School Spotlight: Lehi High (Utah

By: Lucas Berger

Last Friday night the Lehi Pioneers trailed Utah 6A perennial powerhouse, Corner Canyon, 24-0 with only 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. They were able to climb back and win the game 25-24. With that win, the Pioneers advance to 5-0 on the season and look to be dangerous contenders as backto-back State Champions.

Last season Lehi High School football was able to capture a 35-6 win in their final game of the season to bring back their 4th State Championship in program history. Head coach Ed Larson is responsible for 2 of those championships in his 8-year tenure at Lehi, winning his first back in 2017. This season Coach Larson and his staff became the winningest staff in Lehi Football history. When I ask him what he thinks makes a good leader he told me “A good leader exemplifies a mindset that thrives on challenges. The leader loves what he is doing. He has grit and perseverance to go through good and bad times. His example is not brought into question.” He also talked about continuing to adapt and grow to become the best coach he can “I am always learning and reading from the best minds I can find. I am as much a work in progress as my team is. I am far more calm today than I was earlier in my career.”

Last season the Pioneers only lost three games, including Davis High School, 2020 5A State Runner-up Timpview, and 6A powerhouse Corner Canyon. Already this season they have gotten revenge against Davis 48-0 in their first game and defeated Corner Canyon last Friday in dramatic fashion. They will get their final opportunity to right a loss from their Championship season in Week 9 at home against Timpview. They have not only maintained their success from last season but they have improved and adapted to a new season. “We are always looking for ways to practice more effectively. We have made some changes in how we practice this season that has helped us get a better look.”

The offense is led by quarterback and returning Utah 5A Offensive MVP, Jackson Brousseau. Brousseau has thrown for 1250 yards and 17 touchdowns in their first 5 games. He is relieved by a very strong 1-2 punch at running back with speed back Carson Gonzalez and a tough inside runner Kolose Latu. Latu has scored a team-leading 7 touchdowns including 5 on the ground and 2 through the air. Gonzalez has added to that total with 5 touchdowns all on the ground. The receiving core is led by Kolton Tanner at X and Jace John at Z. Those 2 have combined for 34 catches, 494 yards, and 7 touchdowns. The offensive line will also return 4 starters from their championship team in Austin Boyd OG, Danny Hoyal C, Ben Jeppesen OG, and Jensen Sommerville OT.

The Pioneers have only allowed 31 points throughout their first 5 games, including the 24 points against Corner Canyon. The defensive line for Lehi Highschool will return 5A Utah Player of the Year, Isaac Terrell, who will have additional help this season from Defensive End Camden Williamson and Defensive Tackles Alema Tamala and Nathan Bulpitt. This defensive line will be backed by two very strong outside linebackers in Blake Jenkins and Hema Katoa, that linebacker group will be anchored in the middle by senior Chanse Miller. The secondary is led by Kadiyon Sweatland, who already has 3 interceptions on the season, the defensive backfield will also feature 3 outstanding players in Nate Anderegg, Hank Griffin, and Kenneth Latu.