3A North looks slightly different from last year, as many regions do with the new UHSAA region realignments. Juan Diego moved up to 4A while Logan took the Soaring Eagles’ spot.
It shouldn’t come by any surprise that the Morgan Trojans once again stand as 3A North preseason favorites. Not only were the Trojans voted to finish first in region, but they are also the favorite to take the 3A title just as they did in 2022 and 2024.
Morgan is coming off an undefeated 13-0 season in which it had a premier defense that held opponents to an average of less than seven points a game.
However, the biggest obstacle in the Trojans’ way on the path to a second consecutive title is the amount of production it graduated last year. They return only seven starters: four offensive and three defensive.
“We lost a lot of good production and some starters, but with the schedule we had last year, we were able to get a lot of guys in a lot of varsity games,” said Morgan head coach Jared Barlow. “While they may not have started, there were still a lot of guys that got some good quality time and some varsity games. I think they’ll be okay as far as understanding what it takes to win a varsity game.”
Luckily for the Trojans, two of its returning starters were named to the 3A all-state first team last year in offensive lineman Ledger Keele and defensive back Jake Hansen. Last year as a junior, Hansen pulled in four interceptions and 50 tackles.
Morgan has a gauntlet of a preseason schedule with games scheduled against Ridgeline, Sky View, Park City, Bountiful and Provo.
Barlow heads into his sixth year as the Trojans’ head coach and he trusts his youth development to maintain their five-year region title streak.
But Grantsville will keep fighting to take Morgan’s spot at the top of the region. The Cowboys are also fresh off a successful season in which new head coach David Millward led his team to a 9-3 record and a 3A semifinal appearance.
Grantsville is projected to once again finish second in 3A North. Last season it finished with an in-region record of 4-1.
What Morgan is missing in starter retention, Grantsville has in spades as it returns 18 starters from its semifinal team last year.
“We are optimistic about this coming year,” Millward said. “We have several key contributors from last year returning, as well as several newcomers that will help our team. We have been working hard and hope to see that effort translate into success on the field.”
Among its returning starters is junior quarterback Dallan Van Vliet. Van Vliet started for the Cowboys as a sophomore last season where he threw for 2,137 yards and 21 touchdowns, but did so with a 47% completion rate and 10 interceptions.
But, with two years of varsity experience now under Van Vliet’s belt, Grantsville has more to be excited about.
The Cowboys also return wide receiver Jordan Fawson and Jaxxon Jensen, who were both named to the 3A all-state second team last season.
Fawson and Jensen were the top receivers for Grantsville last year with Fawson pulling in eight touchdowns and Jensen seven. Fawson also was productive defensive with 47 tackles and five interceptions.
Grantsville has a lot to be excited about with its returning experience and talent.
Finishing third in the preseason coaches’ poll is newcomer Logan. The Grizzlies struggled heavily last season with a winless 0-6 record in region 11 and a 2-8 overall record.
Logan did not qualify for the 4A post season and finished 26th in both points scored per game and points allowed per game in 4A.
The Grizzlies are focused on finding its footing with its transition down to 3A and its new coaching staff, which is now in its second year. Logan is still on the hunt for its first region title since 2015.
“It has been such a positive transformation from year one to now year two with our staff here, and now we have to teach the kids to learn how to win,” said second year Logan head coach Nate Butts. “As long as our program and community can stay committed to our process of growing through our three core values of Pride, Character, and Work-Ethic, success will come.”
Logan will lean on junior quarterback Easton Favero. Favero threw for 1,916 yards on a 61% completion percentage, scoring 14 touchdowns but giving up 17 interceptions.
“We return a lot at the skill positions and have to reload in the trenches,” said Butts. “Our quarterback Easton Favero is one of our leaders that we rely on who will continue to get better with a year under his belt already.”
For the fifth consecutive year, Ogden falls to No. 4 in the 3A North preseason preview. The Tigers have hired someone new to steer the ship with Terry Larsen taking over as head coach. Larson previously served as an assistant coach at Ogden for the past eight years.
Larsen is optimistic about instilling a winning culture at Ogden, as it has not won a region title since 1981.
“This year’s team is full of energy and determination, with a great group of players committed to putting in the work this summer to elevate their skills,” Larsen said. “The emphasis on off-season training has been a key focus, with every player showing a strong dedication to becoming better both individually and as a team. The boys have developed a tight-knit family atmosphere, where hard work and accountability are at the forefront. With their commitment and drive, there’s a real sense of optimism about what we can accomplish this season. We believe this team has the potential to surprise some people and put together a strong year.”
