No. 17 Northridge at No. 1 West
The top-ranked West Panthers (9-1) begin their highly anticipated state title pursuit Friday afternoon when they host No. 17 Northridge (5-5) in the second round of the 5A state playoffs, and calling this a mismatch on paper would be putting it mildly.
West, which secured a first-round bye as the tournament’s top seed, brings a video-game-like offense averaging 56 points per game while allowing just 7.4 defensively. The Panthers have overwhelmed opponents all season with eight of their nine victories coming by 30 or more points.
Junior running back Louie Hamilton leads West’s potent attack with 1,478 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 11 yards per carry. Quarterback Kamden Lopati has been equally impressive through the air, throwing for 2,252 yards and 29 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, with six different receivers having caught at least three touchdown passes.
Northridge enters the matchup following a 21-7 road victory over Pleasant Grove in the first round. The Knights used explosive plays from Dontae Dyson, who returned a 95-yard kickoff for a touchdown and added a 73-yard scoring run to power their win.
Northridge’s offense has been led by a balanced attack featuring quarterback Liam Fresques (1,118 passing yards, six TDs) and dual-threat Andrew Ortiz (335 rushing yards, four TDs). Dyson (502 receiving yards, six TDs) and Makai So’o (623 receiving yards, four TDs) have been the Knights’ top playmakers through the air.
The Knights’ defense, anchored by So’o (77 tackles), faces its toughest challenge yet against West’s multi-dimensional attack. Meanwhile, West’s suffocating defense featuring linebacker Zacchaeus Maalona (50 tackles) and pass-rush specialist Aisa Lopati (10 sacks) has allowed just 74 points all season.
This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs, with West looking to continue its dominant season and take another step toward a state championship, while Northridge aims to build on its first-round momentum.
No. 9 Bountiful at No. 8 West Jordan
The defending 5A state champion Bountiful Redhawks (6-5) hit the road Friday evening to face the West Jordan Jaguars (7-3) in what promises to be one of the second round’s most competitive matchups.
Bountiful, which shocked the state last year by capturing the 5A crown as a No. 2 seed, enters the playoffs with renewed momentum after dismantling Clearfield 56-6 in the first round. The Redhawks have found their groove despite an up-and-down regular season, winning three of their last four games.
Siaki Fekitoa has powered Bountiful’s offense with 1,250 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Hudson Malmrose has thrown for 1,599 yards and 10 touchdowns, though his 10 interceptions have contributed to the team’s inconsistency. Lakepa Satuala adds another dimension to the Redhawks’ attack with 316 receiving yards on 20 catches.
West Jordan secured a first-round bye as the No. 8 seed after finishing second in Region 4 with an impressive region win over Granger, 42-21.
The Jaguars boast a potent passing attack led by quarterback Ayden Dunn, who has thrown for 1,610 yards and 25 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. His favorite target has been Nia Ioapo, who has 601 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Porter Creasy has emerged as a scoring threat with seven touchdown receptions.
Defensively, Bountiful leans on linebacker Dawson Allsop (95 tackles) and defensive end Carter Brooks (eight sacks), with additional support from Connor Mertz (74 tackles) and Zeke Murdock (64 tackles). West Jordan counters with linebacker Scooby Tulau (135 tackles, five sacks), linebacker Evingi Moala (80 tackles, five sacks), and defensive lineman Anthony Fale (69 tackles, six sacks).
The programs haven’t met since 2016, when West Jordan defeated Bountiful 31-10.
No. 13 Timpview at No. 4 Orem
The Orem Tigers (8-2) host the Timpview Thunderbirds (7-5) Friday in a highly anticipated Region 7 clash between two of Utah’s most successful high school football programs.
Orem enters the matchup well-rested after earning a first-round bye in the 5A state playoffs. The Tigers aim to build on their recent success against the Thunderbirds after breaking through with a 22-9 victory in their first meeting earlier this season.
