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NORTHERN UTAH FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2026

Sparrow all business for Davis

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Star recruit........................................................................................................................................4 Oklahoma commit Bode Sparrow’s senior season at Davis is all business

Backfield buzzing..............................................................................................................................6 Box Elder’s ‘bond’ has senior Judd Howells reaching for the sky (and perhaps further) Tradition rebuilt................................................................................................................................ rebuilt................................................................................................................................8 Layton’s Trevor Thomas values the past in a new world of high school football Lakers reloaded..............................................................................................................................10 Inside Connor McGuire’s vision for Bonneville Team-by-team breakdowns.........................................................................................................14 COVER PHOTO: Davis High’s Bode Sparrow runs with the football in a game against Layton on Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton. BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

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Davis High receiver Bode Sparrow (2) lunges to the goal line as Syracuse defender Kolin White, bottom tries to hang on for a tackle during a game Sept. 26, 2025, in Kaysville.

STAR RECRUIT

BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

Oklahoma commit Bode Sparrow’s senior season at Davis is all business BY CONNER BECKER

Standard-Examiner

AYSVILLE — In one of this summer’s viral online moments, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart delivered a picture-perfect throw from the roof of a yacht at Lake Powell. The receiver, leaping off the back of a moving jet ski to complete the stunt, was none other than Bode Sparrow. Sparrow, a family friend of the Darts and the top recruit in Utah’s class of 2027,

joined the Roy High and Corner Canyon alum along the Arizona-Utah border to celebrate the Fourth of July shortly after announcing his commitment to the University of Oklahoma. The recruiting battle for Sparrow is seemingly over and, while Sparrow turned away two lucrative in-state offers from BYU and Utah, the future Sooner has one season of high school football left to play out. The focus is on his final season at Davis, Sparrow said, and making his college choice over the offseason was deliberate

to block out the extra noise. “For a while there, it was just worrying about what my future was,” Sparrow said. “I wanted to do it before the season, so from now on that’s the priority. It’s my senior year, and you want to make it the best and have good memories from it, but with what we’ve been building, we’re going to be tough this year.” A three-year starter, Sparrow enters his senior year having already eclipsed 3,000 receiving yards for 42 touchdowns. The four-star Utah standout was second in

the state with seven picks and 71 combined tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, as a fixture in the Davis secondary. Sparrow, aside from his upside offensively, is a major returning piece for a defense featuring fellow senior Cam Graves at tackle, and linebacker duo Dexter Frasure and Bridger Young holding down the middle row.

What excites Sparrow most about Davis Above a touchdown, Sparrow is a fan of

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the ground-pound trench work. While his position often soaks up the stats, Sparrow is quick to shine a light on the guys up front. He’s especially excited about the offensive line — anchored by three starters in Mason Bush, Hudson Smith and Noah Bingham — all weighing 270 pounds or greater. Sparrow’s younger brother, Wyatt, is a junior hoping to chip in up front, too. Davis fell short of Lone Peak, 41-38 in double-overtime, in last year’s 6A state quarterfinals, and is on the rebound this fall with a new-look offense anchored by a veteran offensive line. “I think the cool opportunity we have this year is we’ve got some size up front,” Sparrow said. “And I think that’s what football is. You’ve gotta have those guys up front, and if you have those guys combined with the skill guys, it’s a dangerous combo.” Trusted arm Tradon Bessinger is off at Iowa, but Sparrow isn’t worried about the depth around him as coach Scott Peery and Davis embark on a new season together. Davis looks to new kid Brodie Scheinberg, moving to Utah from California, as the name to watch as quarterback after throwing for 422 yards, four touchdowns and one interception as a sophomore at St. John Bosco High School last year. Scheinberg is currently a three-star recruit as rated by 247 Sports, and holds three Power Four offers. Sparrow isn’t the only weapon Scheinberg can turn to, either. Utah commit Jaxton Itaaehau should easily surpass 2,000 career receiving yards as a senior, and fellow wideoutdefensive back Sam Coleman, committed to Utah State, is another seasoned option for the pass game in 2026. Iron sharpens iron, Sparrow said, and he’s been increasingly impressed by how much his competition pushes him in practice. “There’s talent everywhere,” Sparrow said. “When you have guys like Jaxton and Coleman, but those are just some guys to throw out there. That’s the thing, we’ve got some depth and when you’re going up against that every day, not only are they

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going to get better but you’re going to get with a major momentum-booster opporbetter and everyone’s going to get better.” tunity against the Chargers. The defending 6A champs come to town Friday, Aug. Corner Canyon in Week 1 14, for the first time in school history. Hosting mighty Casey Sutera replaced Eric Kjar, now Corner Canyon the head coach at Weber State, earlier this in Week 1, year after Corner Canyon achieved seven Davis be- state titles during Kjar’s nine-year tenure. gins the The game’s circled on Sparrow’s calens e a s o n dar for a myriad of reasons, including a chance to line up against Chargers safety Diesel Dart, the younger brother of Jaxson Dart and one of Morgan Scalley’s newest commits at Utah. “This will be a packed house,” Sparrow said. “We’ve got a tough schedule, and not just because it’s the first game but because it’s Corner Canyon and the success they’ve had over the years and to get a shot at them first game and set the tone, it should be great.” Everyone wants to open the year on a high note, but knocking off the defending champions to kick off August would be, well, whew. Moreover, the Week 1 contest offers Sparrow and the Davis senior class the ultimate litmus test, followed up by a road trip to 5A Fremont in Week 2. Davis has two region titles in this decade, but remains without a state title since a memorable 2004 run. The 2026 schedule lends no breaks and Sparrow is shouldering his teammates through one last ride. “I think the biggest thing I’ve tried to establish is culture and leadership,” Sparrow said. “I think I’m a guy that’s been there, done that, and I think people are beginning to look at that. A big role for me this year is to be that leader everyone can fall back on and hopefully I can bring guys with me.” Davis High players Bode Sparrow (2) and Isaac Morrison (8) celebrate after a play against Syracuse on Sept. 26, 2025, in Kaysville. BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

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BACKFIELD UZZING

Box Elder’s ‘bond’ has senior Judd Howells reaching for the sky (and perhaps further)

Box Elder junior Judd Howells runs the ball during the 5A playoff game at Springville on Nov. 7, 2025. HAROLD MITCHELL, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY HERALD

BY CONNER BECKER

Standard-Examiner

RIGHAM CITY — For a guy like Judd Howells, the 2025 Box Elder football season was a bit like a scientific

breakthrough. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound returning senior finished top five among Utah’s rushers with 1,581 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, and that magic was largely initiated because of a broken wrist. Bees coach Carson Mund, coming down from Logan in 2024, spotted Howells as a running back from the start, but Box Elder already featured present-day Weber State track and field star Jae Macias averaging 7.42 yards per carry. It was only a matter of time before that pad level became a non-negotiable for the offense.

“We knew he was going to be a running back,” Mund said. “Sophomore-yearwise, we had the fastest kids in the state playing running back and another senior, so we decided it was best for him to focus on one side of the ball. Then, along with breaking his wrist, it kind of made it an easier decision for us. We knew we had some good running backs, four or five guys that could do it, and he’s the one that stood out.” As a junior, Howells switched to running back after enduring a high ankle sprain and MCL sprain during a 7-3 home win over Northridge in last year’s region opener. Freeing up extra snaps, Howells concentrated on the run game full-time and he powered Box Elder’s backfield with 131-plus yards per game. “Carson was encouraging me a lot,” Howells said. “I was expecting just to be

a defensive guy after sophomore year, but after he kind of put me in the rotation, I started going. Last year, junior year camp, I kind of balled out and it just went from there.” This offseason saw Howells work exclusively with former Weber State-turned49er Anthony Parker, the father of former Weber High standout Dyson Parker, who signed with the Wildcats earlier this year. “I’m way more prepared,” Howells said. “I’m definitely going to be way more elusive this year.” Box Elder chalked up just three losses last season, including a one-score elimination defeat at Springville in November. The Bees reached that state quarterfinal by knocking off West Field twice in consecutive games. Howells rushed for a combined 277 yards and five touchdowns in those victories.

The offense, as a unit, produced 382plus yards per game in 2025, and a toughto-grab Howells is the critical element of that production. “I think the biggest thing is his vision and really good length, so he’s really hard to tackle,” Mund said. “... His vision, with how we do the run game, he sees things very well. He’s a downhill runner, and then his length makes it really hard for defenders to tackle him because he’s long, stiff-armed, long legs, and in space, he’s a tough guy to tackle just because of those traits.”

