5 Shocking Takeaways From The Lehi High School Football Team’s Historic Move To 6A And New Era Coaching Change
The Lehi High School football program is currently navigating one of the most significant transition periods in its storied history, following a highly successful but challenging 2024 season and a major change in leadership. As of late December 2025, the Lehi Pioneers are not just reflecting on their recent performance in the grueling Class 6A division, but are actively preparing for a new era under a familiar face, a shift that has the entire Utah high school football community buzzing.
This article dives deep into the Pioneers’ recent move to the state's highest classification, their impressive 2024 playoff run, and the crucial coaching change that sets the stage for the 2025 season and beyond. The program, known for its deep roots and championship pedigree, is poised for continued dominance, but the path ahead in Region 3 is anything but easy.
The Pioneers’ Championship Pedigree and Recent History
The Lehi Pioneers, representing Lehi High School in Lehi, Utah, have a rich athletic tradition, particularly on the gridiron. While the program has seen various degrees of success over the decades, its championship history provides a strong foundation for the current team's aspirations. The team's recent accomplishments have cemented their status as a perennial contender in Utah High School Athletics (UHSAA).
- State Championship Titles: The Pioneers have captured multiple state championships throughout their history, including the Class 2A title in 1980, where they defeated Morgan High School. They secured another championship in 2000.
- The 2022 Triumph: Most recently, Lehi was crowned the Class 5A State Champion in 2022, defeating the Timpview Thunderbirds in the final at Rice-Eccles Stadium. This victory marked a significant milestone, proving the program's ability to compete at the highest levels of Utah football.
- Historic Athletic Year: The 1980-81 school year stands out in Lehi High School history, as the institution became the first in Utah high school athletics to win four state championship trophies in a single year across various sports.
- Runner-Up Finishes: The team also has a history of deep playoff runs, including State 2nd Place finishes in 1944 (Class B) and 1963 (Class B).
The Groundbreaking 2024 Season: A Successful Jump to 6A
The 2024 football season was a year of major adjustments and remarkable success for the Lehi Pioneers. After years of competing in Class 5A, the team made the highly anticipated jump to the state's highest classification, Class 6A, where they competed in the ultra-competitive Region 4. Despite the increase in competition, the Pioneers demonstrated that their program was more than ready for the challenge.
A Dominant Regular Season Performance:
The Pioneers finished the 2024-2025 season with an impressive overall record of 9-3, boasting a 0.750 Win Percentage and a solid 3-2 record in their new 6A region. This outstanding performance included key victories and showed the team's depth and talent against top-tier competition. Key matchups included games against powerhouse programs like Davis High School and Bingham High School.
The Playoff Gauntlet:
Lehi’s success continued into the UHSAA 6A Football State Playoffs. The team's momentum carried them deep into the bracket, where they secured a spot in the 6A Semifinal. This achievement was a testament to the coaching staff and the players' resilience in their inaugural 6A season. The playoff run culminated in a challenging semifinal matchup against the formidable Corner Canyon Chargers at Rice-Eccles Stadium in November 2024. Although the Pioneers ultimately fell to the Chargers, the deep playoff run solidified their position as a legitimate threat in the 6A classification.
Key Players Driving the Success:
The 2024 roster featured a core group of talented senior leaders who were instrumental in the team's success. Quarterback Carson Wren, a senior, was a major offensive catalyst, alongside fellow seniors Landon Roberts, Abe Jager, and Mays Madsen, who provided leadership and playmaking ability. Defensive standouts like Peni Takitaki also made their presence felt, contributing to the team's success with crucial plays, such as a memorable sack on Layton quarterback Madden Sargent during the playoffs.
The Pivotal Coaching Transition: Ed Larson to Andy Hadfield
Perhaps the most significant development following the 2024 season was the change in leadership at the head coaching position. The 2024 season was led by Head Coach Ed Larson. Under Larson, the Pioneers achieved their 5A state title and navigated the difficult transition to 6A, leaving the program in a strong position.
The Departure of a Veteran:
Ed Larson’s tenure saw the Pioneers rise to prominence, consistently competing for region and state titles. His leadership was critical in establishing the winning culture that allowed the team to immediately contend after moving up a classification. The move to 6A, while a success, marked the end of an era for the veteran coach.
The Arrival of a Hometown Hero:
In a highly anticipated move, the Lehi High School administration announced the hiring of Andy Hadfield as the next head coach for the football program. Hadfield is a true "hometown hero," having deep ties to the community and the program itself, where he served as a longtime assistant coach. This transition represents a shift in philosophy, bringing in a coach who understands the intricacies of the program and the expectations of the community.
What the Future Holds Under Hadfield:
Andy Hadfield takes the reins for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The team is described as "deep and talented," suggesting that the new coach inherits a strong foundation. The Pioneers will continue to compete in 6A Region 3, facing tough regional rivals like the Corner Canyon Chargers and American Fork High School. The focus will be on maintaining the program's high standards while adapting to Hadfield's leadership style and offensive/defensive schemes. The depth chart for the 2025-2026 season already features promising names like Max Griffin, Vincent Evans, Cameron Wren, Jaxton Laddimore, Vai Kaio, and Murphy Madsen, indicating a bright future for the Lehi Pioneers football program.
The Lehi Pioneers are not resting on the laurels of their 9-3 season and 6A Semifinal appearance. The coaching change signals a renewed commitment to excellence and a fresh approach to tackling the challenges of Utah's highest football classification. With a blend of championship history, recent success against elite programs, and a new, homegrown leader at the helm, the Pioneers are undoubtedly a team to watch in the coming seasons.
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