3A First Round
No. 9 Ogden at No. 8 Canyon View
In the opening round of the 3A State Tournament, No. 9 Ogden faces No. 8 Canyon View, marking their first playoff meeting. Currently, the all-time series is tied at 2-2, emphasizing the competitive nature between these two teams.
Ogden comes into this matchup with a record of (6-4, 2-3 3A North). The Tigers have demonstrated offensive strength this season, scoring a total of 244 points while allowing 174. They achieved impressive victories over Judge Memorial (45-0) and Carbon (43-7), highlighting their ability to dominate weaker opponents.
A key component of their attack is their rushing game, spearheaded by Keen Crowther, whose performances have been pivotal in tight games, such as their narrow 28-26 win over Union. Defensively, Ogden has managed to hold strong against most opponents, showcasing a balanced team effort.
Canyon View holds a (5-5, 2-4 3A South) record, with 238 points scored and 212 allowed over the course of the season. Their offense, led by Ryder Miller, who has amassed 796 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, has proven capable of breaking down defenses consistently.
The Falcons have utilized their home advantage effectively, securing wins like their 42-6 victory against Carbon and 31-14 win over Richfield. On the defensive side, players like Wyatt Copp, who has contributed 73 tackles this season, have helped Canyon View maintain a competitive edge.
In their last meeting on August 12, 2022, Canyon View won a close 27-23 contest, with pivotal plays such as Jaxon Jensen’s touchdown passes proving decisive. This sets a competitive backdrop for their playoff meeting, adding an extra layer of anticipation.
The winner of this tightly contested matchup will advance to face No. 1 Cedar City, who maintains an unbeaten record of 10-0, in the quarterfinals on October 31, setting the stage for another challenging encounter.
No. 13 Ben Lomond at No. 4 Juab
In the opening round of the 3A State Tournament, No. 13 Ben Lomond takes on No. 4 Juab in their first-ever playoff encounter. Historically, Juab leads the series 5-1, with Ben Lomond’s sole victory dating back to 2006, adding a layer of history to this clash.
Juab enters the game with a solid record of (7-3, 3-3 3A South), having outscored opponents with a total of 325 points while conceding 256. The Wasps have showcased a balanced and effective offensive lineup, highlighted by wins such as their 39-10 victory over Canyon View and a decisive 38-3 win against Carbon.
Their offensive prowess is led by Brock Richards, who has rushed for 864 yards and 14 touchdowns, supported by quarterback Price Armstrong, who commands the passing game with 2,165 yards and 21 touchdowns. On defense, Max Gardner stands out with 72 tackles, contributing significantly to Juab’s strong defensive presence.
Conversely, Ben Lomond faces an uphill battle, entering the matchup with a record of (0-9, 0-5 3A North). The Scots have struggled this season, managing only 24 points while allowing 416, but they have demonstrated individual resilience, as seen with Gavin Rivera’s 273 receiving yards and lone touchdown. The team will look to leverage their underdog status to challenge Juab in this playoff setting.
The winner of this matchup will advance to face the victor between No. 5 Grantsville and No. 12 Carbon, aiming to capitalize on postseason momentum. Juab looks to continue its dominance in the series and use its season-long strengths to press on deeper into the tournament.
No. 12 Carbon at No. 5 Grantsville
In the first round of the 3A State Tournament, No. 12 Carbon clashes with No. 5 Grantsville, revisiting their playoff matchup from last year where Grantsville secured a commanding 39-0 victory. Historically, Grantsville boasts a strong all-time series lead of 10-0 against Carbon.
Carbon enters the playoffs with a record of (2-8, 0-6 3A South) and is currently on an eight-game losing streak. Over the season, they have managed to score 156 points while conceding 377. A highlight of their season was an early 68-6 victory over Grand.
The Dinos’ offensive efforts are led by Dexter Packard, who has rushed for 392 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Kayden Dunn has contributed 651 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. On the defensive side, Daxtyn Mower leads with 89 tackles, and Jordan Nichols has added 53 tackles along with 2 return touchdowns.
Grantsville, holding a record of (6-4, 4-1 3A North), has won four of their last five games. They have scored 297 points and allowed 168 this season. The Cowboys have demonstrated their strength, highlighted by a 59-0 rout of Ben Lomond and a 42-7 victory at Ogden.
Rigdon Murdoch has been a key player, rushing for 439 yards and 8 touchdowns, while quarterback Dallan Van Vliet has thrown for 1,165 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jordan Fawson excels as both a receiver and a defender, with 419 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, and 25 tackles along with 3 interceptions.
In their previous playoff encounter, Grantsville capitalized on early scoring from players like Jayden Atkinson and maintained a steadfast defense that kept Carbon from scoring.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on October 31 to face the winner of the game between No. 4 Juab and No. 13 Ben Lomond. Grantsville aims to continue its winning momentum and maintain its perfect record against Carbon.
No. 10 Logan at No. 7 Richfield
In the opening round of the 3A State Tournament, No. 10 Logan squares off against No. 7 Richfield. This matchup marks their first meeting since 1932, when Logan emerged victorious with a 32-0 win in a semifinal game.
Logan arrives with a record of (4-6, 3-2 3A North), scoring 242 points while allowing 319 over the season. The Grizzlies opened their campaign with a strong 47-14 win over Hillcrest but have faced ups and downs, including recent defeats against formidable opponents such as Morgan and Grantsville.
Quarterback Easton Favero plays a pivotal role in their offense, compiling 1,970 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. His primary receiver, Kayden Nhean, contributes significantly with 648 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. On the ground, Mason Birch adds another dimension with 393 rushing yards. Defensively, Logan relies on the efforts of Mason Birch and Kolt Redd, tallying 46 and 57 tackles respectively, as they seek their first playoff win since 2021.
