Nine months have passed since Bountiful’s thrilling march to the 5A state championship, a triumph that ended a 21-year title drought.
The championship put Bountiful football back on the map, and the big question heading into 2025 is does it have what it takes to stay on top? It’s something coach Jason Freckleton is excited to find out.
“After a great season, our team looks to build on the success of the past and create their story. With only a handful of returning starters, we will be depending on new and young players to step into big roles, however the returning starters we do have are strong foundation pieces that we will be able to build around,” Freckleton said.
Before Bountiful can even think about playoff football, the first order of business will be trying to win the revamped Region 6 — arguably the most competitive region in 5A.
Brighton, Olympus and Alta remain in Region 6 from last year, with Bountiful, Viewmont and Woods Cross joining them. All six teams won a 5A playoff game, with Bountiful, Brighton, Olympus and Viewmont all advancing to the quarterfinals.
“This region will be tough. With every team winning a playoff game last season, every week will be a battle. The team that can adjust week to week, stay healthy, and win this region will go into the playoffs with a lot of confidence. Each team will believe they can win the region and you can expect some great battles,” Freckleton said.
Brighton will head into the season as the team to beat.
The Bengals received every first-place vote in the coach’s preseason rankings but their own, as they look to build on the success from last year’s 5A semifinal run — that ended against Bountiful.
Brighton returns nine offensive starters from last year’s squad and five defensive starters. As much as anything, last year’s group showed tremendous resilience in overcoming notable injuries en route to the semifinals, something coach Casey Sutera believes is a huge x-factor heading into the season.
“There’s a confidence in this team that we believe we can achieve something very special,” Sutera said. “What made that team so special and so fun to coach was they just took everything in stride. We found success, we just had to find a different way to do it, relying on our running game and the defense. And they didn’t blink at all. Moving forward it will help us.”
Brighton ranked first in 5A in scoring defense a year ago only allowing 10.2 points per game (ppg). The offense ranked middle of the pack in 5A averaging 25.9 ppg, and that’s the area that needs the biggest improvement for the Bengals.
Olympus edged out Bountiful for the preseason No. 2 spot in Region 6 led by a great defense as well. The Titans ranked second in 5A a year ago allowing 15.9 ppg.
“The energy and excitement for another season is high. We have a good nucleus of veteran players and a good group of newcomers. We have team speed and some size that will help us. These players enjoy each other and love to play football,” Olympus coach Brandon Burt said.
The Titans will be out for redemption against Brighton in 2025 after squandering a 14-point fourth quarter lead in last year’s 17-14 loss in the 5A quarterfinals.
Olympus returns six offensive starters from that squad, and four defensive starters.
While both Brighton and Olympus head into the season with plenty of offensive experience, Bountiful faces much more uncertainty. Running back Siaki Fekitoa and offensive lineman Isaiah Amisone are the lone offensive starters returning from a team that ranked third in 5A averaging 35.3 ppg.
Fekitoa was one of the catalysts to that success as he rushed for over 1,900 yards and was voted first team all-state. With question marks everywhere else offensively, the senior will need to take on an even larger role to start the season. Bountiful’s two returning offensive starters is by far the fewest in Region 6.
No. 4 Woods Cross returns nine offensive starters, No. 5 Alta returns eight offensive starters and No. 6 Viewmont returns six offensive starters. The projected bottom three teams in Region 6 also have more defensive experience returning this season than defending state champion Bountiful.
That wide range of experience lends itself to exciting uncertainty heading into the season. It seems inevitable that a quality team will finish in sixth place.
“This is hands down the toughest 5A region in the state, and we’re excited for the challenge. When five teams from last year’s RPI finished in the top 11 and four of those earned first-round byes and hosted playoff games you know you’re in a special league. I love it,” Viewmont coach Andru Jones said. “We’re lucky to be part of a region filled with great programs, outstanding coaches, and talented players. It’s truly an honor to compete at this level, and it makes Fridays something to look forward to.”
Region 6 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Casey Sutera
In three seasons as head coach at Brighton his team’s have posted a 28-8 record, including a 5A semifinal appearance in 2024. He previously was the Defensive coordinator at Corner Canyon. He’s a graduate of Murray High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Casey Sutera’s general outlook
We took a big step forward last year making it to the semifinals and we know the expectation has gone up for our program. Last year our team did a great job with the process and that led to season we had. This team has continued with that same approach and I am very proud of our efforts in our offseason program. We have a very tough preseason schedule that will test us and we will learn about our team in the first five weeks going in to region play. As a team we have stressed what are the little things that we can do better so we can surpass what we achieved last year.
