High school football: Cedar Valley hoping to stay healthy and show ability
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Cedar Valley senior Taygen Hansen gets congratulated after scoring a touchdown during the non-region game against Provo in Eagle Mountain on Friday. Au.g. 26, 2022.CEDAR VALLEY AVIATORS
Head coach: Weston Zabriskie (6th season)
2023 record: 2-9 overall, 0-5 5A Region 7 (6th)
Playoffs: No. 23 seed, lost to No. 10 Bountiful, 51-7, in 5A first round
Players to watch: Detmer Murdock (Sr. TE/LB), Cole Christensen (Sr. QB), James Young (Sr. DE/TE), Brayden Jakins (Sr. S/K), Brady Zabriskie (Sr. S), Carlos Marquez (Sr. OL), Jace McClellan (Sr. WR), Jaxin Monson (Sr. CB), Ayden Laws (So. ATH).
Outlook: Few teams faced the amount of adversity that Cedar Valley did in 2023, getting decimated by injuries in its first year in Class 5A as nothing seemed to go in favor of the Aviators.
But that was last year and head coach Weston Zabriskie believes the challenges forced his team to grow closer.
“The chemistry on the team is excellent,” Zabriskie said. “The team gets along well and enjoys being around each other, they work well together and trust each other. They are working hard and are excited for the season. We dealt with a lot of injuries last year and are hoping to keep those down this year.”
Cedar Valley has some talented seniors who have come back hungry, but the Aviators will need everyone playing at their best to take the type of step forward they want to take.
“We feel we will be competitive this year if we can stay healthy and play together as a team,” Zabriskie said. “We have a good mix of experience returning as well as newcomers who are eager to prove what they are capable of. The team is excited and working hard.”
Building culture: “A lot of it has been helping the kids take control of the program. They hold each other accountable. We have a focus on keeping things simple. Focus on what you can control. For example, passing your class is simple if you go to class on time and stay in class. We talk a lot about accountability, keeping things simple and being socially aware of who you are and the example you set.” — Weston Zabriskie.


