2025 record: 1-9 overall, 1-6 in Region 2 (6th place)

Playoffs: Lost to Layton 41-16 in the first round

Players to Watch: Max Stoner Jr. RB, Cash Thacker Jr. QB, Ryder Amador Sr. WR, Cash Poulsen Jr. LB, Crew Poulsen Sr. OL/DL, Carter Poulsen Sr. DB

Outlook: The task is seemingly enormous, although first-year Cedar Valley coach Cody Gardner sees a bright light at the end of the tunnel. And Gardner is certainly someone who understands the process of building a top program with his many years spent as Corner Canyon’s top assistant coach along with other notable coaching positions.

“There’s a lot of talent here and a ton of potential, which is why I took the job,” Gardner said. “We need to create moments to keep players here instead of going elsewhere. That’s the goal and what I care most about isn’t necessarily wins and losses, but how we play and compete. If we can get our players to truly play at their best and compete, then everything else will come. We need to get to the point where kids consider it crazy to put on any uniform other than a Cedar Valley uniform, and I believe we’ll get there.”

Gardner understands fully that positive results will be tough to come by initially as he fields what looks to be a relatively inexperienced and young team. But it’s all part of a process that he’s excited to undertake.

“We need to get off fast and hopefully get things to come together,” Gardner said. “We have a very small roster for a 6A program, and that’s okay. We’re looking to build those numbers year by year while proving competitive. You look at last season, and even though we went 1-9, a lot of those losses were by 15 points or less. So I like what I’ve seen from our players and they’re willingness to compete and I fully believe that we can build a really great program here.”

What is your favorite team building activity? “We do a lot of fundraisers and we’ve had some great team BBQs, but the best team-building we do takes place in the weight room. But also we focus on what we eat a lot. We love feeding our kids and making sure they’re together in that way. It’s all worked well and I can feel the team coming together, which you love to see as a coach.”