No. 16 East at No. 1 Ridgeline
No. 16 East (5-6) travels north to face No. 1 Ridgeline (10-0) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup that features teams with contrasting seasons.
The undefeated Riverhawks enter the contest as heavy favorites after completing a perfect regular season and securing a first-round bye. Ridgeline has been utterly dominant, outscoring opponents by an average of 51-8 this season. The Riverhawks have scored at least 34 points in every game, with their “closest” contest being a 20-point victory over Mountain Crest.
East rebounded from a difficult 0-5 start against a brutal non-region schedule to win four of its final five regular-season games in region play. The Leopards continued that momentum with a 41-34 victory over Murray in the first round of the playoffs, their second win over the Spartans in a six-week span.
Ridgeline features one of the state’s most explosive offenses behind dual-threat quarterback Nate Dahle, who has completed 68.5% of his passes for 2,804 yards and 36 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His favorite target, Graham Livingston, has 67 receptions for 1,111 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hunter Knighton adds another deep threat with 27 catches for 530 yards and eight scores.
The Riverhawks also boast a punishing ground attack led by Noah Fiefia (781 yards, seven TDs) and Hudson Parry (426 yards, four TDs).
East’s offense is led by Asaeli Otukolo (9 TDs), quarterback Dru Reuss (9 TDs), and Solomone Tuupo (4 TDs). The Leopards have shown explosive potential during their late-season resurgence, scoring 57 or more points three times in region play.
Defensively, Ridgeline is led by linebacker Landon Perkins (63 tackles, seven sacks) and lineman Krew Jones (53 tackles, 10 sacks). The Riverhawks’ defense has posted three shutouts this season and held seven opponents to 14 points or fewer.
This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs, with East making the nearly two-hour journey north to Cache Valley.
The winner advances to face either No. 8 Sky View or No. 9 Desert Hills in the quarterfinals.
No. 9 Sky View at No. 8 Park City
No. 8 Sky View (7-4) visits No. 9 Park City (7-3) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup featuring a rematch of the 2019 state championship game.
When these programs last met, Sky View dominated Park City 35-0 to capture the 4A state title. While the rosters have completely turned over since then, both teams maintain similar identities as balanced attacks with stout defenses.
Sky View enters the contest after an impressive 69-14 victory over Juan Diego in the first round of the playoffs. The Bobcats have won three of their last four games, with the lone setback being a heart-breaking 47-46 loss to Stansbury.
Park City, meanwhile, has won three straight games, including a commanding 42-0 victory over Uintah to close the regular season before receiving a first-round bye.
The Bobcats feature one of 4A’s most prolific passing attacks led by senior quarterback Jack Clark, who has completed 64.7% of his passes for 3,145 yards and 37 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His favorite target is Zachary Oxborrow, who has 70 receptions for 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cooper Karren (37 catches, 600 yards, seven TDs) and Lincoln Ballard (54 catches, 574 yards, six TDs) provide additional weapons.
On the ground, Xander Stokes leads Sky View with 334 yards and 12 touchdowns on 105 carries.
Park City counters with a more balanced offensive approach. Quarterback Josh Hofer has thrown for 1,141 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Cole Morgan has added 492 yards and five scores through the air. Eli Warner serves as the team’s primary playmaker, rushing for 419 yards and three touchdowns while adding 47 receptions for 650 yards and six scores. Brogan Price (39 catches, 454 yards, five TDs) provides another reliable target.
Defensively, both teams feature standout linebackers. Sky View is anchored by Andrew Oxborrow (70 tackles) and Ollie Collins (59 tackles, three sacks), while Park City counters with Ben Souza and Wyatt Knapp, who have recorded 89 tackles each.
Both teams lost to Ridgeline during the regular season, with Park City falling 39-3 in August and Sky View suffering a 60-26 defeat in late September. The winner will likely get a shot at Ridgeline again in the quarterfinals.
No. 13 Highland at No. 4 Hurricane
No. 12 Highland (8-3) makes the long journey south to face No. 5 Hurricane (6-3) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup that brings together two programs meeting for the first time.