Richfield, with a record of (6-4, 3-3 3A South), has demonstrated both offensive and defensive strengths, scoring 309 points and conceding 234. The Wildcats have stood strong at home with impressive victories over teams like Dixie and North Sanpete. This season, Colton White has been exceptional, rushing for 770 yards and finding the end zone 13 times.
Cordon White supports the air attack with 1,017 passing yards and 8 touchdowns. On defense, Ngalu Taufatofua provides a formidable presence with 63 tackles and 2 interceptions. Richfield has eyes on making a third straight championship appearance after claiming the title in 2023 and finishing as runners-up in 2024.
The winner of this matchup will advance to challenge No. 2 Morgan on October 31 in the quarterfinals, with both teams eager to extend their playoff journey and capitalize on the successes of their current season.
No. 11 Union at No. 6 North Sanpete
In the opening round of the 3A State Tournament, No. 11 Union travels to face No. 6 North Sanpete, looking to avenge their previous encounter in 2020, where North Sanpete triumphed 41-14.
Union enters the postseason with a (4-6, 1-4 3A North) record, scoring 261 points while allowing 227. The Cougars have experienced high moments, including a commanding 49-0 victory over Judge Memorial and a narrow 37-34 win at Hillcrest. Offensively, they rely heavily on the ground game, led by JD Mojado with 649 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.
Cruz Labrum adds to the rushing attack with 482 yards and 6 touchdowns. Through the air, Gannon Labrum has contributed 427 passing yards and 5 touchdowns, with Daxten Barney being a key target, amassing 227 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Gavin Roberts anchors their defense with an impressive 80 tackles.
North Sanpete boasts a (6-4, 3-3 3A South) record, with 253 points scored against 193 allowed. Key victories for the Hawks include a 45-7 win over Cottonwood and a 49-9 drubbing of Deseret Peak. Ayden Akee leads their rushing efforts with 723 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Maddox Madsen commands the passing game, having thrown for 880 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Chaetton Osborne supports with 314 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. On defense, Braden Palmer is a standout with 36 tackles and 2 interceptions, supported by Dalton Poulson’s 41 tackles. The Hawks are eager to secure their first playoff win since 2022.
This game’s winner will advance to the quarterfinals, set to face No. 3 seed Manti, offering both teams the chance to extend their playoff journey and test themselves against top-tier competition.
2A First Round
No. 9 Judge Memorial at No. 8 Providence Hall
In the first round of the 2A State Tournament, No. 9 Judge Memorial visits No. 8 Providence Hall in what has quickly become a budding rivalry. Since Providence Hall fielded its team in 2019, they lead the all-time series 6-1, with this being their second playoff encounter. Their first postseason meeting was in 2021, when Providence Hall dominated with a 44-12 victory.
Judge Memorial enters with a record of (1-9, 0-4 2A North), scoring 88 points while allowing 405 throughout the season. Despite the struggles, they secured a notable win against Ben Lomond (29-6), highlighting potential in key moments.
Offensive efforts are led by Michael Gibbons, who has rushed for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Mavrick Middleton, adding 170 rushing yards and four scores. Elijah Florez has thrown for 106 yards and a touchdown, with Kheari Lark contributing 238 receiving yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Erik Mickelson leads with 71 tackles.
Providence Hall, holding a (2-8, 1-3 2A North) record, scored 172 points while conceding 359. This season’s highlights include a 29-19 win over Gunnison Valley and a recent victory against Judge Memorial (21-13) in their September 19 matchup.
In that meeting, they established a 15-7 halftime lead and withstood a late push from Judge Memorial to secure the win. Their defense was crucial in clamping down on Judge Memorial through the middle quarters.
The winner of this game advances to the quarterfinals to face top-seeded San Juan on October 31. Both teams aim to extend their seasons, with Providence Hall looking to leverage their historical success in this series and Judge Memorial eager to reverse their fortunes.
1A First Round
No. 9 North Sevier at No. 8 Gunnison Valley
In a classic rivalry matchup, No. 9 North Sevier visits No. 8 Gunnison Valley for the first round of the 1A State Tournament. This enduring rivalry, with the schools just 13 miles apart, has Gunnison Valley leading the all-time series 19-16.
The teams have faced off annually since 1993, and this marks their third playoff encounter—and second in two years—with North Sevier winning both previous playoff meetings.
North Sevier enters the game with a (1-9, 0-4 1A North) record, having scored 124 points while yielding 384 this season. Despite the challenging year, they secured a 48-0 victory over Grand, indicating their potential. Quarterback Houston Mickelsen leads with 750 passing yards and 6 touchdowns.
Zander Christiansen drives the rushing attack with 291 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Brody Bulloch excels in receiving with 389 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Rhyder Snow is pivotal, anchoring the team with 60 tackles.
Gunnison Valley stands at (3-6, 1-3 1A North), scoring 145 points and allowing 203. Their season highlights include a 45-0 victory over Grand and a recent 21-0 win against North Sevier. Key contributors include Bronson Allen, who has rushed for 314 yards and 6 touchdowns, and Ryder Coates with 407 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Quarterback Talan Dyreng adds 429 passing yards and 6 touchdowns, while Waylon Sorenson leads in receiving with 191 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense, Wrigley Crouch has chipped in with 37 tackles and 2 sacks.
In their last meeting earlier this month, Gunnison Valley’s defense dominated, holding North Sevier scoreless and seeing contributions from players like Bronson Allen and Ryder Coates.
The winner of this playoff clash will advance to face No. 1 Kanab, who boasts an impressive 8-1 record, in the quarterfinals on October 31. With both rivalry pride and postseason aspirations on the line, each team is eager to extend their playoff journey.
This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.