3A Quarterfinals
In the 3A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 9 Ogden travels to No. 1 Cedar City, seeking to overturn their historical 0-4 record against the Reds. This marks their third playoff meeting, with Cedar having previously won, most notably a 27-16 clash in 2008 after fending off a late Ogden rally.
Ogden enters after a narrow 14-12 victory over Canyon View, which spoiled a potential rematch between the two Cedar City high schools. With a (7-4, 2-3 3A North) season record, the Tigers have scored 258 points while conceding 186.
Quarterback Blake Weston is key, registering 1,332 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Nash Bockwoldt leads the receiving corps with 391 yards and 7 touchdowns. In the backfield, Anderson Curry contributes 478 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, Jayden Long anchors with 53 tackles and two interceptions.
Cedar City, undefeated at (10-0, 6-0 3A South), enters having benefited from a first-round bye. They’ve tallied 454 points while allowing 194, showing offensive and defensive prowess. Quarterback Everett Kelling has amassed 2,091 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 840 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Braxton DeMille supports with 1,179 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Among receivers, Slade Parsons leads with 762 yards and nine touchdowns, while Dax Wankier shines defensively, recording 97 tackles.
As they prepare for this high-stakes matchup, Ogden seeks further momentum, while Cedar aims to maintain their perfect record and dominance over Ogden. The winner will advance to the semifinals to face either No. 4 Juab or No. 5 Grantsville, moving one step closer to the 3A championship.
No. 5 Grantsville at No. 4 Juab
In an anticipated 3A State Tournament quarterfinal matchup, No. 5 Grantsville hits the road to take on No. 4 Juab in another chapter of their exciting rivalry. Grantsville holds a playoff series edge at 4-3, although Juab has won 6 of the last 8 meetings overall. Their last playoff encounter was in the 2019 3A semifinals, where Juab edged out a narrow 22-20 victory.
Grantsville comes in with a strong (7-4, 4-1 3A North) season record, having racked up 351 points while allowing 185. Following a decisive 54-17 win over Carbon in the first round, Dallan Van Vliet has been instrumental in leading the Cowboys’ offense with 1,347 yards passing and 16 touchdowns. Rigdon Murdoch contributes significantly on the ground with 626 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while Jordan Fawson heads the receiving corps with 450 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Porter Davis stands out with 48 tackles.
Juab, holding an (8-3, 3-3 3A South) record, enters after delivering a commanding 65-14 victory over Ben Lomond. Juab’s offense is driven by quarterback Price Armstrong, who has accumulated 2,270 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. Brock Richards leads the rushing attack with 929 yards and 16 touchdowns. Jaden Heap stands out among receivers with 631 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Max Gardner leads with 80 tackles.
In their latest clash on September 12, Juab clinched a thrilling 36-35 double overtime victory over Grantsville, with key plays like a pivotal 20-yard pass from Price Armstrong sealing the win.
The winner of this quarterfinal clash will advance to the semifinals, with a potential matchup against the winner of the game featuring No. 1 Cedar City and No. 9 Ogden. This matchup leaves both teams eager to secure a path to the championship, testing their skill and resolve in a bid to move closer to the 3A title game.
No. 7 Richfield at No. 2 Morgan
In a highly anticipated 3A State Tournament quarterfinal, No. 7 Richfield travels to face No. 2 Morgan. This marks the 13th all-time meeting between the two schools, with Morgan leading the series 9-3. Significantly, this will be their 10th playoff encounter, where Morgan holds a dominant 9-1 advantage.
Their most recent notable meeting was the 2024 3A Championship Game, where Morgan emerged victorious with a 13-2 win to cap off their undefeated season.
Richfield enters this matchup with a (7-4, 3-3 3A South) record, boosted by a 41-21 victory over Logan in the first round. This season, they have scored 350 points and allowed 255. Key offensive contributors include Cordon White, who has thrown for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns, while Trey Yardley leads the ground game with 876 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Aiden Olsen stands out in the receiving corps with 382 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, Ngalu Taufatofua leads with 71 tackles and three sacks, making a significant impact.
