6A Playoffs
Layton 41, Cedar Valley 16
Layton (4-7) surged past Cedar Valley (3-7) with a 41-16 victory in the first round of the 6A playoffs on Friday. The Lancers raced to a commanding lead with a pair of touchdown runs by JP Garlick and Gavin Hurst in the first half, leading 28-3 at halftime. Tillman Thomas threw three touchdown passes, including a 64-yarder to Preston DeWitt in the fourth quarter, cementing the win. Cedar Valley managed a pair of touchdowns in the final quarter, including a 35-yard pass from Rigdon Peck to Maxwell Stoner. With the win, Layton advances to face top-seeded Corner Canyon in the second round.
5A Playoffs
Alta 49, Roy 7
Alta (4-7) dominated Roy (3-7) with a decisive 49-7 victory in their 5A Playoffs match. The Hawks stormed ahead with a 21-point first quarter, including a 22-yard run by Lucas Pagel and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Ber Strong. Tucker Brown led the charge, tossing three touchdown passes, including a 51-yard bomb to Pagel in the second quarter and a 24-yard strike to Evan Morton near the end of the third. The Royals’ only score came in the second quarter on a pass from Rock Speredon to Synic Harvey. Ryker Ellis contributed to Alta’s defensive effort with a 17-yard interception return for a touchdown, further solidifying their commanding lead.
Timpview 40, Wasatch 15
Timpview (6-5) advanced in the 5A Playoffs with a 40-15 victory over Wasatch (4-7) on Friday. Timpview took control in the second quarter, scoring 20 points with a 20-yard pass to Nixon Warner and a 30-yard interception return by Tonga Tauteoli. Dennis Tua’one initiated the scoring for the Thunderbirds with an 8-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, and they never looked back. Wasatch cut the deficit in the second half with a 44-yard touchdown run by Ben Brand and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Ashton Nord to Cache Coombs. However, Timpview’s offense was relentless, with Jackson Palmer’s 39-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter sealing the dominant win.
Bountiful 56, Clearfield 6
Bountiful (6-5) cruised to a dominating 56-6 victory over Clearfield (3-8) in the first round of the 5A playoffs. Hudson Malmrose led the Redhawks with three touchdown passes, including a 16-yard strike to Dawson Allsop in the first quarter to start the scoring. Bountiful exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown reception from Ivan Davis. The Redhawks’ defense held firm, allowing Clearfield only a third-quarter touchdown run from Landon Hittle. Bountiful advances to face eighth-seeded West Jordan in the second round on Oct. 31.
Olympus 42, Cyprus 0
Olympus (6-5) stormed into the second round of the 5A state playoffs with a commanding 42-0 victory over Cyprus (4-7). The Titans set the tone in the first quarter, scoring four touchdowns, including a 36-yard pass from Preston Ferran to Wes Wright at 4:36 and another 36-yard pass from Ferran to Sam Brown with 1:00 remaining. Olympus built a 42-point lead by halftime, as Easton Zito found the end zone on a 2-yard run just before the break. Ferran was stellar through the air, connecting with multiple receivers including Hugh Matsumori and Luke Campbell, who showcased speed on a 91-yard touchdown pass at 7:04 in the second quarter. Olympus’s defense was impenetrable, shutting out Cyprus and advancing to the next round to face Woods Cross.
Spanish Fork 42, Hunter 7
Spanish Fork (4-7) dominated 14th-seeded Hunter (5-6) with a resounding 42-7 victory in the first round of the 5A state playoffs. The 19th-seeded Dons capitalized on a powerful first half, posting a 35-0 lead by halftime, highlighted by James Buck’s 49-yard touchdown reception in the opening quarter. Spanish Fork’s quarterback, Nixon Warren, showcased his dual-threat capability, scoring on a 45-yard run and a 9-yard pass to Gage Christensen. Caleb Grant contributed with a 10-yard touchdown run during the second quarter. Hunter managed to avoid a shutout with a 6-yard touchdown run by Paula Makaafi in the fourth quarter. With this decisive win, Spanish Fork advances to face third-seeded Springville (9-1) in the second round.