Tayden Ka’awa has powered Orem’s offense with 2,031 passing yards and 28 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His favorite targets include Kaue Akana (23 receptions, 348 yards, eight TDs) and Max Stonebraker (25 receptions, 438 yards, five TDs). The ground attack features Beckham Curtis (393 yards, five TDs) and the explosive Aisa Galea’i, who averages an impressive 14.28 yards per carry with five touchdowns. Mack Ellison adds a big-play threat with 391 receiving yards on just 13 catches, averaging 30.08 yards per reception.
Timpview comes in with renewed confidence following their 40-15 victory over Wasatch in the 5A first round playoff game last week. The Thunderbirds’ offense has found stability with Cole Engemann taking over quarterback duties in recent weeks. Engemann has thrown for 997 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Running back Taani Tuha (553 yards, seven TDs) provides balance on the ground, while Braxton Wilkerson has emerged as the team’s top playmaker with 24 receptions for 443 yards and five touchdowns, while also contributing four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
Defensively, Orem is anchored by linebacker Easton Kojima (98 tackles) and defensive lineman Juni Moala (55 tackles, 16 sacks). Safety Will Rasmussen has been a ballhawk with three interceptions, while linebacker Zeke Vaea has contributed 59 tackles. Timpview counters with linebacker Duncan Strong (103 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions) and defensive back Trinity To’a (86 tackles).
The matchup marks the second meeting between these rivals this season,
No. 12 Olympus at No. 5 Woods Cross
No. 12 Olympus (6-5) travels to No. 5 Woods Cross (7-3) in a second-round 5A playoff matchup that represents both redemption and survival.
Less than a month ago, the Wildcats thoroughly dominated the Titans 40-7 in a one-sided Region 6 game. In that Oct. 9 contest, Woods Cross running back Viliami Tapa’atoutai gashed the Titans for three touchdowns, including a backbreaking 61-yard scoring run that helped build a 26-0 halftime lead.
The Titans enter Thursday’s rematch with momentum after shutting out Cyprus 42-0 in the first round. Quarterback Preston Ferran was effective, connecting on multiple touchdown passes including a pair of 36-yard strikes to Wes Wright and Sam Brown.
Woods Cross, well-rested after earning a first-round bye, presents a formidable challenge behind its punishing ground game. Tapa’atoutai has accumulated 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns on 238 carries this season, averaging nearly six yards per attempt. He’s the centerpiece of a triple-option attack that bewildered Olympus defenders in their first meeting.
The Wildcats aren’t one-dimensional, though. Quarterback Jesse Simmons has thrown for 787 yards and 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions, with Shayden Gerratt (154 yards, three TDs) and Teiyon Halbasch (240 yards, three TDs) serving as his primary targets.
Olympus will counter with its balanced attack led by Ferran (609 yards, 13 TDs) and running back tandem Beckham Allred (690 yards, five TDs) and Easton Zito (156 yards, five TDs). Linebacker Adam Bywater (113 tackles, six interceptions) anchors a defense that must find answers for the Wildcats’ ground game.
For Woods Cross, defensive back Wyatt Hunter (three INTs) and linebacker Hayden Thorne (102 tackles) lead a defense that has allowed just 17.4 points per game this season.
The key for Olympus will be containing Woods Cross’ triple-option attack that dominated the first meeting. The winner advances to face either No. 4 Orem or No. 13 Timpview in the quarterfinals.
No. 15 Alta at No. 2 Fremont
No. 15 Alta (4-7) travels to face No. 2 Fremont (8-2) in a second-round 5A playoff matchup that pits the Hawks’ high-powered passing attack against the Silverwolves’ balanced offensive juggernaut.
Alta enters the contest with momentum after dominating Roy 49-7 in the first round. The Hawks showcased their explosive offense behind quarterback Tucker Brown, who connected on multiple touchdown passes including a 51-yard strike to Lucas Pagel.
