2024 Record: 5-7 overall, 2-3 6A Region 3

Playoffs: No. 12 seed, lost to No. 4 Lehi 28-7 6A quarterfinals

Players to Watch: Sr. LB Mitt Palmer, Sr. OL Carson Thorne, Sr. WR David Dean, Sr. TE Dyson Richards, Jr. TE Christian Hanshaw, So. WR Cash Taises

Outlook: The Cavemen are generally a contender in Class 6A but finished with a losing record last year, dropping in the quarterfinals to Region 3 foe Lehi. American Fork wants a bounce back season in 2025.

“We’re excited for a new opportunity this year,” AF coach Aaron Behm said. “Region 3 brings great competition and we are excited to see how we stack up against the best teams from across Utah. We have some new teams in our non-region schedule and it will be fun to play a few different teams this year. Our senior class has brought a lot of leadership this season which should bode well for us this year.”

There’s a strong group of skill position players led by senior running back Prince Afu, senior wide receiver David Dean and senior tight end Dyson Richards. Mitt Palmer spearheads a defense that will face some high-powered offenses this season.

“I think the strength of our team will come in the form of varsity experience,” Behm said. “We have a lot of players who got on the field in some capacity last year and are familiar with the speed and physicality of the game. They should have an idea of what it takes to be successful in Region 3 and in 6A.”

What’s the best way to motivate today’s high school athlete? “I think athletes are motivated by coaches who care about them and coaches and teammates that they have a strong relationship with,” Behm said. “Teammates who care about each other will work hard for one another and are willing to put in the work to be great. Also, when players know how much their coaches care about them, they will give their coach everything they’ve got and as a coach and a teammate, that is all you can ask for.”

– Darnell Dickson