Granger 35, Taylorsville 0
Granger (8-3) showcased its defensive dominance in a 35-0 shutout victory over Taylorsville (2-9) in the first round of the 5A playoffs. The tenth-seeded Lancers suffocated the Warriors, allowing no points and continuing their strong defensive performance, as they have throughout the season with an average of just 16 points allowed per game. Granger’s defense was highlighted by stellar contributions from Maa’imoa Havili and Lu Kinikini, who have been pivotal all season. The Warriors, who turned in two wins in the final three games of their regular season, were unable to replicate that form, falling to the relentless pressure of a well-disciplined Granger squad. The Lancers advance to face seventh-seeded Brighton in the second round.
West Field 41, Viewmont 34
West Field (7-4) emerged victorious over Viewmont (4-7) in the 5A playoffs, winning 41-34. The Longhorns secured the game with a crucial defensive play early in the fourth quarter when Logan Mcclure returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. West Field’s offense was led by Gavin Ortegon, who connected for three touchdown receptions from Easton Eilertson, all in the first quarter. Despite falling behind early, the Vikings closed the gap to 34-34 in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jack Savage to Draylon Jensen at 6:35. However, West Field sealed the win with a 1-yard run by Caden Judy with just 1:18 remaining.
Northridge 21, Pleasant Grove 7
Northridge (5-5) capitalized on explosive plays to defeat Pleasant Grove (4-7) by a score of 21-7 in a 5A Playoffs matchup. Dontae Dyson was a standout for the Knights, opening the scoring with a 95-yard kickoff return in the first quarter and extending the lead with a 73-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Makai So’o’s 95-yard touchdown reception from Andrew Ortiz later in the third quarter sealed the victory for Northridge. Pleasant Grove’s lone score came in the second quarter with a 10-yard run by Dexton Nuttall. The Vikings were unable to overcome the Knights’ big plays in this decisive playoff matchup.
4A Playoffs
Sky View 69, Juan Diego 14
Sky View (7-4) cruised past Juan Diego (2-9) in a 69-14 victory, tying a school record for points in a game during the 4A playoffs. The Bobcats exploded with a balanced offensive attack, including Jack Clark’s three touchdown passes, with key strikes like a 67-yard pass to Cooper Karren and a 48-yard connection with Zachary Oxborrow. Xander Stokes contributed significantly with three rushing touchdowns, adding depth to Sky View’s offensive outburst. Juan Diego’s early score from One Vea briefly tied the game at 7-7, but the Bobcats quickly pulled away with a 21-point second quarter. The game was capped by Peyton Palmer’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown with one second left, sealing the dominating performance.
East 41, Murray 34
East (4-6) continued its remarkable resurgence with a 41-34 victory over Murray (5-4) in the 4A playoffs, advancing to face top-seeded Ridgeline. The Leopards’ Dru Reuss led the charge with two rushing touchdowns, including a pivotal 3-yard run with 4:13 remaining in the fourth quarter to edge ahead. Reuss also connected with Asaeli Otukolo for two scores, one of which was a 26-yard run in the third quarter. Murray, led by Phil Holland’s 343 passing yards and four touchdowns, fought back but couldn’t overcome East’s offensive surge. Key moments for the Spartans included Holland’s 42-yard touchdown pass to Carson Davis with 1:58 left, cutting East’s lead, but ultimately falling short.
Skyline 53, Tooele 22
Skyline (8-3) dominated Tooele (2-9) in the 4A first-round playoff game, marking their first meeting since Skyline’s 25-0 victory over Tooele in 1966. The Eagles cruised to a 53-22 win, led by a prolific performance from quarterback Xavier Cocci, who accounted for four total touchdowns. Cocci was instrumental both through the air, completing key touchdown passes to Alex Brown and Maximus Cocci, and on the ground with two rushing scores. Jonah Mailei also contributed to Skyline’s offense with two rushing touchdowns. Tooele’s offensive highlights included a 60-yard touchdown pass from Gus Pater to Mavrik Charlson, but they could not overcome Skyline’s high-scoring machine. With this victory, Skyline secured their first playoff win since 2020 and advanced to face Pine View in the second round.