‘Better vibes, harder work’ In late July, Box Elder football players streamed through the parking lot and into a classroom like MI6 agents gathering in

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the bullpen. Their dossier was on the big board as Mund and the coaching staff mulled over that day’s agenda and points of interest. These are guys with a plan. The senior lot includes key starters across the lineup. Kadyn Reyes returns after throwing for 1,472 yards, nine touchdowns and just five interceptions in his junior year at quarterback. Cammon Bushnell (300 yards, 2 TDs), Reyes’ leading target in 2025 behind graduate Maddox Earnest (341 yards, 3 TDs), leads a deep skill list also featuring running back Bridger Richards, tight end Jaxon Jeppsen, and wideouts Rhet Richards, Talon Sumko and Cole Bushnell. Box Elder’s skill list (save for Jeppsen at linebacker) doubles between linebacker and the secondary, and has played a lot of football with returning, two-way linemen Grady Judd, Caleb Cefalo and Ricki Jones. The Bees have the reps required for enabling an equally dangerous defense, deepest at linebacker and safety, Mund said. “When you can get that many, it’s a huge blessing because it gives you that chance,” Mund said. “A lot of these guys played as sophomores, so they have that third year of playing varsity football and that really helps. ... Defensively, we’re doing more stuff than we’ve probably done ever.” Howells, stepping outside that classroom for a brief visit with the StandardExaminer, didn’t spill the deepest state secrets of the playbook, but he’s eager to watch them reach the field. “It’s better vibes, harder work,” Howells said. “We have a different rotation this year. We have (multiple) different skill guys, and we kind of go with guys our own weight to push each other.” Seniors, Howells said, are encouraged to exchange notes in and out of practice. With creativity comes the ability to assemble unusually effective configurations. Referring back to that same Northridge game from 2025, Howells pointed to the game-winning drive where the offense, which had reached the scoreboard for nearly four full quarters, marched clear down to the 5-yard line before entrusting not his legs, but those of Kadyn Reyes, for six points and the win on an elusive, designed run for Box Elder’s quarterback. Such a play call is only possible with

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CONNER BECKER, STANDARD-EXAMINER

Box Elder’s Judd Howells, right, celebrates a touchdown with Tegn Johnson, left, during a nonregion football contest with Layton on Aug. 22, 2025, in Brigham City. the right depth, and Howells speaks assuredly of this year’s senior leadership. “Our bonds here are really strong,” Howells said. “Everyone’s been playing (football) together since like fourth grade. We all know each other very well; we’re all willing to fight for each other, and we love each other, so we’re all willing to put it out there.”

It’s a rocky Region 5

From top to bottom, every football program in Region 5 has a reason to be excited about the season ahead. New rivalries, personal vendettas and even coaching changes shape the schedule this fall, and Box Elder emerges as one of the contenders. Fremont, though, remains the bar for this Bees team. Manase Tuatagaloa, now graduated, threw for 356 yards and

three touchdowns in a 48-30 road win in Brigham City last year. It marked Box Elder’s only region loss of the season, and stood in the way of the school’s first region title since 2018. Box Elder travels to Fremont on Oct. 2. “It’s definitely going to be a lot closer this year,” Howells said. “We got Fremont, West Field, Northridge. I know they’re all going to be pretty good this year, so we just got to put our nose down and work hard. But I’m definitely excited for that Fremont game. Ready to bring it for those guys.” Box Elder opens the season at home against recently opened Deseret Peak, then travels to rival Bear River, now under the command of longtime Northern Utah coach Craig Anhder, for a Week 2 Golden Spike affair. The Bees battle the state of Idaho twice, both at home, with Highland (from Po-

catello) on Aug. 28 and Rigby on Sept. 18. The region slate begins at Northridge, Roy at home, and Bonneville at home after Rigby. Box Elder then travels to Fremont and Clearfield before closing the regular season at home against West Field. It’s tough sledding, but Howells isn’t concerned with the hearsay so much as his brand of “blue-collar football.” “We’ll just stick with ourselves, play for ourselves, play for each other, play for our community, work hard for everyone and live up to the expectations of what we should be,” Howells said. Howells plans to pursue football and engineering after high school. Connect with Standard-Examiner sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net, X @ctbecker and Instagram @standardexaminersports.

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Left to right: Derrick Thomas, Dave Thomas and Trevor Thomas pictured in an undated photo from the mid-1990s. PHOTO SUPPLIED, LAYTON HIGH SCHOOL

TRADITION REBUILT

Layton’s Trevor Thomas values the past in a new world of high school football BY CONNER BECKER

Standard-Examiner

AYTON — For better or worse, Trevor Thomas has made a consistent effort to surround himself with guys who love Layton High as his alma mater’s head football coach. The 1999 Layton graduate is three seasons into his attempt at piecing together a winning season, having won eight games since replacing fellow Lancer and BYU alum Fotu Katoa in 2023. It’s been a tough decade for Layton football, no doubt, but the upcoming 2026 campaign lends hope to a team hungry for sustained success. Half of Layton’s 10 returning starters star on both sides of the trenches, and that experience shields All-Area senior rusher Luke Byers and returning quar-

terback sophomore Tillman Thomas. The offense, coached by 2016 Layton graduate Koy Cannon, looks to expand on 284 yards per game last season. These days, though, it’s a constant battle to keep guys around. Historically, Layton has won six or more games in a season just twice since Cannon finished his prep career a decade ago. Thomas tapped Cannon, a threeyear starter wideout and defensive back and the older brother of fellow Lancers alum Porter Cannon, to call the offense upon taking the job in 2023. Thomas also landed a Super Bowl talent, Layton alum and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marcus Kemp, on his staff as a pass game and special teams coordinator in 2024. Former Layton standout quarterback and wide receiver Wylee Strong joined the staff last season as the

lege level and into the high school realm, where a growing number of football players move from one school to another, whether from 15 miles away or out of state. In Utah, especially, it’s a tricky business where a student in grades 9 through 12 may apply for a boundary permit (also referred to as a variance) through their respective district while remaining subject to the Utah High School Activities Association’s transfer rules. The UHSAA’s official language demands a student fulfill one of five specific criteria, including change of residence or legal guardian, to become immediately Building a roster isn’t eligible for varsity sports. A student not meeting the outlined criteria must sit out what it used to be for 12 months before they become eligiLayton isn’t immune to a transfer cul- ble, according to the UHSAA’s Section 9 ture that’s leaked down from the col- transfer rules.

team’s running backs coach. Bringing in a handful of knowledgeable football guys is one thing, but selling a locker room on building a winning tradition is another. The spoiler, Thomas said, is those wins can’t come before Layton establishes a culture that retains local kids. “You’re going to lose some kids,” Thomas said. “But, if you can build a culture and an environment, and ultimately winning takes care of it all — but I’ve tried to build a lot of culture about the past and what Layton High’s been, and that’s helped a lot.”

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In recent years, Thomas said the game’s changed with just how many kids he’s seen pulled to one football program or another. “A lot of times, I’m recruiting my own kids,” Thomas said. The concept of moving schools isn’t unique to one particular level. Like with the college level, students are incentivized to play for a specific program or institution if it means exposure in their desired sport. A potential scholarship or career path is a shiny objective for any young, aspiring athlete — Cannon was one of them — but retaining the mission and priceless lessons of high school sports is what has the 28-year-old enthusiastic about his role coaching at his alma mater. “If a kid wants to leave, they’re going to leave,” Cannon said. “The kids are still in high school. We obviously take it seriously, and we want to win every game, but is that the likelihood of it all? Probably not, but that’s the goal: keeping it light and fun with the kids and letting them enjoy the experience of being here at Layton High and what it means. “Sometimes it can feel like a job, and that’s going to burn these kids out.” It wasn’t long ago that transfers were just an anomaly. With a rise in apparent movement from school to school, high school coaches are racing to master the growing technology — Hudl, GameChanger MaxPreps, etc. — as to not get left behind in the new age. Like many states, Utah schools are required to report game scores and stats via MaxPreps promptly after each contest, according to UHSAA.org. “I think we had one kid in the four years that I played here that moved in,” Cannon said. “And that’s just because his family bought a new house. ... The resources we have now as players and coaches, whether it’s technology with the game film or the amount of meeting time and instruction we do now, 10 years ago that was all just up and running. We’d watch film once a week, and that’s about it. The advancement in that is a lot different.”

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BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

Layton High students cheer during a home football game Aug. 16, 2024, in Layton.

from 1980 to 1983, the standout defensive end made several stops around Davis and Weber counties, including Layton High, and it was on those 1990s teams that Thomas remembered the assistant coach best. As an assistant at Layton, Flint once sent a teenage Thomas, during practice, to a floral shop down the street from the high school to inquire about the cost of a dozen roses. Trevor can’t remember exactly why he was asked to do that, but it’s Honor the past, likely that he deserved it. “I’ve taken a lot of what I’ve learned build for the future and saw from all these coaches, and I’ve Long after Brandon Flint set the still- tried to motivate in a newer way,” Trevor standing school sacks record (33) at BYU Thomas said.

Flint was part of Gary Hansen’s 1978 state championship run at Layton — which remains the program’s only state football title to date — and later coached alongside the late Louis Carter Cook and Trevor’s father, Dave Thomas, he a retired Layton recreation supervisor and former Layton City Council member who coached sophomores throughout the late 1990s. The times have changed, but the younger Thomas is back for more entering his fourth season heading the program. His upcoming group includes a hopeful, healthy mix of talent, including sophomore two-way standouts Drew

Godderidge and Easton Thomas, vying for a breakout season amid a relentless Region 1 schedule. Layton kicks the season off at home against 5A Timpview on Aug. 14. “It’s a group that knows football and wants to work hard, but they’re only 15 or 16 years old. They want to be really good,” Thomas said. “Down the road they’re going to be even better, but if you mix it in with what we have coming back, it could be a really good season.” Connect with Standard-Examiner sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net, X @ctbecker and Instagram @standardexaminersports.

