No. 16 Layton at No. 1 Corner Canyon
Two years after a lopsided playoff meeting, Layton and Corner Canyon meet again with similar stakes in the 6A second round.
The 16th-seeded Lancers earned their second-round spot with a commanding 41-16 first-round victory over Cedar Valley, where quarterback Tillman Thomas threw three touchdown passes and running backs JP Garlick and Gavin Hurst provided a strong ground attack. Now they face their toughest challenge against the top-seeded Chargers, who enjoyed a first-round bye.
When these teams last met in the 2023 second round, Corner Canyon dominated with a 52-0 shutout victory. The Chargers went on to capture the 6A state championship that season, while Layton limped away with a 1-10 final record. Two years later, the Lancers have shown program growth at 4-7, but face a daunting challenge.
Corner Canyon’s offensive arsenal is nothing short of exceptional. Quarterback Helaman Casuga has been surgical, completing nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,537 yards with 26 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His favorite targets, Kai Meza (42 catches, 784 yards, eight TDs) and Jasean Mayberry (31 catches, 706 yards, four TDs), present matchup nightmares for any secondary.
When the Chargers aren’t slicing through opposing defenses through the air, they’re bulldozing defensive lines with running back Weston Briggs (752 yards, eight TDs) and the dual-threat capabilities of Casuga himself (390 yards, seven TDs).
For Layton, the challenge is large. The Lancers have allowed 32.6 points per game while scoring just 19.1. Their defense will rely heavily on linebacker Luke Byers (122 tackles) to slow Corner Canyon’s relentless attack that’s averaging 46 points per game while outscoring opponents 414-142.
Any Lancer upset hopes rest on the rushing tandem of Garlick (701 yards, five TDs) and Hurst (401 yards, six TDs), who provided the spark in their first-round victory. Thomas will need to replicate his first-round success, which included a 64-yard touchdown pass to Preston DeWitt.
The Chargers’ only loss this season came against Lone Peak (42-21) in region play, proving they aren’t invincible. But with championship experience flowing through their program, Corner Canyon enters as the overwhelming favorite.
No. 9 Westlake at No. 8 Syracuse
In the midst of their best season in program history, Westlake travels to Syracuse with a chance to accomplish something the Thunder have never done before—advance to the state quarterfinals.
The ninth-seeded Thunder (7-3) and eighth-seeded Titans (6-3) both enter Thursday’s contest after receiving first-round byes, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Corner Canyon in next week’s quarterfinals.
When these teams last met in 2022, Syracuse dominated with a 37-13 victory. This time around, Westlake brings a more formidable squad that has already knocked off a pair of quality opponents—Region 2 foes Bingham (17-10) and Riverton (31-28).
Westlake’s high-powered offense is orchestrated by quarterback Bosten Fountaine, who has thrown for 2,666 yards and 26 touchdowns against just two interceptions this season. His favorite target is explosive receiver Malik Sika, who has racked up 61 receptions for 1,165 yards and 16 touchdowns. Slone Sua provides a complementary threat with 30 catches for 529 yards and six scores.
The Thunder ground attack is led by running back Dylan Blakey, who has accumulated 588 yards and three touchdowns, while Fountaine has added 222 yards and four scores with his legs.
Syracuse counters with its own dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Ledger Wight. The senior has passed for 1,510 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 882 yards and 10 scores. His backfield mate Ryker Van Komen has added 866 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
When Wight drops back to pass, his primary target is Tanner Merril, who has hauled in 37 receptions for 497 yards and eight touchdowns. Parker Moffat (23 catches, 216 yards, three TDs) and Cohen Godderidge (13 receptions, 155 yards, two TDs) provide additional options.
Defensively, Westlake is anchored by linebacker Dreyson Afuvai, who leads the team with 141 tackles and two sacks. Defensive end Apolosi Tuivai (52 tackles, eight sacks) and Cooper White (33 tackles, nine sacks) spearhead a formidable pass rush that has recorded 28 sacks this season.
Syracuse’s defense features safety Kaleb Hall (56 tackles, three interceptions) and linebacker Xander Garcia (52 tackles, four sacks).
The Titans enter the matchup having lost two of their final three regular-season games, including a heartbreaking 27-21 defeat to Farmington in their finale. Westlake, meanwhile, has won three of its last four contests, with the only blemish being a 35-28 loss to Mountain Ridge to close out the regular season.