Both teams enter the contest with significant momentum. Highland advanced to the second round after a convincing 42-14 victory over Dixie in the first round of the playoffs, while Hurricane earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with an impressive 34-7 win over Desert Hills.
The Rams feature a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Brody Dalton, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes this season, including several to versatile receiver Zamiri Vaughn (five TD receptions). Highland’s ground game is anchored by Vili Ripley, who has found the end zone six times this season, while William Bauman (three rushing TDs, five passing TDs) provides additional offensive firepower.
Hurricane counters with one of 4A’s most potent rushing attacks. The Tigers are led by senior Austyn McRoberts, who has accumulated 902 yards and 10 touchdowns on 117 carries. Brody Jacobs adds another dynamic threat with 779 yards and seven scores, while quarterback Dylan Gabriel has contributed 599 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Gabriel also leads the passing attack, completing 61.5% of his throws for 1,051 yards and nine touchdowns. His favorite target is CJ Trump, who has 16 receptions for 387 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, Hurricane is led by linebacker Tanner Matua (49 tackles, five sacks) and defensive back Jaxon Winegar (49 tackles, two interceptions). The Tigers have been especially strong against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry this season.
The game presents a stark contrast in region competition. Highland dominated Region 10, going 6-0 and outscoring opponents by a wide margin. Hurricane, meanwhile, went 4-1 in the more difficult Region 9.
No. 12 Salem Hills at No. 5 Provo
No. 5 Provo (6-4) hopes to replicate its regular-season dominance when it hosts No. 12 Salem Hills (7-3) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup.
When these Region 8 rivals met in September, Provo controlled the game from start to finish in a convincing 49-25 victory. The Bulldogs used a 21-point third quarter explosion to put the game out of reach, scoring on multiple big plays including a 46-yard touchdown pass from Gehrig Orchard to Ronnie Wright.
Since that meeting, both teams have found their stride. Provo won four of its final five games to secure the No. 5 seed and a first-round bye. Salem Hills has gone 4-1, including a 35-12 victory over Mountain View in the first round of the playoffs.
Provo features one of 4A’s most explosive offenses, averaging 40.3 points per game. Quarterback Gehrig Orchard directs the attack, having thrown for 2,302 yards and 27 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. His favorite target is the dynamic Ronnie Wright, who has 65 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs also feature a strong ground game led by senior Malik Filimoeatu, who has rushed for 786 yards and 14 touchdowns on 174 carries.
Salem Hills counters with a balanced offense of its own. Quarterback Ryder Hales has passed for 2,312 yards and 23 touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively among his receivers. Peyton Higginson (33 catches, 464 yards, seven TDs), Joe Hughes (25 catches, 323 yards, five TDs), and Gordon Wilson (27 catches, 448 yards, two TDs) provide reliable targets.
The Skyhawks’ ground attack features Benjamin Staheli (478 yards, six TDs) and Treygan Fusselman (534 yards, four TDs).
Defensively, Salem Hills is anchored by linebacker Sam Bradford, who leads the team with 101 tackles. Safety Maddox Haskell adds 74 tackles, while Steven Taylor has recorded five sacks.
Provo’s defense features several playmakers, including linebacker Teave Brown (60 tackles, four sacks), defensive back Brexton Hunter (43 tackles, three interceptions), and Julius Pan (45 tackles).
No. 15 Timpanogos at No. 2 Crimson Cliffs
No. 2 Crimson Cliffs (8-1) begins its quest for a third consecutive 4A state championship when it hosts No. 15 Timpanogos (5-5) Friday in a second-round playoff matchup featuring programs meeting for the first time.
The Mustangs, who captured state titles in 2023 and 2024, enter the postseason as one of 4A’s most complete teams. After a season-opening loss to 6A powerhouse Lone Peak, Crimson Cliffs has rattled off eight consecutive victories, including an impressive 28-21 win over region rival Snow Canyon.
Timpanogos advanced to the second round with a convincing 41-14 victory over Bear River in the first round of the playoffs. The T-Wolves split their final four regular-season games, showing their potential with a narrow 29-28 victory over Mountain View.