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LAKERS RELOADED Bonneville receiver Daniel Park (8) draws a pass interference penalty against Roy defender Synic Harvey (5) on Sept. 19, 2025, in Roy. PHOTO SUPPLIED, GORDON DOXEY

BY CONNER BECKER

Standard-Examiner

ASHINGTON TERRACE — Connor McGuire had his eye on the situation at Bonneville High for a while, and when the job opened up late last year, he took his shot. McGuire, a former wide receiver at Roy High and later placing his playing career in the hands of Matt Wells at Utah State, is the second head coaching hire at Bonneville in just 16 months since longtime leader Jantz Afuvai stepped down from his position last spring. The former architect of the Royal offense, McGuire previously assisted Afuvai at Bonneville from 2019 to 2021, and is now in charge of the Lakers entering his first fall as a head coach. The Lakers have won just three games since posting a 6-6 finish in 2023, and their latest campaign was a struggle across the

board with an 0-3 start to the nonregion slate, followed by a rocky road through Region 5 with their best performance, a 38-34 loss at Roy, featuring two Royals touchdowns 20 seconds apart in the fourth quarter. Taylor Walkenhorst delivered an 0-10 campaign last fall, and subsequently walked away from the program shortly thereafter. “The first month or so, I felt like a traitor,” McGuire said of leaving Roy for Bonneville the first time in 2019. “But once I had spent a few short weeks at Bonneville, it quickly created a special place in my heart. The people there were very supportive, took care of us as a football team and we just had an administrative team that was awesome. ... I always felt kind of pulled back that way a little bit. “I was always interested in keeping up with how they were doing and touching base with some of the underclassmen over there during their senior year. It continued to have

Inside Connor McGuire’s vision for Bonneville

a special place in my heart during my time at Roy High.” Bonneville drops 22 seniors to graduation, including starting running back Noah Chavez, and senior quarterback Paden Toula is now at Davis. Additionally, the Lakers lose 176 combined tackles from three of last year’s top five defenders as the defense hits the reset button. McGuire, set to call the offense this fall, brought in former Woods Cross and Farmington staffer Eric Johnsen as defensive coordinator to help the transition. Just five starters return, including senior safety Cache Jensen (78 combined tackles). Before assessing talent levels, though, McGuire set out to establish some expectations around what his football program is about (many of them inspired by Roy’s Chris Solomona and other coaching mentors). “The very first few things were changing up the mentality of the kids,” McGuire said.

“I laid out some core values for our team, and these values are things that’re very simple, very basic, but they translate to everything off the field. We try to focus on things that aren’t directly related to just football. It’s more about teaching them how to work hard, to be team players, to have integrity and develop some discipline.” “If we can really cash in and start developing those kids in those areas, we have a lot of confidence the football aspect is going to start taking care of itself.” As summer practices close and the season nears, McGuire is inspired by just how many potential leaders are emerging. Two linemen — senior Wade Wayman and junior Carson Wilkins — will lead both sides of the trenches with much of the team’s skill assortment doubling in the middle row and secondary this fall. Two potential names are listed at

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quarterback in junior Polo Afuvai and freshman newcomer Luke Loughton. From what McGuire’s laid out about his offense, the winning candidate will be able to make quick decisions and control the game from the field. Two running backs in senior Champ Snyder and junior Kaden Martinez will compete similarly for touches. The Lakers are particularly older at tight end with junior Trevyn Sears, senior Steven Barella, and Parley Brand lending some extra size to a pass game that’ll be working with a fresh face under center. “We’re an offense that takes advantage of what the defense gives us,” McGuire said. “So on any given play, we’ve got some plays, there’s two, some plays, there’s four options built into the play, depending how the defense lines up, and, you know, their tendencies with our formations and motions. We’re going to train our quarterbacks to put us in an advantageous situation every time. So, it’s very flexible post-snap offense, very reactionary to what the defense is doing. A lot times, the defense is reacting to the offense, but we’re almost reacting to them, in a way.” It’s a season of firsts for everyone, not

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just McGuire. Bonneville is looking for a new chapter for its football program, and is working on its third head coach in two years to see whether a sustainable product can make its way onto Budge Field. Asked about the challenge, McGuire said timing was everything with his decision, and that the support staff around him only fuels his excitement about the prospects of his first head coaching gig. “I enjoyed those positions and always kind of said I’d take that step to become a head coach if the right opportunity presented (itself),” McGuire said. “The job opened up, my wife and I weren’t interested in moving super far away, and we’re already pretty close to Weber County so the proximity was quite a factor. I already had relationships with the community and some of the faculty, so that all clicked with me.” Bonneville kicks off the season at Viewmont on Friday, Aug. 14. Connect with Standard-Examiner sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@ PHOTO SUPPLIED, GORDON DOXEY standard.net, X @ctbecker and Instagram @ Bonneville High running back Noah Chavez (0) finishes a touchdown run past Roy’s Gunner standardexaminersports. Pearson (6) on Sept. 19, 2025, in Roy.

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must-see games in Northern Utah

Fremont’s Triston Mann, left, and Weber’s Brock Dean collide during a non-region football contest at Weber on Aug. 15, 2025, in Pleasant View. CONNER BECKER, STANDARD-EXAMINER

BY CONNER BECKER

Standard-Examiner

here’ll be no shortage of competition when high school football returns in Northern Utah this month. It’ll kick off as a unique product, appearing amidst the NFL preseason and a full week before the college football season starts. But just how many games can you manage? Between family commitments and the workweek, where should you dedicate a handful of precious hours on Friday night? It’s a tough question. Consider this list your cheat sheet: a rundown of high school football matchups worth your consideration this fall as you draft your weekend plans.

Corner Canyon at Davis

Aug. 14, Kaysville The obvious first pick on any list this season. Kaysville will be rocking when these two schools snap the ball for the first time ever. It features two 6A powers, both with fresh legs and fresh questions entering a Week 1 showdown. Consider this one appointment television.

Weber at Fremont

Aug. 14, Plain City Fremont won this matchup last year, but roster changes — including the losses of Salesi Moa, Manase Tuatagaloa, Cade Hadley and others — leave the Silverwolves with many questions entering a Week 1 matchup with rival Weber, which returns starting quarterback Carter Payne

and leading wideout Creed DeVries.

Northridge at Layton

Aug. 21, Layton The Lancers enjoyed a gritty 21-17 road win at Northridge in last year’s Battle for the Sword. Trevor Thomas and Layton aim to protect that showing at home this year, one week after hosting 5A Timpview. Northridge, led by senior quarterback Liam Fresques, marches in to bring the sword home.

Ogden at Grantsville

faced multiple tests against Bear River, Bonneville, West Field and Clearfield before region play.

West Field at Box Elder

Oct. 16, Brigham City The Bees scored 35-plus points against the Longhorns in two meetings last season. While West Field fit its first-ever playoff win between those losses, it’ll travel to Brigham City for its last game of the Region 5 calendar. Region 5 is competitive again in 2026 and this game could ultimately tell the story, should the stars align.

Sept. 25, Grantsville Ogden hasn’t managed to knock off the Cowboys since dropping to 3A beginning Connect with Standard-Examiner with the 2021 season. This year, too, proves sports reporter Conner Becker via email at tough with a road trip on the calendar, but cbecker@standard.net, X @ctbecker and the Tigers enter the contest having already Instagram @standardexaminersports.

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Fall 2026 | 13

250 YEARS OF UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

will find highlights and lowlights Within these pages, readers as the character and political presidency is as vast and complex of triumph and failure, of human The story of the American quickly, Washington to — stories are designed to capture interest Each president, from George complexity. These snapshots into the history of the nation itself. its laws, and history enthusiasts a doorway imprint on the country, shaping offering both casual readers the present day, left a unique subject of the presidency. larger and endlessly fascinating culture and place in the world. require curiosity, it also inspires legacies of these leaders would of this volume that in sparking hope the is It Fully exploring the lives and presidency is That than 250 years, the American research and a lifetime of study. further exploration. For more countless volumes, years of and ideals. Chiefs: Fascinating Facts the ambitions to “Hail struggles, Instead, nation’s has reflected the to not the aim of this book. quirks, engaging facts, this book aims highlights memorable moments, By providing a collection of about Every U.S. President” unique, country this how presidency each about learning that made encourage readers to continue accomplishments and controversies familiar through the leadership of its and enjoyable way to become was founded, built and maintained providing an easily accessible and colorful details of presidential presidents. with some of the defining episodes history.

WILLIAM MCKINLEY

ANNEXED HAWAII:

EVERY - FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT President4Grover THE CHIEFShad Cleveland • HAIL TO rejected annexation requests by businessmen in the Hawaiian Islands, but during the SpanishAmerican War, public opinion and President McKinley held a more favorable attitude toward the idea, seeing the islands as having both a strategic and economic benefit for the U.S. At McKinley’s request, Congress voted to make Hawaii a territory on Aug. 12, 1898.

