2024 Record: 8-3 overall, 6-0 4A Region 8

Playoffs: No. 2 seed, lost to No. 7 Sky View 26-20 4A quarterfinals

Players to Watch: Sr. QB Gehrig Orchard, Sr. WR/S Crew DeMartini, Sr. LB/RB Malik Filimoe’atu, Sr. LB/WR Griffin DeMartini, Sr. OL/DL Howie Kinikini, Sr. LB/TE Tre Asisi

Outlook: Provo put up some impressive offensive numbers in 2024 and went unbeaten in Region 8, earning the No. 2 seed. But the Bulldogs were upset by No. 7 Sky View in the 4A quarterfinals so there is plenty of incentive to push on this season.

“We return a vast number of starters who were major contributors last year,” Provo coach Kirk Chambers said. “We look to build upon what successes we had last year and look forward to our challenging schedule. We hope to be battle hardened by the time we get to the playoffs and hope to advance deeper into November.”

Senior quarterbacks can be magic and the Bulldogs have a good one in Gehrig Orchard, who completed 60% of his passes for 2,848 yards and 27 touchdowns last season.

“Gehrig Orchard had a huge year and he’s added to his skill set during the off season,” Chambers said. “Quarterback play is so important in the game of football these days. We are fortunate to have a really good one. Additionally, he has great targets to choose from. The DeMartini twins (Crew and Griffin) return as well. They were big contributors on both sides of the ball last year.”

Provo gets a big boost on defense with the return of linebacker Tre Asisi, who suffered a shoulder injury last year.

“Our defense is always solid and keeps us games regardless of offensive production,” Chambers said.

The Bulldogs will once again compete in 4A Region 8, adding Park City to the group this season. Chambers said Timpanogos and Salem Hills should be good challengers in Region 8 and considers Ridgeline the team to beat in Class 4A.

What’s the best way to motivate today’s high school athlete? “The good ones come driven and wanting to improve,” Chambers said. “Fortunately, we have had players throughout the years who have set the standard that we are not afraid to work.”

– Darnell Dickson