Region 1 thinned out a bit after losing its 2024 co-region champion Fremont to 5A’s Region 5, and it looks like Davis will be the team to beat this year.
In the overall 6A coaches poll, Davis finished fourth and was the only non-Region 3 member to earn a spot in the top five.
The Darts have a lot to be excited about, particularly with senior quarterback Tradon Bessinger returning for his final year. Bessinger is one of the top quarterbacks in the state and is currently committed to Boise State. He led the Darts to the second-best offense in 6A last season, second only to Corner Canyon.
Bessinger earned 2024 6A All-state first team honors after throwing for 3,674 yards on a .651 completion percentage while scoring 42 touchdowns and giving tossing only five interceptions.
Bessinger’s favorite target, Bode Sparrow, will also return to the Darts after also being named to the all-state first team as a sophomore last season.
Between Bessinger and Sparrow, Davis will enjoy a duo of one of the top quarterbacks and top wide receivers in the state. Sparrow has a plethora of DI offers from schools like California, Washington, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Oklahoma State and Tennessee. Between his freshman and sophomore years, Sparrow tallied 1,836 receiving yards on 130 receptions and 26 touchdowns.
There will be plenty of options open for Bessinger as wide receivers Tyson Baggett and Jaxton Itaaheau also both return. Last year, Baggett recorded 900 receiving yards on 55 receptions while scoring 10 touchdowns. Itaaheau had 968 receiving yards on 52 receptions and eight touchdowns on the year. Itaaheau currently has a DI offer from Utah.
With all of its returning offensive talent, Davis will be one of the most lethal teams in the state via the air this season.
“There’s a lot of guys coming back with experience,” said Davis coach Scott Peery. “Just like anybody else, you hope in the offseason they continue to grow and develop. You hope the game slows down for them and they’ve been showing that in practice. They’re eager to just get out on the field and display that.”
Even with the loss of three-star defensive lineman Lopeti Moala transferring to Orem, the Darts will have a lot of continuity defensively with eight starters returning.
Cooper Harsin is among the top tacklers for Davis returning this season. Harsin earned a spot on the 6A all-state honorable mention list after recording 88 tackles last year.
In addition to his time at wide receiver, Sparrow played as a free safety and recorded 59 tackles and nine interceptions last year. Isaac Morrison also returns after picking up three interceptions and 31 tackles last year.
The main thing for Davis is building its momentum through the offseason. The Darts had a top-five offense and defense in 6A last year but fell to third in Region 1 and lost in the quarterfinals to Skyridge.
“We had a little success, so the best thing you can do is just self scout yourself,” Peery said. “With the veteran and experienced guys, you just slow things down and fine-tune some of the offense and defense. So, with them coming back, we’re able to expand on some things and do some things different because of the experience.”
Finishing second in the coaches poll is Syracuse. In 2024, the Titans finished tied for fourth in-region and finished with a sub .500 record. Though Region 1 coaches seem to think their experience and growth will show through this year.
Syracuse started to rebuild last year behind head coach Mitch Tulane, who now enters his second season.
“I think last year was what everybody would consider to be a down year for Syracuse, and that was expected,” Tulane said. “Obviously, that wasn’t what we wanted, but with as many guys that we had playing varsity football for the first time, I was pleased with how hard we competed.”
The Titans played with sophomore starting quarterback Ledger Wight. Wight had a mixed season with nine touchdowns but seven interceptions. However, he will come back with an entire season of varsity experience under his belt.
Wide receiver Tanner Merril also returns to help Syracuse with its much-needed continuity. Merrill was one of the Titans’ top receivers last year after scoring two touchdowns while tallying 598 receiving yards on 46 receptions.
Syracuse’s leading rusher Ryker Van Komen also returns after scoring four touchdowns with 810 rushing yards on 133 carries.
Syracuse also retains two of its offensive linemen in Mulivai Pula and Kade Ashcroft.
“Continuity was something I wanted to establish when I took over the program,” said Tulane. “The guys that are returning for us were in key roles. Our quarterback is back, our leading rusher is back, our leading receiver is back, and so I think the leadership that those guys bring and their experience is going to pay huge dividends for us as the year goes on.”