Despite its middle-of-the-road 2-3 in-region finish, Ogden saw good offensive production last year with a 28.2 points per game average. It was also the first time since 2020 that Ogden finished with a record above .500, as it finished 7-4.
The Tigers are in a decent spot to retain some of that success as seven starters return this season.
Before the 2024 season there was optimism with the Union football program. It had just come off a 2-9 season record and a 0-5 in-region record but was voted to finish third in-region last season.
Despite the hopes at improvement, Union once again finished with a 2-9 overall record and finished fifth in-region with a 1-4 record.
Now Union looks forward under another new coaching staff, spearheaded by previous Wasatch defensive coordinator Jordan Gurr.
Gurr cited that there is excitement at Union and the upperclassmen are already helping set a winning culture.
“There is a positive buzz in the program right now,” Gurr said. “We have a solid group of senior and junior leadership coming out that is setting the tone in the weightroom.
“We have a decent amount of returning experience on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line, but have some newcomers that are hungry to help the program in any way they can. If we can gel quickly as a team, I think this group will be an exciting team to watch this season.”
Ben Lomond finishes last and this year’s 3A North coaches preseason ranking. The Scots severely struggled last year with a winless 0-10 record. Though, many of its struggles came because of its large 2023 senior class and lack of experience.
This year, the Scots also welcome a new head coach in Ty Smith. Smith was previously the head coach at Saint Martin high school in Mississippi.
Smith has his work cut out for him as there is also a lack of continuity for Ben Lomond heading into the 2025 season. The Scots return only two offensive starters and four defensive starters.
“With a new staff in place for 2025 there has already been a culture shift with good discipline, standards, and a new sense of energy around the field,” Smith said. “Expect to see much more accountability and very focused football program this year.”
3A North projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Morgan Trojans
Head coach: Jared Barlow
Entering his sixth season as head coach at Morgan after posting an 51-11 record his first five seasons, including state title in 2022 and 2024. He previously served as an assistant coach at Morgan for 15 years. He’s a graduate of Morgan High School and Weber State.
Coach Jared Barlow’s general outlook
Morgan is looking forward to another season of football. We live in a great community and we love the opportunity to compete and represent them. We graduated a great senior class and are looking forward to see what this group of players will be able to do, and what legacy they will leave. With a good mix of returning starters and JV players, the outlook as been positive so far. Having a couple changes to our classification because of realignment has brought some excitement with the unknown. The programs added have brought quality teams with great coaches. We are blessed to part of this game we all love and look forward to giving it our best.
Offensive coordinator: Matt Larsen
2024 offense: 46.62 ppg (No. 1 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ledger Keele, Sr., OL
- Ryker Hales, Sr., OL
- Maks Sargent, Sr., OL
- Jack Hurd, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Cade Randall, Sr., QB
- Eli Mortensen, So, WR/DB
- George Thurston, So, WR
- Gabe Whiting, Sr., OL
- Krew Asay, Jr., WR
- Brody Petersen, Sr., RB
- Kanyon Leonelli, Sr., RB
- Owen Belliston, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Nate Larsen
2024 defense: 6.38 ppg (No. 1 in 3A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Miles Sydenham, Jr., DL
- Jake Hansen, Sr., DB
- Luke Bauerle, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Tagg Rich, Sr., DL
- Noah Birkland Sr., LB
- Chase Allen, Sr., LB
- Cade Spens, Jr., LB
- Jace Nye, Sr., LB
- William Pace, So, LB
- Cael Edgington, Jr., LB
- Jake Halls, Sr., DB
- Bo Dickman, Sr., DB
2. Grantsville Cowboys
Head coach: David Millward
A long-time Grantsville assistant coach, he took over as head coach for his alma mater in 2024 and led the program to a 9-3 record. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach David Millward’s general outlook
We are optimistic about this coming year. We have several key contributors from last year returning, as well as several newcomers that will help our team. We have been working hard and hope to see that effort translate into success on the field.
