Teams in Region 8 will be keeping a close eye on the Provo Bulldogs, who are predicted to win their third straight region title.
Provo returns several key starters, eight on offense and seven on defense. Among the returning offensive players include quarterback Gehrig Orchard and the wide receiving corps of Griffin DeMartini, Crew DeMartini and Ronnie Wright.
“We enter the 2025 season with high excitement and expectations. We return a core group of experienced players who have worked hard in the offseason to improve both physically and mentally,” said Provo head coach Kirk Chambers, who is heading into his sixth season as Bulldogs head coach.
For Chambers, the team’s success this year will ride on their ability to stick to the game plan every week and continue to do the things that have made the team successful in the past.
“Our focus this year is on controlling the things we can control and building on the culture we’ve established these past few years — one that values toughness, accountability, and unity,” added Chambers.
With region realignment and new teams now in the region, the region has only gotten tougher for the Bulldogs.
“We have a tough non-region schedule, but our team embraces that challenge and is determined to prove we belong among the best. With strong leadership from our seniors and a hungry group of underclassmen pushing to contribute, we’re excited to see what this group can accomplish together,” said Chambers.
The team most likely to challenge Provo is the Park City Miners.
“One of our regular season goals is to win our region each and every year. With us moving to a new region this year we definitely will have some increased competition each and every week. We will approach it the same as every year and take it one week at a time,” said Park City head coach Josh Montzingo.
After falling short of their goals last year and moving to a new region, Montzingo is excited to see how his team responds and adjusts to the challenges they will undoubtedly face as the season goes on.
“While we came up a little short last season in the playoffs we competed at a very high level. It also allowed us to learn some valuable lessons we will take into this season. We will keep our focus in the present and not look too far ahead,” said Montzingo.
“We will target the process of each practice and game, week by week, to ensure we are the best we can be. Our schedule will also allow us to compete against some of the best teams in the state at multiple levels.”
The players’ offseason preparation has really stood out to Montzingo and with many young players coming into the fold and chomping at the bit for playing time, he is really excited to see how the position battles turn out.
“We are looking really fast and athletic right now. We will need a few young guys to step into some big roles left by departed seniors. Some good position battles are going on for those spots now and I love how hard the boys compete each day,” Montzingo said.
After seeing their season come to end in disappointing fashion and being bounced in the first round of the playoffs last year, Timpanogos will be chomping at the bit to get their season started and improve from last year.
Timpanogos will be giving many newcomers the opportunity to help improve a team that finished the season 9-3 overall, and 5-1 in region, finishing just behind Provo in the standings.
“For the 2025 campaign we are looking to bounce back after our disappointing end to last season. We have a number of guys that are going to get their first shot at varsity football this year. After graduating a bulk of our production on both sides of the ball, we as a staff are excited to see what guys step up,” said Timpanogos head coach Austin Heaps.
Similar to Timpanogos, Salem Hills will be chasing Provo this year, looking to dethrone the defending region champs.
In order to do that, the team will be relying on several returning key pieces, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
“We feel like we have some returners coming back that we can expand on from last year. We return receivers Payton Higginson and Guss Johnson. We expect big things from Gordon Wilson and running back Treygan Fusselman. On the defensive side we’re excited to see Jake Polson at safety along with Ben Staehli at ‘backer,” said Salem Hills head coach Jeff Higginson.
If Uintah is going to win its first region title since 2001, the Utes will be relying on a majority of newcomers to the team, with just seven total starters returning from a year ago.
Uintah finished 8-4 last year. After getting blown out in the second round of the playoffs last year at the hands of Green Canyon, Uintah will have plenty of drive and motivation to put forth a better showing this year.
Bringing up the rear is Mountain View. After bowing out in the first round of the playoffs last year thanks to Uintah, Mountain View will be hoping to make it out of the cellar this season.
Mountain View head coach Uani Unga is considering the upcoming year a developmental year and one in which he wants to see growth from his players.
“Our main focus in 2025 is on growth — teaching, developing, and building chemistry. We’ve brought in a new coaching staff with a lot of experience and fresh energy, and they’ve done a great job laying a strong foundation for the future,” said Unga.
There will be many obstacles that Mountain View will have to overcome if they want to have what they consider a successful season, but Unga believes his team is up for the challenge.
“We know there will be challenges, but we’re not chasing perfection — we’re chasing progress. If we stay locked in on improving every week, I believe this group can compete and help set the tone for what’s coming in the years ahead,” he said.
