×
×
homepage logo
SUBSCRIBE

Best of the Best: 2021 All-Valley Football Team

By Jared Lloyd - | Dec 11, 2021
1 / 3
Lehi quarterback Jackson Brousseau throws a pass during the 5A state championship game against Springville at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. (Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald)
2 / 3
Orem running back Kolton Brown gets tackled during the 5A semifinal game against Springville at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. (Harold Mitchell, Special to the Herald)
3 / 3
Lone Peak coach Bart Brockbank (center) is doused with water from a Powerade container after the Knights claimed the 6A state football championship with a 49-42 victory against Corner Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. (Darnell Dickson/Daily Herald)

Here are the top football players in Utah Valley in 2021:

Player of the Year: Luke Durfey, Sr. LB/RB, Lone Peak

Versatile star who came up big on both sides of the ball for the Knights. He was relentless in getting after opposing ball carriers (122 tackles, 11 TFL, 3.5 sacks) but also was the go-to performer in tough-yardage situations on offense (71 carries, 259 yds, 10 TDs, 2 catches, 114 yards, 1 TD) as Lone Peak won the 6A championship.

Offensive MVP: Jackson Brousseau, Jr. QB, Lehi

Calm, steady gunslinger who distributed the ball effectively and didn’t let mistakes phase him. He finished the season 295-of-446 for 3,255 yards with 36 TD and just five interceptions as he led the Pioneers to the 5A title.

Defensive MVP: Porter Small, Sr. DL/OL, Springville

High-motor star who epitomized Red Devil toughness and determination. He would take on blockers at the line or chase down opposing ball carriers in the secondary. He tallied 76 tackles, 20.5 TFL and 14 sacks as Springville reached the 5A championship game.

Coach of the Year: Bart Brockbank, Lone Peak

No one in the state thought there was a team who could defeat mighty Corner Canyon at all in 2021 — except at Lone Peak. Brockbank got his Knights believing they could do it not once but twice, an impressive accomplishment. His schemes and strategies got the most out of his players all season long, resulting in the 6A crown.

All-Valley First Team

(alphabetical order)

Tapuvae Amaama, Sr. OL, Skyridge

Skilled giant of a lineman who was key to the Falcon offensive success, both in the ground game and in pass blocking.

Liu Aumavae, Sr. QB, Timpview

Dynamic playmaker who set the tone for the talented T’Birds all year long, going 180-of-305 for 2,971 yards with 28 TD and 13 INT.

Takeao Hansen, Sr. DB, Lone Peak

Imposing presence in the defensive backfield who forced quarterbacks to avoid throwing his direction, although he still snagged four picks on the season.

McCae Hillstead, Jr. QB, Skyridge

Classic dual-threat signal-caller who succeeded both through the air (195-of-353, 2,494 yards, 24 TD, 11 INT) and on the ground (122 carries, 814 yards, 13 TD).

Matu Holdaway, Sr. QB, Timpanogos

Spearhead of the Timberwolf resurgence, setting the tone by going 179-of-290 through the air for 2,387 yards with 32 TD and 10 INT.

Luke Hyde, Sr. WR, Lone Peak

Lightning-fast receiver who drew a lot of attention but still finished with 41 catches for 551 yards and seven touchdowns.

Fisher Ingersoll, Sr. WR/DB, American Fork

A nightmare of a matchup who had a great combination of size, speed and hands (56 catches, 727 yards, 7 TD).

Logalima Lesa, Sr. LB/TE, Provo

Workhorse tackler who consistently made plays (116 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks) as he led the Bulldog defense.

Maddox Madsen, Sr. QB, American Fork

Pinpoint passer who completed an amazing career as a Caveman by going 264-of-400 for 3,004 yards with 38 TD and only six interceptions in 2021.

Trevor Pay, Sr. OL, Lone Peak

Leader who set the tone for the Knight offense with his physical play and love of the game, driving everyone around him to be at their best.

Taysen Reid, Sr. RB/LB, Spanish Fork

Unstoppable force for the Dons (85 tackles, 30.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks) who played a key role in getting the Dons to the top of Region 9.

