There’s no question that UHSAA realignment has shaken up more regions than others across the state heading into the 2025 season. Some regions saw no change, while others featured wholesale changes.
In Region 2 the changes were fairly modest — a simple one team swap with Region 3, and then the addition of another team from 5A. But that one swap has completely shaken up the landscape of the league.
Corner Canyon went 10-0 in two years in Region 2, dominating just about every week on its way to winning back-to-back 6A state championships. Suddenly, with its departure, numerous teams are in the mix for a region title again.
Joining Region 2 from Region 3 is Westlake, a program that finished last or second to last in the northern Utah powerhouse region each of the past eight seasons.
Rapidly growing Cedar Valley makes the jump from 5A to 6A in Year 7 since the school opened its doors in 2019. It struggled each of the past two seasons in Region 7, finishing last with a combined 0-10 league record.
For the five holdovers and the two newcomers, the slate is wiped clean as all seven programs hope to be competitive in the new-look region.
“The region is up for anyone to take this year. It will be a challenge every week for all teams,” said first-year Mountain Ridge coach Nick Robins, formerly an assistant at Timpview High.
Riverton coach Jim Freeland echoed that sentiment, but admits the departure of Corner Canyon isn’t necessarily a good thing.
“Our region continues to be one of, if not the best region in the state of Utah. Improvement comes with addition by subtraction by adding the two Utah County schools. The competitive loss of Corner Canyon will be missed,” Freeland said.
Before taking a backseat to Corner Canyon the past two years, Bingham was always the perennial front runner in the Southwest valley region. In fact, it had won at least a share of 12 straight region titles from 2012 to 2023.
After a pair of region runner-up finishes to Corner Canyon the past two years, Bingham is back to being the favorite, as the Region 2 coaches tabbed the Miners the team to beat.
“I’m excited for this group. They have been working hard this spring and summer and will be ready to go. Our team chemistry has been as good as I’ve ever seen it. We return some great talent and will also be relying on some young guys to step up,” said second-year Bingham head coach Josh Johnson.
Even though the Miners finished region runner-up the past two seasons, their combined 11-12 record was a notable dip from their dominant previous two decades of 18 region titles and seven state titles.
With five offensive returning starters and just three defensive returning starters for Bingham, a lot of unproven players will need to step up if the program to make a big jump this season.
Mountain Ridge was projected to finish second in Region 2, no surprise considering that Robins is inheriting a team load with experience on both sides of the ball. The Sentinels return nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters from last year’s 5-6 team that lost to Davis in the 6A second round.
Key among them is returning all-state honorable mention wide receiver Tytan Dejong.
“We are excited to compete this year. Our guys have put in a lot of hard work this offseason. We have some solid senior leadership, complimented with young talent that will help us on Friday nights,” said Robins.
Mountain Ridge gave Corner Canyon its only competitive region game the past two seasons as it narrowly lost to the Chargers 21-14 a year ago. It was a huge improvement from the 56-14 defeat the year prior.
Herriman checks in at No. 3 in the Region 2 preseason rankings coming off a disappointing 3-8 season a year ago.
Last season was the first for head coach Matt Rickards, who took over the program after 11 successful seasons at Kearns. With a full offseason to work with this group, he’s seen his players make huge strides in the weight room.
“The next step is to fortify our culture and instill belief in the players that they can compete with anyone,” said Rickards.
Herriman, which returns five offensive starters on both sides of the ball, hasn’t had a winning season since 2019.
Riverton has similar returning experience in 2025 as its projected to finish fourth.
Newcomer Westlake, picked to finish fifth, is no stranger to very limited expectations, but coach Arnold Ale has been extremely pleased with what he’s seen from his team this offseason.
“This year is the most ‘buy-in’ we’ve had as a program since I’ve been here at Westlake. The more ‘buy-in’ you have usually translates to success on the field,” said Ale, whose team lost to Corner Canyon in the 6A second round a year ago 56-0.