Green Canyon 10, Desert Hills 3
Green Canyon (7-4) edged past Desert Hills (2-8) with a 10-3 victory in the first round of the 4A state playoffs. The Wolves managed to secure a hard-fought defensive win with a go-ahead 8-yard touchdown run by Huston Paremski with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Desert Hills’ only score came from a Hayden Porter 30-yard field goal earlier in the final quarter. Tanner Holt contributed a 24-yard field goal to put Green Canyon on the board in the third quarter. Green Canyon’s defense clamped down throughout the game, neutralizing the Desert Hills’ offensive efforts. With the win, Green Canyon advances to face third-seeded Snow Canyon on Oct. 31.
Timpanogos 41, Bear River 14
Timpanogos (5-5) avenged last year’s playoff upset by Bear River (3-8) with a commanding 41-14 victory in the 4A first-round matchup. The Timberwolves raced to a 31-0 halftime lead, highlighted by three touchdowns from quarterback Andrew Hillstead. Hillstead threw scoring passes to Logan Lee and Kyle LaPray in the first half to help build an insurmountable lead. Bear River’s Eli Braegger caught two touchdown passes from Dalton Williams in the second half, but it was too little, too late. Timpanogos’ decisive win sets up a second-round matchup against No. 2 seed Crimson Cliffs (8-1).
Highland 42, Dixie 14
Highland (7-3) extended its winning streak to seven games with a commanding 42-14 victory over Dixie (2-8) in the 4A first-round playoffs. The Rams dominated from the outset, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first quarter highlighted by a 78-yard touchdown run by Vili Ripley and a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown by William Bauman. Bauman also connected with Zamiri Vaughn for a 76-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Dixie managed a score in the second quarter with a 3-yard run from Krew Berezay but couldn’t match Highland’s offensive production. Treyzon Haveron caught a late 30-yard touchdown pass from Ryker Millsteen in the fourth quarter. Highland advances to face Hurricane in the second round.
Salem Hills 35, Mountain View 12
Salem Hills (7-3) advanced in the 4A playoffs with a commanding 35-12 win over Mountain View (3-7). The SkyHawks established their dominance early, scoring 28 points before halftime. Ryder Hales led the offensive onslaught, firing touchdown passes to Peyton Higginson, Gordon Wilson, Joe Hughes, and Steven Taylor. Mountain View managed to mount some resistance with 12 fourth-quarter points, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tate Johnson to Briggy Moses, but it was too little, too late. With this victory, Salem Hills moves on to face fifth-seeded Provo on Oct. 31.
Mountain Crest 54, Uintah 7
Mountain Crest (8-3) cruised to a commanding 54-7 victory over Uintah (1-10) in the first round of the 4A playoffs. The Mustangs set the tone early with quarterback Brayden Larsen connecting with Kai Passey and Brady Muir for touchdowns in the first half, building a 41-7 lead by halftime. Carter Egbert, who led the ground attack, contributed with a 34-yard rushing touchdown and capped the scoring with an 86-yard interception return in the fourth quarter. Uintah’s lone bright spot came from Kache Barney’s 5-yard rushing score in the first quarter. Mountain Crest’s defense smothered the Utes, led by a standout performance from Egbert with a total of 133 tackles and 10 sacks this season. The Mustangs advance to face seventh-seeded Stansbury in the second round on Oct. 31.
3A Playoffs
North Sanpete 30, Union 14
North Sanpete (7-4) capitalized on a strong start to secure a 30-14 victory over Union (4-7) in the 3A playoffs. The Hawks surged ahead early with three touchdowns from Maddox Madsen, including a 2-yard and a 5-yard run in the first quarter, complemented by a safety and an extra point. Union narrowed the gap in the second quarter with a 1-yard run by Gannon Labrum but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Ayden Akee extended North Sanpete’s lead with a third-quarter 3-yard touchdown run. Maddox Madsen sealed the win with his third touchdown, a 1-yard run, in the fourth quarter, while Union’s Cruz Labrum added a late 2-yard run score.