Morgan, with a strong (9-1, 5-0 3A North) record, boasts a formidable lineup, having scored 338 points and allowed just 144. Their only setback was a non-conference loss to Ridgeline.
Quarterback Cade Randall steers their offense with 1,579 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, complemented by Eli Mortensen, who leads with 776 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, George Thurston contributes 334 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Morgan is anchored by Luke Bauerle with 67 tackles and a pivotal interception.
Last meeting in the 2024 championship, Morgan’s defense was dominant, limiting Richfield to just a safety for the game’s only points.
The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to face either No. 3 Manti or No. 6 North Sanpete in the semifinals. Morgan is looking to secure their 11th straight semifinal appearance, showcasing their consistent strength in the postseason. Both teams are eager to extend their seasons, with Richfield motivated to challenge Morgan’s historical playoff dominance and Morgan aiming to sustain their legacy of excellence in the playoffs.
No. 6 North Sanpete at No. 3 Manti
In a historic first playoff meeting, No. 6 North Sanpete and No. 3 Manti face off in the 3A State Tournament quarterfinals. This encounter between these Sanpete County rivals finds Manti leading the all-time series 22-19. Earlier this season, Manti secured a 35-14 victory over North Sanpete with a dominant performance.
North Sanpete, coming in with a record of (7-4, 3-3 3A South), advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Union 30-14 in the first round. This season, the Hawks have accumulated 283 points and conceded 207. Key players include quarterback Maddox Madsen, who has 993 passing yards and 9 touchdowns, and Ayden Akee, leading the ground game with 826 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Receiver Chaetton Osborne is notable with 326 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense, Braden Palmer contributes significantly with 42 tackles and two interceptions. North Sanpete seeks their first semifinal appearance since 2019.
Manti, with a (7-3, 4-2 3A South) record, aims for their third consecutive semifinal appearance. This season, the Templars have scored 383 points while allowing 255. Quarterback Carter Mason is at the helm with 2,570 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.
Tala Taulapapa spearheads the rushing attack with 959 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Stone Mortensen leads the receiving corps with 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively, Spencer Robbins impresses with 67 tackles.
The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to face the victor between No. 2 Morgan and No. 7 Richfield in the semifinals. Manti is looking to secure their third straight semifinal appearance with a victory, while North Sanpete is striving for their first semifinal berth since 2019. Both teams are eager to extend their playoff runs and solidify their standing in the postseason.
2A Quarterfinals
No. 9 Judge Memorial at No. 1 San Juan
In a 2A State Tournament quarterfinal matchup, No. 9 Judge Memorial travels to face No. 1 San Juan. San Juan holds a commanding 4-0 all-time series lead against Judge, including two previous playoff victories. Their last postseason encounter in 2024 saw San Juan secure a decisive 60-12 win in the quarterfinals, showcasing their offensive and defensive strength.
Judge Memorial enters the quarterfinals with a season record of (2-9, 0-4 2A North) after a narrow 11-6 victory against Providence Hall in the first round. The Bulldogs’ offense is guided by Elijah Florez, who has passed for 211 yards and a touchdown, with Michael Gibbons spearheading the rushing attack with 458 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Erik Mickelson has been pivotal, contributing 77 tackles and an interception.
San Juan, with a formidable (8-2, 4-0 2A South) record, has been dominant this season, tallying 522 points while allowing just 208. Quarterback Beau Yeomans has excelled, amassing 2,626 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Leading the rushing attack is Jagger Nieves, who has gained 1,763 yards with 32 touchdowns. In the air, Tripp Palmer is a standout, with 1,113 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, Thomas Hardin anchors with 60 tackles and three sacks.
In their 2024 playoff meeting, San Juan established control early with a 21-point first quarter. They continued their dominance throughout the game, leveraging multifaceted scoring led by Jaiten Knight, while their defense limited Judge Memorial to late-game touchdowns.
As they meet again, San Juan aims to extend their winning streak against Judge Memorial and advance toward their fifth consecutive 2A championship. Judge, on the other hand, seeks to change their fortunes with an upset. The winner will move on to the semifinals, stepping closer to the coveted state title.
