Davis football preview: Bessinger, Talbot look to steer Darts back to the top
Peery returns laundry list of young, hungry talent on both sides of ball in Year 4
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- Davis head football coach Scott Peery (left) chats with junior quarterback Tradon Bessinger during the Darts’ annual kids football clinic after a morning practice on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Davis High School.
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- Davis junior tackle Jackson Kuma helps direct a camper at the annual Darts football clinic after a morning practice on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Davis High School.
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- Davis head football coach Scott Peery leaves the field after a morning practice on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Davis High School.
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- A Davis football helmet rests in the sun after a morning practice on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Davis High School.
KAYSVILLE – In just three seasons, Scott Peery has Davis on the right track. And on the cusp of the Payson native’s fourth season in charge, the Darts return arguably the deepest roster north of Salt Lake City and some pretty lofty expectations to match.
Davis welcomed its first region title since 2015, made it to the quarterfinal round of the 6A state football playoffs (52-21 loss at Lehi) and checked off its first 10-win campaign since the command of Ryan Bishop in 2009.
Leaving little time to waste, Peery returned from winter break — like many coaches — already sifting through his returning roster and drawing up his top priorities once the weather swayed back into football’s favor and the doors open for summer break.
“It always starts in January,” Peery said. “We’re trying to develop a new personality, new chemistry new brotherhood — bigger, faster, stronger is always the name of the game.”
Few coaches can say they’re returning nearly 3,500 yards worth of offense this fall, but Peery retains that kind of production between two key position players: junior quarterback Tradon Bessinger and senior running back Owen Talbot.
Bessinger, who completed 262 passes for a whopping 2,925 yards and 32 touchdowns as a sophomore, returns alongside Talbot (496 yards, 19 touchdowns) to recreate the nucleus of Davis’ offense.
“(Talbot)’s a dog,” Bessinger said. “When we’re throwing it, he knows he’s gotta block, he’ll pick up a guy if he comes in here. We all feel safe with him.”
Bessinger returns no shortage of targets, either. Star wideout Bode Sparrow, breaking out for 842 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns during his freshman season, rejoins junior Tyson Baggett (632 yards, 4 touchdowns) in leading a deep room of hands.
Reflecting on his big debut, Sparrow said he’s motivated to cultivate the same leadership that led him into his current position. The Darts’ leading wideout said he first got a taste for the “brotherhood” during daily practices last fall.
“I didn’t know much about it last year, but I definitely experienced it,” Sparrow said. “Everybody buys in and everyone’s family and wants the best for everyone.”
The return of defensive coordinator Cameron Pribble, gearing up for his third season with the Peery staff, brings its share of green flags for the Darts’ defense. Last season, Davis held its opponents to an average of 16.2 points per game.
This summer, Pribble tailored a new 3-3-5 scheme for a defense featuring three blue-chip tackles in juniors Juni Moala, Jackson Kuma and senior transfer Siona Faemani Jr. (Viewmont) upfront.
“We’re going to do personnel packages moreso than we’ve ever done,” Pribble said. “We have a lot of really good skill dudes that’ll be able to play both ways so we can pick and choose and match personnel with the team we’re playing on a week-to-week basis.”
Moala, a key piece to Pribble’s new design, is looking forward to finally taking a share in leading the defense this fall. The three-star tackle currently holds D-I offers from BYU, Utah, USC, Washington State and Iowa State.
The returning junior tackle said much of the defensive roster has been soldering together since their earliest days at Davis.
“We take a lot of pride in our defense,” Moala said. “The only reason we’re going to get great offense is through our defense. … We’re a younger group, so we’ve just had to bond together as we get older.”
Pribble added that mutual respect has been a key part of his winning philosophy since joining Peery’s staff.
“I think it’s just spending time with the kids and trusting them,” Pribble added. “I’m a patient dude, not a big yeller. On game day, I take it easy and just coach the kids. That’s my way.”
DAVIS NOTES
Head coach: Scott Peery (fourth season at Davis)
Last season: 10-2 (5-0 Region 1)
Players to watch:
• Tradon Bessinger, QB, Junior; 262 completions, 2,925 yards, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
• Bode Sparrow, WR/FS, Sophomore; 69 receptions, 842 yards (51 long), 10 touchdowns
• Owen Talbot, RB, Senior; 100 carries, 496 yards, 10 touchdowns
• Tyson Baggett, WR, Junior; 55 receptions, 632 yards, 4 touchdowns
• Siona Faemani Jr., DE/DT, Senior; 15 tackles, 8 solo tackles (Viewmont)
• Juni Moala, DT/DE, Junior; 5.5 sacks
• Jackson Kuma, DT/DE, Junior; 3.5 sacks
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 – @ Lehi
Aug. 23 – Copper Hills
Aug. 30 – Mountain Ridge
Sept. 6 – Kearns
Sept. 13 – Taylorsville
Sept. 20 – @ Weber*
Sept. 27 – @ Fremont*
Oct. 4 – Layton*
Oct. 10 – Farmington*
Oct. 16 – @ Syracuse*
*Denotes Region 1 game.
Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email cbecker@standard.net and X @ctbecker
