new boys soccer coaches in 4A this year: Travis Wilkinson (Dixie), Torrey Sasaki (Ben Lomond) and Ben Nilson (Cedar Valley).
Here are the 4A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 9
1. Desert Hills Thunder
Head coach: Benji Nelson
2019 record: 17-3-1 (first in Region 9 with an 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A championship.
Coach comment
This year will be an interesting year for Desert Hills we’ve had a group of players that has started varsity for the last two to three years that all graduated last year that didn’t have the opportunity to finish due to COVID-19. We do have 14 seniors with only three of them that have any varsity experience. Bridger Heaton has started since he was a sophomore as our center mid and Trevyn Kidman has started since he was a sophomore at our holding mid. o
We only have a couple of juniors because most of the kids that are in that class ended up going to Crimson Cliffs when that school opened up so we will be expecting help from several sophomores who do not have any varsity experience as of yet. We do hope to be a very competitive team and making a run at the state championship as we have in the last few years.
2. Dixie Flyers
Head coach: Travis Wilkinson (first year)
2019 record: 12-2-1 (second in Region 9 with an 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Briggs Mclauchlin, OB, Sr.
- Denrick Tahual, OB/W, Sr.
- Easton Ellett, CB/F, Sr.
- Noah Wilkinson, M, Sr.
- Rene Bernal, W/F, Sr.
- Kamden Rocha, M, Jr.
Coach comment
“Our Dixie Flyers have a great returning class of seniors and juniors with seasoned game experience. I’m excited to see this team find its chemistry and develop into a top tier soccer team in the state. Our Region 9 always produces competitive teams that seem to find their way deep into the postseason playoffs. If our Flyer boys will work hard, stay healthy and focused, we should be a top contender in region and postseason play. I’ve personally enjoyed coaching the Dixie Flyer boys with Burt Myers since 2008 and know that he’ll definitely be missed in our successful soccer program.”
3. Snow Canyon Warriors
Head coach: Zac Hales (third year)
2019 record: 9-7-0 (third in Region 9 with an 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain View in 4A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Jacob Wittwer, F, Sr.
- Sanders Esplin, F, Sr.
- Damon Lund, M, Jr.
- Brock Schroeder, D, Sr.
- Jeyson Perez, M, Jr.
- Kobe Robinson, M, Sr.
4. Pine View Panthers
Head coach: Ryan Duckworth (fifth year)
2019 record: 4-11-0 (sixth in Region 9 with a 3-9-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Austin Kogan, D/MF/F, Jr.
- Nelson Flores, D/M/F, Jr.
- Kaden Cox, D/M/F/GK, Jr.
- Jared Casas, MF/F, Jr.
- Ayden Taylor, D/MF, So.
Coach comment
“With a shortened 2020 season, the Panthers are eager to get back to playing a full season of soccer in 2021. And are excited to compete with the top-notch soccer teams in Region 9.”
5. Cedar City Reds
Head coach: Scott Kamachi (27th year)
2019 record: 4-12-0 (fourth in Region 9 with a 4-8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Park City in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Isaac Fletcher, M, Sr.
- Edgar Arana, M, Sr.
- Ayden Bash, F/M, Sr.
Coach comment
“We return a few starters from last year, we look to be competitive with all teams. The region will be as tough as ever. We need to maintain our focus and improve every game as we look to improve our record going into this year. There are no easy games so being confident in what we need to do to be successful will be important.”
6. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs
Head coach: Isaac Klingonsmith (second year)
2019 record: Hasn’t had a season yet
Returning contributors:
- Ramon Mitchell Squires, F, Sr.
- Kai Klingonsmith, M, Sr.
- Jacob McKittrick, M, Sr.
- Brock Esplin, D, Sr.
- Jack Monson, GK, Sr.
Coach comment
“At Crimson Cliffs we have a high-octane offense that will be scoring a lot of goals. We will be a very entertaining team this year. We have strong senior leadership that will make for a successful season.”
7. Canyon View Falcons
Head coach: Dustin Schaible
2019 record: 5-9-1 (fifth in Region 9 with a 3-8-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
8. Hurricane Tigers
Head coach: Jeff Fry (sixth year)
2019 record: 2-14-1 (seventh in Region 9 with a 1-10-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Tracen Lemmon, GK/M, Sr.
- Josh Stewart, M/, Sr.
- Yair Vega, M/F, Soph.
- Kaden Hatch, D, Jr.
- Michael Stirland, F, Soph.
Coach comment
“We are very excited that we have the opportunity to play the game we love. We hope for a full and healthy season as with all other sports to this point. I’m excited for this season with this group of boys, they are hardworking and will never give up. Although our season was short last year, we were lucky enough to have a few games and it really showed me the young talent that are coming up in the program. We will have a younger squad that is not only full of potential, they have the necessary skills to showcase themselves and compete.”