A photo of President William McKinley

PHILIPPINES REVOLT:

PARTY: Republican VICE PRESIDENTS: Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909. Roosevelt succeeded to the presidency Sept. 14, 1901, after the death of President William McKinley and the vice presidency remained vacant until 1905.)

BORN: Oct. 27, 1858 SPOUSES: Alice Hathaway Lee (married

PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY:

McKinley was the first president to ride in an automobile. He did so in a Stanley Steamer in Canton, Ohio, on Nov. 1, 1899.

80 • HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

SWORN INTO OFFICE: Sept. 14, 1901 LEFT OFFICE: March 4, 1909

and the members of his cabinet.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW Canton, Ohio 44708 mckinleymuseum.org

The William McKinley National

in 1880, 1 child. She died in 1884 after the birth of their child.) Edith Kermit Carow (married in 1886, 5 children)

Memorial in Canton, Ohio.

Sources: whitehousehistory.org millercenter.org history.navy.mil history.state.gov britannica.com

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

DIED: Jan. 6, 1919

WENT WEST AFTER HIS WIFE’S DEATH:

While studying at Harvard, Roosevelt met his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. Alice gave birth to their first child on Feb. 14, 1884, and died two days later. Roosevelt’s mother died the same day as his wife. With the hope that hard work would stave off depression, Roosevelt left his newborn daughter in the care of his sister and went west, where he took up cattle ranching in the badlands of the Dakota Territory. His hard work brought acceptance by area residents skeptical of the Harvard-educated Easterner. Having been born into the elite circles of New York, this experience gave him an appreciation for the lives of regular Americans. A hard winter that killed most of his cattle herd ended his ranching days and sent him back to New York.

Roosevelt assumed the presidency at age 42 upon the death of President William McKinley, making him the youngest president in the nation’s history. (John F. Kennedy was 43 when he became president, making him the youngest person to be elected as the presidential candidate on the ballot.)

WHERE BURIED: Youngs Memorial Cemetery, Oyster Bay, New York

President Theodore Roosevelt smiles

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING FACTS

ANDREW JACKSON STATES THAT JOINED THE UNION DURING HIS PRESIDENCY:

Arkansas (1836) and Michigan

SWORN INTO OFFICE: March

4, 1829

LEFT OFFICE: March 4, 1837 PARTY: Democratic VICE PRESIDENTS:

Calhoun John C. Calhoun: 1825-1832. the vice resigned Dec. 28, 1832, and until 1833. presidency remained vacant Martin Van Buren: 1833-1837

BORN: March 15, 1767, near Lancaster, South Carolina

SPOUSE: Rachel Donelson Robards

When

CHILDREN: No biological children. had

Rachel’s brother and sister-in-law one of twins, the Jacksons adopted Jackson Jr. them, naming him Andrew young Native The Jacksons also raised a on a American boy who was found died at about Creek War battlefield. He 16 years of age.

DIED: June 8, 1845 WHERE BURIED: The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s estate), Tennessee

Nashville,

24 • HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

NATIONAL POLITICAL IMPACT:

Jackson is considered the founder Democratic Party.

(1837)

FIRST “WESTERN” PRESIDENT

“self-made” Andrew Jackson was the first the “West” man and the first person from His father died to ascend to the presidency. At age 13, he a few weeks before his birth. his two older followed in the footsteps of brothers and joined the Revolutionary killed. His War effort; both brothers were he was 14. He mother died of cholera when Carolina, eventually studied law in North practiced law, then moved to Tennessee and He also eventually settling in Nashville. general major a as 1812 of War the fought in and was considered a war hero.

POLITICAL CAREER TIED TO TENNESSEE STATEHOOD: of the

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

YOUNGEST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY:

Oklahoma (1907)

With the Spanish-American War ending Spanish colonial rule in the West, the U.S. proving its power in the Pacific, and the obtaining of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Hawaii, the U.S. achieved a new position as a world power during the McKinley administration.

THE AGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE:

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

STATE THAT JOINED THE UNION DURING HIS PRESIDENCY:

EXPANDED INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS:

Filipino nationalists revolted after the Spanish-American War, seeing the U.S. as a colonizer like Spain before it. The conflict was brutal and killed more than 4,200 U.S. service members and 20,000 Filipinos. The conflict lasted three years, ending under President Theodore Roosevelt when the resistance faded. The Philippines became autonomous in 1935 and, in 1946, the U.S. granted it independence.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

U.S. PRESIDENT

was Jackson’s first elected position Tennessee serving as a delegate to the where he helped Constitutional Convention, constitution. draft Tennessee’s first state to the After Tennessee was admitted elected as the union in 1796, Jackson was House of state’s first member of the U.S. as a U.S. Representatives. He later served senator from Tennessee.

Hail to the Chiefs: Fascinating Facts About Every U.S. President 2026

CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THIS NEW HARDCOVER BOOK!

in an automobile.

ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT • 81

DEFENSE OF NEW ORLEANS:

the Tennessee Selected to be the general of great success Militia in 1802, Jackson found James Madison as a military leader. President general of the commissioned him as major 1812, and, with U.S. Volunteers in December hostile Native against battles in victories sent to Americans, Jackson was eventually an anticipated defend New Orleans from War of 1812. British invasion during the and lacking the Despite being outnumbered Jackson’s battle experience of the British, and forced army defeated their adversaries Today, Jackson the British out of Louisiana. this victory. Square in New Orleans honors

• 5

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PR ESIDENT Presented in celebration of 250 Years

of American Independence

PRESIDENTIAL POWER:

Jackson expanded During his terms in office, significantly. He the power of the presidency his predecessors vetoed 12 bills, more than all cabinet combined, and forced out disloyal secretaries members, going through four of the treasury of state and five secretaries He also during his two terms in office. people, casting worked to connect with the champion. himself as their defender and

PLANTATION OWNER:

farm, which Jackson purchased a 425-acre in 1804 in the he named The Hermitage, of making it into Nashville area with the goal Other crops a profitable cotton plantation. the time of were grown there as well. At 160 slaves were than more death, Jackson’s and care for required to run the plantation the Jackson family.

SURVIVED THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT:

Lawrence walked On Jan. 30, 1835, Richard he left the U.S. up to President Jackson as it at the Capitol, took out a pistol, pointed The gun president and pulled the trigger. shooting the misfired, and Lawrence tried pistol. It also president again with a second misfired.

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS - FASCINATING

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

• 25

FACTS ABOUT EVERY U.S. PRESIDENT

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14 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Davis Darts QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 10-2 (4-0 6A Region 1) Postseason: 41-38 loss (2OT) vs. Lone Peak (second round) Head coach: Scott Peery (6th season at Davis; 15th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Scott Peery Defensive coordinator: Cameron Pribble Special teams coordinator: Duren Montgomery

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Bode Sparrow, WR/DB, 2027 Jaxton Itaaehau, WR, 2027 Krew Plyer, OL, 2027 Noah Bingham, OL, 2028 Dexter Frasure, LB, 2027 Bridger Young, LB, 2028 Cam Evans, DL, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Sam Coleman, WR/DB, 2027 Brodie Scheinberg, QB, 2028 Briggs Taylor, RB/DB, 2028 Hudson Smith, OL, 2027 Mason Bush, OL, 2027 Curly McConnachie, 2027, OL Kysen Gallegos, RB, 2027 Cooper Rigby, TE/LB, 2027 Jayden Taylor, WR, 2028 Tom Lever, RB, 2027 Jacob Barker, DL, 2030 Austin Yeates, LB, 2027 Colin Murdock, WR, 2027 Porter Hunt, LB, 2027

Eli Peterson, DL, 2028 Ben Dorius, DL, 2028

OUTLOOK

Davis returns seven starters across the board, including the No. 1 prospect in Utah’s class of 2027 in Oklahoma commit Bode Sparrow at wide receiver and defensive back. Fellow target and Utah commit Jaxton Itaaehau lends another set of hands for a quarterback not named Tradon Bessinger, now at Iowa. Whoever wins his old job will enjoy two returning offensive linemen in Krew Plyer and Noah Bingham. Defensively, the Darts return a strong linebacker duo in Dexter Frasure and Bridger Young. Cam Evans returns up front. Sparrow led the state’s secondaries last year with seven picks. The regular season kicks off with a marquee home opener against Corner Canyon, and another pride-filled test at former region foe Fremont in Week 2.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Corner Canyon* Aug. 21 – at Fremont* Aug. 27 – at Mountain Ridge* Sept. 4 – at Alta* Sept. 11 – Olympus* Sept. 18 – American Fork* Sept. 25 – at Syracuse Oct. 2 – Farmington Oct. 8 – Layton Oct. 14 – at Weber *Denotes nonregion game

layton lancers QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 3-8 (0-4 6A Region 1) Postseason: 63-9 loss vs. Corner Canyon (second round) Head coach: Trevor Thomas (4th season)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Koy Cannon Defensive coordinator: Trevor Thomas Special teams: Darren Edwards/ Marcus Kemp