With six starters back on both sides of the ball, Ale hopes decent varsity experience helps the team get off to a strong start.
Copper Hills and Cedar Valley, teams who finished at the bottom of their respective region statndings a year ago, were projected to finish at the bottom once again. Both teams have new coaches, which inevitably brings in new excitement.
Darius Matthews, an assistant coach at Mountain Ridge is the past six seasons, is taking over as head coach at Copper Hills. He’s inheriting a program that’s won just 64 games in 30 years, but something he’s excited to change.
“For us, this season is about changing the narrative. The narrative surrounding our school, our community, and most important our football team. This an awesome group of young men who are excited and hungry to chase success and be competitive,” said Matthews.
Zac Connors, a California native, is the new coach at Cedar Valley. Five starters return on both sides of the ball from a year ago,
Even though Cedar Valley only won three games a year ago, it was competitive in the majority of those games, often fading in the second half. That’s exactly what happened in the first round of the 5A playoffs. The Aviators led Woods Cross 13-0 at the half but lost 35-27.
Region 2 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Josh Johnson
Entering his second season as head coach at Bingham after spending 19 years as an assistant coach at the school. He guided Bingham to a 5-6 record in his debut season in 2024. He’s a graduate of Bingham at UVU.
Coach Josh Johnson’s general outlook
I’m excited for this group. They have been working hard this spring and summer and will be ready to go, our team chemistry has been as good as I’ve ever seen it. We return some great talent and will also be relying on some young guys to step up.
Offensive coordinator: Josh Johnson
Offensive coordinator: 16.09 ppg (No. 15 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Boston Singley, QB, Sr.
- Teki Finau, RB, Sr.
- Moli Toia OL, Sr.
- John Kulimushi, WR, Sr.
- Jordan Thurman, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Owen Petersen, RB, Sr.
- Lucas Niedig, OL, Sr.
- Noah Christensen, OL, Sr.
- Samson Tongolei, OL, Jr.
- Elias Fineanganofo, OL, Jr.
- Miles Ward, WR, Sr.
- Trent Hoffman, WR, Sr.
- Cohen Campbell, TE, Sr.
- Jaylee Thompson, FB, Jr.
- Camden Snow, OL, Sr.
- Cayson Jensen, FB/TE
Defensive coordinator: Dave Revill
2024 defense: 19.09 ppg (No. 3 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Danzel Peoples, DB, Sr.
- Judd Bowen, LB, Sr.
- Monson Tukuafu, LB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Tillman KI, DL, Sr.
- Stan Iopu, DL, So.
- Hank Hausia, DB, Sr.
- Kaltrick Hausia, LB, Jr.
- Grady Johnson, DB, Sr.
- Jayden Cumbee, DB, So.
- Leo Tafuna, DL, Fr.
- SILA Maumau, DL, So.
- Talimailangi Lautaha, DL, Fr.
- KJ Afemui, DB, Sr.
- Golden Masina, LB, Sr.
- Cade Jensen, DB, Jr.
2. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Nick Robins
After serving as an assistant coach at Timpview last season, he’s taking over as head coach at Mountain Ridge in 2025. He’s a graduate of Juab at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
Coach Nick Robins’s general outlook
We are excited to compete this year. Our guys have put in a lot of hard work this offseason. We have some solid senior leadership, complimented with young talent that will help us on Friday nights.