Region 10
1. Ogden Tigers
Head coach: Todd Scott
2019 record: 7-5-2 (third in Region 11 with a 7-3-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Dixie in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Eric Estrada, MF, Sr.
- Josh Whelan, GK, Sr.
- Ty Robinson, MF, So.
Coach comment
“We are a very young team this year that is mainly filled with sophomores. We lost 12 seniors last year with the season ending early due to COVID-19. We’re young but don’t underestimate my boys. We know we’ll be the underdogs this year, but that’s what fuels us to compete.”
2. Juan Diego Soaring Eagle
Head coach: Joseph Alamilla
2019 record: 3-10-1 (sixth in Region 11 with a 3-8-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
3. Stansbury Stallions
Head coach: Jacob Jones (sixth year)
2019 record: 9-8-1 (fourth in Region 1 with a 7-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Sam Holdstock, M, Sr.
- Max Rouffignac, F, Sr.
- Kolton Lorestcher, F, Sr.
- Kaden Marden, C, Sr.
- Dante Silvestri, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“We have a lot of experience returning throughout the whole field. The boys have been working hard for their respective clubs and have been successful there. We look to translate that success into a solid team that nobody wants to face come playoff time.”
4. Ben Lomond Scots
Head coach: Torrey Sasaki (first year)
2019 record: 9-7-0 (second in Region 11 with an 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Snow Canyon in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Brandon Leon, GK, Sr.
- Marco Cruz Uribe, M, Sr.
- Jesus Rodriguez, M, Sr.
- Alvaro Rubio, CB, Jr.
Coach comment
“New coaching, and probably the youngest staff in the state with the average age being under 25, but we have higher expectations that includes fighting for a region title as well as working towards state.”
5. Tooele Buffaloes
Head coach: Stephen Duggan (seventh year)
2019 record: 0-13-1 (seventh in Region 11 with a 0-11-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Chris Rhea, F, Sr.
- Ethan Hogan, F, Sr.
- Sawyer Ward, M, Jr.
- Keaton Bozart, M, Jr.
- Collin Komer, D, Jr.
Coach comment
“We have a very young squad this year, quite possibly the youngest in the 4A classification. However, they are a very exciting squad with a great blend of experience and youth, and we are expecting them to be highly competitive and dynamic. We are very excited about this season and are looking forward to it with high expectations.”
6. Cedar Valley Aviators
Head coach: Ben Nilson (first year)
2019 record: New school
2019 postseason: N/A
Returning contributors:
- Cassius Crosby, D, Sr.
- Jean Kalubi, M, Jr.
- Jack Denmark, M, Jr.
- Landon Dunn, F, Jr.
- Elijah Holman, W, Soph.
Coach comment
“This Cedar Valley team is extremely young but will have a very strong back line and midfield. Majority of the team is first-year players which will help keep a strong pipeline for the upcoming years. We will have to adjust quickly to the speed of play in our region but I believe this Aviators team is up for the task. We hope to be a strong contender in our region, with a new coach and staff and multiple new roster additions we should be a surprise to many.”
7. Uintah Utes
Head coach: Kinnon Oldaker (3rd year)
2019 record: 2-13-0 (sixth in Region 10 with a 2-10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Derek Mansfield, D, Sr.
- McCray McClellan, M, Sr.
- Rhett Christophersen, F, Sr.
- Kael Calder, M, Jr.
Coach comment
“We have eight seniors this year, and all of them have varsity experience. We also have a strong group of juniors that are ready to contribute when called upon. We are optimistic about the upcoming season!”
Region 11
1. Green Canyon Wolves
Head coach: Sven Rasmussen
2019 record: 6-7-1 (fourth in Region 12 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain View in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Porter Cragun
- John Whitby
- Rolando Gallart
- Baldo Chavez
- Angel Torres
Coach comment
“I feel like Green Canyon is continuing to to build on the legacy of getting better. Things were looking very good for us last season. When it got cut short it was a disappointment for sure. However, with this group we feel very good about our chances and will fight for every game.”
2. Sky View Bobcats
Head coach: Jorge Cruz
2019 record: 12-2-4 (first in Region 12 with a 7-1-2 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Desert Hills in 4A championship.
Additional info not provided.
3. Ridgeline Riverhawks
Head coach: Dale Buchanon
2019 record: 4-7-1 (sixth in Region 12 with a 3-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
4. Logan Grizzlies
Head coach: Natalie Norris (third year)
2019 record: 9-4-2 (second in Region 12 with a 7-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
5. Mountain Crest Mustangs
Head coach: Justin Beus (second year)
2019 record: 10-9-1 (third in Region 12 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A semifinals.
Additional info not provided.
6. Bear River Bears
Head coach: Jesse Esquivel (second year)
2019 record: 5-9-1 (sixth in Region 12 with a 1-8-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.