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Trayce McKinnley, OL/DL, 2028 Xander Williams, OL/DL, 2027 Jayden Williams, OL/DL, 2027 Tyton Chance, OL, 2027 Carter Hughes, WR/DB, 2027 Luke Byers, LB/RB, 2027 Nate Wensel, LB/S, 2028 Darius Faamoe, DL, 2027 Blue Fosmark, DL, 2027 Jack Anderson, TE/DE, 2027 Miles Neuteboom, K, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Tillman Thomas, QB, 2029 Drew Godderidge, WR/DB, 2029 Easton Thomas, WR/DB, 2029 Jake Strong, RB, 2027 Harper Fullmer, WR, 2027 Taft Mansfield, WR/DB, 2027 Kass Huntsman, DB, 2027 Liam Arismendi, WR/DB, 2027 Zander Kap, WR/DB, 2029

Beckett Godfrey, RB/N, 2029 Beckum Erickson, WR/DB, 2028 Evan Foster, DB, 2027

OUTLOOK

Immediately, you’ll notice a lot of senior experience up front for Layton High, and those guys must stay healthy to give this team the runway it needs to compete in the ruthless 6A Region 1. Primary ball carriers JP Garlick and Gavin Hurst are gone, and limited experience aside from senior wideout Carter Hughes returns to the offense. Tillman Thomas threw for 607 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, and is listed as the name to watch under center entering August. Layton’s a bit of a puzzle, but the good news is the Lancers have the bodies to compete on the line of scrimmage and play deeper into contests than they did a year ago.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Timpview* Aug. 21 – Northridge* Aug. 28 – Clearfield* Sept. 4 – at Copper Hills* Sept. 11 – at American Fork* Sept. 18 – Syracuse Sept. 25 – Weber Oct. 8 – at Davis Oct. 14 – at Farmington *Denotes nonregion game.

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Syracuse Titans QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 7-4 (2-2 6A Region 1) Postseason: 56-14 loss vs. Corner Canyon (quarterfinals) Head coach: Mitch Tulane (third season)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Braden Hamblin Defensive coordinator: Mitch Tulane Special teams: Kobe Rusch

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Ledger Wight, QB, 2027 Mulivai Pula, OL, 2028 Parker Moffat, OL, 2028 Kaleb Hall, DB, 2027 Kao Prom, DB/RB, 2029 Luke Stringfellow, DL, 2028 Jace Cook, DL, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Cooper Smith, DL, 2027 Tay Burgoyne, DL, 2027 Jack Benoit, LB, 2029 Caleb Brown, LB, 2028 Bo Metcalfe, WR/DB, 2027 Michael Chavez, OL, 2028 Bronson Van Komen, OL, 2028 Isaiah Cazeau, WR/DB, 2028 Isaac Edwards, WR/DB, 2028

OUTLOOK

Syracuse retains a lot of what made it tick last year, including a handful of experienced guys along the line of scrimmage. Mulivai Pula and Parker Moffat are especially necessary for senior quarterback Ledger Wight, who rushed for 1,094 yards and 12 touchdowns last year in addition to another 1,785 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Lending some of those touches to Kao Prom may help, but Ryker Van Komen will certainly be missed in the backfield. Defensively, Prom returns alongside Kaleb Hall to lead the secondary, and Mitch Tulane’s front line includes enough experience to get after it. Syracuse can be an explosive team when it wants to be, and it’ll need plenty of fireworks to step forward in 2026.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Woods Cross* Aug. 20 – Granger* Aug. 28 – Bountiful* Sept. 4 – at Rigby (Idaho)* Sept. 11 – Alta* Sept. 18 – at Layton Sept. 25 – Davis Oct. 2 – Weber Oct. 8 – at Farmington *Denotes nonregion game.

Fall 2026 | 15

Weber Warriors QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 4-6 (2-2 6A Region 1) Postseason: 62-32 loss vs. Herriman (second round) Head coach: Mo Cannon (third season)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Chad Davis Defensive coordinator: Billy Pluim Special team: Josh Shackleford

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Carter Payne, QB, 2028 Creed DeVries, WR/DB, 2028 Bryce Meyer, OT, 2027 Falcon Moorhead, OG, 2027 Reese Cantwell, TE/LB, 2027 Bracken Day, WR/DB, 2027 Carson Hill, DB, 2027 Eli Swenson, DT, 2027 Joelle Carrillo, DE, 2027 Ethan McKinney, DT, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Bridge Rasmussen, DB/WR, 2027 Draycen Munoz, DB/WR, 2028 Kellan Carter, DE/TE, 2028 Wyatt Nielsen, RB/LB, 2027 Greyson Jones, RB/LB, 2027 Ethan McKinney, OG, 2028

OUTLOOK

After a step back in 2025, Mo Cannon and the Warriors return an encouraging squad featuring a veteran presence up front and the skill necessary to move forward offensively, even with-

out the services of 1,160-yard rusher Dyson Parker. Projected starting quarterback Carter Payne threw for just under 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore, but cleaning up eight interceptions is a must for a Weber offense that’ll look to junior Creed DeVries (806 yards, 9 TDs) through the air a lot this fall. Seniors Wyatt Nielsen and Greyson Jones, each doubling at linebacker, are tasked with balancing the backfield. They’ll be supported by two senior offensive lineman with tackle Bryce Meyer and guard Falcon Moorhead back up front. Defensively, seniors Carson Hill (DB), Eli Swenson (DT), and Joelle Carrillo (DE) all return. The schedule kicks off with a road trip to rival Fremont and another proper test with Brighton to begin Weber’s five-game home slate. Weber returns the experience up front to improve, but is the offense ready to step forward, too?

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Fremont* Aug. 21 – Brighton* Aug. 28 – at Roy* Sept. 4 – at Viewmont* Sept. 11 – Lehi* Sept. 18 – Farmington Sept. 25 – at Layton Oct. 2 – at Syracuse Oct. 8 – Riverton* Oct. 14 – Davis *Denotes nonregion game.

16 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Bonneville Lakers QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 0-10 (0-6 5A Region 5) Postseason: Did not qualify Head coach: Connor McGuire (1st as HC; 8th overall at Bonneville)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Connor McGuire Defensive coordinator: Eric Johnsen Special teams: Noah MacInnes/ Ashton Sparrow

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Cache Jensen, S, 2027 Cai Jensen, LB, 2027 Carson Wilkins, OL/DL, 2028 Wade Wayman, OL/DL, 2027 Trevyn Sears, TE/LB, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Greyson Borchert LB, 2027 Champ Snyder, Corner/RB, 2027 Steven Barella, TE/DE, 2027 Parley Brand, DE/TE, 2027 Jeremiah Thomas OL, 2028 Kaden Martinez RB, 2028 Polo Afuvai Safety/QB, 2028 Ethan Lafollete WR, 2027 Boston Chipman WR/Corner, 2028 Cohen Howell WR/Safety, 2028 Kane Linkous WR/Corner, 2029 Drew Dixon WR/LB, 2029 Luke Loughton QB, 2030 Keanston Lafitaga WR/Safety, 2030 Breck Moyes WR/Safety, 2030

OUTLOOK

Bonneville jumped into the coaching

pool once again this offseason, but not for long as Connor McGuire left his offensive coordinator position at Roy for his first head coaching gig. McGuire previously served as OC for Jantz Afuvai before the latter’s retirement before the 2025 season, and now is back on campus with a new job tag as he looks to lift the Lakers from winless campaign. Leading rusher Noah Chavez and quarterback Paden Toula are gone, but McGuire welcomes back five starters, including a pair of two-way linemen, Wade Wayman and Carson Wilkins. Leading tackler Cache Jensen (78 combined tackles) sticks out in the secondary and junior Trevyn Sears returns snaps at tight end and linebacker. Junior Polo Afuvai and freshman Luke Loughton are the names to watch at quarterback as things progress through fall camp. Staying healthy will be the key, but McGuire is seeking a “selfless” offense during the Year 1 install. The schedule opens with a road trip to Viewmont, which escaped Bonneville by three points in last year’s opener.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Viewmont* Aug. 21 – at Ogden* Aug. 28 – Wasatch* Sept. 4 – Fremont Sept. 11 – at West Field Sept. 18 – Roy Sept. 25 – at Box Elder Oct. 2 – at Clearfield* Oct. 8 – Northridge *Denotes nonregion game

Box Elder Bees QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 9-3 (5-1 5A Region 5) Postseason: 28-21 loss vs. Springville (quarterfinals) Head coach: Carson Mund (3rd at Box Elder; 16th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Carson Mund Defensive coordinator: Travis Mumford Special teams: Aaron Dooley

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Judd Howells, RB/LB, 2027 Bridger Richards, RB/LB, 2027 Kadyn Reyes, QB, 2027 Cammon Bushnell, WR/DB, 2027 Cole Bushnell, WR/DB, 2027 Talon Sumko, RB/WR/DB, 2027 Jaxon Jeppsen, TE/DE, 2027 Rhet Richards, WR/DB, 2027 Luke Meyer, DE, 2027 Grady Judd, OL/DL, 2027 Caleb Cefalo, OL/DL, 2027 Ricki Jones, OL/DL, 2027 Braken Hester, DB, 2027 Tytan Hupp, K, 2029 Names/Newcomers to watch PJ Pierren, TE/DE, 2027 Evan Barker, WR/CB, 2029 Josh Pugsley, WR/CB, 2027

Jackson Lifferth, CB, 2027 Kai Crozier, DL, 2028

OUTLOOK

Carson Mund and Box Elder tallied the program’s third nine-win season of the decade with a 2025 campaign that saw everyone step up across the board. It’s an unforgiving Region 5, though, and it’ll certainly want a piece of the Bees again with a deep roster returning and several seniors, including leading rusher Judd Howells (1,581 yards, 25 TDs) and quarterback Kadyn Reyes (1,472 yards, 9 TDs). The Bees bring back arguably one of the region’s most experienced linemen groups, too. The Bees are a little older and a little wiser, but can they take the next step in November?