Fremont, enjoying the benefits of a first-round bye, presents a formidable challenge as the second seed in the 5A tournament. The Silverwolves have been dominant in Region 5, going undefeated in league play. Their only losses came against Corner Canyon and Farmington.
Both teams feature prolific passing attacks. Alta’s Brown has thrown for 2,523 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with junior receiver Evan Morton serving as his primary target with 57 catches for 994 yards and 11 scores. Ber Strong has added 80 receptions for 865 yards and two touchdowns.
Fremont counters with dual-threat quarterback Manase Tuatagaloa, who has accumulated 2,414 passing yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 554 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. His favorite targets are Salesi Moa (52 catches, 1,049 yards, 13 TDs) and Slade Parker (45 catches, 640 yards, 12 TDs).
The Silverwolves feature additional firepower in running back Cade Hadley, who has rushed for 745 yards and 10 touchdowns on 126 carries.
Defensively, Alta will rely on Bennett Coester (86 tackles) and Bear Turner (93 tackles, three sacks) to slow Fremont’s attack, while the Silverwolves counter with Landon Palmer (69 tackles, two interceptions) and Jak Masters (64 tackles, four sacks).
The teams haven’t met in a decade, with their last matchup coming in 2014 when Fremont dominated Alta 35-14 in a playoff game. In that contest, Fremont quarterback Saxton Morby completed 24 of 31 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns as the Silverwolves built a 35-0 lead before Alta scored.
Alta’s defense will be tested against a Fremont offense averaging 41 points per game. The Hawks will look to continue the momentum from their first-round playoff victory.
The winner advances to face either No. 7 Brighton or No. 10 Granger in the quarterfinals.
No. 10 Granger at No. 7 Brighton
No. 10 Granger (7-4) travels to face No. 7 Brighton (5-5) in a second-round 5A playoff matchup featuring teams with vastly different styles and seasons.
Brighton, a 5A semifinalist a year ago, has endured an up-and-down season against a brutal schedule that included losses to Davis, Ridgeline, Crimson Cliffs and Corner Canyon. Despite the .500 record, the Bengals have shown flashes of the team that made a deep playoff run last season.
Granger, meanwhile, enters the postseason with momentum after shutting out Taylorsville 35-0 in the first round behind a defensive unit that has been dominant all season. The Lancers allow just 16.6 points per game and have posted three shutouts this year.
The contrasts between the programs extend to their offensive approaches. Granger features a balanced attack led by quarterback Owen Griffin, who has thrown for 2,523 yards and 26 touchdowns. His primary targets are the explosive receiving duo of Uli Figiel (32 catches, 847 yards, 12 TDs) and Mateni Puamau (38 catches, 884 yards, nine TDs). On the ground, Sunia Fifita (739 yards, five TDs) and Bobo Kofe (574 yards, four TDs) provide a potent one-two punch.
Brighton counters with a more run-oriented approach featuring three capable backs: Staton Gutierrez (531 yards, seven TDs), Cole Heemeyer (387 yards, two TDs) and Judah Valle (339 yards, five TDs). Quarterback Ryce Palepoi has thrown for 1,432 yards and 12 touchdowns, with Jayce Evans (19 catches, 475 yards, six TDs) and Slade Taylor (34 receptions, 452 yards, five TDs) serving as his top targets.
Defensively, Granger is led by standout Maa’imoa Havili, who has recorded 93 tackles and 12 sacks. Lu Kinikini adds 59 tackles and an impressive 18 sacks to the Lancers’ formidable front. Brighton counters with linebacker William Little (81 tackles) and defensive back Jackson Thomson (54 tackles).
The teams haven’t met since 2018, when Granger defeated Brighton 29-19 behind two rushing touchdowns from Mosese Sonasi.
The winner advances to face either No. 2 Fremont or No. 15 Alta in the quarterfinals.
