LEHI PIONEERS

Head Coach: Ed Larsen (11th season)

2023 record: 10-3 overall, 3-2 6A Region 3 (2nd-tie)

Playoffs: No. 3 seed, lost to No. 2 Corner Canyon 63-24 in 6A semifinals

Players to Watch: Sr. QB Jett Niu, Jr. RB Devaughn Eka, Sr. LB Paul Latu, Sr. DE Penisimani Takitaki.

Outlook: Larsen, who has won three state titles at Lehi (2017, 2021, 2022), has announced he’s stepping down at the end of the 2024 season. The Pioneers have enough talent to send him out with a bang.

Lehi’s returns three powerful offensive weapons in senior quarterback Jett Niu (2,812 passing yards, 31 touchdowns), junior running back Devaughn Eka (1,036 rushing yards, nine TDs) and senior offensive lineman Rock Olsen, who’s committed to Utah State. The Pioneers return one of the state’s top defensive players in senior linebacker Paul Latu (118 tackles). A number of talented transfers, led by lineman Jack Pustejovsky (6-0, 270), will make the Pioneers a 6A contender.

“I believe we are as talented as we’ve ever been, however, we need to see how mentally strong we will be when adversity hits,” Larsen said. “The key for us will be how well do our offensive and defensive lines come together.”

Building Culture: “Urban Meyer calls it ‘Solving the Mystery.'” Larsen said. “How do you get your players to love, serve and fight for their teammates? We talk about it all the time. As coaches we emphasize learning to be happy for the success of your teammates. Cheer for them in their smallest victories. We have players set weekly improvement goals in all aspects of their lives. We then ask them to share with their teammates their successes as well as their failures. On Saturday mornings we look for the five or six plays that don’t get noticed by the media/stats and call out the players for their execution.”