Led by standout receiver Salesi Moa and returning starting quarterback Manase Tuatagaloa, Fremont will be looking to win consecutive region championships — and preseason predictions say they have a good chance of doing just that.
“We feel confident going into the season. We have some good leadership and veterans with the right amount of underclassmen stepping up into certain roles. We have some talent that we are excited for the state to see,” said Fremont head coach Nate Tuatagaloa.
After leading Fremont to their first region title in eight years in his first season as head coach, Tuatagaloa will be leaning on a number of returning players to help push the team forward and take the next step.
“We need to ensure that we stay healthy and keep creating development with our younger players to have that depth to make a run for State,” added Tuatagaloa.
After losing to Lone Peak in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs last year, Fremont has put other teams on notice and expectations are higher than they have ever been.
“We are focused on executing. We don’t play to the scoreboard but rather to our standard. Last year we were a surprise to where this year we have a target on our back,” said Tuatagaloa.“That’s OK because that also means we are leading the pack. We want to focus on our game plan every game and execute it. This is how we will be grading our games rather than the scoreboard.”
Tuatagaloa expects to lean heavily on a number of returning players to carry the load both on offense and defense.
“We plan on leaning on everyone to execute. We have Salesi Moa, who we feel is the best all-around football player in the state, leading us,” said Tuatagaloa. “We also have Manase Tuatagaloa who will build off his success from last season as our QB. Slade Parker is coming back and bringing that IQ and athleticism of his. We have a lot of players that we feel the State will know.”
Looking to really make a push in the region and challenge Fremont is Northridge.
Northridge will be motivated and looking to rebound after bowing out early in the playoffs last year.
Leading Norhtidge on the sidelines will be head coach Andrew Fresques, entering his sixth season at the helm.
If Northridge is going to win their first region title since 2003, Fresques knows he’s going to need to have players step up who are not only talented, but can help carry the team and push the program forward.
“Football is the ultimate team sport, but leadership comes from specific individuals who elevate those around them. Players like Dontae Dyson, Andrew Ortiz, Rylen Rude, and Makai So’o aren’t just talented athletes - they’re program builders,” said Fresques.
The amount of success Northridge has this season will heavily depend on their ability to be disciplined and limit the mistakes, while also taking advantage of every opportunity they are provided with.
“Championship teams are defined by their ability to eliminate self-inflicted mistakes. It’s about understanding that every play is an opportunity to either build momentum or give it away,” said Fresques. “Our coaching staff has implemented comprehensive strategies to minimize explosive plays and maximize our offensive and defensive efficiency.”
Box Elder will be returning 13 players from last year’s team — five on offense and eight on defense.
Box Elder will no doubt be looking to rebound after losing in a heartbreaker to Granger a year ago in the first round of the playoffs.
“Our focus is simple, the core of what Box Elder Football is about: toughness, discipline, and playing with heart. Last year didn’t meet our expectations, and that’s something we’ve owned as a staff and as a team,” said Box Elder head coach Carson Mund. “We’re not hanging our heads, we’re getting to work. We’re committed to continuing the legacy of physical, blue-collar football that this program was built on. Our players know the standard, and they’re ready to rise to it.”
Mund knows that while he may have a younger team this year, he is already seeing a certain hunger and drive amongst the players that can translate into success.
“We’ve seen flashes in the offseason that tell us this group has what it takes to compete. It’s going to take grit, accountability, and team-first mentality, but we’re excited about the direction we’re heading,” added Mund. “This fall, expect to see a Box Elder team that’s aggressive, physical, and out to prove that the pride and tradition of this program still runs deep.”
Roy still has a bad taste in their mouth after coming up a win short and losing to Bountiful in the state championship a year ago.
Roy head coach Chris Solomona knows that his team may be overlooked and considered an underdog this year, which is fine with him.
“We are really eager to see how the 2025 football team looks after our championship run fell short last year. A lot of positions are open and left for our team to fill,” said Solomona. “We will be young, and we will also have seniors that will play a major role on both sides of the ball. We will be under the radar and overlooked, which we usually are and embrace that role.”
With practically every starting position up for grabs on both offense and defense, Solomana, who is beginning his fourth year at head coach, hopes to prove the doubters wrong and make another deep playoff run this year.
Going into their second year as a program, West Field hopes to take a gigantic step forward in the coming season as they continue to grow and improve.
