5 Reasons Pleasant Grove High School Football Is Utah's New Must-Watch Program: 2025 Season Update
The Pleasant Grove High School Vikings football program, based in Utah, has rapidly become one of the most compelling stories in the state's 6A classification. As of late December 2025, the team is building on a phenomenal 2024 campaign, showcasing a blend of disciplined coaching, breakout talent, and a powerful regional presence that has fans and analysts taking serious notice.
The transition into a consistent winner is a testament to the culture established by the coaching staff. Following a dominant 2024 season that saw the Vikings achieve a remarkable 9-2 overall record and an undefeated 7-0 run in their region, the team entered the 2025 season with high expectations, solidifying their status as a perennial contender in Utah High School Sports.
The Architects of Success: Coach and Key Player Profiles (2025-2026 Roster)
The foundation of the Vikings' recent success rests firmly on the shoulders of their coaching staff and a talented group of senior and junior athletes. Leadership stability has been a major factor in the program's upward trajectory.
Head Coach Biography: Taylor Walkenhorst
- Role: Head Football Coach, Pleasant Grove High School (Utah).
- Tenure: Entering his fifth year, with the 2025 season marking his latest campaign.
- Career Record: 17 wins and 29 losses over his first four seasons, a record that reflects a significant turnaround culminating in the 2024 success.
- Coaching Philosophy: Focused on building a strong regional program and developing talent within the 6A classification.
Key Roster Entities to Watch (2025-2026 Season)
The 2025-2026 roster features a mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen who are poised to make an impact. These players are the core of the Vikings' offensive and defensive schemes:
- Jordyn Brown (#7): A key asset in the Vikings' lineup.
- Dax Carter (#32): Expected to be a major contributor on the field.
- Parker Cerda (#5): Another name frequently mentioned on the 2025 roster.
- Will Chao (#70): An important figure on the offensive or defensive line.
- Xander Freitas (#57): A senior leader for the team.
- Linford McBride (#58): A senior who provides depth and experience.
- Harper McBride (#56): A junior expected to take on a larger role.
- Jack Robinson (#59): A junior player contributing to the team's depth.
- Javion Butler, Jamarion Richardson, James Solomon, Kenmarion Jones, Kedrid Smith: Additional players listed on the expansive 2025-2026 roster.
5 Reasons the Vikings are a Powerhouse Program
The Pleasant Grove Vikings are more than just a successful team; they represent a model for sustained excellence in Utah high school football. Here are five key factors driving their current and future success:
1. The Unstoppable 2024 Region 4 Championship Run
The 2024 season was a landmark year for the Vikings. They finished with an impressive 9-2 overall record and, more significantly, a perfect 7-0 record in Region 4 play. This dominance solidified their position as the top team in the region and demonstrated their ability to perform consistently against tough regional opponents. Key matchups, such as the game against Lone Peak in September 2024, highlighted the team's ability to compete at the highest level.
2. Consistent Performance in the Face of High-Level Competition
Pleasant Grove consistently tests its mettle against strong non-region opponents. An early-season 2024 matchup saw the Vikings in a close contest against McAdory, demonstrating their willingness to face challenging out-of-state competition and learn from tough losses (L 38-35). This aggressive scheduling philosophy prepares the team for the intensity of the playoffs and builds crucial game-time experience for key players.
3. Depth and Development of the 2025-2026 Roster
The current 2025-2026 roster is deep, featuring a mix of senior leadership and promising juniors. The presence of players like Xander Freitas and Linford McBride, alongside developing talent such as Harper McBride and Jack Robinson, suggests a sustainable program structure. This blend ensures that the Vikings do not rely on a single class, but rather have a pipeline of talent ready to step up and maintain the competitive edge in the 6A classification.
4. Navigating the Challenges of the 2025 Season
The 2025 season provided a new set of challenges and learning opportunities. While the team faced a tough loss in a tournament game against Northridge High School (7-21) in late October 2025, the experience gained in the playoffs is invaluable. These high-stakes games are essential for player development and for identifying areas for improvement, fueling the drive for success in future seasons.
5. Establishing Topical Authority in High School Football
While the Pleasant Grove Vikings (Utah) are making their own mark, it is worth noting that the name "Pleasant Grove" is also associated with another powerhouse program: the Pleasant Grove Hawks in Texarkana, Texas. The Texas Hawks have a history of state championships, including a title in 2019, and secured a significant tournament win in November 2025 (48-7 victory over Canton High School). This shared name highlights the competitive nature of high school football across the country, but the Utah Vikings are carving out their own distinct legacy, proving that the program is a force to be reckoned with on the national high school football landscape.
Looking Ahead: Pleasant Grove Vikings' Future Outlook
With the 2025 season wrapping up, the Pleasant Grove Vikings are already setting their sights on the next chapter. The stability of Coach Walkenhorst's tenure and the impressive win-loss record from 2024 provide a strong foundation. The team is expected to remain a top contender in Region 4 and a serious threat in the Utah 6A playoffs.
The focus will be on the continued development of the current roster, particularly the junior class, to ensure the team maintains its high level of play. Fans can look forward to another exciting season of Vikings football, characterized by strong regional dominance and challenging non-conference matchups that prepare them for a deeper playoff run in the years to come.
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