Offensive coordinator: Nick Robins
Offensive coordinator: 23 ppg (No. 10 in 6A)
- Nine returning starters
- Run-n-Shoot offense
Returning offensive starters
- Kohen Cunningham, Sr., WR
- Lincoln Twilley, Sr., WR
- Grayden Dumas, Sr., TE
- Tytan Dejong, Jr., WR
- Zac Ofisa, Sr., RB
- Jayden Stockebrand, Sr., OL
- Hunter Jacobsen, Sr., OL
- Luke Jessop, Sr., OL
- Wyatt Bingham, Sr., QB
Key offensive newcomers
- Mason Gomez, Sr., WR
- Ashton Gates, Sr., RB
- Tyler McClellan, Jr., OL
- Mckrae Renteria, Fr., WR
- Finn Child, Jr., WR
- Ty Holmstead, So., WR
- Liam McKay, So., WR
- Malosi Sheperd, Fr., WR
- Grady Taft, Jr., WR
- Jaxon Hunt, Jr., QB
- Elston Hooper, Fr., QB
- Tani Kinikini, Jr., WR
Defensive coordinator: Jackson Peck
2024 defense: 18.91 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters:
- Caden Runyon, Sr., DB
- Braylon Washington, Sr., DB
- Cutler Whitaker, Sr., DB
- Sefa Toki, Sr., DL
- Bridger Butterfield, Sr., LB
- Kohen Van Cott, Sr., LB
Key defensive newcomers
- Cole Uvuale, Jr., DB
- Austin Freeman, Sr., DB
- Jaxon Brown, Sr., DL
- Tytan Dejong, Jr., LB
- Sefo Taukeiaho, Sr., DL
- Blake Benson, Jr., DB
- Noah Burrola, Jr., DB
- Tani Kinikini, Jr., CB
3. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Matt Rickards
Heading into his second season as head coach at Herriman after racking up a 3-8 record in 2024. Prior to that he spent 11 seasons at Kearns where his teams went a combined 71-50. He’s a graduate of Hunter High School and Weber State.
Coach Matt Rickards’s general outlook
We are really excited about our 2025 season. We had a very good offseason. The team made tremendous gains in the weight room and with our overall team speed. Our strength coach Eli Hamm did a great job. We return a numerous players with varsity experience especially at the offensive and defensive line. The line looks very solid and we needed that improvement for this season. The next step is to fortify our culture and instill belief in the players that they can compete with anyone.
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Good
Offensive coordinator: 14.64 ppg (No. 16 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Toa Feinga, So., OL
- Toa Roberts, Sr., TE
- Tate Love, Sr., WR
- Cannon Dansie Sr., OL
- Yama Ta’ai, Sr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Elway Aiono, Jr., OL
- Zion Felisi, Jr., OL
- Ryu Dean, Sr., OL
- Ivan Rameriz, Jr., OL
- Gavin Hansen, Sr., WR
- Payton Wassom, Sr., WR
- Cooper Grundy, Sr., WR
- Hayes Priest, Jr., WR
- Isaac Larson, Sr., RB
- Filisi Filipe, Jr., RB
- Jaiun Polanco, Jr., RB
- Max Stevens, So., RB
- Tyler Messer, Sr., QB
- Bryson Sweeney, Jr., QB
- Tyren Brimhall, Sr., QB
- Jayden Galvin, Jr., WR/TE
- Wes England, Jr., WR
- Cam Curtis, Jr., WR
- Max Wilson, So., Ath
Defensive coordinator: Tyler Pedersen
2024 defense: 24.18 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Troy Ellermeier, Sr., S
- Kemper Castro, Jr., LB/DE
- Macrae Parker, Sr., LB
- Kingston Mamea, Sr., DE
- Nu’u Muai, Jr., DT
Key defensive newcomers
- Logan Gregory, Jr., CB
- Braxton Osergaard, Sr., S
- Naden Gutierrez, Sr., CB
- Sione Nau, Sr., S
- Cannon Brinton, Sr., NB
- Isaac Owens, Jr., CB
- Kyler Holverson, Jr., NB
- Gavyn Fox, Jr., LB
- TJ Tuia, Sr., LB
- Keenan Rollins, Sr., LB
- Danny Johnson, Sr., DE
- Noah Peterson, Sr., DE
- Jesiah Ellen, Jr., DT
- Samuela Toa, So., DT
- Aden Jensen, So., DT
- Asher Coleman, Sr., CB
4. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Jim Freeland
A former assistant coach at Herriman High, he’s guided Riverton to a 5-17 record over the past two years. He’s a graduate of Amador Valley High School in California and BYU.