Crimson Cliffs features a high-powered offense averaging 35.2 points per game. Quarterback Tanoai Andresen leads the attack, completing 65.6% of his passes for 1,531 yards and 24 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His favorite target is Jaxson Holt, who has 57 receptions for 768 yards and 12 touchdowns. Briton Phillips provides another reliable option with 24 catches for 421 yards and seven scores.
The Mustangs complement their passing game with a strong ground attack led by Van Dailey, who has rushed for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns on 135 carries.
Timpanogos counters with its own balanced offense (33.6 points per game) led by quarterback Andrew Hillstead, who has thrown for 2,170 yards and 19 touchdowns. His top target is Kyle LaPray (40 receptions, 729 yards, five TDs), while Zack McCann adds 51 catches for 500 yards and four touchdowns.
The Thunderbirds feature a three-headed rushing attack with Donovan Holloway (470 yards, six TDs), Logan Holloway (448 yards, four TDs), and Hillstead (380 yards, four TDs) sharing the workload.
Defensively, Crimson Cliffs is anchored by linebacker Diedrick Moore (70 tackles, two sacks) and defensive end Major Stokes (52 tackles, nine sacks). The Mustangs allow just 15.7 points per game.
Timpanogos’ defense features linebacker Jesse King (70 tackles, 11 sacks) and safety Marlee Iosefo (67 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions), though the Thunderbirds have allowed 29.9 points per game.
No. 10 Mountain Crest at No. 7 Stansbury
No. 10 Mountain Crest (9-2) travels to face No. 7 Stansbury (8-2) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup that could deliver another thriller between region rivals separated by just two points in their regular-season meeting.
When these teams met in September, Stansbury escaped with a dramatic 28-26 victory as Lincoln Reutzel scored the game-winning touchdown on a 4-yard run with just six seconds remaining. That contest featured a wild fourth quarter with four lead changes in the final minutes.
Both teams enter the rematch with significant momentum. Mountain Crest dominated Uintah 54-7 in the first round of the playoffs, while Stansbury earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with a convincing 56-6 win over Deseret Peak.
The Mustangs feature one of 4A’s most efficient offenses (45.4 points per game) led by senior quarterback Brayden Larsen, who has completed 64.6% of his passes for 2,294 yards and 30 touchdowns against just two interceptions. His favorite targets include Kael Olsen (39 catches, 612 yards, nine TDs), Mikah Clements (44 catches, 516 yards, seven TDs), and Kai Passey (44 catches, 459 yards, seven TDs).
Mountain Crest also boasts a potent ground game led by junior Carter Egbert, who has rushed for 850 yards and 11 touchdowns. Larsen adds another dimension with 630 rushing yards and seven scores.
Stansbury counters with its own explosive offense (42.2 points per game) directed by quarterback Brighton Reutzel. The junior signal-caller has thrown for 2,460 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 62.3% of his passes. His primary targets are Lael Rhodes (59 receptions, 882 yards, 13 TDs), Boston Rowley (31 catches, 654 yards, six TDs), and Lincoln Reutzel (25 catches, 463 yards, nine TDs).
The Stallions’ ground attack is spearheaded by Carter Petersen, who has accumulated 804 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, Mountain Crest is anchored by linebacker Carter Egbert (94 tackles, 10 sacks) and defensive back Tayton Page (60 tackles, two interceptions). Stansbury’s defense features Ben Joyce (62 tackles) and defensive back Cole Tincher (55 tackles, three sacks).
The winner advances to face either No. 2 Crimson Cliffs or No. 15 Timpanogos in the quarterfinals.
No. 14 Green Canyon at No. 3 Snow Canyon
No. 3 Snow Canyon (6-3) welcomes No. 14 Green Canyon (7-5) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup featuring teams meeting for the first time since a memorable 2022 postseason encounter.
The Warriors enter the contest as one of 4A’s top teams, having secured a first-round bye after finishing tied for second in the challenging Region 9 with a 3-2 mark. Their only losses came on the road against Hurricane and at home against two-time defending champion Crimson Cliffs in a tightly contested 28-21 battle, plus an early-season defeat to Woods Cross.
