Region 9 Football Outlook
Coaches across Region 9 have converged on a single consensus: the Hurricane High School team stands out as the clear favorite to capture the league championship. The prediction rests on a defense that finished the previous season ranked among the top three in Class 4A, surrendering just 17.73 points per game.
Hurricane’s strength lies in its defensive unit, anchored by defensive end Tanner Matua, a first‑team all‑state selection who recorded 64 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and 15 quarterback hurries last year. Key contributors such as Kannon Cowan, Gunner Higgins and Wayne Alofipo are expected to amplify the team's depth, while head coach Jerry Cowan, who has steered the program to a 12‑11 record over the past two seasons, will rely on a deep returning core that includes 13 starters.
Crimson Cliffs, despite having captured four straight region titles and back‑to‑back 4A state championships in 2023 and 2024, faces a massive rebuilding challenge. The team will field only one returning starter, and while quarterback Tanoai Andresen threw for 2,042 yards with a 65 % completion rate and a 29‑8 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio as a junior, the loss of 21 other starters reshapes the roster.
Other programs are also poised for change. Desert Hills will introduce new head coach Tanner Baldaree after a 2‑8 season, with running back Isaac Andresen leading the offense after amassing 978 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Pine View is set to revert to veteran coach Ray Hosner after a four‑year hiatus and will begin the season with five freshmen in the starting lineup.
Snow Canyon, boasting the most returning starters in the region, has appointed Zack Tauteoli as its new head coach. He promises a physically imposing, high‑performance style that could push the team toward its goals. In contrast, Dixie finished last in Region 9 without a conference win and will rely on a youthful squad described by head coach Will Liebert as “super young with loads of talent.”