Coach Jim Freeland’s general outlook
Riverton is coming off a season with positive points. In coach Freeland’s third season, the Wolves hope to compete for a region title with nine returning starters.
Offensive coordinator: Brian Anderson
Offensive coordinator: 18.92 ppg (No. 13 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Truck Davenport, Center
- Gaven Ratliff, Guard
- Bennet Neilsen, Slot
- Tonga Tafisi, TE
- Seth Glover, WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Rocky Downs, TB
- Xander Thayer, QB
Defensive coordinator: Josh Holt
2024 defense: 23.17 ppg (No. 9 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Even Front defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Exodus Afatasi, DL
- Ben Vaka’uta, DE
- Jonas Riddle, DE
- Kyler Christiansen, MLB
- Paki Naeata, OLB
- Coleman Garn, CB
Key defensive newcomers
- Luke Hogan, OLB/DE
- Easton Croff, S
- Cody Anderson, CB
- Cayden Burr, DB
- Gage Zullo, S
5. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Arnold Ale
Entering his third season as head coach at Westlake after a 5-19 record in his first two seasons. Prior to that he was the head coach at Payson in 2022, where team went 7-4. He’s a graduate of Carson High in California and UCLA.
Coach Arnold Ale’s general outlook
This year is the most ‘buy-in’ we’ve had as a program since I’ve been here at Westlake. The more ‘buy-in’ you have usually translates to success on the field. We are excited and ready for a breakout year this upcoming season.
Offensive coordinator: Offensive staff
Offensive coordinator: 12.42 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Moses Guenther, Sr., C
- Savai’I Fetuao, Jr., G
- Donavan Leausa,, Sr., G
- Malakai Leilua,, So., T
- Britton Johnson, So., WR
- Ashton Taylor, Jr., RB
Key offensive newcomers
- Bosten Fountaine, Sr., QB
- Malik Sika, Jr., WR
- Hayden Traxler, So., T
Defensive coordinator: Defensive staff
2024 defense: 30.25 ppg (No. 16 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters:
- Apolosi Tuivai, Sr., NT
- Dreysen Afuvai, Sr., LB
- Jordan Fairbanks, Sr., CB
- Finn Mouer, Sr., CB
- Zealand Afuvai, So., S
- Slone Su’a, Jr., S
Key defensive newcomers
- Samisoni Falepapalangi, Fr., DE
- Spencer Dickerson, Jr., LB
- Sosefo Lopa, Jr., LB
6. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Darius Matthews
Taking over as head coach after Corey Dodds led the program the past eight years. Darius Matthews previously served as the defensive coordinator and D-line coach at Mountain Ridge for six seasons. He’s a graduate of West Jordan High School and Utah Tech.
Coach Darius Matthews’s general outlook
We have a tough team returning for this season. Plenty of room to improve, but also a ton of upside, and guys who can help turn this program around. For us our focus is to compete in every game, finish each game, and execute the Grizzly way. If we follow that formula, wins happen. But beyond wins we are excited to grow together as a team and as a staff and put all of the hard work and commitment on center stage Friday nights. It’s an exciting time to be a Grizzly. This Copper Hills football team will be different. For us, this season is about changing the narrative. The narrative surrounding our school, our community, and most important our football team. This an awesome group of young men who are excited and hungry to chase success and be competitive.
Offensive coordinator: Pala Vaitu’u
Offensive coordinator: 24 ppg (No. 9 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Logan Batt, WR, Sr.
- Kur Mony, OT, Sr.
- Carter Grossaint, OG, Sr.
- Manea Tua, OG, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Denny Fa’amoe., Fr., C
- Ryu Duy, Sr., RB
- James Gleed., WR., Jr.