No. 19 Spanish Fork at No. 3 Springville
No. 19 Spanish Fork (4-7) travels to face No. 3 Springville (9-1) Friday in a second-round 5A playoff matchup that represents both a rematch and potential redemption for the Dons.
Just three weeks ago, Springville thoroughly dominated Spanish Fork 49-3 in a Region 7 contest that saw the Red Devils explode for 35 points in the second quarter alone. Now, Spanish Fork returns to Springville with renewed confidence after upsetting Hunter 42-7 in the first round of the playoffs.
In the first-round victory over Hunter, Spanish Fork’s offense came alive with James Buck hauling in a 49-yard touchdown reception, while quarterback Nixon Warren showcased his dual-threat capabilities with both a passing and rushing touchdown. The Dons built a commanding 35-0 lead by halftime and never looked back.
Springville, meanwhile, enjoyed a first-round bye after completing an impressive regular season that included a perfect 7-0 record in Region 7. The Red Devils outscored region opponents by an average of 36-9, with their only loss coming to 4A powerhouse Snow Canyon in the season opener.
The Red Devils boast a potent ground game led by Lisiate Valeti (844 yards, seven TDs) and Tua Naufahu (571 yards, nine TDs). In their previous meeting with Spanish Fork, multiple Springville players found the end zone, including Beckett Burton, who threw two touchdown passes including an 80-yard strike to Siaosi Toki.
Spanish Fork’s offensive attack is led by Warren, who has passed for 1,453 yards and six touchdowns while adding 247 yards and four scores on the ground. His primary target, Gage Christensen, has 54 receptions for 635 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Dons will rely on linebacker Jackson Beckstead (60 tackles) to slow Springville’s rushing attack, while the Red Devils counter with Naufahu (82 tackles, 10 sacks) and Tuiono Valeti (88 tackles, four sacks).
The winner advances to face either No. 6 Box Elder or No. 11 West Field in the quarterfinals.
No. 11 West Field at No. 6 Box Elder
No. 11 West Field (7-4) faces a daunting challenge Friday when the Longhorns travel to face No. 6 Box Elder (8-2) in a second-round 5A playoff matchup that’s a rematch of their recent Region 5 contest.
Just two weeks ago, Box Elder defeated West Field 39-12 in their regular-season finale. The Bees jumped to an early lead behind running back Judd Howells and never looked back, limiting the normally explosive Longhorn offense to just a pair of field goals until a late touchdown.
West Field enters the rematch with renewed confidence after defeating Viewmont 41-34 in a first-round thriller. Quarterback Easton Eilertson threw three touchdown passes, including two to Gavin Ortegon, while the defense made critical stops in the final minutes to preserve the victory.
Box Elder, which earned a first-round bye, has been one of 5A’s most consistent teams this season. The Bees have outscored opponents by an average of 35-17, with only two losses – against Fremont and Mountain Ridge.
The Bees feature a punishing ground attack led by Howells, who has accumulated 1,357 yards and 21 touchdowns on 197 carries. Quarterback Kadyn Reyes provides balance with 1,278 passing yards and eight touchdowns, while also adding 367 rushing yards and seven scores.
West Field counters with one of the state’s most prolific passing attacks. Eilertson has thrown for 2,706 yards and 37 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. His favorite target is Ortegon, who has 65 receptions for 1,086 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jaden Fowers adds another dangerous option with 42 catches for 716 yards and 10 scores.
Defensively, Box Elder is led by Logan Cefalo (79 tackles) and Rhet Richards (60 tackles), while West Field counts on linebacker Bridger Wood (80 tackles) and defensive back Corbin Price (60 tackles).
In their previous meeting, Box Elder effectively limited West Field’s big plays and controlled the clock with their ground game. The Longhorns will need to establish offensive rhythm early and avoid the slow start that plagued them in the regular-season matchup.
The winner advances to face either No. 3 Springville or No. 19 Spanish Fork in the quarterfinals.
This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.