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Deseret Peak* Aug. 21 – at Bear River* Aug. 28 – Highland* Sept. 4 – at Northridge Sept. 10 – Roy Sept. 18 – Rigby (Idaho)* Sept. 25 – Bonneville Oct. 2 – at Fremont Oct. 8 – at Clearfield Oct. 16 – West Field *Denotes nonregion game

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Fall 2026 | 17

Fremont Silverwolves QUICK NOTES

Clearfield Falcons QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 3-7 (1-5 5A Region 5) Postseason: 56-6 loss vs. Bountiful (first round) Head coach: Cody Caputo (3rd season at Clearfield; 16th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Adam Hales Defensive coordinator: Cody Caputo Special teams: Will Broadus/ Brian Kusuda

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Bryson Ridge, WR/DB, 2027 Kai Cunliffe, OL/DL, 2027 Kadyn Irish, OL, 2027 Brik Barlow, QB, 2028 Easton Hammon, DB, 2027 Dax Johnson, LB, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Julius Salima, RB/LB, 2028 Micah Salazar, RB, 2028 Wes Huntington, N, 2028 Caleb Reddoor, WR, 2027 Drew Bremer, DB/WR, 2028 Max Weir, OL/DL, 2028 Boston Martindale, OG/OT, 2027 Cody Lewis, DB, 2029

OUTLOOK

The Falcons are young again, but Cody Caputo considers this offseason the

best he’s ever experienced as a coach. He’s seeing gains in strength, conditioning and other intangibles since first taking on the project in 2024. Clearfield improved to 3-8 last season, and there’s room for some early win opportunities against Cyprus, Kearns and Layton. Brik Barlow (1,269, 11 TDs) returns at quarterback, and two starters, Kai Cunliffe and Kadyn Irish, return up front. Clearfield returns one starting wideout, Bryson Ridge, and has a double-threat rushing attack with juniors Julius Salima and Micah Salazar. The defense returns three starters with Ridge and senior Easton Harmon at DB, and junior Dax Johnson back to lead the linebacker unit. A healthy, deeper Clearfield should challenge much of Region 5 this season and flip some of those one-score losses from a year ago.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Cyprus* Aug. 21 – at Kearns* Aug. 28 – at Layton* Sept. 4 – Ogden* Sept. 11 – at Fremont Sept. 18 – West Field Sept. 25 – at Roy Oct. 2 – Bonneville Oct. 8 – Box Elder Oct. 14 – at Northridge *Denotes nonregion game

2025 finish: 9-3 (6-0 5A Region 5) Postseason: 27-14 loss vs. Brighton (quarterfinals) Head coach: Nate Tuatagaloa (3rd season at Fremont; 10th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Brent Blanch Defensive coordinator: Nate Tuatagaloa Special teams coordinator: Eddie Graham

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Cooper Tumanuvao, OL, 2027 Ryan Connell, OL/DL, 2028 Jak Masters, DL, 2027 Aisa Tuatagaloa, LB, 2028 Kenden Green, LB, 2028 Landon Palmer, S, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Calvin Cooper, QB, 2027 Wyatt Bennett, WR, 2027 Jack Moss, TE, 2028 Holden Judd, OL, 2029 Paxton Tumanuvao, OL/DL, 2030 Ky Majors, WR/DB, 2030 Isaia Fonotisatele, WR/DB, 2030 Rhett Pilarczyk, C, 2027 Lincoln Frost, OL, 2027 Noah Doutre, WR, 2027 Beckon Phillips, WR, 2028 Krew Hannum, S/TE, 2027 RJ Fonoti, LB, 2029 Cooper Ortgiesen, QB, 2029 Brendan Glover, DB, 2027 Gabe Martinez, DB, 2027 Aokuso Selevae, RB, 2028 Porter Hales, RB/DB, 2028 Carter Gallegos, WR/DB, 2029 Titan Jordan, LB, 2027

OUTLOOK

Nate Tuatagaloa and the Silverwolves delivered a second consecutive region title in its Region 5 debut, and with it the cost of numerous seniors, including Michigan-bound Salesi Moa and 2,744yard passer Manase Tuatagaloa. Fremont returns zero starters to skill positions and instead leans on the framework of senior Cooper Tumanuvao and junior Ryan Connell to build its offensive line with a long list of potential job winners as we approach fall camp. Calvin Cooper, who competed 29 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns as a junior, is the man to beat at quarterback. Aokuso Selevae and Porter Hales are the names to watch out of the backfield as Fremont attempts to replace 2,336 rushing yards. Defensively, linebacker duo Aisa Tuatagaloa and Kenden Green return steady leadership to the middle row, and senior safety Landon Palmer led the team with 106 total tackles as a junior. Connell and Jak Masters return snaps to the defensive line with multiple jobs open there, too. There’s lots of snaps to fill, but the team’s properly followed up two senior classes with region titles since 2024. Managing a third ultimately falls on how quickly the Silverwolves can figure it out despite a brutal opening three weeks.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Weber* Aug. 21 – Davis* Aug. 28 – at Corner Canyon* Sept. 4 – at Bonneville Sept. 11 – Clearfield Sept. 18 – Northridge Sept. 25 – at Farmington* Oct. 2 – Box Elder Oct. 8 – at West Field Oct. 14 – at Roy *Denotes nonregion game

18 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Northridge Knights QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 5-6 (3-3 5A Region 5) Potseason: 56-13 loss vs. West (second round) Head coach: Andrew Fresques (7th at Northridge; 22nd overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Andrew Fresques Defensive coordinator: Kitt Rawlings Special teams: Rob Smith

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Quincey Lovett, OL/DL, 2027 Liam Fresques, QB, 2027 Colby Rhees, DB, 2027 Kyle Rawlings, DB, 2027 Owen Ellsworth, OL/DL, 2028 Carson Murphy, LB/DB, 2028 Jack Hall, LB, 2028 Roman Fitisemanu, WR, 2029 Names/Newcomers to watch Siua Ikeau, OL/DL, 2028 Ryker Miller, DB/WR, 2027 Brandon Little, DB/WR, 2027 Luke Fisher, TE, 2027 Austin Harvey, DB, 2027 Destin Smith, LB/TE, 2028 Bracken Smith, DB/WR, 2028 Derek Haney, LB/TE, 2028 Jayden Conner, DL/RB, 2028 Jovanny Jurarez, OL, 2028 Jace Allen, LB/RB, 2028 Landan Hall, LB, 2028 Josh Perez, WR/TE/DB, 2028 Luke Leota, LB/TE, 2029 Jantson Willie, DB/WR, 2029 Drex Freeman, DB/WR, 2029

Tyce Fewkes, DB/RB, 2029 Houston Powell, OL, 2029 Wyatt Fenn, OL/DL, 2029 Logan Penn, OL/DL, 2029 Brigham Johnson, OL/DL, 2029

OUTLOOK

Three close losses kept Northridge from a great season, but the team still found a way to net five wins and a 4-1 record through a late five-game stretch, including a playoff win over Pleasant Grove. They’ll return a valuable senior DB duo in Colby Rhees and Kyle Rawlings to lead the secondary, and two-way lineman Quincy Lovvett’s another win. After splitting snaps with Grant Slater in 2025, quarterback Liam Fresques steps up to the plate with 1,118 passing yards, six touchdowns and four picks following him into his senior campaign. There’s a long list of potential breakout stars on this Northridge team, and an equally long list of questions to answer as the Aug. 14 home opener with 6A Copper Hills approaches.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Copper Hills* Aug. 21 – at Layton* Aug. 28 – Dixie* Sept. 4 – Box Elder Sept. 11 – Preston (Idaho)* Sept. 18 – at Fremont Sept. 25 – at West Field Oct. 2 – Roy Oct. 8 – at Bonneville Oct. 14 – Clearfield *Denotes nonregion game

Roy Royals QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 3-7 (3-3 5A Region 5) Postseason: 49-7 loss vs. Alta (first round) Head coach: Chris Solomona (5th as head coach; 12th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Ryan Hannah Defensive coordinator: Jake Gallegos Special teams coordinator: Ammon Borup

