You’d be hard pressed to find a region with more excitement than Region 11 this year.
You’ve got the preseason No. 1 team in 4A, the merging of Cache Valley teams and Tooele County teams, a brand new school, a state championship coordinator taking over great program, the Eric Alder connection at Sky View and tons of returning starters at the top.
With four region games on tap every week when Region 11 play starts on Sept. 5, there will be no shortage of story lines each week.
All the conversation starts with Ridgeline though, not only the preseason Region 11 favorite, but the team the rest of 4A’s coaches have dubbed the front runner as well.
Ridgeline won its first 12 games last season before losing to Spanish Fork in the final minute of the 4A semifinals. That team had the No. 1 scoring defense in 4A and the No. 2 scoring offense, and with the bulk of starters back from that team it’s easy to see why the coaches are so high on the Riverhawks.
Eight offensive starters return led by all-state QB Nate Dahle and all-state receiver Graham Livingston. Dahle threw for 2,989 yards and 29 TDs a year ago, with Livingston accounting for 1,635 of those yards and 15 TDs.
The offense has a huge void to fill with the graduation of standout running back JT White, but there’s depth at the position with big potential.
Defensively, nine starters return from last year’s No. 1 unit in 4A.
Just as scary is that Ridgeline opens the season with a chip on its shoulder after back-to-back semifinal losses in season it felt like it was good enough to win the state championship.
“The urgency is at an ultimate high at this point,” said Ridgeline coach Travis Cox. “Two years in a row with a pretty dang good team and not get to final has been hard to take. I think it’s motivated our guys. We definitely aren’t taking any games for granted. A lot of these kids have played for a lot of years, so the urgency is definitely there.”
While there’s no question who the big fish in Region 11 is, the big question is who’s the biggest challenger for Ridgeline.
A year ago, Green Canyon, Mountain Crest and Sky View took turns beating each other up as both finished with 4-2 region records, two games behind 6-0 Ridgeline.
Conversely, Stansbury went 6-0 in Region 10. It actually played Ridgeline twice last year, a close preseason game, and then a quarterfinal game that wasn’t as close.
Of those four teams, Sky View got the slight nod in preseason voting, followed by Stansbury, Mountain Crest and Green Canyon. Those four teams all finished with winning records a year ago.
Bear River and Tooele both face uphill battles in region as both are coming off losing seasons, while first-year school Deseret Peak is a team full of underclassmen with limited expectations.
“Our region stands to be a very talented region with great players and great coaches. Each week will be a challenge. No weeks off,” said Sky View coach Eric Alder.
Alder is heading into his second season at his alma mater after five very successful season at Stansbury. The reunion when his old and new teams meet is Oct. 9.
“Looking forward to the 2025 season. Now in my second year as head coach and a full offseason to establish our culture we look to build on the previous season’s success,” said Alder, whose team returns eight offensive starters and three defensive starters.
For Stansbury, for the second straight season it has a new coach as Jason Walker is taking over the program. He spent the past seven years as an assistant coach at Bountiful, which won the 5A state championship a year ago.
Walker inherits a team with limited starters returning, and less depth with the opening of Deseret Peak. Regardless, it’s a program with strong success in 4A, something Walker hopes to continue.
“The players and new coaches are well aware of the caliber of competition in their new region and embrace the challenge ahead. It’s no secret that 4A football in Utah is full of tradition-rich programs, and this region is no exception,” said Walker. “The Stallions look forward to competing in what is expected to be an extremely tough and well-coached region.”
Mountain Crest could be the sleeper team in Region 11 even though it was projected to finish fourth. It beat Green Canyon a year ago, and played Sky View very tight in region play. With eight offensive starters returning from that team, and nine defensive starters, that’s a great foundation to build on.
“We have a talented team with strong leadership and experience. We return 18 guys that have started games, that’s a great start. They had success last year and are ready to build upon that and take the next step,” said Mountain Crest coach Ryan Visser.
Green Canyon, meanwhile, only returns three starters on both sides of the ball from a team that reached the quarterfinals and only lost to eventually state champion Crimson Cliffs 28-25.
Bear River checks in at preseason No. 6 with a handful of returning starters, while Tooele is projected seventh as Tuli Wily-Matagi takes over as head coach after serving as an assistant coach at Stansbury.
Deseret Peak will likely struggle in its first-ever season as it competes with all underclassmen, but there’s an undefinable excitement for the program as it builds a foundation for years to come.