Defensively, the Titans retain five starters. Xander Garcia returns at linebacker after tallying 70 tackles and four interceptions a year ago.
Four of its five returning defensive starters are defensive backs, meaning Syracuse will have a fresh defensive line this season.
Tulane is particularly excited about the experience his team will get in the preseason as Syracuse has Woods Cross, Roy, Bountiful, Idaho’s Rigby, and Alta scheduled.
Weber finished third in the Region 1 poll and the Warriors continue the trend of returning players as it brings back 11 starters.
The Warriors are in a similar spot as Syracuse as it rolled out a new head coach and a young quarterback. In 2024, Weber’s anticipated starting quarterback Crew Cacciacarne missed the first four weeks of the season due to an ACL tear.
The hole at quarterback forced Weber to lean on freshman Carter Payne until Cacciacarne could return. In his four games, Payne threw for 906 yards with a .496 completion percentage. He scored 10 touchdowns.
While virtually no varsity program wants to play a freshman at QB, it allowed Payne to get varsity experience, which will be necessary as he steps into his first year as the No. 1 guy.
Injuries aside, Weber still finished with a 7-5 record and statistically had a top-five offense in 6A. Its offensive success often came compliments of Dyson Parker. As a junior, Parker earned a spot on the all-state first team after recording 1,584 rushing yards on 254 carries and scoring 19 rushing touchdowns. Parker was also one of the top receivers with 654 recieving yards on 59 receptions and five touchdowns in the air.
“This team has the ability to be special,” said second-year Weber coach Mo Cannon. “We have a lot of guys returning with experience and some young guys that have the potential to do some big things. This is a year that is about us. We want to be thrown in the fire with the top teams in the state, hence our powerful preseason schedule. It is time to show that Weber High School will always run toward the roar.”
Defensively, Weber returns five starters but lost all of its top eight tacklers from a season ago.
However, it does bring back cornerback Brock Dean. Dean had a team-high four interceptions in addition to 29 tackles.
Despite its Region 1 co-title of a year ago, Farmington fell to fourth in the preseason projections.
The Phoenix return only three offensive starters and will feature a new head coach in David Fiefia. Fiefia was the 1998 Deseret News Mr. Football recipient.
Quarterback Will Peterson is among the returning starters after putting up 845 passing yards on a .528 completion percentage in seven games last year.
Wide receiver Tanner Nielsen and offensive tackle Easton Hunt are the only other returning offensive starters. Nielsen tallied 195 yards on 22 receptions last year.
The Phoenix have a little more continuity defensively with six starters returning, four of which are defensive linemen. Cornerback Tanner Nielsen and linebacker Gavin Burton are the other two returning starters.
“As the new head football coach at Farmington High School, I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this team and build something special from the ground up,” Fiefia said. “I’m inheriting a great coaching staff, but we will have new offensive and defensive coordinators. My goal is to streamline and unify the program with a clear vision and identity.”
Finishing last in the Region 1 coaches poll is Layton. Layton also finished last in region in 2024 with an 0-5 record.
Layton returns five offensive starters and six defensive starters. Most of its returning starters are on the offensive and defensive lines.
“The kids have been working hard in the weight room and it is paying off,” said Layton coach Trevor Thomas. “We return three players from the offensive line, and five on the defensive line. Our strength should be up front. We will be young or inexperienced in some areas, but they are excited to get on the field to show what they can do. I am really excited where this team is at and where the program is going.”
Region 1 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Davis Darts
Head coach: Scott Peery
He’s tallied a 31-16 record in his four seasons as Darts head coach. He’s a graduate of Payson High and Weber State.
Coach Scott Peery’s general outlook
This offseason has been full of energy and enthusiasm. The boys have a vision and the leaders of our team are doing a fantastic job seeing it through. Every coach, player, and team get excited to see how they fair out in the Fall after a great offseason of workouts. Just like every year you always have holes to fill but on the same token what a great opportunity for the next guy to step into that new role. We have a challenging pre-season with great programs on the schedule and so to see how we stack up in those matchups will be a good indicator of how good we are.