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Tasker Bills, C/NG, 2027 Luke Pebley, WR/DB, 2027 Tyler Dickson, WR/DB, 2027 Howie Howard, RB/LB, 2027 Gunner Pearson, QB/WR/OLB, 2027 TJ Allen, MLB, 2027 Julian Vazquez, DE, 2028 Juju Teran, DB/WR, 2029 Bryton Ketchum, FS/WR, 2027 Lucius Hicks, SS/WR, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Mason Pugmire, OG/DT, 2029 Raidyn Clippinger, OLB, 2027 KJ Forte, DE/TE, 2028 Cash Mendez, FS/WR, 2029 Payton Vetrano, OT/DT, 2028 Joey Faifai, OT/DE, 2029 Korbin Craner, TE/OLB, 2027 Keldon Robinett, FS/WR, 2029 Alex Lasader, QB, 2029 Jaylon London, TE/LB, 2029 Colton Scherick, DE/OT, 2027

OUTLOOK

The Royals are certainly deeper than the 2025 squad that was tasked with following up 2024’s 5A state runner-up campaign, but it’ll demand some creativity as Chris Solomona moves forward without last year’s leading receivers in Drayden Esplin and Ryker Cordero, as well as Utah State QB prospect Rock Speredon (1,391 yards, 9 TDs), now at Orem. Instead, senior linebacker Gunner Pearson is slated to fill the quarterback vacancy after posting 160 yards on 25 carries last year. Roy returns its top rusher in Howie Howard (422 yards, 3 TDs), and senior nose guard Tasker Bills will lead up front as Ryan Hannah’s offense looks to bounce back in 2026. Defensively, Roy welcomes back another senior linebacker, TJ Allen (44 tackles), to aid Pearson’s transition to QB, and an experienced defensive end in Julian Vazquez (36 tackles). The senior leadership is miles ahead, but Roy must unlock more from its offense if it’s going to compete with the best of Region 5.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Taylorsville* Aug. 21 – Rigby (Idaho)* Aug. 28 – Weber* Sept. 4 – West Field Sept. 10 – at Box Elder Sept. 18 – at Bonneville Sept. 25 – Clearfield Oct. 2 – at Northridge Oct. 7 – Hurricane* Oct. 14 – Fremont *Denotes nonregion game

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Fall 2026 | 19

West Field Longhorns QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 7-5 (3-3 5A Region 5) Postseason: 35-13 loss vs. Box Elder (second round) Head coach: Eric Jones (3rd season at WF; 21st overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Clifton Buckway Defensive coordinator: Eric Jones Special teams: Kevin Ropelato

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Ryan Rowley, OL, 2027 Easton Eilertson, QB, 2028 Elijah Woods, RB, 2027 Gavin Ortegon, WR/DB, 2027 Phoenix Sandoval, WR/DB, 2027 Kolt Abbott, WR/DB, 2027 Logan McClure, DE, 2027 Trevyn Thomas, LB, 2027 Andrew Combe, DB/WR, 2029 Names/Newcomers to watch Seth Linderman, OL, 2027 Tucker Keele, OL, 2029 Lincoln Cleverly, OL, 2027 Blake Hansen, OL, 2027 Kade Christensen, OL, 2027 Caden Judy, RB, 2027 Xavier Zamora, OL, 2028 Brenen Buckway, TE, 2028 Ethan Sessions, OL, 2028 Danny Stitzer, WR, 2029 Chaz Barker, LB, 2027 Owen Hadley, LB, 2028 Ace Charlesworth, LB, 2027 Andre Saleapaga, DL, 2029 Cameron Lindstrom, DL, 2027 Ethan Nelson, DL, 2027 Logan Hadley, DB, 2029 Cooper Horspool, DB, 2027

Ryker Maxfield, DB, 2027 Case Martini, LB, 2028

OUTLOOK

The Longhorns turned the page on a frustrating inaugural 2024 season last year with a successful 7-5 campaign and the program’s first postseason win that saw WF line up with Region 5 foe Box Elder in the second round of the 5A playoffs. The Bees, for a second time in three weeks, defeated the Longhorns to end their opponent’s season, but Eric Jones returns much of that firepower, including 3,218-yard passer Easton Eilertson and 1,266-yard receiver Gavin Ortegon, back for the program’s sophomore run in Region 5. WF returns just one starter, Ryan Rowley, up front with a mix of experience patching up the line. Leading rusher Elijah Woods (532 yards) adds an extra jolt. Defensively, senior end Logan McClure (30 tackles) returns, and fellow senior Ace Charlesworth (49 tackles) is a name to watch at linebacker. Three senior DBs — Ortegon, Kolt Abbott and Phoenix Sandoval — have played a lot of football and should be fairly troublesome against the pass.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Brighton* Aug. 21 – at Woods Cross* Aug. 28 – Ogden* Sept. 4 – at Roy Sept. 11 – Bonneville Sept. 18 – at Clearfield Sept. 25 – Northridge Oct. 2 – at Layton* Oct. 8 – Fremont Oct. 16 – at Box Elder *Denotes nonregion game

Bear River Bears QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 3-8 (2-5 4A Region 11) Postseason: 41-14 loss vs. Timpanogos (first round) Head coach: Craig Anhder (1st at Bear River; 25th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Craig Anhder Defensive coordinator: Jared Lish Special teams: Chris Wise

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Eli Braegger, WR, 2027 Brady Payne, DE, 2027 Glaiden Behrens, WR/CB, 2027 Porter Wood, C, 2027 Delyn Groom, RT, 2027 Cade Dahle, LT, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Rigdon Vonk, RB, 2028 Ty Hess, WR, 2027 Carson Summers, WR/DB, 2027

OUTLOOK

It’s been a tough handful of years for the Bears, but a coaching change brought in one of the area’s most experienced names, Craig Anhder, to replace Trampis Waite (14-32 at BR), now at Nampa High School in Idaho after four losing seasons in Garland. Region 11 is no easy task, though, and it’s not an overnight process building a contender the likes of Ridgeline or

Stansbury, which each shut out the Bears by 35 or more a year ago. Anhder built the Green Canyon program from scratch upon opening in 2017, and went 90-46 in 12 seasons at Sky View from 2005 to his departure in 2016. Bear River is his latest project, and it’ll begin with a quarterback search after an injury derailed Jaxson Theurer’s senior season. Senior wideout Eli Braegger (702 yards, 6 TDs) lends the Bears a weapon and senior center Delyn Groom is also set to return. Brecken Garn, Quaid Murray and Dallen Rice are gone, though. Senior defensive end Brady Payne and cornerback Glaiden Behrens (559 receiving yards) return the most experience to Jared Lish’s defense. While a tough region doesn’t do Bear River any favors, the nonregion slate includes two early opportunities at 3A Ogden and Thunder Ridge (Idaho) at home in Week 3.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Ogden* Aug. 21 – Box Elder* Aug. 27 – Thunder Ridge (Idaho)* Sept. 4 – at Sky View Sept. 11 – Stansbury Sept. 18 – at Tooele Sept. 25 – Green Canyon Oct. 2 – at Mountain Crest Oct. 8 – at Deseret Peak Oct. 16 – Ridgeline *Denotes nonregion game

20 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Ogden Tigers QUICK NOTES

Ben Lomond Scots QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 0-10 (0-5 3A North) Postseason: 65-14 loss vs. Juab (first round) Head coach: Ty Smith (2nd season at BL; 21st overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Ty Smith Defensive coordinator: Lyndon Johnson Special teams: Ty Smith

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Kale Ha’o, DE, 2027 Nephi Blankenship, DE, 2027 Dashawn Gordon, RB/LB, 2027 Tony Herrara, LB, 2027 Diego Gomez, LB, 2027 Parker Vanbeekum, OL, 2027 Luis Carmona, OL, 2027 Tykston Yates, TE/LB, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Cy Zumbrun, RB/QB/LB, 2029 Adrian Vanecos, RB/FS, 2027

OUTLOOK

Sky’s the limit for Ben Lomond in Year 2 of Ty Smith’s rebuild, and that includes a familiar face in former head coach Lyndon Johnson, who led the program to its last winning record in

2023 before resigning a year later to become the school’s head boys basketball coach. But Johnson seemingly couldn’t resist another crack at the gridiron, so he’s back coaching defense for Smith this go-around as eight returning starters hope to steer the Scots forward after two winless seasons in 3A. Kale Ha’o is the key name back to lead the defense, and Dashawn Gordon represents another contributor from last year’s campaign who’ll lead the charge out of the backfield. Program participation is trending upward this summer, and BL should have fresh bodies to work with this fall as it pieces together a game-ready roster.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – North Sevier* Aug. 21 – at Judge Memorial* Aug. 28 – Evanston (Wyoming)* Sept. 4 – at American Leadership* Sept. 11 – Moffat County (Colorado)* Sept. 18 – Grantsville Sept. 25 – Morgan Oct. 2 – at Logan Oct. 8 – Union Oct. 14 – at Ogden *Denotes nonregion game

2025 finish: 7-5 (2-3 3A North) Postseason: 49-14 loss vs. Cedar (quarterfinals) Head coach: Terry Larsen (2nd season as head coach; 11th overall)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Brogan Poll Defensive coordinator: Terry Larsen Special teams coordinator: Ross Arnold