“Our numbers are great for a first-year program and only three classes. It has been a fun offseason watching our kids learn, build a culture, get to know each other, and compete. We have a strong junior class that have emerged as leaders within our program,” said Deseret Peak coach Cooper Buchhammer.
Region 11 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Ridgeline RiverHawks
Head coach: Travis Cox
Entering his sixth season as head coach at Ridgeline High School after an impressive 52-11 record the past five years, including a state title in 2021. He’s a graduate of Mountain Crest and Utah State.
Coach Travis Cox’s general outlook
We’re entering the 2025 season as an experienced and battle-tested football team. With 8 returning starters on offense and 9 on defense, this group has played a lot of football together—and they’ve won a lot of games. But as a program, we know one thing is still missing and that is a championship. They’ve put in the work—on the field, in the weight room, and in the film room. Expectations are high for this group and we cannot wait for the season.
Offensive coordinator: Jeremy Livingston
2024 offense: 40.85 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Nate Dahle, Sr., QB
- Graham Livingston, Sr., WR
- Brady Cook, Sr., WR
- Krew Jones, Jr., TE
- Cade Barrett, Jr., LT
- Easton Hammond, Sr., LG
- Tayson Knighton, So., C
- Kyler May, Sr., RG
Key offensive newcomers
- Noah Fiefia, Jr., RB
- Owen Leishman, Jr., WR
- Hudson Perry, Jr., RB
- Cooper Wilson, Jr., Guard
Defensive coordinator: Jake Pitcher
2024 defense: 11.23 ppg (No. 1 in 4A)
- Nine returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Krew Jones, Jr., DE
- Cooper Clark, Sr., OLB
- Graham Livingston, Sr., FS
- Braxton Perry, Sr., CB
- Coen Richards, Sr., DE
- Hunter Knighton, Sr., MLB
- Landon Perkins, Sr., MLB
- Jeff Woodland, Sr., SS
- Easton Hammond, Sr., NG
Key defensive newcomers
- Logan Nelson, Jr., DE
- Colton Clark, So., DB
- Trey Heninger, Jr., DB
- Kennedy Taukeioaho, Jr., DL
2. Sky View Bobcats
Head coach: Eric Alder
After five years at Ben Lomond from from 2014 to 2018 in which his teams posted a 10-41 record, and then five years at Stansbury (45-16), he returned to his alma mater in 2024 and led Sky View to an 8-5 record. He’s a graduate of Utah State.
Coach Eric Alder’s general outlook
Looking forward to the 2025 season. Now in my second year as head coach and a full off season to establish our culture we look to build on the previous season’s success. We have great senior leadership and kids that are completely bought into the process of becoming the best we can.
Offensive coordinator: Eric Alder
2024 offense: 31.15 ppg (No. 12 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread no-huddle offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jack Clark Sr., QB
- Xander Stokes, Sr., RB
- Lincoln Ballard, Sr., WR
- Zach Oxborrow, Sr., WR
- Cooper Karren, Sr., WR
- Jacob Harper, Sr., C
- Driftin Dehek, Sr., OL
- Sitili Palmer, Sr., OL
Key offensive newcomers
- Jace Carlson, Sr., WR
- Gavin Reed, Jr., OL
Defensive coordinator: Cam Johnson
2024 defense: 29.15 ppg (No. 16 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Andrew Oxborrow, Sr., S
- Zach Oxborrow, Sr., S
- Sitili Palmer, Sr., DL
Key defensive newcomers
- Keegan Mouncastle, Sr., DL
- Mason Marchant, Sr., LB
3. Stansbury Stallions
Head coach: Jason Walker
An assistant coach at Bountiful the past seven years, including winning a state title a year ago, he’s taking over as head coach for the Stallions in 2024. He’s a graduate of Ben Lomond High School and Utah State.
Coach Jason Walker’s general outlook
Stansbury is once again starting the 2025 season with a new Head Coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball. With the opening of a new high school in Tooele County, a few key players will contribute on both offense and defense. While there are many new faces stepping into important roles, the stallion remain focused on competing at a high level in 4A. The Stallions believe they have the talent to hang with the top tier teams in 4A, and will rely on the physicality of their trenches to help them reach their full potential. Coach Walker emphasizes what’s best for the team, by building a culture where players are committed to playing for each other. If the Stallions buy in and play as one, don’t be surprised if they’re in the mix of punching their tickets to Rice Eccles Stadium.