West Field finished with an overall record of 1-10 last year and are returning 10 players from last year. They will have plenty of work to do if they want to prove to be among the dangerous teams moving forward.
After finishing with a similar record to West Field, second year Clearfield head coach Cody Caputo is looking forward to having a full offseason with his team as he works to improve his teams performance from a year ago.
“Having a full off-season to get ourselves prepared physically should help us compete at a higher level. ”
Clearfield will be relying on the likes of Landon Hittle, Alyric Kelley and quarterback Brik Barlow to help propel the team forward as they look to prove themselves.
Predicted to bring up the rear in Region 5 is Bonneville.
The Lakers will be leaning on some key returning contributors such as safety Daniel Park and Urban Estes will anchor the offensive line as a three year starter.
“Our defense will have two senior corners coming back in Carter Kenney and Quinton Casey. The Linebacking group will be solid. Our receivers group is talented and we will be utilizing their speed,” said Bonneville head coach Taylor Walkenhorst.
Region 5 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Nate Tuatagaloa
Guided Fremont to an 8-4 record and a share of its first region title in eight years during his debut season as head coach in 2024. He’s a graduate of Ogden High and Weber State.
Coach Nate Tuatagaloa’s general outlook
“Although we lost a lot of our seniors that contributed big time, we are excited for our current boys to step up. Defensively we lost the most starters but love what we see from our young players. We feel good about now having a full year with everyone. We look forward to building on the success of last year.”
Offensive coordinator: Nate Tuatagaloa
Offensive coordinator: 30.08 ppg (No. 7 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread power offense
Returning offensive starters
- Manase Tuatagaloa, Sr., QB
- Salesi Moa, Sr., WR
- Cooper Allen, Sr., OL
- Copper Tumanuvao, Jr., OL
- Cade Hadley, Sr., RB
- Slade Parker, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Dean Hall, Sr., TE
- Tag Burton, Sr., TE
- Taylor Graham, Sr., RB
- Julian Vega, Sr., C
- Josh Summerill, Sr., OL
- Ryan Connell, So., OL
- Benito Juarez, Sr., OL
- Tristan Mann, Sr., WR
- Lincoln Frost, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Ben Moa
2024 defense: 22.42 ppg (No. 8 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4/4-2 hybrid defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Salesi Moa, Sr., S
- Slade Parker, Sr., S
- Jak Masters, Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Ryker Shepherd, Sr., LB
- Kasen Pearson, Sr., LB
- Aisa Tuatagaloa, So., LB
- Mathis Bell, Sr., DB
- Triston Mann, Sr., DB
- Tag Burton, Nickel
- Ryan Connell, So., DL
- Kendon Green, So., LB
- Titan Jordan, Jr., LB
- RJ Fonoti, FR, LB/ Nickel
- Breckston Christensen, Sr., DL
- Kyle Herrin, Sr., D Line
- Lincoln Hess, D Line
- Cam Graves, Sr., DB
- Kam Murphy, Sr., DB
- Landon Palmer, Jr., S
- Krew Hannum, Jr., S
2. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Andrew Fresques
Fresques is entering his sixth season as coach at his alma mater after posting an 20-34 record the previous five years. He spent the previous three seasons as coach at Woods Cross, where his teams posted a 17-16 record. His overall coaching record stands at 37-51. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach Andrew Fresques’s general outlook
“Looking forward to an exciting season with a lot of varsity experience coming back.”
Offensive coordinator: Andrew Fresques
Offensive coordinator: 26.67 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Andrew Ortiz, Sr., RB
- Dontae Dyson, Sr., WR
- Braxton Featherstone, Sr., WR
- Rylen Rude, OL/TE, Sr.
