Football season is finally back. And in the 2a South region, that means the return of familiar faces, as well as some new introductions to the landscape. This article will be a comprehensive look at all teams in the region, and what to expect when things get kicked off on Friday, Aug. 16.
Teams Listed in Alphabetical Order
Delta Rabbits
Coach: Denton Peterson
Previous Record: 6-6
Delta proves to be an enigma coming into this season under first-year head coach Denton Peterson. What’s not a mystery, however, is that Delta consistently puts out teams built to compete. Offensively senior quarterback Hunt Robinson returns after a campaign where he threw for 28 touchdowns and tacked on three more on the ground.
Defensively, senior Roper Crane anchors a secondary that in 2023 took away 12 interceptions, seven of those coming courtesy of Crane. Senior defensive lineman Tate Topham ended his 2023 season with four sacks and should be the anchor for the defensive line entering 2024.
Emery Spartans
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
Coach: Jon Faimalo
Previous Record: 6-4
The Spartans are facing a lot of change with the loss of several key seniors, but Emery looks to reload instead of rebuild with loads of talent still on the roster. Offensively, senior lineman Kalib O’Neal leads a stout line unit that features three returning seniors. Senior receivers Deacon Mangum and Porter Hurdsman return with varsity experience as well, with the duo combining for 472 receiving yards last season.
Defensively the same group of seniors anchor the defensive line for the Spartans. Also in that front seven is senior linebacker Boden Christman, who tallied 41 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack and an interception.
Grand Red Devils
Offense: Wing-T
Defense: 3-4
Coach: Dennis Wells
Previous Record: 2-9
The Red Devils enter the season with a renewed sense of optimism offensively. Junior Quarterback Austin Parris poses a real dual threat, last season averaging 48.2 rushing yards a game and 101.6 passing yards a game. Up from he’ll be aided by senior linemen Beacham Bosh, Caden Swasey and Abraham Gomez.
Defensively, Paris stars at corner where he ended last season with a team-leading 67 tackles and seven interceptions. Seven other starters from 2023 return to the lineup, creating a veteran unit looking to help Grand seek their first region title since 2018.
San Juan Broncos
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-4
Coach: Barkley Christensen
Previous Record: 13-0 State Champions
Another team in 2a that looks to reload instead of rebuild is San Juan. Losing almost your entire starting lineup on both sides of the ball usually spells disaster for an organization, but the Broncos always seem to pull together a spectacular roster regardless of the circumstances. 20 new seniors fill the gaps left by the 20 who graduated last year, offensively the only two receivers with major varsity experience are seniors Jake Ivins and Javin Montella.
Defensively we see much of the same from the three-time state champions, returning only five starters but a dominant force up front in seniors Jaiten Knight and J.D. Palmer. But with 13 new seniors ready to step in the Bronco’s quest for their fourth-consecutive state title, San Juan looks to be the favorite to win the region.
South Sevier Rams
Offense: Wing-T
Defense: 4-4
Coach: Bryce Twitchell
Previous Record: 1-9
Second Year head coach Bryce Twitchell looks to improve off last season, a goal which is helped by having six returning starters on each side of the ball. In the trenches, the Rams return seniors Nate Anderson and Holden Unsicker and juniors Keagan Julander and Quade Peterson.
Defensively outside linebacker senior Boston Palmer led the team in tackles last season with 22. Anderson, Unsicker and Peterson in addition to their offensive line role also man the line defensively.