The 2020 high school boys soccer season got underway this week for teams in Class 5A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are eight new boys soccer coaches in 5A this year: Kurt Jarman (Box Elder), Aaron Soelberg (Farmington), Ray Parkhurst (Woods Cross), Kelly Crestani (Highland), Andy Naylor (Olympus), Eric Arthur (Mountain Ridge), Dayvin Palmer (Orem) and Matthew Gilmour (Park City).
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 5
1. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Aaron Soelberg (1st year)
2019 record: 4-9-2 (fifth in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Jed Holbrook, M, Sr.
- Zachary Bingham, GK, Sr.
- Isaac Beckman, F, Sr.
- Carter Ray, D, Sr.
- Nick Wood, F, Sr.
Coach comment: “Last year was our first year as a school and we saw that we had talent but the chemistry was an obstacle for us. We did not have any seniors and we are returning many players this year. Having a year under our belt and some time to play together as a club, we are excited for this season. We have worked on that chemistry over the offseason and are ready move into this season, ready to make some noise.”
2. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Kurt Jarman (1st year)
2019 record: 8-8-2 (third in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Dathan Ranjel, F, Sr.
- Skyler Stokes, D, Jr.
- Clay Mortenson, M, Sr.
- Reggie Grear, F, Jr.
- Eathan Atwood, D, Sr.
3. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Jared Anderson
2019 record: 7-6-2 (fifth in Region 11 with a 6-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
4. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Spencer Keddington (5th year)
2019 record: 10-2-4 (first in Region 5 with a 7-1-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Henry Morris, D, Sr.
Coach comment: “We will be young in experience but have guys that will step in and work hard to improve every day.”
5. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Ray Parkhurst (1st year)
2019 record: 7-9-3 (fourth in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Rafael Seminario, M, Sr.
- Kaso nParkin, F, Sr.
- Julian Duenas, M, Sr.
- Landon Ward, M, Jr.
- Michael Williams, GK, Jr.
Coach comment: “Talented group of boys, hardworking, determined, motivated and focused. Strong leadership from our captains and returning players.”
6. Bountiful Braves
Head coach: Lou Plank
2019 record: 4-9-2 (sixth in Region 5 with a 3-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
Region 6
1. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Brett Rosen (3rd year)
2019 record: 18-1-0 (first in Region 7 with a 9-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Olympus in 5A championship
Returning contributors:
- Walker Schwendiman, D, Sr.
- Chandler Turpin, D, Sr.
- Cameron Neeley, M, Jr.
- London Botehlo, M, Sr.
- Jackson McKeon, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “We have a great group of players returning this year who are hungry to work hard and have another great season. Our success this year will depend on our younger players stepping in to fill the holes created by the players we lost to graduation. We are excited for the challenge and look forward to the challenge ahead.”
2. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Andy Naylor (1st year)
2019 record: 15-3-2 (first in Region 6 with a 8-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A championship
Returning contributors:
- Lincoln Buchanan, D, Sr.
- Jake Lewis, D, Sr.
- Alec Foulger, F, Sr.
- Bryin Huremovic, F, Jr.
Coach comment: “The Titans lost 12 seniors after a successful 2019 campaign. This year, younger talent is looking to step up the level of play after the loss of invaluable experience. With coaching and roster changes, Olympus is keen on maintaining the quality they’ve had in the past.”
3. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Shawn Kennedy
2019 record: 7-7-2 (fourth in Region 6 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Wasatch in 5A first round
Additional info not provided
4. East Leopards
Head coach: Rudy Schenck
2019 record: 5-8-4 (third in Region 6 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A first round
Coach comment: “We lost a lot of quality players so the kids that have been waiting their turn will get it. We will rely heavily on three returning defenders and hope to gain experience for the new starters as the season progresses. I anticipate some growing pains early but am hopeful that we can put together a solid season.”
5. Murray Spartans
Head coach: Bryan DeMann
2019 record: 5-8-3 (fifth in Region 6 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
6. Hillcrest Huskies
Head coach: Brett Davis (13th year)
2019 record: 8-5-3 (second in Region 2 with a 5-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Mason Anger, M, Sr.
- Josy Garcia Molina, F, Sr.
- Nate Burri, D, Sr.
- Ashton Smart, M, Sr.
Coach comment: “A solid group of senior starters with some quality underclassmen should provide a deep playoff run for the Huskies.”
7. Highland Rams
Head coach: Kelly Crestani
2019 record: 0-14-1 (sixth in Region 6 with a 0-9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
8. Cottonwood Colts
Head coach: Dominic Millitello (4th year)
2019 record: 0-15-0 (sixth in Region 7 with a 0-10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Rylee Penny, Sr.
- Marshall Granzin, Jr.
- Cesar Aguillar, Jr.
- Hyrum Hanks, So.