Offensive coordinator: Josh McMorris
2024 offense: 31.33 ppg (No. 11 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Pistol offense
Returning offensive starters
- Brekon Nelson, Sr., C
- Tasi Lealaisalanoa, Sr., RT
- Lael Rhodes, Sr., WR
- Carter Petersen, Sr., RB
- Noah Syphus, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Brighton Reutzel, Jr., QB
- Lincoln Reutzel, Jr., WR
- Boston Rowley, Jr., WR
- Wyatt Oliver, Sr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Jason Walker
2024 defense: 17.75 ppg (No. 3 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Landis Roberts, Sr., DT
- Cole Tincher, Sr., DE
- Colton Daynes, Sr., DB
- Bronkson Baker, Jr., ILB
Key defensive newcomers
- Samisoni Motuliki, Sr., DT
- Kai Astill, Sr., OLB
- Carter Cashmore, Sr., DB
- Wyatt Oliver, Sr., ILB
- Lincoln Reutzel, Jr., DB
4. Mountain Crest Mustangs
Head coach: Ryan Visser
In his first three years as a head coach in Utah he’s led Mountain Crest to a 21-15 record. He previously was the head coach at Big Piney, Wyo. the two years prior. He’s a graduate of Preston High School in Idaho and Idaho State.
Coach Ryan Visser’s general outlook
We are excited to get going for the 2025 season. We have a talented team with strong leadership and experience. We return 18 guys that have started games, that’s a great start. They had success last year and are ready to build upon that and take the next step.
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Visser
2024 offense: 24.18 ppg (No. 18 in 4A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread/Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Brayden Larsen, Sr., QB/ATH
- Brady Muir, Jr., QB/ATH
- Siaosi Tupuola, Sr., OL
- Kekoa Tupuola, Sr., OL
- Noah Estey, Sr., OL
- Kai Passey, Sr., TE
- Mikah Clements, Sr., WR
- Kael Olsen, Jr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Bracken Geary, Sr., OL
- Austin Bostock, Jr., OL
- Makray Crofts, Sr., WR
- Mason Bradford, Jr., WR
- Cruz Ramos, Sr., RB
- Tayt Page, Jr., RB
- Santiago Huerta, Sr., RB
Defensive coordinator: Preston Schwab
2024 defense: 20.91 ppg (No. 6 in 4A)
- Nine returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Carter Egbert, Sr., LB
- Santiago Huerta, Sr., LB
- Camden Atkinson, Sr., LB/DL
- Kai Kaha, Sr., DL
- Neal Dewey, Sr., DL
- Cole Young, Jr., DL
- Adrian Garfias, Sr., DB
- Roman Funk, Sr., DB
- Tayt Page, Jr., DB
Key defensive newcomers
- Cruz Ramos, Sr., DL
- Brock Hunter, Jr., DB
- Nate Wells, Jr., DB/LB
- Peter Nelson, Sr., DB
- Owen Isom, Sr., DB
- Tanner Harris, Jr., DB
5. Green Canyon Wolves
Head coach: JT Tauiliili
Entering his third season as head coach at Green Canyon after guiding the program to an 18-7 record the past two years, including a state championship game appearance in 2023. He’s a graduate of Hunter High and Utah State.
Coach JT Tauiliili’s general outlook
We are excited to start another football season . Our hope is to continue to build a culture of execution and teamwork. If we can commit to doing all the little things right, we believe we will be able to compete in any game this season.
Offensive coordinator: JT Tauiliili
2024 offense: 31.36 ppg (No. 10 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Luke Baker, Sr., Tackle
- Hayden Schramm, Sr., WR
- Parker Lowe, Sr., WR
- Kole Bunderson, Jr., G
Key offensive newcomers
- Ethan Munk, Jr., QB
- Dakota, Calverley, Jr., OT
- Carter Perry, Jr., QB
- Tate Higham, Jr., TE
Defensive coordinator: Ammon Samia
2024 defense: 18.73 ppg (No. 4 in 4A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Bryson Pabst, Sr., S
- Eli Wheatley, Sr., LB
- Cody Edelmayer, Sr., CB
Key defensive newcomers
- Sawyer Rainey, Sr., LB
- Cooper Johnnie, Sr., LB
- Braxon Atkinson, Sr., DL
6. Bear River Bears
Head coach: Trampis Waite
A native of Oregon, he’s heading into his fourth season as head coach with a combined 11-24 record the first three seasons. He’s a graduate of Ontario High School in Oregon and attended Eastern Oregon University.