Seth Rigtrup, Sr. RB/LB, Springville

Incredibly tough and resilient athlete who rarely left the field and not only carried the load on offense (217 carries, 1,543 yards, 21 TD) but was a key defender as well.

Zion Saleapaga, Sr. DL, Orem

Explosive lineman who wreaked havoc on opposing blocking schemes (36 tackles, 9 TFL, 6 sacks) and played a big role in the late Tiger surge.

Smith Snowden, Jr. WR/DB, Skyridge

Consummate shutdown corner who loved taking on the best receivers in the state, making them work for every catch (4 INT).

Kadiyon Sweat, Jr. DB, Lehi

Brilliant, game-changing punt returner who also was a crucial defensive performer for the Pioneers (9 INT, 73 tackles).

Isaac Terrell, Jr. DL, Lehi

Powerful aggressive lineman who was nearly unblockable, nearly living in opposing backfields (95 tackles, 22 TFL, 23.5 sacks).

All-Valley Second Team

Teague Andersen, Sr. OL, Lehi

Powerful presence who rarely got beat

Joe Brown, Sr. OL, Lone Peak

Physical blocker who opened up big run lanes

Cole Clement, Sr. WR/LB Springville

82 tackles, 10 TFL, 4 sacks, 5 INT, 41 receptions, 760 yards, 9 TD

Micah Beckstead, Jr. RB, Timpview

150 carries, 986 yards, 10 TD

Ryder Burton, Jr. QB, Springville

144-of-241, 2,301 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT

Easton Comer, Sr. QB, Lone Peak

183-of-327, 2,637 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT

Jeter Fenton, Sr. RB/LB, Skyridge

193 carries, 814 yards, 10 TD

Braxton Fely, Sr. DL, Timpview

60 tackles, 28 TFL, 13.5 sacks

Carson Gonzalez, Jr. RB, Lehi

174 carries, 1,226 yards, 15 TD

Duncan Henstra, Sr. TE/LB, ALA

133 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 carries, 128 yards, 1 TD, 60 catches, 704 yards, 4 TD

Mack Hixon, So. RB/DB, Orem

137 carries, 1,006 yards, 9 TD

Dallin Johnson, So. Dl/OL, Springville

69 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 sacks

Luke Livingston, So. WR, Timpanogos

82 catches, 1,589 yards, 23 TD

Noah Moeaki, Sr. TE/LB, American Fork

Dangerous athlete who could catch, run and block

River Moore, Sr. DB, Lehi

Shutdown defender who always made big plays (6 INT)

Tristan Royce, Sr. LB, Lehi

114 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks

Easton Shank, Sr. QB/DB, Cedar Valley

66-of-117. 826 yards, 9 TD, 11 INT, 199 carries, 1,017 yards, 14 TD

Nick Siri, Sr. DL, Lone Peak

Powerful rusher who also gave opposing o-lines fits

Jace Welsch, Sr. QB, Provo

150-of-267, 2,117 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 135 carries, 851 yards, 18 TD