Coach comment: “This year’s team is extremely young and we are not very big in size. I do know we will compete and I like our new region. We open the preseason against two quality teams (in Jordan and West Jordan) that should give us a pretty good indication of what we can expect for the season. We need to stay healthy, we need to find a goal scorer (or two) and we need to defend ... like all teams.”
Region 7
1. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Mackenzie Hyer (2nd year)
2019 record: 12-4-1 (second in Region 7 with a 8-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Box Elder in 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Ethan Hancock, D, Sr.
- Coy Sollis, D, Sr.
2. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Cade Jolley
2019 record: 12-5-0 (first in Region 10 with a 10-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A semifinals
Additional info not provided
3. Orem Tigers
Head coach: Dayvin Palmer
2019 record: 12-5-1 (second in Region 10 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain Crest in 4A first round
Additional info not provided
4. Timpview T-Birds
Head coach: Matthew Wheatley (3rd year)
2019 record: 7-9-1 (fifth in Region 7 with a 4-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Ammon Oyler, M, Jr.
- Abraham Martinez, F, Sr.
- Richard Diez, M, Sr.
- John Sandberg, D, Jr.
Coach comment: “We will be a young team this year. Most of our key contributors will be sophomores and juniors. We feel like we can compete with anyone in any game and look forward to being a difficult opponent to face. We are hoping to continue to build the program and start to carry over success each year.”
5. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Tim Graham (2nd year)
2019 record: 6-10-1 (fifth in Region 10 with a 5-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Returning contributors:
- Royce Colton, M, Sr.
- Lincoln Watson, F, Sr.
- Brayden Tarr, F, Sr.
- Rhett Anderson, GK, Jr.
6. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Eric Arthur (1st year)
2019 record: New school
Coach comment: “We are very excited to begin our very first varsity year for boys soccer at our school. We are optimistic but know that we will have to work very hard to do well in the region. Many of the other teams have been established for many years. We have a lot of new talent this year on our team which will help give us some depth on the bench. It will be fun to see how they work together.”
7. Timpanogos Timberwolves
Head coach: Ben Dietrich
2019 record: 0-14-1 (sixth in Region 8 with a 0-9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
Region 8
1. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Jared Hendry
2019 record: 14-2-2 (first in Region 8 with a 8-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Greyson Mercer, M, Sr.
- Edgar Garcia, M, Jr.
- Ryan Hanley, M, Jr.
- Elder Ruiz, GK, Jr.
- Jack Jarrett, F, Jr.
Coach comment: “5A is going to be competitive once again. There are some great teams in all of the regions. I don’t know if there is a favorite this year and there could be a team rise up and take the title. It will be a great year for boys soccer.”
2. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Larry Cullun
2019 record: 8-6-1 (third in Region 8 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to West in 5A first round
Additional info not provided
3. Salem Hills Skyhawks
Head coach: Jerry Johnson (2nd year)
2019 record: 11-5-2 (third in Region 10 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Logan in 4A first round
Returning contributors:
- Brandt Wilcox, M, Sr.
- Eli Johnson, M, Jr.
- Justin Christensen, GK, Sr.
- Ryan Stevens, F, Jr.
- Brayden Thurgood, F, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a strong group of returning players who will combine nicely with some impressive rising talent. So many of our boys can impact games. Perhaps our best strength lies in our work rate and what we are willing to do for each other. These boys have an uncommon belief in their ability to play at a high level every time they take the pitch. It’s fun to watch them. We look forward to moving to the 5A ranks, in a solid soccer region where we can prove ourselves week after week. This program is on the rise. It should be another great year to follow Skyhawk soccer.”
4. Park City Miners
Head coach: Matthew Gilmour
2019 record: 9-7-1 (first in Region 11 with a 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain Crest in 4A quarterfinals
Additional info not provided
5. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Cesar Cardosa
2019 record: 7-5-4 (fourth in Region 8 with a 4-4-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Alex Mills
- Juan Vazquez
- Daniel Sanchez
6. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Shane Ferrin (11th year)
2019 record: 11-6-0 (fourth in Region 10 with a 7-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A first round
Returning contributors:
- Enoch Pendleton, F, Jr.
- Ethan Binks, M, Jr.
- Jamison Barrett, GK, Jr.
- Cesar Fuentas, M, Sr.
- Jorge Aguero, D, Sr.
Coach comment: “Never before in the history of soccer at Spanish Fork has there been a team more prepared to go the full distance than this team now. Talent, unity and unbridled passion for competition gives me the strong suspicion that the Dons may be visiting Rio Tinto in May.”
7. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Mike Schulzke
2019 record: 4-11-1 (fifth in Region 8 with a 3-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided
8. Payson Lions
Head coach: Luke Brandley
2019 record: 3-13-0 (seventh in Region 10 with a 0-12-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs
Additional info not provided