Region 8 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Kirk Chambers
Is heading into his sixth season as head coach at Provo, after a 33-20 record the past five seasons. He previously was the head coach at Spanish Fork for three years from 2012-2014, where his teams posted a 23-14 record. He’s a graduate of Provo High School and Stanford University. He spent seven years in the NFL, playing for the Browns, Bills, Bengals and Falcons.
Coach Kirk Chambers’s general outlook
The Provo Bulldogs enter the 2025 season with high excitement and expectations. We return a core group of experienced players who have worked hard in the offseason to improve both physically and mentally. Our focus this year is on controlling the things we can control and building on the culture we’ve established these past few years — one that values toughness, accountability, and unity. We has a tough non-region schedule, but our team embraces that challenge and is determined to prove we belong among the best. With strong leadership from our seniors and a hungry group of underclassmen pushing to contribute, we’re excited to see what this group can accomplish together.
Offensive coordinator: Garrett Deucher
Offensive coordinator: 38.27 ppg (No. 3 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gehrig Orchard, Sr., QB
- Griffin DeMartini, Sr., WR
- Crew DeMartini, Sr., WR
- Ronnie Wright, Sr., WR
- Jesse Noa, So., OG
- Howie Kinikini, Spanish Fork last year, Sr., OG
- Mckay Marvel, Jr., OT
- Brenyn Benson, Jr., OT
Key offensive newcomers
- Malik Filimoe’atu, Sr., RB
- Teave Brown, Jr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Viliami Halasima
2024 defense: 25.64 ppg (No. 11 in 4A)
- Seven returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Griffin DeMartini, Sr., OLB
- Crew DeMartini, Sr., S
- Trey Asisi, Sr., LB
- Malik Filimoe’atu, Sr., LB
- Teave Brown, Jr., OLB
- Isaac Moeai, Sr., DL
- Jesse Noa, So., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Cole Schouman, Sr., CB
- Howie Kinikini, Sr., DL
2. Park City Miners
Head coach: Josh Montzingo
Now entering his 10th season at Park City where his teams have posted a 75-34 record the past nine years and a state runner-up finish in 2021. He’s a graduate of Edmonds Woodway High School in Washington and North Park University in Illinois.
Coach Josh Montzingo’s general outlook
We return a lot of talent and are excited to compete in a new loaded region. We will be challenged all season with some of the best teams in the state. Looking for some new young talented players to step up and fill some big roles this season.
Offensive coordinator: Josh Montzingo
Offensive coordinator: 36.17 ppg (No. 4 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Paul Pratchett, Sr., OL
- Eli Warner, Sr., WR
- Charlie Cusimano, Sr., WR
- Brogan Price, Jr., WR
- Deklin McCloskey, Jr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Cole Morgan, Sr., QB
- Josh Hofer, Jr., QB
- Jackson Richey, Sr., RB
- Noah Scherf, Jr., RB
- Owen Osorio, Jr., RB
- Asher Saltsman, Jr., WR
- Johnny Hemmesch, SO, TE
- Reid McCurdy, SO, TE
- Oliver Timpson, Jr., WR
- Joey Breza, Sr., WR
- Camilo Huerta, Jr., OL
- Brody Vleck, Sr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Mike Polinsky
2024 defense: 11.58 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Ben Souza, Sr., LB
- Alex Brannigan, Sr., LB
- Wyatt Knapp, Sr., LB
- Niko Morgan, Sr., DB
- Tommy Davis, Sr., DB
- Noah Joiner, Sr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Parker Jones, Sr., DB
- Luke Diamond, Sr., DB
- Ethan Cunningham, Jr., LB
- Jack Rayner, Sr., DL
3. Timpanogos Timberwolves
Head coach: Austin Heaps
Is entering his sixth season as head coach at Timpanogos High School after posting an 33-22 record the previous five years. He’s a graduate of Timpanogos and Utah Valley University.
Coach Austin Heaps’s general outlook
For the 2025 campaign we are looking to bounce back after our disappointing end to last season. We have a number of guys that are going to get their first shot at varsity football this year. After graduating a bulk of our production on both sides of the ball, we as a staff are excited (to see) what guys step up.
Offensive coordinator: Tyler Anderson
Offensive coordinator: 36.09 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Vini Afu, OL, Sr.