All-Valley Third Team

Hezekiah Anahu-Ambrosio, Jr. LB, Timpview

94 tackles, 21 TFL, 9 sacks

Joshua Buck, Jr. RB, Spanish Fork

152 carries, 1,054 yards, 9 TD

Cole Christensen, Jr. WR, Lone Peak

42 catches, 735 yards, 5 TD

Jaxon Christensen, Sr. WR, Lehi

73 catches, 732 yards, 13 TD

Tanner Evans, Sr. LB, Cedar Valley

130 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 sacks

Spencer Fotu, Sr. DB, Lone Peak

Impressive coverage ability

Pokai Haunga, Jr. WR, Timpview

67 catches, 1,221 yards, 14 TD

Gavin Ivie, Sr. LB/RB, Pleasant Grove

Excellent pursuit, 83 tackles

Kenny James, Sr. LB, Orem

50 tackles, 4 TFL

Hema Katoa, Jr. LB, Lehi

130 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks

Jackson McCarty, Jr. QB, Mountain View

163-of-308, 2,372 yards, 21 TD, 7 INT

Bradey Mortensen, Sr. WR/DB, Springville

46 carries, 819 yards, 10 TD

Helaman Ofahengaue, Sr. DL, Lehi

75 tackles, 9 TFL, 12 sacks

Sterling Sanders, Sr. LB, Timpanogos

120 tackles, 4 TFL

Austin Stevenson, Sr. QB/LB/K, Spanish Fork

93-of-169, 1,403 yards, 11 TD, 7 INT

Stanley Raass, Jr. DL, Skyridge

Rock-solid performer in the middle of the line

Chase Tuatagaloa, Sr. QB, Orem

182-of-298, 2,282 yards, 19 TD, 10 INT

Jaxson Willits, Sr. RB, Lone Peak

167 carries, 916 yards, 5 TD

Honorable Mention

American Fork: Preston Dailey, Hunter Clegg, Kyle Moore, Trey Roberts, Davis Andrews, Dallin Kartchner, Spencer Clegg

ALA: Tyrell Robertson, Isaac House, Zayne Thornton, Kyle Guynes, Blake Huff, Gabriel Huff

Cedar Valley: CJ Proctor, Payton Weber, Cooper Thomson, Lucas Peck, Taygen Hansen, Grant Salter

Juab: Wes Nielsen, Payton Park, Will Harmon, Porter Anderson, Ryker Richards

Lehi: Blake Jenkins, Austin Boyd, Zane Goodrich, Nate Anderegg, Steele Cooper, Kimball Tamala, Ben Jeppesen, Will McCleary, Boston Bingham

Lone Peak: Saveaalii Malietoa Fitisemanu, Crew McChesney, Conner Kelley, Mason Patane, Braden Carr

Maple Mountain: Hunter Bezzant, Jaxson Denton, Sean Persson, Andrew Jensen, Cole McAllister, Matt Hess, Fisher Stokes, Carson Golding

Mountain View: Jaemon Hill, Kyler Copeland, Daitrez Johnson, Ryder Hill, Dustin Havea, Anoakekai Ballard, Peni Pahulu,

Orem: Roger Saleapaga, Lance Reynold III, Moses Kivalu, Shaun Niu, Jaxon Beckstrom, Isaac Yakota

Payson: Luke Ivers, Kelton Smith, Cooper Swasey, Layne Osborn, Josh Webber, Taysen Houser, Cash Muir, Rett Robinson

Pleasant Grove: Nic Staffieri, Kael McCoy, Jaeden Wright, Wade Christiansen, Kolton Tanner, Tyson Downs, Bronco Winterton

Provo: Rock Magleby, Emmett Pan, Daniel Asisi, Nilo Rosales, Lincoln Leuva, Stranz Mangisi, Masi Hifo

Salem Hills: Luke DeGraffenried, Clay Lyman, Easton Cook, Kort Stewart, Zaylunn Fenn, Garrett Holt, Grant Barney

Skyridge: Carver Cole, Sione Westover, Teagen Calton, Tausili Akana, Dalton Young, Saxon Higbee, Joseph Brandt, Jack Hadfield, Collin Sheffield

Spanish Fork: Curtis Hernandez, Cade Olsen, Darian Harrison, McKay Peery, Teni Worthen, Jason Lukins, Isaac Ruepena, Bow Bow Schwenke, Jace Gunter

Springville: Cole Clement, Wyatt Deede, Will Penrod, Will Udall, Ryder Poulsen, Bryan Gordon, Tyson Naufahu

Timpanogos: Jaxon Vanchiere, Josh Jones, Chase Riggs, Matthew Torgersen, Tyler Hunter, Tyson Miller, Joe Vance, Tanner Baldwin

Timpview: Kerven Tua’one, Tei Nacua, Jared Esplin, Taylor Malo, Paea Alatini, Siale Esera, JJ Tuha, Will Lohner

Wasatch: Quezon Villa, Chris Cook, Laakea Kalama, Jarinn Kalama, Josh Sanders, Breken Bowen, Alden Rowser

Westlake: Kanyon Lee, Garrison Higgins, Bonden Taylor, Cooper Cowan, Lance Benham, Spencer Heimuli, Zack Heimuli

Newsletter

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)