The 2020 high school boys season gots underway this week for teams in Class 6A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are five new boys soccer coaches in 6A this year: Luis De La Cruz (Cyprus), Ty Connor (Granger), Brett Solberg (Hunter), Raul Cavazos (Kearns) and Travis Hill (West Jordan).
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 1
1. Davis Darts
Head coach: Souli Phongsavath
2019 record: 12-2-3 (first in Region 1 with a 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Granger in 6A quarterfinals
Additional info not provided
2. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Jan Swift
2019 record: 14-5-0 (third in Region 1 with a 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Copper Hills in 6A championship
Additional info not provided
3. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Rick Talamantez (26th year)
2019 record: 13-4-1 (second in Region 1 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Eli Nixon, F, Sr.
- Carter Johnson, D, Sr.
- Jake Chamberlain, F, Sr.
- Chase Young, D, Sr.
4. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Rafael Guerrero (4th year)
2019 record: 4-11-1 (sixth in Region 1 with a 3-8-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Coach comment: “We have higher expectations from our team this year. The level of competition demands a high level of preparation and our athletes are taking the task very serious. I feel that this year the Knights are going to surprise all of our rivals. We wish the best to everyone.”
5. Roy Royals
Head coach: Craig Charlesworth
2019 record: 10-7-1 (second in Region 5 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Wasatch in 5A quarterfinals
Additional info not provided
6. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Fred Smith (8th year)
2019 record: 6-11-1 (fifth in Region 1 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Porter Iverson, M, Sr.
- Coles Sederholm, M, Sr.
- Brandon Baray, M, Sr.
- Weston Hales, M, Sr.
- Lance Graves, D, Sr.
Coach comment: “This year’s team will no doubt be a hardworking team.”
7. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Taylor Allen (2nd season)
2019 record: 3-12-2 (seventh in Region 1 with a 1-10-1 record)
2019 postseason: missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Bennett Carlson, D, So.
- Liam Jensen, GK, Sr.
- Ben Reynolds, D, Sr.
- Jaden Norwood, D, So.
- Jacob Packer, D, So.
Coach comment: “An additional year of stability with the coaching staff and a great offseason for the boys will make for a much better year in 2020. A lot of young talent got a lot of playing time last season which should benefit us greatly. We look forward to competing in a very tough Region 1.”
8. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Jason Steiner
2019 record: 7-10-0 (fourth in Region 1 with a 5-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A first round
Additional info not provided
Region 2
1. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Ty Connor
2019 record: 10-6-2 (third in Region 2 with a 4-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A semifinals
Additional info not provided
2. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Brett Solberg
2019 record: 7-7-4 (fourth in Region 2 with a 3-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Williams Estrada, M, Sr.
- Lucas Rogerson, D, Sr.
- Alejandro Rauda, M, So.
Coach comment: “We are excited for the upcoming season. We have a good combination of experience and young talent to give us a team that can compete against top teams in the state.”
3. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: George Sirstins
2019 record: 4-7-3 (third in Region 3 with a 3-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton in 6A first round
Additional info not provided
4. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Luis De La Cruz
2019 record: 9-3-5 (first in Region 2 with a 5-1-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Julian Gonzalez, D, Sr.
- Tristan Perez, F, Sr.
- Axel Carrea, F, Sr.
Coach comment: “Cyprus High is excited about competing in our region this year. We feel it will be a competitive region with many tough games ahead. We look forward to the challenge.”
5. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Travis Hill
2019 record: 5-8-0 (fifth in Region 3 with a 2-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Jershon Sloan
- Brian Miranda
- Josue Pantoja
- William Larsen
- Ivan Zamora
Coach comment: “For years West Jordan has been considered the pushover school or the easy win by the majority of schools and for a long time they were correct. But the talent we have coming through must be taken seriously. With a revamped coaching staff and more player buy-in, West Jordan is finally a school to be reckoned with and will be looking for our first region trophy in school history. Opponents will do well not to underestimate these boys.”
6. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Raul Cavazos
2019 record: 5-9-0 (fifth in Region 2 with a 1-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
Region 3
1. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Ryan Mitchell (10th year)
2019 record: 9-7-1 (5-2-1 in Region 3 with a 5-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Kolton Johnson, F, Sr.
- Cade Byrge, F, Sr.
- Alex Geertsen, D, Sr.
- Ryan Speckman, M, Sr.
- Tyler Beverley, D, Sr.
2. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Eddie Moura
2019 record: 15-5-0 (third in Region 3 with a 6-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A championship
Additional info not provided
3. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Leo Gonzalez (3rd year)
2019 record: 7-4-3 (second in Region 4 with a 7-3-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Granger in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Blake Pirami, F, Sr.
- Francisco Mejia, M, Sr.
- Joseph Robertson, M, Sr.
- Kaden Pierce, M, Sr.
- Merrill Davis, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “Looking forward to the upcoming season. We lost our entire starting lineup due to graduation, so we are excited to see how the new seniors and juniors step up this season. We are also excited to join a new region with high quality teams and outstanding talent.”
4. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Paul Moizer (19th year)
2019 record: 6-8-3 (fourth in Region 3 with a 2-4-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Davis in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Kanyon Ott, M, Sr.
- Isaiah Wunderli, F, Sr.
- Jackson Gorringe, M, Sr.
- Sam Murray, M, Sr.
- Trevor Smith, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “I think we will have a strong season with a large group of seniors returning. There is good chemistry on the team and a good work ethic.”
5. Jordan Beetdiggers
Head coach: Nelson Glassett
2019 record: 7-9-2 (fourth in Region 7 with a 4-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A quarterfinals
Coach comment: “Very excited about our potential to be competitive and challenge every opponent this season.”
6. West Panthers
Head coach: Kris Hamlet
2019 record: 8-7-2 (second in Region 6 with a 6-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Yahir Estrada, M, Jr.
- Walter Damian Flores, M, Jr.
- Francisco Portillo, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “West graduated 14 seniors last year including nine starters. This year will be challenging after jumping back up to 6A and being placed in a very competitive Region 3.”
Region 4
1. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Don Bastian
2019 record: 8-7-2 (fourth in Region 4 with a 5-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cyprus in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Alex Fritcher, D, Sr.
- Gavin Coe, M, Sr.
- Zac Lifferth, F, Sr.
- Camden Beck, M, Sr.
- Fabrice, Aitken, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “We have a very experienced team consisting of seniors and juniors. Our squad is built around a core of players who have played together since they were 8 years old. The Westlake soccer program has been growing stronger each year. We think this is our strongest year yet.”
2. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Casey Waldron
2019 record: 2-11-3 (fifth in Region 4 with a 1-10-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
3. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Jerry Priesendorf
2019 record: 12-3-4 (second in Region 8 with a 7-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Austin Wallace, Jr.
- Jackson Jarvie, Sr.
- Ian Nielson, Jr.
- Isaac Lee, Sr.
Coach comment: “With a deep run last year in state with talented seniors, we look to reload/rebuild this soccer season with very young leadership and talent. We have our top assist makers and goal scorers from last year, and starting goalkeeper, now we look to get new faces in very important positions. Almost each starting position is up for grabs, the boys have bought into our system during the very short practices this spring and we look forward to the challenge of repeating a deep run in the playoffs.”
4. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Mark Graham (5th year)
2019 record: 7-9-2 (third in Region 4 with a 5-5-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A quarterfinals
Additional info not provided
5. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Chris Ecalono (9th year)
2019 record: 14-4-1 (first in Region 4 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- CJ Wiggins, M
- Ryland McGrath, GK
- Cullen Witehira, F
- Lue Holdaway, D
Coach comment: “We have a young but solid team that is ready to compete at the highest level.”
6. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Drew Van Wagenen
2019 record: 7-9-1 (third in Region 7 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Roy in 5A first round
Additional info not provided