No. 5 Emery at No. 4 Summit Academy
In the 2A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 5 Emery visits No. 4 Summit Academy in what promises to be an exciting rematch. This will be the 11th all-time meeting between the two teams, with Summit Academy leading the series 6-4. In previous playoff encounters, Summit Academy holds a 2-1 edge, including last year’s thrilling 31-20 victory in the semifinals.
Emery enters this quarterfinal with a (3-6, 2-2 2A South) record, showing their offensive capabilities by scoring 198 points over the season. Key offensive contributors include Trygg Jensen, who has thrown for 923 yards and eight touchdowns, and Garrett Conover, leading the ground game with 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Beau Stilson is a versatile weapon with 179 rushing yards and three touchdowns, also adding 483 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, they are led by Mikel Ilijic with 37 tackles and 5 sacks.
Summit Academy comes in at (5-5, 3-1 2A North) and has scored 349 points while allowing 271 this season. Quarterback Preston Mackowiak leads their offense with 1,712 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
The rushing attack is powered by Liam Larson, who has accumulated 929 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Beckham Meredith leads the receiving corps with 752 yards and 6 touchdowns. On the defensive front, Tug Wilbur is notable with 46 tackles and 11 sacks.
In their last playoff showdown in the 2024 semifinals, Emery defeated Summit Academy 31-20, driven by a balanced offensive display. Notably, last year’s playoff meeting saw Summit Academy win an overtime thriller, with a blocked extra point sealing their victory.
The winner of this quarterfinal will move on to face either No. 1 San Juan or No. 9 Judge Memorial in the semifinals. Emery aims to replicate its past playoff success against Summit, while Summit Academy looks to extend its recent dominance in this playoff series. Both teams are poised for a competitive matchup that will showcase their strength and determine who moves closer to the 2A championship.
No. 7 Delta at No. 2 South Sevier
In a 2A State Tournament quarterfinal showdown, No. 7 Delta visits No. 2 South Sevier, marking their 26th overall meeting. Historically, Delta has dominated the rivalry, leading 22-3, and holds a 2-0 record in playoff matchups. However, South Sevier is having a standout season, aiming for their first 10-win season in their 73-year history with a victory.
Delta enters with a (2-7, 1-3 2A South) record, following a season of ups and downs. Key reliance is on quarterback Bodey Shurtz, who has thrown for 900 yards and two touchdowns.
The rushing attack is led by Jett Rawlinson, who has accumulated 1,013 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. In receiving, Korver Pace is featured with 357 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Carter Anderson leads with 74 tackles and a sack.
South Sevier comes into the quarterfinals with an impressive (9-1, 3-1 2A South) record, having dominated most opponents with 457 points while conceding just 152. Quarterback Bridger Bradshaw spearheads their offense with 1,924 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
The backfield features Masen Healey with 623 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In the air, Cooper Castle shines with 697 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, Rayce Freeman is noteworthy with 77 tackles and ive interceptions.
In their last encounter on September 26, South Sevier emerged victorious with a commanding 69-27 win at Delta. Connor Castle contributed significantly with an 87-yard kickoff return and a rushing touchdown in the first quarter, while Masen Healey returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Despite Delta’s 80-yard touchdown pass from Bodey Shurtz to Maxwell Kolste, South Sevier maintained pressure and control throughout the game.
The stakes are high as South Sevier seeks to achieve a historic 10-win season, while Delta aims to reassert their playoff dominance over the Rams. The winner of this quarterfinal will advance to face either No. 3 South Summit or No. 6 American Leadership in the semifinals, bringing them a step closer to the 2A state championship.
No. 6 American Leadership at No. 3 South Summit
In the 2A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 6 American Leadership Academy (ALA) heads to face No. 3 South Summit. This marks the first-ever playoff matchup between the two teams, with South Summit holding a decisive 16-0 all-time record against ALA. Their most recent encounter on October 3 saw South Summit secure a resounding 54-15 victory.
