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 3A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are four new boys soccer coaches in 3A this year: Addison Steiner (Grand), Seth Wallace (Morgan), Kendell Staples (South Summit) and Steve Pemberton (ALA).
Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 12
1. Emery Spartans
Head coach: Troy Winter
2019 record: 7-7-1 (fourth in Region 15 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Maeser Prep in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Colten Childs, MF, Sr.
- Thomas Johansen, D, Sr.
- Tayvan Guyman, Wing, Sr.
- Alex Noriaga, Wing, Jr.
- Jerrick Mcdonald, D, Sr.
- Beau Cook, F, Sr.
- Jesus Ayalla, F, Jr.
Coach comment
“Very excited about season we should be very completive if we play to our potential.”
2. Carbon Dinos
Head coach: Chad Cowdell
2019 record: 4-12-2 (fifth in Region 14 with a 3-7-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Grand in 3A first round.
Additional info not provided.
3. Grand Red Devils
Head coach: Addison Steiner (first year)
2019 record: 13-2-1 (first in Region 15 with a 9-0-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to South Summit in 3A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
4. Richfield Wildcats
Head coach: Clay Morgan (seventh year)
2019 record: 5-9-0 (fifth in Region 15 with a 3-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Kordell Morgan, M, Sr.
- Jackson Archibald, F, Jr.
- Ben Evensen, F, Jr.
- Mason Solt, D, Sr.
- Jake Hyatt, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“This is going to be an interesting year! Last year was cut short and so we did not get to see a lot of teams in action so we do not really know what to expect going into this year. We have some great returning players and hope to make a huge impact in region and then state.”
5. South Sevier Rams
Head coach: BJ Peterson
2019 record: 0-13-0 (sixth in Region 15 with a 0-10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to American Leadership in 3A first round.
Additional info not provided.
6. San Juan Broncos
Head coach: Jay Jones (fourth year)
2019 record: first season (played as junior varsity team in 2019)
2019 postseason: N/A
Returning contributors:
- Cameron Jensen, M/F, Sr.
- Travis Black, M, Sr.
- Austin Pemberton, F/M, Jr.
- Lennon Done, GK, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are just grateful for the opportunity to have a season and give the students a chance to play. This will be our first full varsity season as a school so it will be fun to compete.”
Region 13
1. Judge Memorial Bulldogs
Head coach: Kelly Terrell
2019 record: 13-3-1 (second in Region 13 with a 6-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Summit Academy in 3A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Juan Batalla, MF, Jr.
- Anthony Galindo, MF, Sr.
- Emmanuel Okongo, D, Sr.
- Gus Daskalakis, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“It will be nice just to get out and let the teams compete this year.”
2. Morgan Trojans
Head coach: Seth Wallace (first year)
2019 record: 9-7-2 (seventh in Region 13 with a 4-3-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to American Leadership in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Chase Lane, F, Sr.
- Cole Terry, M, Sr.
- Isaac Lowder, M, Sr.
- Luke Fackrell, M, Jr.
- Tanner Stanley, GK, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are going into this season with very little knowledge of our competition due to the cancellation of last season. It’s very difficult to know where we stand not having played any region games last year. I feel like we have a strong team with a mix of experienced seniors and some very talented juniors, sophomores and freshman. We are excited to build off where we ended last year and compete for a region title and state championship in 2021.”
3. South Summit Wildcats
Head coach: Kendell Staples (first year)
2019 record: 8-8-3 (fourth in Region 13 with a 2-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Summit Academy in 3A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Casey Stracher, Sr.
- Austin Tesch, Sr.
- Jaxon Stowe, Sr.
- Willian Rodriguez, Sr.
- Alberto Cardona, Sr.
- Carter Jones, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are excited to start and hopefully finish the 2021 season. While our team is young, we are looking forward to an exciting, competitive soccer season.”
4. Summit Academy Bears
Head coach: Josh Blair (second year)
2019 record: 14-2-0 (first in Region 13 with a 7-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial in 3A championship.
Additional info not provided.
5. Grantsville Cowboys
Head coach: Travis Lowry (11th year)
2019 record: 3-12-0 (fifth in Region 13 with a 0-8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Preston Remick, D/M, Sr.
- Billy Barker, C, Jr.
- JJ Backus, F, Sr.
- Zac Carver, GK, Jr.
- Noah Parks, D, Jr.
6. Providence Hall Patriots
Head coach: Brian Simmons (seocnd year)
2019 record: 8-6-0 (fourth in Region 14 with a 7-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to South Summit in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Trevan Nelson, CB, Jr.
- Tavin Olsen, M, Sr.
Coach comment
“At Providence Hall we are continuing to work toward building a strong culture around excellence, leadership and competition. Last year we had high hopes, and this year’s team looks positioned to make some noise.”
Region 14
1. American Leadership Eagles
Head coach: Steve Pemberton (first year)
2019 record: 17-2-0 (first in Region 14 with a 12-0-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial in 3A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Marcus Haston, GK
- Manny Oliveras, M
2. Maeser Prep Lions
Head coach: Dustin Simmons
2019 record: 9-5-1 (second in Region 14 with a 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Summit Academy in 3A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
3. Manti Templars
Head coach: Dane Pollock (second year)
2019 record: 11-5-1 (second in Region 15 with a 6-3-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Judge Memorial in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Trace Boggess, F, Sr.
- Braden Boggess, D, Sr.
- Shane Arnoldsen, GK, Sr.
- Caleb Tanner, D, Sr.
- Austin Cox, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“We are excited to participate in the upcoming soccer season. We have good experience coming back and look forward to working hard as a team and competing at a high level.”
4. Delta Rabbits
Head coach: Pedro Gonzalez
2019 record: 9-8-0 (third in Region 14 with a 7-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Manti in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Brayden Gonder, MF, Sr.
- Jarrett SMith, MF, Sr.
- Ryder Rogers, MF, So.
- Daniel Mendoza, F, Sr.
- Tate WIlloughby, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“Talented but unpredictable.”
5. North Sanpete Hawks
Head coach: Steve Solen (fourth year)
2019 record: 8-7-1 (third in Region 15 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Morgan in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Luis Reyes, D
- Caden Clawson, GK
- Treyson Serrano, F
Coach comment
“We lost a huge chunk of players last year after the season was canceled, and many of our returning players are young and ready to begin varsity careers. We will see how this goes.”
6. Union Cougars
Head coach: Bill Goodrich
2019 record: 1-12-3 (sixth in Region 14 with a 0-9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Summit Academy in 3A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Vaughn Gordon, MF/F, Sr.
- Landyn Larsen, D, Sr.
- Cesar Onton, MF, Sr.
- Ian Stengel, F, Jr.
- Hank Tribe, MF/D, Jr.
7. Juab Wasps
Head coach: Devon Peterson
2019 record: 0-11-3 (seventh in Region 14 with a 0-9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Nate Saez, F, Sr.
- Austin Cobian, M/GK, Jr.
- Jake Peterson, F, Soph.
- Ryker Richads, M, Soph.
- Jaxon Drake, M, Soph.
- Angel Rivera, F, Soph.
Coach comment
“Since we didn’t have a last year, this year will be particularly different with regards to trying to predict how the upcoming season will proceed. Mandates from the health department and guidelines from the districts have had an impact but one thing remains, the boys are ready to get out and play.”