Ogden 14, Canyon View 12
Ogden (7-4) edged Canyon View (5-6) with a 14-12 victory in the opening round of the 3A state tournament. A decisive 2-yard touchdown run by Ryker Rice at 3:57 in the third quarter gave the Tigers a critical lead that carried them to the win. Previously tied at 7-7 after the first quarter, Canyon View had taken a slim 10-7 advantage early in the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal from Jaxon Beckstrom. Despite a strong defensive effort, including holding Ogden scoreless in the fourth quarter, Canyon View couldn’t overcome the deficit. Ogden advances to face unbeaten No. 1 seed Cedar City in the quarterfinals on October 31.
Juab 65, Ben Lomond 14
Juab (8-3) dominated Ben Lomond (0-10) with a resounding 65-14 victory in the opening round of the 3A State Tournament, marking their largest win ever and setting a school record in points scored. Juab jumped to an early lead in the first quarter, scoring 37 points, with notable plays including a 39-yard run by Jaden Heap and a 20-yard interception return by the same player. The Wasps’ defense shined, returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the first half. Ben Lomond found the end zone in the second half, with Gavin Rivera catching a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Juab moves on to face the winner between Grantsville and Carbon in their pursuit of a deeper playoff run.
Richfield 41, Logan 21
Richfield (7-4) defeated Logan (4-7) decisively, 41-21, in the opening round of the 3A State Tournament. The Wildcats took control early, with Trey Yardley rushing for three touchdowns within the first quarter. Colton White extended Richfield’s lead with a 35-yard touchdown reception from Cordon White just before halftime, putting them ahead 28-7. Logan’s Easton Favero connected twice with Kayden Nhean for scores, attempting a rally, but the Wildcats held firm. In the final quarter, Richfield’s Ngalu Taufatofua sealed the victory with a 35-yard touchdown run. Richfield advances to face No. 2 Morgan in the quarterfinals on October 31.
Grantsville 54, Carbon 17
Grantsville (7-4) cruised to a dominant 54-17 victory over Carbon (2-9) in the 3A playoffs, fueled by a flurry of first-quarter touchdowns. The Cowboys erupted with Rigdon Murdoch’s pair of 26-yard touchdown runs early in the first quarter, followed by a 40-yard punt return score from Jordan Fawson. Fawson was instrumental again with a 20-yard reception and a crucial interception return for a touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter. Dallan Van Vliet also starred, throwing for two scores, including a 23-yard strike to Ty Holm. Carbon managed to put points on the board, but Grantsville’s explosive start was too much to overcome.
2A Playoffs
Judge Memorial 11, Providence Hall 6
Judge Memorial (2-9) emerged victorious over Providence Hall (2-9) in the first round of the 2A State Tournament with an 11-6 win, showcasing a defensive standoff between the two teams. Judge Memorial took an early lead with a Tahj Cole 21-yard field goal just before the close of the first quarter. Providence Hall responded in the fourth quarter when Wyatt Martin scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown midway through the period, putting them ahead. However, Judge Memorial’s Michael Gibbons seized the lead back for his team with an explosive 28-yard touchdown run at 11:19 in the fourth quarter and solidified the win with a successful two-point conversion run by Elijah Florez. Judge Memorial held tight defensively to advance to face top-seeded San Juan in the quarterfinals on October 31.
1A Playoffs
Gunnison Valley 28, North Sevier 12
Gunnison Valley (4-6) advanced to the quarterfinals of the 1A state tournament with a 28-12 victory over North Sevier (1-10) on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs’ defense shined once again, holding North Sevier scoreless in the fourth quarter after Talan Dyreng’s crucial 1-yard touchdown run early in the final period expanded Gunnison Valley’s lead. Ryder Coates fueled Gunnison Valley’s offense with two touchdowns, including a 21-yard run early in the second quarter. Houston Mickelsen connected with Brody Bulloch for a 29-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, but the Wolves’ rally fell short. With the win, Gunnison Valley is set to face No. 1 Kanab in the quarterfinals on October 31.