No. 13 Riverton at No. 4 Mountain Ridge
Five weeks after a dominant regular-season performance, Mountain Ridge welcomes Region 2 rival Riverton for a playoff rematch with significantly higher stakes.
The fourth-seeded Sentinels controlled every phase of the game in their previous meeting on Sept. 26, building a 24-0 halftime advantage en route to a convincing 41-19 victory over the Silverwolves. Mountain Ridge quarterback Jaxon Hunt connected with receiver Kohen Cunningham for four touchdown passes that day, showcasing the explosive connection that has powered the Sentinels’ offense all season.
Mountain Ridge (8-2) enters Thursday’s contest riding a seven-game winning streak after securing a first-round bye. Their high-powered offense averages 35.7 points per game, fueled by Hunt’s remarkable season (3,323 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, six interceptions).
The senior quarterback spreads the ball effectively among three primary targets: Cunningham (69 receptions, 1,112 yards, 11 TDs), Tytan DeJong (60 catches, 815 yards, eight TDs), and Grayden Dumas (61 receptions, 750 yards, seven TDs). This balanced passing attack is complemented by running backs Zach Ofisa (413 yards, six TDs) and Hunt’s own rushing ability (236 yards, six TDs).
Riverton (4-5) closed the regular season with an emphatic 47-14 victory over Copper Hills, potentially establishing momentum heading into the playoffs. The 13th-seeded Silverwolves rely on sophomore quarterback Xander Thayer (918 passing yards, 10 TDs, seven interceptions) and running back Rocky Downs (156 carries, 744 yards, four TDs).
In the receiving corps, Bennett Neilson (22 catches, 336 yards, three TDs) and Tonga Tafisi (20 receptions, 247 yards, five TDs) provide Thayer with reliable targets. Britain Wall adds another dimension with 19 receptions for 296 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Mountain Ridge boasts a formidable unit anchored by Cutler Whitaker (60 tackles), Cole Uluave (57 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions) and Bridger Butterfield (56 tackles). Riverton counters with a defense featuring hard-hitting Jonas Riddle (19 tackles, eight sacks) and opportunistic Gage Zullo (two interceptions).
The winner advances to face either fifth-seeded Herriman or 12th-seeded Weber in the quarterfinals next week.
No. 12 Weber at No. 5 Herriman
What a difference a year makes for Herriman. After stumbling to a 3-8 record in coach Matt Rickards’ debut season, the Mustangs have engineered one of Utah’s most impressive turnarounds, entering the 6A playoffs as the fifth seed with a dominant 9-1 mark.
The revitalized Mustangs now host Weber in the second round, the first-ever meeting between these programs. Herriman’s only loss this season came against fourth-seeded Mountain Ridge (24-8) on Oct. 3, but they rebounded emphatically with consecutive blowout victories over Copper Hills (42-13) and Cedar Valley (56-6).
Weber (4-5) earned the 12th seed after finishing third in Region 1 with a 2-2 record. The Warriors advanced to the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
Herriman’s offensive attack features a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield with Filisi Filipe (798 yards, 12 TDs) and Tyler Messer (573 yards, 12 TDs) sharing ball-carrying duties. Messer doubles as the team’s quarterback, throwing for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns with just three interceptions.
When Messer drops back to pass, his favorite target is Tate Love, who has hauled in 29 receptions for 429 yards and two scores. Cooper Grundy (18 catches, 314 yards, two TDs) and Gavin Hansen (17 receptions, 177 yards, one TD) provide additional options in the passing attack.
Weber counters with its own dynamic offensive weapon in running back Dyson Parker. The senior has amassed 1,143 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season while adding 30 receptions for 263 yards and two more scores. Parker’s versatility makes him the focal point of Weber’s offensive game plan.
Quarterback Carter Payne guides the Warriors’ offense with 1,698 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. His primary receivers include Creed Devries (41 catches, 656 yards, seven TDs) and Brock Dean (36 receptions, 334 yards, two TDs).
Defensively, Herriman boasts one of the state’s most formidable units, allowing just 11.4 points per game. Linebacker Macrae Parker anchors the defense with 66 tackles, four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. Safety Troy Ellermeier has been equally impressive with 51 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions, including two returned for scores.
Weber’s defense relies heavily on linebacker Cade Judd (88 tackles) and Carson Hill (76 tackles, three interceptions) to slow Herriman’s rushing attack.