- Landen Waite, Sr., OL
- Emosi Tafuna, Sr. OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Makai So’o, Sr., WR
- Rylen Rude, Sr., TE/OL
- Liam Fresques, Jr., QB
- ISr.ael Arocha, Sr., WR
- Grant Slater, Sr., QB
- Quincey Lovett, Jr., OL
- Owen Ellsworth, So., OL
- Dax Muir, Jr., OL
- Braxtyn Ryan, So., OL
- JP Mafi, So., OL
- Aisea Koloi, Fr., OL
- Juni Mafi, Fr., OL
- Colby Rhees, Jr., WR
- Luke Fisher, Jr., TE
- Roman Fitisemanu, Fr., WR
- Banon Green, Sr., WR
- Ryker Miller, Jr., WR
- Jack Hall, So., TE
- Destin Smith, So., TE
- Luke Leota, Fr., TE
Defensive coordinator: Kitt Rawlings
2024 defense: 18.58 ppg (No. 3 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters:
- Dontae Dyson, Sr., DB
- Makai So’o, Sr., DB/LB
- Rylen Rude, Sr., DL
- Sefita Koloi, Sr., DL/LB
- Cooper Tubbs, Sr., LB
- Israel Arocha, Sr., DB
- Kaleb Gould, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Korbin Christy, Sr., DB
- Banon Green, Sr., DB
- Zion Lavalouis, Sr., LB
- Colby Rhees, Jr., DB
- Kyle Rawlings, Jr., DB
- Stanley Mafoa, Jr., DE/LB
- Jack Hall, So., LB
- Carson Murphy, LB
- Derek Haney, So. LB
- JP Mafi, So., DL
- Aisea Koloi, Fr., DL
- Juni Mafi, Fr., DL
- Roman Fitisemanu, Fr., DB
- Luke Leota, Fr. LB/DB
3. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Carson Mund
Heading into his second season at Box Elder after previously spending three combined three at West Jordan and Logan. Last season at Box Elder his team went 4-7. His career coaching record now stands at 14-28. He’s a graduate of Box Elder at Utah State.
Coach Carson Mund’s general outlook
“As we head into the 2025 season, our focus is simple, the core of what Box Elder Football is about about: toughness, discipline, and playing with heart. Last year didn’t meet our expectations, and that’s something we’ve owned as a staff and as a team. But we’re not hanging our heads, we’re getting to work. We’re committed to continuing the legacy of physical, blue-collar football that this program was built on. Our players know the standard, and they’re ready to rise to it.
“We’re young this year, no question about that. But with that youth comes a lot of raw talent and hunger. We’re going to rely on our junior class to step into bigger roles and be leaders on and off the field. We’ve seen flashes in the offseason that tell us this group has what it takes to compete. It’s going to take grit, accountability, and team-first mentality, but we’re excited about the direction we’re heading. This fall, expect to see a Box Elder team that’s aggressive, physical, and out to prove that the pride and tradition of this program still runs deep.”
Offensive coordinator: Carson Mund
Offensive coordinator: 24.09 ppg (No. 18 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Kadyn Reyes, Jr., QB
- Cammon Bushnell, Jr., WR
- Ricki Jones, Jr., OL
- Maddox Earnest, Sr., TE
- Grady Judd, Jr., OL
- Chance Richards, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Landon Harding, Sr., WR
- Cole Bushnell, Jr., WR/RB
- Malik Crozier, Sr., WR
- Jaxon Jeppesen, Jr., TE
Defensive coordinator: Travis Mumford
2024 defense: 26.09 ppg (No. 15 in 5A)
- Eight returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Caleb Cefalo, Jr., DL
- Chance RIchards, Sr., DL
- Logan Cefalo, Sr., LB
- Judd Howell, Jr., LB
- Cole Bushnell, Jr., DB
- Landon Harding, Sr., DB
- Korbin Jeppesen, Sr., DB
- Rhet Richards, Jr., DB
4. Roy Royals
Head coach: Chris Solomona
A former Roy assistant for seven years, he’s heading into his fourth year as head coach after leading the program to a 28-9 record the past three years and a 5A runner-up finish in 2024. He’s a graduate of San Pedro High School in California and the University of Oregon.
Coach Chris Solomona’s general outlook
“Really eager to see how the 2025 football team looks after our championship run fell short last year. A lot of positions open and left for our team to fill. We will be young, and we will also have Seniors that will play a major role on both sides of the ball. We will be under the radar and overlooked, which we usually are and embrace that role.”
Offensive coordinator: Conor McGuire
Offensive coordinator: 39 ppg (No. 1 in 5A)
- Zero returning starters
- Spread offense
Key offensive newcomers
- Drayden Esplin Sr., RB/WR
- Synic Harvey, Jr., WR
- Kayden Nolasco Sr., Center
- Carter Rudolph/Riley, Sr., OT
- Tasker Bills Jr., OG
- Mason Welch Sr., RB
- Luke Peebley Jr., WR
- Rock Speredon Jr., QB
- Collin Chapman Sr., QB
Defensive coordinator: Jake Gallegos
2024 defense: 23.21 ppg (No. 9 in 5A)
- Two returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Carsten Engberg Sr., DE.