- Mone Afu, OL, Sr.
- Simote Afu, OL, So.
- Zack McCann, WR, So.
- Andrew Hillstead, QB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Kyle LaPray, Sr., WR
- Tyson Knapp, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Joseph Haymore
2024 defense: 29.55 ppg (No. 17 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Jessie King, DE, Sr.
- Marlee Iosefo, LB, Sr.
- Nate Fakahafua, LB, Sr.
- Noah Torgerson, CB, Sr.
- Jace Hunter, FS, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Stockton Sondrup, DE, Sr.
- Sam Stewart, CB, Sr.
4. Salem Hills SkyHawks
Head coach: Jeff Higginson
Is entering his sixth season as head coach at Salem Hills after guiding the program to a 26-28 record the past five years. He’s a graduate of Spanish Fork High School and UVU.
Coach Jeff Higginson’s general outlook
We fell like we have some returners coming back that we can expand on from last year. We return receivers Payton Higginson and Guss Johnson. We expect big things from Gordon Wilson and running back Treygan Fusselman. (We have) three returning offensive lineman. On the defensive side we’re excited to see Jake Polson at safety along with Ben Staehli at ‘backer.
Offensive coordinator: Scott Brumfield
Offensive coordinator: 29.82 ppg (No. 13 in 4A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Peyton Higginson
- Guss Johnson
- Treygan Fusselman
- Spencer Hopkins
- Jagger Archuletta
- Zyler Frey
Key offensive newcomers
- Gordon Wilson, WR
- Ryder Hales, QB
- Taige Bills, WR
- Koe Hughes, Slot
Defensive coordinator: Derek Campbell
2024 defense: 23.64 ppg (No. 8 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Peyton Higginson
- Ben Staehli
- Austin Hicks
- Jaxon Young
- Jake Polson
Key defensive newcomers
- Jake Poleon
- Ty McBride
- Steven Taylor
5. Uintah Utes
Head coach: Francisco Llanos
A graduate of Chamberlain High School in Florida and the University of Southern Miss, he led Uintah to an 8-4 record in his first season as head coach.
Offensive coordinator: Francisco Llanos
Offensive coordinator: 34.17 ppg (No. 6 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- Mutiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Grayden Batty, OL, Sr.
- Romeo Garcia, WR, Sr.
- Steve Kurisiga, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Landon Woods, QB, Jr.
- Kache Barney, RB, So.
- Dace Olsen, WR, So.
- Daniel Logan, TE, Sr.
- Braison Campbell, OL, Fr.
- Tia Turner, WR, Fr.
Defensive coordinator: Clint Sampson
2024 defense: 31.75 ppg (No. 19 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- Quarters defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Cooper Goodrich, LB, Sr.
- Daniel Logan, S, Sr.
- Braxton Foote, DE, Sr.
- Caden Young, DT, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Lukas Turner, DT, So.
- Xaiver Lino, DT, Jr.
- Cris Berson, CB, Sr.
6. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Uani Unga
The first-year Mountain View coach was an assistant coach on the team last season. He’s a graduate of Kahuku High School in Hawaii and BYU.
Coach Uani Unga’s general outlook
This season is a developmental year for us. We’ve got a young team overall, but we also have a solid core of veteran players who will be asked to play both sides of the ball. Their leadership and versatility are going to be key for us as we build throughout the year.
Our main focus in 2025 is on growth — teaching, developing, and building chemistry. We’ve brought in a new coaching staff with a lot of experience and fresh energy, and they’ve done a great job laying a strong foundation for the future.
We know there will be challenges, but we’re not chasing perfection — we’re chasing progress. If we stay locked in on improving every week, I believe this group can compete and help set the tone for what’s coming in the years ahead.
Offensive coordinator: Metuisela ‘Unga
Offensive coordinator: 22.36 ppg (No. 19 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Hyrum Stafford, Jr., TE
- Briggy Moses, Jr., WR
- Sawyer Harris, Sr., OG
- Mac Earnest, Sr., OT
Key offensive newcomers
- Tate Johnson, Jr., QB
- Koa Giles, Jr., Slot
Defensive coordinator: Filipe Sitake
2024 defense: 27 ppg (No. 14 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Carter Vance, Jr., OLB
- Carter Peterson, Jr., CB
- Briggy Moses, Jr., FS
Key defensive newcomers
- Jude Harris, Jr., DE