Offensive coordinator: Scott Peery
Offensive coordinator: 38.42 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Tradon Bessinger, Sr., QB
- Bode Sparrow, Jr., WR, FS
- Tyson Baggett, Sr., WR
- Masi Hasson, Sr., C
- Will Smith, Sr., LT
- Jaxton Itaaehau, Jr., WR, Rover
Key offensive newcomers
- Will Nixon, Sr.,
- Isaac Morrison, Sr., WR, DB
- Noah Bingham, Soph, G
- Sam Coleman, Jr., WR
- Makaio Byrd, Sr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Cameron Pribble
2024 defense: 19.42 ppg (No. 4 in 6A)
- Eight returning starters
- 3-3-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Caden Montgomery, Sr., DE
- Ethan Lockwood, Sr., LB
- Johnny Parker, Jr., DE
- Isaac Morrison, Sr., DB
- Connor Brown, Sr., DB
- Cooper Harsin, Sr., Rover
- Bode Sparrow, Jr., FS
- Cole Clark, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Jaxton Itaaehau, Jr., Rover
- Paxton Siddoway, Sr., LB
- Bridger Young, Soph, LB
- Davis Ferree, Sr., DT
2. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Mitch Tulane
After serving as an assistant coach at Syracuse for six seasons, Tulane took over as head coach at his alma mater for the 2024 season and led the team to a 5-6 record. He’s a graduate of Weber State.
Coach Mitch Tulane’s general outlook
Syracuse High will be a much more seasoned team than they were a year ago: returning their leading Passer, Rusher, and Pass Catcher from a year ago. They also return 2 starters on the Offensive Line and 5 Defenders. Compared to returning 2 starters in the 2024 season the Titans are excited about walking more experience on the field this year.
Offensive coordinator: Braden Hamblin
Offensive coordinator: 22.27 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ledger Wight, Jr., QB
- Tanner Merrill, Sr., WR
- Ryker Van Komen, Sr., RB
- Mulivai Pula, Soph., OL
- Koda Ashcraft, Sr., OL
- Weston Russell, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Kasch Casero, Sr., OL
- Ben Cook, Sr., OL
- Kao Prom, Fr., RB
- Cohen Godderidge Jr., WR
- Bracken Lessey Sr., WR
- Parker Moffat Soph., WR
Defensive coordinator: Caden Call
2024 defense: 27 ppg (No. 12 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Xander Garcia, Sr., LB
- Madden Nelson, Sr., DB
- Kaleb Hall, Jr., DB
- Kollin White, Sr., DB
- Parker Moffat, Soph., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Ben Cook, Sr., DL
- Maddux Cook Jr., DB
- Issac Schmitt Jr., LB
- Hank Robbins Sr., DL
3. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Mo Cannon
A Roy High assistant the three years prior, he led Weber to a 7-5 record in his first year as head coach in 2024. He’s a graduate of Davis High and Weber State.
Coach Mo Cannon’s general outlook
This team has the ability to be special. We have a lot of guys returning with experience and some young guys that have the potential to do some big things. This is a year that is about us. We want to be thrown in the fire with the top teams in the state, hence our powerful preseason schedule. It is time to show that Weber High School will always run toward the roar.
