Snow Canyon Football Preview 2025

By Katie Rosen

Their offseason was fueled by a determination that that won’t happen again.

“We spent a lot more time talking months, not weeks, a lot more time together,” said Coach Mike Esplin. “Our linemen kind of were the nucleus of it. Started in December. Didn’t want a four and eight season.”

Esplin called his linemen “the heart of the team” and senior lineman Hank West is their leader.

“We are going to be able to pound the rock every play,” said West. “We are going to be violent. We are going to be ready. Ready to go always.”

Snow Canyon brings back Cael Esplin at running back who had 221 yards last year and Brody Lounsbury at quarterback who lead the team with 439 yards rushing on 4.1 yards per cary. Their line returns four starters, West, Brody Cooke, Terry Porter and Jaxton Hansen.

Cam Hill is a receiver the Warriors are very excited about

He’s dealt with injuries in the offseason, but Coach Esplin said they’re looking forward to him having a “breakout season.” Isaiah Thompson is another receiver they’re counting on this season. Thompson had 12 catches last year.

Defensively, the Warriors ended their season strong holding Pine View to 16 points, Murray to seven points before losing 35-20 to Crimson Cliffs in the second round of the playoffs.

They return most of their starters from last year and Esplin is excited for this experienced group to play instinctual football.

“Once you’re on the football field, you can’t really be thinking about anything. We want to be in attack mode on defense. We want to make people adjust to us versus us having to make adjustments towards other teams,” Esplin explained.

Trey Vaughn, a standout edge rusher, returns after a strong season that included 6.5 sacks and two interceptions.

“Trey is a great athlete,” said Esplin. “He’s really strong. A lot of times if you get an edge guy, they’re either really strong or they’re really athletic. And he’s both.”

Other returners include two-way player Cael Esplin who is their top returning tackler. He had 70 tackles in 2024.

They also return linebacker Calan Kelly and defensive back Easton Nowatzke who each had over 50 tackles last season.

The Warriors open the season at Spanish Fork on August 15.