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Jack Thompson, WR/DB, 2027 Blake Weston, TE/QB/LB, 2027 Nash Bockwoldt, TE/DE, 2027 Anderson Curry, RB/LB, 2027 Ryan Kirkland, OT/DE, 2027 Ryker Rice, RB/DB, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Khyle Ramboz, C, 2028 Moises Palomares, NG, 2029 Steven Mencos, G, 2028 Ethan Wardell, DE, 2027 Ethan Wardell, DE, 2027 Max MacInnes, LB, 2027 Carter Herrick, RB/DB, 2029 Emmett Rector, QB, 2028 Eli Gastelum, WR/DB, 2028 Soren Munoz, DT, 2027 Julius Salgado, WR/DB, 2027 Christian Zarate, OL/DL, 2027 Kos Crowther, RB/LB, 2028 Boston Davies, LB, 2028 Charlie Spendlove, LB, 2028 Easton Smith, OL/DL, 2028 Trayben Oliveieri, TE/LB, 2028 Dallyn Martinez, OL/DL, 2028 Beckham Belliston, OL/DL, 2027 Axton Curry, OL/DL, 2028

Jeffery Dibbell, OL/DL, 2027

OUTLOOK

Ogden returns depth at every skill position, but a shakeup at quarterback adds mystery to just what becomes of the Tiger offense this fall as Terry Larsen and his coaching staff look to build upon consecutive seven-win seasons. Emmett Rector, a junior, steps under center to allow senior Blake Weston, throwing for 1,625 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, to jump back into a senior-led receiver corps alongside Jack Thompson and tight end Nash Bockwoldt. Senior tackle Ryan Kirkland returns up front to ease the transition, and Anderson Curry heads up the backfield with junior Ryker Rice. The Tigers, though, are young up front and are looking for growth on both sides of the ball as the team leans on Larsen’s “strong foundation” to step forward and take a stab at the 3A North region. The schedule includes a few tests up front, too, including a first-ever football matchup with 5A West Field headlining Week 3.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Bear River* Aug. 21 – Bonneville* Aug. 28 – at West Field* Sept. 4 – at Clearfield* Sept. 11 – at Emery* Sept. 18 – Logan Sept. 25 – at Grantsville Oct. 2 – Union Oct. 8 – at Morgan Oct. 14 – Ben Lomond *Denotes nonregion game

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Fall 2026 | 21

Morgan Trojans QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 10-2 (5-0 3A North) Postseason: 42-28 loss vs. Manti (semifinals) Head coach: Jared Barlow (7th season as HC; 22nd at Morgan)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Matt Larsen Defensive coordinator: Gavin Roberts Special teams coordinator: Jamie Spens

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Gage Denton, OL, 2028 George Thurston, WR, 2028 Miles Sydenham, DL, 2027 Cade Spens, LB, 2027 William Pace, LB, 2027 Cael Edgington, LB, 2027 Carter Gorham, K, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Owen Gilson, QB, 2027 Owen Belliston, WR, 2027 Rhett Larsen, WR, 2027 Foster Ostrander, OL, 2027 Bronson Ball, OL, 2028 Cole Miller, OL, 2028 Krew Asay, LB, 2027 Tucker Kelly, OL/DL, 2027 Jarek McCleary, DB, 2027 Bridger Schiffman, DB, 2027 Jaxton Morrell, DB, 2027 Dayton Mecham, DL, 2028 Hayden Mecham, DL, 2028 Lawson Walker, DB, 2028

OUTLOOK

Jared Barlow’s Trojans hummed to a perfect record and subsequent 3A state title two seasons ago, and looked the part in 2025 with 2,000-yard passer Cade Randall and a dynamic receiving corps. George Thurston (677 yards, 6 TDs) is the only returning starter at receiver, and Morgan welcomes back senior Owen Gilson (732 yards, 5 TDs) at quarterback to recreate some of that magic. There’s plenty of senior leadership to go around, but limited experience as Morgan tries to repiece multiple position groups this fall. Barlow is especially pleased with the offseason workload and how this group handled it. They’re sure to be the favorites in 3A North again, but the schedule includes some real steel. Week 1’s home opener against defending 4A champion Ridgeline is a tough first test and sure to be a sellout crowd as the Trojans kick off 2026.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – Ridgeline* Aug. 21 – Sky View* Aug. 28 – at Park City* Sept. 3 – Bountiful* Sept. 11 – at Faith Lutheran (Nevada)* Sept. 18 – at Union Sept. 25 – at Ben Lomond Oct. 2 – Grantsville Oct. 8 – Ogden Oct. 14 – at Logan *Denotes nonregion game

UMA-Hill Field THUNDERBIRDS QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 5-4 (5-2 Utah 8-Man) Postseason: 38-20 loss vs. Whitehorse (first round) Head coach: Jesse May (third season)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Jesse May Defensive coordinator: Jed Davies Special teams coordinator: Dylan Atkin

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Keaton Speier, WR, 2027 Kaison Workman, WR, 2028 Damien Liest, OL/DL, 2028 Corbin Duran, RB, 2027 Jet Le, DB, 2027 Names/Newcomers to watch Xavier Lee, WR/TE, 2029 Caleb Wilson, OL, 2027 Jackson Stanford, QB, 2028 Mesach Odell, LB/RB, 2030 Logan Reddy, DL/WR, 2027

OUTLOOK

UMA-Hill Field (Riverdale) improved considerably under Jesse May in Year 2, and chalked up two important victories over rivals St. Joseph (Ogden)

and UMA-Camp Williams (Lehi) to end the regular season with the first winning record of May’s short tenure. Missing from the action, though, are quarterback Davian Tiznado, and leading rushers Papataia Owda and Preston Fenton, leaving two vital skill positions unfilled. Keaton Speier, last year’s leading receiver with 920 yards and 16 touchdowns, is a major piece back for the offense, and Jet Le also returns valuable snaps as a senior leader in the secondary. The Thunderbirds aren’t fully depleted where it counts, but both sides of the ball must mimic last year’s small victories if they’re to move forward.

SCHEDULE Aug. 21 – North Gem (Idaho)* Aug. 27 – Whitehorse Sept. 4 – at Monument Valley Sept. 11 – Grand County Sept. 18 – UMA-Camp Williams Sept. 25 – Panguitch Oct. 2 – at Water Canyon Oct. 9 – at Milford Oct. 16 – at St. Joseph *Denotes nonregion game

22 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

St. Joseph Jayhawks QUICK NOTES

2025 finish: 4-6 (3-5 Utah 8-Man) Postseason: 22-12 loss vs. Water Canyon (first round) Head coach: Deshon Butler (3rd season)

SUPPORT STAFF

Offensive coordinator: Deshon Butler Defensive coordinator: Taveon Hunter Special teams coordinator: E’angelo Nunez

DEPTH CHART PREVIEW Returning starters Ryan Castaneda, RB/LB, 2027 Hunter Roberts, WR/DB, 2029 Quinn Vasquez, WR/K, 2027 Izaiah Hebert, WR/DB, 2027 Ryker Christensen, RB/DE, 2029 Richardo Hernandez, TE/DE, 2029 John Rodriguez, DB, 2028 Names/Newcomers to watch Keenan Campbell, QB/DB, 2029 Joseph Huseman, QB/DE, 2027 Michael Lella, C/NT, 2028 Greyson Chanstrom, RB/LB, 2027 Ryder Lawson, LB, 2028 Conner Argueta, OL/NT, 2030

OUTLOOK

Deshon Butler is looking for the Jay-

hawks to double down at receiver with 35 receiving touchdowns returning via seniors Quinn Vasquez, Izaiah Hebert and sophomore Hunter Roberts. Missing from the equation is 1,400-plus passer Madden Bentley. Instead, Joseph Huseman and Keenan Campbell are the quarterbacks to watch. Senior Ryan Castaneda is another experienced returning starter at running back and linebacker. The skill is there for St. Joseph to take a step forward in 2026, but that would need to include an improved effort defensively and in the trenches. The schedule, too, is a behemoth with six road games spanning 22 total hours of travel, including a 6.5-hour drive to Whitehorse in Montezuma Creek and a 5-plus-hour drive to Monticello.

SCHEDULE Aug. 14 – at Altamont Aug. 21 – at Whitehorse Aug. 28 – Utah Military-Camp Williams Sept. 4 – at Panguitch Sept. 18 – at Watersprings (Idaho)* Sept. 25 – Water Canyon Oct. 2 – Rockland (Idaho)* Oct. 9 – at Monticello Oct. 16 – Utah Military-Hill Field *Denotes nonregion game

Ogden High quarterback Blake Weston (6) takes a high snap against Clearfield on Sept. 5, 2025, in Ogden. BRIAN NICHOLSON, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Fall 2026 | 23

Box Elder’s Kadyn Reyes drops back for a pass during a 5A playoff football game against. West Field on Oct. 31, 2025, in Brigham City. CONNER BECKER, STANDARD-EXAMINER

Davis High receiver Jaxton Itaaehau (88) runs for a gain against Layton on Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton. BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

West Field receiver Gavin Ortegon (88) tries to make a cut against Viewmont defender Austin Cannon in a 5A first-round playoff game Oct. 24, 2025, in Taylor. BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

Weber High quarterback Carter Payne drops back to pass against Syracuse on Oct. 3, 2025, in Pleasant View. BRIAN WOLFER, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD-EXAMINER

24 | Fall 2026

2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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