2024 Record: 9-3 overall, 3-2 6A Region 3

Playoffs: No. 4 seed, lost to No. 1 Corner Canyon 35-34 6A semifinals

Players to Watch: Sr. RB Devaughn Eka, Sr. WR Legend Glasker, Sr. DE PJ Takitaki, Sr. LB Vincent Evans, Sr. TE Bryton Niu.

Outlook: Former Lehi standout Andy Hadfield has been an assistant coach at the school for ten seasons and steps into the big shoes left by Ed Larson, who retired after winning 88 games and three state titles in 11 seasons (2017, 2021, 2022).

“I don’t know if it was the plan to be a head coach some day, but I love Lehi and love the community,” Hadfield told the Lehi Free Press. “My family bleeds purple. During the years when I’ve been privileged to work under Coach Larson, I feel like I’ve been successful, and I’ve had a chance to make a difference in kids’ lives.”

The talent flows freely in Lehi and Hadfield will benefit from some big-time returnees in senior running back Devaughn Eka, (982 yards, 6.8 yards per carry, 13 touchdowns), senior receiver Legend Glasker (BYU commit), senior defensive end PJ Takitaki (BYU commit) and senior tight end Bryton Niu (Oklahoma State commit). Two massive offensive linemen — Mataali’i Benjamin (6-8, 315) and Matekitonga Havea (6-6, 310) — will plow the road for Eka.

Hadfield will be looking for a replacement at quarterback, where two-year starter Jet Niu (2,856 yards, 28 touchdowns) has graduated.

“We have some key players returning this year that need to step up as leaders,” Hadfield said. “With that said, our strength this year has to be our big boys up front. Our offensive line has a ton of size and talent. And defensively our front 7 really get after it.”

What’s the best way to motivate today’s high school athlete? “Motivating players is always a challenge as a coach,” Hadfield said. “We are constantly trying to find new ways to motivate. Having good senior leadership is key. We believe that championship teams are player-led, not coach-driven. We hold leadership training sessions and are always talking about goals. We have the players focus on team accomplishments over player achievements.”

– Darnell Dickson