American Leadership, with a season record of (4-6, 2-2 2A North), recorded a season highlight 34-31 win over Carbon and recently defeated Judge Memorial to advance. Offensively, ALA relies on quarterback Nico Marble, who has accumulated 1,629 passing yards and eight touchdowns.
The ground game is powered by Mason Ober, who has rushed for 1,026 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mason Ober is also a key receiving threat, contributing 311 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, Wyatt Hopkins leads with 31 tackles and three sacks.
South Summit, standing at (6-4, 4-0 2A North), boasts a formidable attack, amassing 371 points while allowing 226 this season. Quarterback Ian Mair leads with 2,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
The rushing attack features Bryce Pulver, who has gained 628 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, and Blake Osguthorpe, who has 631 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensively, Theus Reed leads with 77 tackles, and Blake Osguthorpe adds to their defensive strength with four interceptions.
In their latest matchup, South Summit dominated with a 54-15 win, where Ian Mair threw two touchdown passes to Blake Osguthorpe and added two rushing touchdowns of his own. The Wildcats managed a 27-point lead in the first quarter alone, bolstered by a 42-yard rushing score from Bryce Pulver. Despite late scores by ALA, including an 85-yard kick return by Bulloch, South Summit secured a decisive victory.
The winner of this quarterfinal clash will advance to the semifinals, where they will face the victor between No. 2 South Sevier and No. 7 Delta. South Summit aims to maintain its unbeaten record against ALA and progress further in the playoffs, while ALA seeks to upend the historical trend and make a significant playoff statement.
1A Quarterfinals
No. 8 Gunnison Valley at No. 1 Kanab
In the 1A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 8 Gunnison Valley faces a challenging road match against No. 1 Kanab. This meeting marks the 11th encounter between the two squads, with Kanab holding a dominant 9-1 advantage. Their most recent matchup in 2021 saw Kanab secure a decisive 48-7 victory at home.
Gunnison Valley enters the quarterfinals with a (4-6, 1-3 1A North) record after winning their firstround game against North Sevier 28-12. Led by their rushing attack, the Bulldogs look to players like Bronson Allen, who has recorded 314 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and Ryder Coates with 407 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The passing game is managed largely by Talan Dyreng, who has thrown for 429 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Krew Donaldson leads with 20 tackles and 7 interceptions.
Kanab, an impressive (8-1, 3-0 1A South) this season, comes off a first-round bye thanks to their top seeding. The Cowboys have been a powerhouse this season, racking up 385 points while allowing just 166. Kanab is led by Brogun Virostko, who has passed for 1,262 yards and nine touchdowns. Their dominant rushing game is headed by Hayden Gubler, who has amassed 928 yards and an impressive 25 touchdowns. On defense, Lattimer Glover leads the charge with 60 tackles and two interceptions.
Kanab’s previous victory over Gunnison Valley was marked by a strong offensive showing, with consistent scoring across all quarters. Grady Anderson and Hayden Gubler were significant contributors during that matchup, indicative of their strong season performances.
In this quarterfinal clash, Gunnison Valley aims to upset Kanab and advance to the semifinals. The winner will face either No. 4 North Summit or No. 5 Millard in the next round, taking a significant step closer to the 1A championship. Kanab seeks to continue their dominance and capitalize on their No. 1 seeding, while Gunnison Valley hopes to rewrite history with a surprise victory.
No. 5 Millard at No. 4 North Summit
In this 1A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 5 Millard faces off against No. 4 North Summit. This matchup revisits a competitive rivalry, with North Summit narrowly defeating Millard 28-27 in their earlier encounter this season. It also marks their first playoff clash since the 2007 2A final, where North Summit emerged victorious 30-6.
Millard enters with a (5-5, 2-2 1A North) record, supported by standout performances from Connor Stevens, who has rushed for 946 yards and 13 touchdowns and passed for 786 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mason Wardle leads their receiving efforts with 316 yards and seven touchdowns, while defensively, Christian Briceno contributes 50 tackles and an interception.
North Summit stands at (5-5, 3-1 1A North), showcasing a balanced effort across offense and defense. Quarterback Cru Richins has thrown for 904 yards with 10 touchdowns and added 422 rushing yards. Knox Woolstenhulme is a key target, with 748 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Cael Blonquist leads with 95 tackles, highlighting his impact on the field.