- Ange Ahui Sr., OLB
Key defensive newcomers
- Madden Lima, Fr., DT
- Nicco Rascon Jr., DT
- James Cardoza Sr., DL
- Bryton Ketchum Jr., S
- Moresby Tauiautusa Sr., FS
- Synic Harvey Jr., CBback
- Cason Howard Sr., OLB
- Tyler Dickson Jr., CB
5. West Field Longhorns
Head coach: Eric Jones
Led first-year school West Field to a 1-10 record in his first season as head coach. Prior to that he spent two seasons as head coach at Bingham (16-9) and then 11 seasons before that as an assistant coach at Roy. He’s a graduate of Roy High School and Weber State.
Coach Eric Jones’s general outlook
“We’re looking to show signs of growth and improvement in Year 2.”
Offensive coordinator: Clifton Buckway
Offensive coordinator: 14.82 ppg (No. 25 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Mutliple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Ryker Jensen, Sr., OL
- Hinckley Keele, Sr., TE/DE
- Brexton White, Sr., OL/DL
- Boston Kap, Sr., WR
- Phoenix Sandoval, Jr., WR,
Key offensive newcomers
- Gavin Ortegon, Jr., WR
- Andrew Combe, Fr., WR
- Jaden Fowers, Sr., WR
- Judson Yorgason, Sr., OL
- Ryan Rowley, Jr., OL
- Caden Judy, Sr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Eric Jones
2024 defense: 38.91 ppg (No. 27 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Brexton White, Sr., DE
- Isaiah Rodgrigues, Sr., DT
- Corbin Price, Sr., LB
- Cooper Roundy, Sr., DB
- Cooper Yoder, Sr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Roman Mitchell, Sr., DT
- Bridger Wood, Sr., LB
- Boston Kap, Sr., DB
6. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Cody Caputo
Is entering his second year as head coach for the Falcons after spending the previous six seasons as an assistant coach at Farmington. Clearfield went 1-9 a year ago. He’s a graduate of Northridge High and Weber State.
Coach Cody Caputo’s general outlook
“Having a full offseason to get ourselves prepared physically should help us compete at a higher level.”
Offensive coordinator: Adam Hales
Offensive coordinator: 12.3 ppg (No. 25 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Wing-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Landon Hittle, Sr., WR
- Dax Taylor, Sr., OG
- Rhett Ogden, Sr., Center
- Alyric Kelley, Sr., WR
- Marley Toafe, Sr., OL
- Brik Barlow, So., QB
Key offensive newcomers
- Sean Brant, Sr., RB
- Zane Bassett, Sr., WR
- Cannon Strickling, Sr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Cody Caputo
2024 defense: 36 ppg (No. 23 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-3-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Cooper Kirkman, Sr., LB/S
- Zack Clow, Sr., S
- Brison Davies, Sr., DE
Key defensive newcomers
- James Nichols, Jr., S
- Drew Taylor, Sr., LB
- Emmett Golightly, Jr., LB/DE
7. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Taylor Walkenhorst
After spending the past four years at Pleasant Grove (17-29), he’s taking over as head coach at Bonneville in 2025. He’s a graduate of Lone Peak and Weber State.
Coach Taylor Walkenhorst’s general outlook
“Team will feature some young talent but also some veteran talent. We have talented players returning. Daniel Park will anchor the defense as a safety. Urban Estes will anchor the offensive line as a three-year starter on the offensive line. Bonneville defense will have two senior corners Carter Kenney and Quinton Casey. The defense will Cache Jensen a junior as the other safety. The Linebacking group for Bonneville will be solid. Bonneville receivers group is talented and we will be utilizing their speed.”
Offensive coordinator: Taylor Walkenhorst
Offensive coordinator: 24.55 ppg (No. 17 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread, RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Urban Estes, Sr., OT
- Hudson Smith, Jr., Center
- Ashton Spackman, Sr., WR
- Daniel Park, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Briggs Taylor, So., WR
- Jacob Smith, Sr., QB
- Paden Toula, Jr., QB
Defensive coordinator: Taylor Walkenhorst
2024 defense: 36.91 ppg (No. 24 in 5A)
- One returning starter
- 3-man front zone defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Danil Park, Sr., S
Key defensive newcomers
- Quinton Casey, Sr., CB
- Carter Kenny, Sr., CB
- Cache Jensen, Jr., S
- Damion Bizzard, Sr., LB
- Jacob Smith, Sr., LB