Offensive coordinator: Cayden Mietchen
Offensive coordinator: 25.85 ppg (No. 15 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- Spread/multiple offense
Returning offensive starters
- Bryce Palepoi, Jr., QB
- Marshall Huber, Sr., OL
- Barrett Herrscher, Sr., OL
- Noah Matheson, Sr., OL
- Slade Taylor, Sr., WR/TE
- Shiloh Collins, Jr., OL
- Staton Gutierrez, Sr., RB
- Easton Gustafson, Jr., WR
- Lincoln Terry, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Mason Lynton, Sr., WR
- Zion Hunkin, Jr., OL
- Loklan Cruz, Sr., OL
- Jayce Evans, Sr., WR
- Judah Valle, So, RB
Defensive coordinator: Frankie Sutera
2024 defense: 10.23 ppg (No. 1 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters:
- Jaxon Nettleton, Sr., DE
- Will Little, Sr., LB/SS
- Dax Matheson, Jr., DB
- Jackson Thomson, Sr., DB
- Samuel Tauvao, So., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Cole Heemeyer, Sr., LB
- Kaleb Kagabo, Sr., DE
- Sofele Hansen, Sr., DB
- Trey Harper, Jr., DB
- Jaxon Fisher, Sr., DL
- Sebastian Ramirez, Sr., DL
- LIhai Tauteoli, Jr., DE
- Niko Hillas, Sr., DB
- Micah Mayfield, Sr., LB
- Graham Liddell, Jr., DL
2. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Brandon Burt
In two seasons as head coach for the Titans, he’s led the program to a 15-8 record and a share of the region title in 2024. He’s a graduate of Highland High and Weber State.
Coach Brandon Burt’s general outlook
The energy and excitement for another season is high. We have a good nucleus of veteran players and a good group of newcomers. We have team speed and some size that will help us. These players enjoy each other and love to play football. They love playing for Olympus.
Offensive coordinator: Spencer Young
Offensive coordinator: 31.27 ppg (No. 8 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Luke Campbell, Sr., WR
- Sam Ngata, Jr., WR
- Elias Johnson, Sr., OL
- Judson Meier, Sr., OL
- Luke Espersen, Sr., QB
- Hugh Matsumori, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Beckham Allred, Jr., RB
- Nate Heugly, Sr., RB
- Wes, Wright, Sr., WR
- Logan Petersen, Jr., OL
- Nate Davis, Jr., OL
- Will Farnsworth, Jr., WR
- Preston Ferran, Jr., QB
- Easton Zito, Jr., RB
- Jackson Jones, Sr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Brandon Burt
2024 defense: 15.91 ppg (No. 2 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Lincoln Ames, Sr., DE
- Hugh Matsumori, Sr., CB
- Adam Bywater, Sr., LB
- Sam Ngata, Jr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Tommy Olson, Sr., FS/SS
- Chase Taylor, Sr., FS/SS
- Matt McConkie, Sr., DE
- Leo Jacobson, Sr., DT
- Haloti Ngata, Jr., DT
- Mark Petersen, Sr., DE
- Gabe Wynn, Sr., CB
- Will Taylor, Sr., CB
- Sam Brown, Jr., SS
- Wyatt Fuhriman, Jr., LB
- David Flitton, Sr., LB
- Beckham Birdsley, Sr., LB
3. Bountiful Redhawks
Head coach: Jason Freckleton
In five seasons as Bountiful’s head coach he’s posted an impressive 57-17 record, including a state runner-up finish in 2023 and a state championship in 2024. He previously was an assistant at Bountiful for 10 years. He’s a graduate of Bountiful and Weber State University.
Coach Jason Freckleton’s general outlook
After a great season, our team looks to build on the success of the past and create their story. With only a handful of returning starters, we will be depending on new and young players to step into big roles, however the returning starters we do have are strong foundation pieces that we will be able to build around. Our strong linebacker core returns and we know we have one of the best RB’s in the state (Siaki Fekitoa). Replacing Emerson Geilman at the QB position will not be easy and we will have a 3-way competition to find our next starter (Hudson Malmrose, Madden Rieck, and Madden Parks). Bountiful Football is back on the map and it’ll be up to this group to keep things rolling, and work to get that repeat.
Offensive coordinator: Jason Freckleton
Offensive coordinator: 35.29 ppg (No. 3 in 5A)
- Two returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Siaki Fekitoa, Sr., RB
- Isaiah Amisone, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Lakepa Satuala, Jr., WR
- Max Feller, Jr., WR
- Brad Lloyd, Jr., OL
- Ty Nuku, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Russ Beck
2024 defense: 18.86 ppg (No. 4 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Aisake Willis, Sr., S
- Dawson Allsop, Sr., MLB
- Connor Mertz, Sr., MLB
- Zeke Murdock, Sr., OLB
Key defensive newcomers
- Max Manning, Sr., DL
- Manu Tia, Jr., DL
- Ami Vunipola, So., DL
- Sio Hosea, So., DL
4. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Brody Benson
Entering his fifth season at Woods Cross after an 20-25 record in the first four seasons. Previously, he had a successful 15-year run as coach at Highland, where his teams went 116-50 with a state title in 2010. He’s a graduate of Granger High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Brody Benson’s general outlook
We will be a competitive group with great leaders and very good experience. We have been working very hard to prepare for this season. We will be physical and disciplined in our execution. Head down, mouth shut and work.
Offensive coordinator: Brody Benson
Offensive coordinator: 28.67 ppg (No. 11 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- Triple Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jesse Simmons, QB, Sr.
- Braken Borders, C, Sr.
- Viliami Tapa’atoutai, FB, Sr.