In their Oct. 10 matchup, North Summit edged Millard 28-27 in a thrilling game. Connor Stevens scored a late touchdown for Millard, but a missed extra point attempt solidified the win for North Summit. The Braves took control in the second quarter with 20 points, including an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run by Cru Richins.
With the quarterfinals set, the winner will advance to face either No. 1 Kanab or No. 8 Gunnison Valley in the semifinals. Millard aims to avenge past results and extend their playoff run, while North Summit seeks to build on their success and move closer to a championship opportunity.
In a 1A State Tournament quarterfinal, No. 7 Parowan travels to face off against No. 2 Beaver, renewing a lopsided rivalry where Beaver has been dominant, holding a 67-5 all-time record against Parowan. Beaver hasn’t lost to Parowan since 2010, and their most recent matchup this season ended in a decisive 55-14 victory for the Beavers.
Parowan enters the quarterfinals with a (4-6, 0-3 1A South) record, having shown resilience throughout their season. The Rams’ offense hinges on Hunter Bettridge, who has rushed for 1,050 yards and 7 touchdowns, and passed for 951 yards with 11 touchdowns. Key targets include Cooper Townsend, with 215 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, and Cooper Heath with 199 receiving yards and 2 scores. Defensively, Hunter Bettridge leads with 97 tackles.
Beaver boasts an impressive (8-2, 2-1 1A South) record, thriving on a strong and balanced offensive approach. Quarterback Davin Orton leads the passing attack with 970 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also contributing 799 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Bridger Blackner adds significant rushing success with 612 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, Caleb Carter stands out with 77 tackles.
In their October 3 matchup, Beaver took control early with a 28-6 halftime lead, capitalizing on rushing touchdowns from Davin Orton, Bridger Blackner, and Dub Pender.
Beaver extended their dominance in the third quarter, with a notable 20-yard touchdown pass from Orton to Noah Wolff. Parowan’s efforts included a 26-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Bettridge to Tyson Bettridge, but they couldn’t keep pace with Beaver’s offensive barrage.
With the quarterfinals set, the winner will advance to the semifinals to face either No. 3 Duchesne or No. 6 Enterprise. Parowan aims to break their long-standing losing streak against Beaver and secure an upset, while Beaver seeks to maintain their stronghold and edge closer to the championship.
No. 6 Enterprise at No. 3 Duchesne
In the 1A State Tournament quarterfinals, No. 6 Enterprise faces off against No. 3 Duchesne, bringing a closely contested rivalry to the forefront. Duchesne leads the all-time series 10-9, showcasing the competitive nature between these teams. Their most recent encounter on September 12 ended in a commanding 41-7 victory for Duchesne, underscoring their current advantage.
Enterprise enters the quarterfinal with a (4-6, 1-2 1A South) record. The Wolves’ offensive efforts are spearheaded by Jake Christensen, who has contributed 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Jack Moyle has provided an aerial attack with eight touchdowns. Defensively, Rigz Anzalone and Christensen lead the way.
Duchesne, strong at (8-2, 4-0 1A North), excels with a balanced and effective approach. Kasen Crum leads their rushing game with 1,342 yards and 20 touchdowns, complemented by Nashden Goodliffe’s contributions of 675 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Goodliffe has also been impactful through the air, throwing for 562 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Kasen Crum shines with 54 tackles and 3 interceptions.
In their last game, Duchesne dominated through a powerful ground attack and solid defense. Scoring began with Goodliffe’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Kade Thacker, followed by Wyatt Christensen’s 25-yard rushing touchdown. Enterprise’s lone score was a 33-yard pass from Jack Moyle to Rylan Terry. Duchesne continued to build their lead with touchdowns from Crum and Goodliffe, culminating in a decisive victory.
The winner of this quarterfinal will face either No. 2 Beaver or No. 7 Parowan in the semifinals. Enterprise looks to upset Duchesne and even the all-time series, while Duchesne seeks to continue their momentum and move closer to a title run.
This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.