Green Canyon arrives in St. George after a nervy 10-3 first-round playoff victory over Desert Hills, which marked the Wolves’ third consecutive win after a midseason four-game losing streak. They finished fourth in Region 11 with a 4-3 record.
When these teams last met in the 2022 playoffs, Snow Canyon built a commanding 20-0 halftime lead before holding off a furious Green Canyon rally for a 26-21 victory.
The Warriors feature a balanced offensive attack led by dual-threat quarterback Parker Olson, who has thrown for 1,859 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 412 yards and nine scores. His favorite targets include Issaiah Thompson (37 receptions, 486 yards, seven TDs) and Brett Bethers (21 catches, 467 yards, six TDs).
Brody Lounsbury provides additional firepower in the backfield with 319 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing 25 receptions for 237 yards.
Green Canyon counters with a balanced offensive approach of its own. Quarterback Ethan Munk has passed for 1,055 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also rushing for 157 yards and three scores. Cody Edelmayer (28 catches, 424 yards, six TDs) and Hayden Schramm (41 receptions, 601 yards, two TDs) are his primary targets.
The Wolves’ rushing attack is led by Micah Jenkins (466 yards, four TDs) and Samuel Selman (238 yards, one TD).
Defensively, Snow Canyon is anchored by linebacker Brody Lounsbury (58 tackles, two sacks), safety Calen Kelly (54 tackles), and defensive end Hank West (41 tackles, four sacks). The Warriors allow just 22.0 points per game.
Green Canyon’s defense features the disruptive Eli Wheatley (91 tackles, eight sacks) and linebacker Sawyer Rainey (84 tackles). The Wolves have recorded three shutouts this season.
The winner advances to face either No. 6 Pine View or No. 11 Skyline in the quarterfinals.
No. 11 Skyline at No. 6 Pine View
No. 11 Skyline (8-3) travels south to face No. 6 Pine View (6-3) Friday in a second-round 4A playoff matchup featuring programs meeting for the first time.
The Eagles enter the contest with significant momentum after a dominant 53-22 first-round playoff victory over Tooele. Skyline has been one of 4A’s most explosive teams, averaging 38.9 points per game while scoring at least 39 points in seven of their 11 contests.
Pine View earned a first-round bye after finishing third in the competitive Region 9. The Panthers’ only region losses came against region champion Crimson Cliffs and runner-up Snow Canyon, while they secured quality wins over Hurricane and Desert Hills.
Skyline features one of the state’s most prolific offensive attacks, led by dual-threat quarterback Xavier Cocci, who has passed for 3,381 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 660 rushing yards and 19 scores. His primary targets include Sione Tupua (27 receptions, 876 yards, eight TDs) and Alex Brown (36 catches, 723 yards, four TDs).
The Eagles also boast a strong ground game with Jonah Mailei, who has rushed for 956 yards and eight touchdowns on 149 carries.
Pine View counters with an efficient offense of its own, averaging 31.2 points per game. Quarterback Levi Shaw has thrown for 2,122 yards and 22 touchdowns, with Brock Harris serving as his favorite target (47 receptions, 866 yards, 14 TDs). Corbin Yocham adds another dynamic threat with 24 catches for 463 yards and four touchdowns.
The Panthers utilize a balanced ground attack led by Kyle Richardson (510 yards, four TDs) and Garrett Gwilliam (339 yards, one TD). Corbin Yocham has been particularly effective near the goal line, scoring nine rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, Skyline is anchored by linebacker Peyton Carter (72 tackles, three sacks) and defensive back Cash Grandon (59 tackles, two sacks, one interception). The Eagles have been particularly strong against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry this season.
Pine View’s defense features linebacker Malosi Moors (94 tackles, one interception) and defensive lineman Aisea Fifita (41 tackles, four sacks).
The winner advances to face either No. 3 Snow Canyon or No. 14 Green Canyon in the quarterfinals.
This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.