- Kerry Brown, LG, Jr.
- Brody Rogers, RG, Jr.
- Shaydon Gerrett, RB, Sr.
- Ryan Miller, RB, Jr.
- Eli Bodell, WR, Sr.
- Marcus Stepan, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Teiyon Halbasch, RB, Jr.
- Mason Allred, RB, Sr.
- Brodrick Lee, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Chris Haning
2024 defense: 24.5 ppg (No. 11 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Viliami Tapa’atoutai, DE, Sr.
- Brayden Haas, MLB, Sr.
- Hayden Thorne, OLB, Sr.
- Shaydon Gerratt, SS, Sr.
- Ryan Miller, OLB, Jr.
- Marcus Stepan, FS, Sr.
- Brody Rogers, DT, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Napa’a Tuiakaiapimahu, DE, Jr.
- Teiyon Halbasch, CB, Jr.
- Wyatt Hunter, SS, Jr.
- Sam Bahr, OLB, Jr.
- Mason Allred, CB, Sr.
5. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Blake Burdette
Entering his second year as head coach at Alta after last year’s debut 5-7 season. He’s a graduate of Olympus High School and the university of Utah.
Coach Blake Burdette’s general outlook
The boys have worked hard this offseason to prove that we belong in the discussion. After a year together they know what to expect from the coaches. We were young last year and so the experience and growth that we had was invaluable. We are confident that we should be able to compete in every game this year.
Offensive coordinator: Marshall Hendrickson
Offensive coordinator: 26 ppg (No. 14 in 5A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Tucker Brown, QB, Sr.
- Evan Morton, WR, Sr.
- Ber Strong, WR, Sr.
- Trevyn Fabrizio, WR, Sr.
- Sterling Toelupe, C, Sr.
- Kingston Nusi, G, Sr.
- Justin Hopkins, T, Jr.
- Colter Fullwood, G, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Nito Fonua, RB, Jr.
- Steven Tuha, WR, Jr.
- Evan Eyink, TE, Jr.
- Logan Schuck, T, Sr.
- Bridger Matthews, G, Sr.
- Ryland Clayton, WR, Jr.
- Kenny Rowe, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Joe Tuha
2024 defense: 25.42 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Ryker Ellis, CB, Sr.
- Caysen Torre, S, Sr.
- Bear Turner, N, Sr.
- Bennett Coester, LB, Sr.
- Timmy Snell, T, Sr.
- Cole Albrecht, Edge, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Liam Rowley, Edge, Sr.
- David Thomason, NG, Jr.
- Lucas Pagel, CB, Jr.
- Mason Albrecht, LB, So
- Mason Clark, LB, Jr.
6. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Andru Jones
Heading into his fourth season as head coach at Viewmont after previous stints at Tooele (2019-2021) and Layton Christian (2016-2018). He’s posted a 16-17 record in his first three years at Viewmont, and his career record in nine years is 45-51. He’s a graduate of Northridge High School and Grand Canyon University.
Coach Andru Jones’s general outlook
We’re excited about the 2025 season and the opportunities ahead. We return some key pieces from last year’s squad and are energized by the new region we’re stepping into. Competing against such strong programs has already had a positive impact on our team last year we had about 100 players, and this year we’ve grown to around 125. That growth speaks to the excitement and momentum we’re building. Coming off an 8-4 season the best we’ve had in a while our kids are hungry to take the next step and embrace the challenges of this new region. We feel blessed to play against great teams and are ready to compete with purpose and pride.
Offensive coordinator: Joe Jessop/Eric Williams
Offensive coordinator: 34.58 ppg (No. 5 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Benji Tolman, Sr., RB
- Mack Youngberg, Sr., OL
- Slater Hobson, Jr., OL
- Ammon Eriksson, Sr., OL
- Lewis, Wright, Jr., OL
- Jayson Dunroe, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Jack Savage, Sr., QB
- Brady Clegg, Jr., WR/RB
- Parker Rose, Sr., WR
- Jackson Nuttall, Sr., RB
- Miles Frey, Jr., RB
- Jace Moore, Jr., OL
- Griffin Larsen, Jr., OL
- Bronson Tingey, Jr., OL
- Austin Cannon, Jr., WR
- Cooper Willoughby, Sr., TE
- Josh Lewis, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Logan Edmunds
2024 defense: 23.25 ppg (No. 10 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters:
- Owen Seeley, Jr., LB
- Brian Taukiuvea, Jr., DL
- Cooper Willoughby, Sr., DL
- Ryder Taukiuvea, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Kole Ingram, Sr., DB
- Cash Nuttall, Sr., DB
- Jackson Nuttall, Sr., DB
- Cash Hawkins, So., DB
- Rayden David, Jr., LB
- Miles Frey, Jr., LB
- Brady Clegg, Jr., DB
- Ed Wright, So., LB
- Mack Youngberg, Sr., DL
- Slater Hobson, Jr., DL
- Ammon Eriksson, Sr., DL
- Lewis Wright, Jr., DL
- Griffin Larsen, Jr., DL
- Sione’ Kaleleiki, Sr., DL
- Jayson Dunroe, Sr., DB