Offensive coordinator: David Millward
2024 offense: 28.33 ppg (No. 4 in 3A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Hunter Critchlow, Sr., OL
- Jordan Fawson, Sr., WR
- Jaxxon Jensen, Sr., WR
- Treyton Kinsman, Sr., OL
- Teagan Dalton, Jr., OL
- Wyatt Lee, Jr., OL
- Rigdon Murdock, Sr., RB
- Dallan VanVliet, Jr., QB
Key offensive newcomers
- Porter Collings, Sr., TE
- Kolter Dong, Sr., WR
- Carter Bell, Jr., RB
- Kynsley Crichton, Jr., OL
- Dawson Dunlevy, Jr., WR
- Ty Holm, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Alan Mouritsen
2024 defense: 21.25 ppg (No. 5 in 3A)
- 10 returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jake Bodell, Sr., DB
- Aiden Brown, Sr., DL
- Jake Chidester, Sr., DL
- Traicer Clark, Sr., DL
- Porter Davis, Sr., DL
- Jordan Fawson, Sr., DB
- Easton Hammond, Sr., LB
- Owen Sweet, Sr., LB
- Jaymesen Held, Jr., DL
- Colt Thomas, Jr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Kason Douglas, Sr., LB
- Broc Hodgson, Sr., DB
- Wally Mouritsen, Sr., DB
- Boston Oldewage, Sr., DB
- Beckham Oldewage, Sr., DB
- Jake Rounds, Jr., LB
- Brigham Mouritsen, So., DB
- Greason Warren, So., DB
3. Logan Grizzlies
Head coach: Nate Butts
Took over as head coach last season and led the Grizzlies to a 2-8 record. He spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach in Texas. He previously was an assistant coach at Ridgeline in 2020. He’s a graduate of Bluffton High School in South Carolina and Utah State.
Coach Nate Butts’s general outlook
We return a lot at the skill positions and have to reload in the trenches. Our quarterback Easton Favero is one of our leaders that we rely on who will continue to get better with a year under his belt already. It has been such a positive transformation from year one to now year two with our staff here, and now we have to teach the kids to learn how to win. As long as our program and community can stay committed to our process of growing through our three core values of pride, character, and work ethic, success will come.
Offensive coordinator: Nate Butts
2024 offense: 14.1 ppg (No. 26 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Easton Favero, Jr., QB
- Jase Pingree, Jr., WR
- Treyson Covington, Jr., WR
- Mason Birch, Jr., RB
- Kedin Avila, Jr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Max Fenstermaker, Sr., OL
- Junior Velasquez, Sr., OL
- Anthony Holmes, Jr., OL
- Kian Naylor, Sr., WR
- Grayden Olsen, Jr., TE
- Quinn Pingree, So., RB/WR
Defensive coordinator: Justin Hugie
2024 defense: 38.9 ppg (No. 26 in 4A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Raiden Nielson, Sr., LB
- Kayden Nhean, Sr., DB
- Kolt Redd, Jr., DB
- Treyson Covington, Jr., DB
- William Tolman, Jr., LB
- Grayden Olsen, Jr., DE
Key defensive newcomers
- Clayton Wilkey, Sr., DB
- Zeke Taylor, Sr., DE
- RyLee Hoth, Jr., DE
- Conner Chesley, Jr., DL
- Anthony Holmes, Jr., DL
- Mason Redd, So., DB
4. Ogden Tigers
Head coach: Terry Larsen
After serving as an assistant coach at Ogden for the past eight seasons, he’s taking over as head coach for the Tigers this season. Larsen is a graduate of Box Elder High School and Weber State.
Coach Terry Larsen’s general outlook
This year’s team is full of energy and determination, with a great group of players committed to putting in the work this summer to elevate their skills. The emphasis on off-season training has been a key focus, with every player showing a strong dedication to becoming better both individually and as a team. The boys have developed a tight-knit family atmosphere, where hard work and accountability are at the forefront. With their commitment and drive, there’s a real sense of optimism about what we can accomplish this season. We believe this team has the potential to surprise some people and put together a strong year.