- Lucas Larronda., TE., Sr.
- Tija Tate., RB., Sr.
- Ethan Hill., QB., So.
Defensive coordinator: Darius Matthews
2024 defense: 35.73 ppg (No. 18 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Kannon Kaio., DE., Sr.
- Darius Fue., LB., Jr.
- Louie Riggs., DB., Jr.
- Luke Brough., DT., Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Jaivin Gonzales., LB., So.
- Carson Reading., CB., Sr.
- Mo, Ho’opai., DT., FR
- Logan Morrel., FS., Jr.
- Landon Gerona., CB., So.
7. Cedar Valley Aviators
Head coach: Zac Connors
Becomes the second coach in school history as he replaces former coach Weston Zabriskie after he spent six years with the school. Connors is a graduate of Clayton Valley High School in California and attending SUU and Utah. He was the offensive coordinator at Weber High in 2023.
Coach Zac Connors’s general outlook
Big year with a jump to a new classification and a new region. First-year head coach Zac Connors brings a new energy and rejuvenated outlook into 2025. With eight returning seniors on both sides of the ball, there is plenty of leadership and experience to go with an exciting crop of young talent. Among the returning senior starters is quarterback Landon Johnson. A strong-armed, two-sport standout, Johnson will look to lead the high-flying attack on offense. Along with Johnson will be the return of junior all-purpose running back and slot receiver/return man Aydan Laws. As a sophomore, Laws led the Aviators in all-purpose yards and will look to capitalize on a bigger and more experienced offensive line. Up front, the Aviators will look to an older and experienced group of OL consisting of four senior starters. Among those are senior guard/tackle Helaman Gasu, tackle Alberto Sanguino, and center Manning Linde.
Defensively, the Aviators return multiple starters in the secondary and at linebacker. Starting up front, senior Preston Ashton will anchor the defensive line along with junior nose tackle Rogue Mamea and the aforementioned Gasu. Junior Cooper Gunnell joins that group after primarily playing running back and linebacker a year ago. At linebacker, two returning seniors should see the majority of snaps at inside LB. Seniors Amari Alabi-Isama and Nixon Caldwell return and bring a wealth of experience and range to the backer corps. Sophomore Max Stoner and senior transfer Brock Engman will see plenty of action, with Stoner seeing time at strong safety as well. In the secondary, there is plenty of experience with seniors slotted to start all across the board, with addition of sophomore Barry Kava slotted to see time at free safety. Returning senior starters Jarom Cline, Ty Krinke and Luke Ballard will look to build upon strong junior campaigns in the secondary, with senior Max Maio and junior Maddox Parr rounding out the rotation.
Offensive coordinator: Zac Connors w/ Co-OC Dylan Krans
Offensive coordinator: 16.64 ppg (No. 22 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread/Multiple offense
Returning offensive starters
- Landon Johnson, Sr., QB
- Aydan Laws, Jr., RB
- Manning Linde, Sr., OL
- Helaman Gasu, Sr., OL
- Luke Ballard, Sr., WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Preston Ashton, Sr., TE
- Paxon Johnson, Sr., WR
- Barry Kava, So, WR
- Paxton Woods, Jr., Slot
- Alberto Sanguino, Sr., OL
- Max Stoner, So, RB
Defensive coordinator: Michael Humeniuk
2024 defense: 30.55 ppg (No. 21 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters:
- Preston Ashton, Sr., DE
- Nixon Caldwell, Sr., LB
- Amare Alabi, Isama, Sr., LB
- Jarom Cline, Sr., Saf
- Ty Krinke, Sr., CB
Key defensive newcomers
- Rogue Mamea, Jr., DT
- Cooper Gunnel, Jr., DE
- Carter Smith, So, DE
- Brock Engman, Sr., LB
- Barry Kava, So, SAF
- Max Stoner, So, SAF
- Max Maio, Sr., CB