Finishing State Runner-Up in 5A is something a lot of schools, most, would be proud of. For Dutch Fork, however, it is disappointing falling short of their goal and something that they “hope they can learn from.”
Heading into the 2022 season, the Foxes are poised from a talent standpoint to get back to a title game. They are strongat almost every position,though they will be playing a couple of players out of their natural spots due to necessity.
The quarterback spot is not settled. Senior Aliam Appler (6’4,205) and Junior Jon Hunt (6’1,215) are both transfers battling for the starting job. Appler transferred in prior to last season from North Carolina and Hunt transferred in this spring from from Vermont. Both were starters at their previous schools.
The big name on offense, however, is senior running back Jarvis Green (5’11,210), back after rushing for close to 1,800 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior. Sernior Maurice McQuire (5’8,185) will also get some carries. Up front, senior center Pressley Honeycutt (5’9,245), senior tackle Jacob Beasley (6’5,270) and tight end Prince Ross (6’0,220) all return. Junior wide receiver Jacob Hamilton (5’9,190) is back and is one of my top wide receivers in the Midlands. Joining him at WR are seniors Brayden Bowers (5’11,170) and Isaiah Jones (6’4,200).
Defensively, the Foxes are loaded. In the trenches they bring back senor AJ Johnson (6’2,220) and junior Dakota Jordan (6’0,220). One of the Midlands’ hardest hitters, senior Chandler Perry (5’8,190) returns at linebacker, along with John Buetow (5’10,215). Buetow plays up close or back at linebacker. Senior Jaylen Hinton (6’0,200) was not a full time starter last season but got significant playing time and was fourth in tackles on the team. Senior Paul Taylor (5’9,185) will play linebacker and some safety. At corners, seniors J’von Mack (5’11,190) and Ben Montgomery (5’11,185). Senior Landon Danley (6’2,200) returns at safety and is one of the Midlands best defensive backs.
This team is loaded with talent. Both Green and Danley are Power Five level talents and Perry,Appler, Bowers and Jones are all capable of playing at Division IAA level. Ol Jacob Beaseley has some Division II offers and I believe can play IAA.
“Our goal is to begin a new State Championship winning streak,” said head coach Tom Knotts.