Offensive coordinator: Chad Davis/ Alex Croyle/ Matt Hammer
Offensive coordinator: 33.33 ppg (No. 4 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Carter Payne, So, QB
- Ethan Whisler, Sr., LT/LG
- Boltyn Sacre, Sr., C
- Kelton Tree, Sr., FB
- Brock Dean, Sr., WR
- Dyson Parker, Sr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Creed DeVries, So, WR
- Bracken Day, Jr., WR
- Josh Hamblin, Sr., WR
- Reese Cantwell, Jr., TE
- Ty Hellman, Sr., TE
- Jaxon Espinoza, Sr., WR
- Draycen Munoz, So, WR
- Falcon Moorhead, Jr., LG
- Jayce Young, Sr., RG
- Rushton Stark, Jr., RT
- Bryce Meyer, Jr., RT
Defensive coordinator: Billy Pluim
2024 defense: 28.17 ppg (No. 13 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Kelton Tree, Sr., DE
- Eli Swenson, Jr., DT
- Dyson Parker, Sr., Nickel
- Brock Dean, Sr., CB
- Josh Hamblin, Sr., CB
Key defensive newcomers
- Eli Mulkey, Sr., OLB
- Jayce Young, Sr., DT
- Ty Hellman, Sr., Joker
- Reese Cantwell, Jr., OLB
- Cade Judd, Sr., MLB
- Lincoln Henry, Sr., OLB
- Creed DeVries, So, SS
- Jonathan Hall, Jr., FS
- Bracken Day, Jr., SS
- Carson Hill, Jr., SS
- Bridger Rassmussen, Jr., CB/Nickel
4. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: David Fiefia
The 1998 Deseret News Mr. Football recipient, David Fiefia, is taking over as head coach at Farmington in 2025, his first head coaching job. A Hunter High and Utah State alum, he was most recently an assistant coach at Weber State, and was at Idaho State prior to that.
Coach David Fiefia’s general outlook
As the new head football coach at Farmington High School, I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this team and build something special from the ground up. I’m inheriting a great coaching staff, but we will have new offensive and defensive coordinators. My goal is to streamline and unify the program with a clear vision and identity. We’re implementing a new offensive and defensive scheme, and while we’re a young team, we have a strong group of returning players who bring valuable experience and leadership to the field. This is my first experience coaching at the high school level, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to start than in a community like Farmington. The energy, work ethic, and commitment from our players, parents, community and administration has been amazing with my transition and I’m confident that together we’re laying the foundation for long-term success at Farmington High School.
Offensive coordinator: David Fiefia
Offensive coordinator: 21.55 ppg (No. 12 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Will Peterson, Sr., QB
- Tanner Nielsen, Sr., WR
- Easton Hunt, Jr., OT
Key offensive newcomers
- Drew Love, Sr., RB
- Chase Hamblin, Sr., WR
- Gavin Burton, Sr., TE
- Kava Fiefia, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Trent Preston
2024 defense: 23.82 ppg (No. 10 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Even front defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Troy Stevens Sr., DL
- Tanner Nielsen Sr., CB
- Brandon Olson Sr., DL
- Gavin Burton Sr., LB
- Max Racker Sr., DL
- Easton Hunt Jr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Chase Hamblin Sr., SAF
- Ty Runyan Jr., CB
- Grant Preston Jr., LB
5. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Trevor Thomas
Thomas is heading into his third season as head coach at Layton after his 5-17 record the past two years. He’s a graduate of Layton High and Weber State.
Coach Trevor Thomas’s general outlook
The kids have been working hard in the weight room and it is paying off. We return three players from the offensive Line, and five on the defensive line. Our strength should be up front. We will be young or inexperienced in some areas, but they are excited to get on the field to show what they can do. I am really excited where this team is at and where the program is going.
Offensive coordinator: Koy Cannon
Offensive coordinator: 17.73 ppg (No. 14 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Evan Humphries, Sr., OL
- Fotu Aneti, Sr., OL
- Tytan Chance, Jr., OL
- Carter Hughes, Jr., WR
- Solomon Lee, Sr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Nathan Meacham, Sr., WR.
- Preston De Witt, Sr., WR.
- Jayden Williams, Jr., OL /DL
- Hayden Gunnerson, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Chaz Walker
2024 defense: 28.36 ppg (No. 14 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Lincoln Peterson, Sr., DE/TE
- Xander Williams, Jr., DL
- Trayce Mckinley, So., DL/OL
- Harrison Swain Sr., DE/TE
- JP Garlick, Sr., DB/RB
Key defensive newcomers
- Max Black, Jr., LB
- Jack Anderson Jr., LB
- Kohl Helgesen, Sr., DB
- Darius Faamoe’, Jr., DL