Coach Trampis Waite’s general outlook
We are excited for the 2025 season. We have several experienced players returning for us on both sides of the ball. Having that returning experience will be a huge advantage as we navigate the off-season. We are going to be filling some spots with some young talent that we are also very excited about. Entering my 4th year at the helm, I feel like we are finding our identity and developing well as a program. We are continuing to focus on ourselves and challenging each other to get to a place where we are competing for a region title. We are happy with having first round playoff victories the last two years and looking to push past that threshold this season.
Offensive coordinator: Trampis Waite
2024 offense: 20.67 ppg (No. 22 in 4A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread-Air Raid concepts offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jaxson Theurer, Sr., QB
- Glaiden Behrens, Jr., Slot WR, Transitioning from, RB
- Eli Braegger, Jr., Outside WR
- Korver Riley, Sr., Slot WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Dalton Williams, Sr., WR
- Rigdon Vonk, So., RB
- Cade Dahle, So., Tackle
- Delyn Groom, Jr., Tackle
Defensive coordinator: Jacob Batke
2024 defense: 26.92 ppg (No. 13 in 4A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Daxton Chairez, Jr., NT
- Brady Payne, Jr., End
- Dallen Rice, Sr., LB
- Brecken Garn, Sr., LB
- Riley Bingham, Sr., CB
- Quaid Murray, Sr., S
Key defensive newcomers
Damon Anderson, Jr., DE
Kazon, Chipper Hawes, Jr., OLB
Bennett Allen, So., LB
Oaklin Martin, Jr., OLB
7. Tooele Buffaloes
Head coach: Tuli Wily-Matagi
A graduate of Kahuku High School in Hawaii and Oregon State, he’s taking over as head coach for Tooele in 2025. He previously was an assistant coach at Stansbury.
Coach Tuli Wily-Matagi’s general outlook
In year one, our focus is on building a strong foundation and setting a new tone for the program. We’re working hard to create a culture built on belief, accountability, and relentless effort. It’s about getting our players to buy into the mindset of trusting the process and one another, embracing the hard, and taking pride in doing things the right way — on and off the field. We’re excited to compete and take steps forward every week as we build something that lasts.
Offensive coordinator: Kody Byrd
2024 offense: 25.36 ppg (No. 16 in 4A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ryker Ballard, Sr., OL
- Quiad Vowles, Jr., OL
- River Molgard, Sr., OL
- Gus Pater, Jr., QB
- Mavrik Charlson, Sr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Hirk Latu
2024 defense: 33.73 ppg (No. 20 in 4A)
- Two returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Luke Dickson, Sr., DL
- Gus Rimmington, Sr., DL
8. Deseret Peak Golden Eagles
First-year school
Head coach: Cooper Buchhammer
A graduate of Scottsbluff High School in Nebraska and Chadron State also in Nebraska, he will be the first coach in school history for the Golden Eagles. He most recently was the defensive coordinator at Stansbury High School.
Coach Cooper Buchhammer’s general outlook
We are a program full of underclassmen ready to prove themselves. Our kids have worked hard over the summer. Our numbers are great for a first year program and only three classes. It has been a fun offseason watching our kids learn, build a culture, get to know each other, and compete. We have a strong junior class that have emerged as leaders within our program.
Offensive coordinator: Tyler Garcia
- Option Offense
Key offensive newcomers
- Karter Stroyek, Jr., QB
- Zane Carter, Jr., WR
- Kanon Fields, So., OL
- Pulefou Laulu, So., OL
- William Hymer, So., WR
- Titan Washburn, Jr., WR
- Stratton Willardson, Jr., WR
- Cody Jensen, Jr., RB
- Curtis Stagg, Jr., OL
- Cruze Anderson, Jr., RB
- Yosmelkis Paredes, So., WR
Defensive coordinator: Cooper Buchhammer
- 4-2-5 defense
Key defensive newcomers
- Jaxton Toth, Jr., LB
- Lemeki Malu, Jr., DL
- Mason Poole, Jr., DL
- Cruze Anderson, Jr., DB
- Royce Decker, Jr., LB
- Yosmelkis Paredes, So., DB
- Zane Carter, Jr., DB
- Todd Atkin, Jr., LB
- Declan McKenzie, So., DB
- Stratton Willardson, Jr., DB