Offensive coordinator: Brogan Poll
2024 offense: 28.18 ppg (No. 5 in 3A)
- Seven returning starters
- Spread Wing-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Wyatt Wilkinson, Sr., C
- Ryan Kirkland, Jr., OT
- Keen Crowther, Sr., RB
- Max Wilson, Sr., FB/TE
- Jack Thompson, Jr., WR
- Nash Bockwoldt, Jr., TE
- Blake Weston, Jr., QB
Key offensive newcomers
- Manny Moreno, Sr., OG/OT
- Adrian Campbell, Sr., OT
- Alex Loveridge, Sr., OG/C
- Anderson Curry, Jr., RB
- Jackson Turner, Sr., WR
- Gavin Shreve, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Terry Larsen
2024 defense: 20 ppg (No. 3 in 3A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Ryan Kirkland, Jr., DE
- Harrison Hoskins, Sr., S
- Max Wilson, Sr., ILB
- Jayden Long, Sr., S
- Keen Crowther, Sr., ILB
Key defensive newcomers
Anderson Curry, Jr., OLB
Max Spendlove, Sr., OLB
Jackson Turner, Sr., CB
Nash Bockwoldt, Jr., DE
Dini Abdullahi, Sr., NG
Manny Moreno, Sr., DE
Gavin Shreve, Sr., S
Jack Thompson, Jr., CB/S
5. Union Cougars
Head coach: Jordan Gurr
The defensive coordinator at Wasatch last season, he’s taking over as head coach at Union in 2025. He’s a graduate of Union High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Jordan Gurr’s general outlook
There is a positive buzz in the program right now. We have a solid group of senior and junior leadership coming out that is setting the tone in the weightroom. We have a decent amount of returning experience on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line, but have some newcomers that are hungry to help the program in any way they can. If we can gel quickly as a team, I think this group will be a exciting team to watch this season.
Offensive coordinator: Jordan Gurr
2024 offense: 18.09 ppg (No. 9 in 3A)
- Nine returning starters
- Flexbone Triple Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gannon Labrum, Sr., QB/RB
- Dylan Watahomigie, Jr., QB/RB
- JD Mojado, Sr., RB/WR
- Ledger Mortensen, Sr., OL
- Hunter Zaccardi, Sr., OL
- Boston Horrocks, Sr., OL
- Seth Blunt, Sr., OL
- Kash Daniels, Jr., OL
- Brayden Fausett, Jr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Cruz Labrum, Jr., RB/WR
- Brady Whiting, Jr., RB/WR
- Rhyker Oakden, Sr., WR/RB
- Landon Sims, Jr., OL
- Ben Diaz, Jr., OL
- Daxten Barney, Sr., WR
- Gavin Roberts, Sr., RB
- Mason George, Sr., OL
- Tyce Miller, Sr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Marcel Bourque
2024 defense: 36.09 ppg (No. 10 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Cruz Labrum, Jr., DB
- Jackson Grim, Jr., DB
- Degan Harmston, Jr., LB
- Caden Olson, Jr., DB
- JD Mojado, Sr., DL/LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Gannon Labrum, Sr., LB/DB
- Rhyker Oakden, Sr., DL/LB
- Gavin Roberts, Sr., LB
- Brady Whiting, Jr., DL/LB
- Cruz Cesspooch, Sr., DB
- Brayden Fausett, Jr., DB
- Landon Sims, Jr., DL
- Seth Blunt, Sr., DL
6. Ben Lomond Scots
Head coach: Ty Smith
Heading into his first season as Ben Lomond’s coach, Smith was the head coach at St. Martin High School in Ocean Springs, Miss. the past three seasons. Earlier in his career he coached with Les Hamilton at Alta High School. He’s a graduated of Adams County Christian High School in Miss. and Southern Mississippi University.
Coach Ty Smith’s general outlook
With a new staff in place for 2025 there has already been a culture shift with good discipline, standards, and a new sense of energy around the field.
Expect to see much more accountability and very focused football program this year.
With player development being the forefront of the blueprint moving forward, we expect to see some new faces making plays on both sides of the ball.
Within the program itself the scheme on both offense and defense will get a shake up with new faces all over the field.
Offensive coordinator: Ty Smith
2024 offense: 3.5 ppg (No. 12 in 3A)
- Two returning starters
- Spread-Multiple offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gavin Rivera, Sr., WR
- Gabriel Garcia, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Tristen Jessop, Sr., QB
- Dashawn Gordon, Jr., RB
- Tykston Yates, Jr., WR
- Parker Vanbeekum, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Rashad Kennedy
2024 defense: 45.4 ppg (No. 12 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Gavin Rivera, Sr., DB
- Gabriel Garcia, Sr., DL
- Kale Ha’o, Jr., DL
- Dashawn Gordon, Jr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Adin Byrne, Sr., DB
- Tykston Yates, Jr., LB
- Damian Esquivel, Jr., DB
- Nephi Blankinship, Jr., LB