Dixie Flyers Football Preview 2025 – ESPN 97.7

By Katie Rosen

The Dixie Flyers enter the 2025 season with a new head coach, a retooled roster, and high hopes in Region 9 play.

Last year, the Flyers went 4-7 overall and 3-3 in region, highlighted by a playoff win over rival Pine View. “That was probably the proudest moment,” said first-year head coach Will Liebert. “We felt prepared, and Tano put the exclamation point on that game with a pick-six.”

Liebert, who takes over for legendary Utah high school football coach Blaine Monkers, said he’s kept much of the program’s tradition while adding his own touch. The biggest challenge will be replacing five starting offensive linemen and breaking in a new quarterback. “We’re throwing a bunch of new pieces in, new head coach, new coordinators, new quarterback,” he said.

That quarterback is junior Deacon Virgin, who has been working with new offensive coordinator Kody Wilstead, a former Region 9 star QB himself. “It's actually pretty similar. It’s a lot more in-depth,” Virgin said of the new offense. “There’s more to learn, more real quarterback stuff. I love it.”

On the outside, Dixie returns Treyzon Haveron, Crew Berezay, and Tano Anzalone. “Our timing’s pretty good,” Haveron said. “We’ve been throwing for a long time in the offseason.”

Dixie’s run game lost Ran Sawyer to graduation, one of the best backs in the state last year. They’ll return three young backs who had limited carries last year in Jayson Malufau and Kasel Berezay.

Defensively, Dixie will lean on senior leader Bristol Woods, a disruptor on the line who had six sacks last season. “If he’s not here, our bigs don’t get a good lift,” Liebert said of Woods’ influence on his fellow linemen. “He’ll motivate you and he’s not afraid to let you know if you’re not doing your job.” Woods said the team feels more committed this offseason: “Everyone’s really committed. I’ve seen big improvements over our D-line and O-line the past couple months.”

The Flyers also return senior playmaker Tano Anzalone, who will have an expanded role. “I told him, It’s your show,” Liebert said. “You’ve done the work, and you’ll see it pay off on Friday nights.”

Liebert believes the defense will be a strength, anchored by the line and supported by experienced linebackers. “We take what our players are good at and build from there,” he said.

Dixie starts its season on the road against Richfield on August 15.