The winner advances to face either fourth-seeded Mountain Ridge or 13th-seeded Riverton in next week’s quarterfinals.
No. 15 Copper Hills at No. 2 Skyridge
Five years after their last meeting, Skyridge welcomes Copper Hills for a second-round matchup in the 6A state playoffs.
The second-seeded Falcons (7-2) and 15th-seeded Grizzlies (3-7) both enter Thursday’s contest after receiving first-round byes in the 6A playoffs.
When these teams last met in 2020, Skyridge dominated with a 42-0 shutout victory. This time, the Falcons come in having suffered losses to Corner Canyon (49-14) and Colorado powerhouse Cherry Creek (51-28) this season, responding with impressive wins over Lone Peak (37-34) in double overtime and American Fork (26-14) to close the regular season.
The Falcons’ potent offense is led by dual-threat quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 2,352 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 618 yards and 11 scores on the ground. His favorite targets include Talmage Oswald (30 catches, 500 yards, four TDs), Hunter Sheffield (31 receptions, 441 yards, five TDs).
When Sweetwyne isn’t directing the aerial attack, he shares backfield duties with Lincoln Tahi, who has rushed for 497 yards and seven touchdowns.
Copper Hills counters with a balanced offense led by senior quarterback Ethan Hill, who has thrown for 1,191 yards and 12 touchdowns. His primary target is Logan Batt (64 receptions, 870 yards, 10 TDs), while running back Tija Tate anchors the ground game with 601 yards and five scores.
Defensively, Skyridge relies on linebacker Griffin Kunz (71 tackles) and cornerback Briggs Parker (31 tackles, three interceptions). Copper Hills’ defense features standout linebacker Darius Fue (89 tackles) and playmaker Logan Morrell (40 tackles, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns).
No. 10 Lehi at No. 7 American Fork
Less than four weeks after Lehi dominated American Fork in a 26-3 regular-season victory, these Region 3 rivals meet again with significantly higher stakes in Thursday’s 6A second-round playoff matchup.
The 10th-seeded Pioneers (7-2) and seventh-seeded Cavemen (6-4) both enter the postseason after first-round byes, setting up this compelling rematch of an Oct. 3 contest that saw Lehi establish complete control before the game was called due to lightning with 9:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.
In that meeting, Lehi running back Devaughn Eka delivered a standout performance with a 72-yard touchdown run and a 12-yard scoring burst, while also catching a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Wyatt Bingham. American Fork’s only points came on a 43-yard field goal by Jett Prestwich.
Lehi’s offense has been balanced, with Eka anchoring the ground game (931 yards, 11 TDs) and dual-threat quarterbacks Cash Hollingshead (858 passing yards, 12 TDs) and Bingham (626 passing yards, two TDs) splitting time under center.
When the Pioneers pass, their primary target is Legend Glasker, who has hauled in 33 receptions for 584 yards and seven touchdowns. The senior also adds explosive potential in the running game, averaging 22.1 yards per carry with two touchdowns on limited attempts.
American Fork has rebounded from its midseason loss to Lehi by splitting its final two games, falling to Corner Canyon (37-21) before dropping a competitive 26-14 decision to second-seeded Skyridge in the regular-season finale.
The Cavemen offense features running back Prince Afu (823 yards, nine TDs) and a two-quarterback system with Kapano Manuela (1,023 yards, nine TDs) and Nate Childs (932 yards, five TDs) sharing duties. Receiver Cash Taiese leads American Fork with 45 receptions for 626 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Lehi relies on linebacker Vince Evans (95 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions) and defensive back Treyson Fabrizio (49 tackles, four interceptions). American Fork counters with safety Corbin Bauerle (73 tackles) and a secondary that includes Lincoln Miller and Noah Behm (two interceptions each).
The winner advances to face either second-seeded Skyridge or 15th-seeded Copper Hills in next week’s quarterfinals.
No. 14 Bingham at No. 3 Davis
Riding an impressive eight-game win streak to close out the regular season, third-seeded Davis welcomes 14th-seeded Bingham for a second-round 6A playoff showdown more than a decade in the making.
The Darts (8-2) and Miners (4-5) both enter Thursday’s contest after receiving first-round byes, with the winner advancing to face either Farmington or Lone Peak in next week’s quarterfinals. These programs haven’t met since 2014, when Bingham secured a 33-14 season-opening victory.
After dropping their Week 2 matchup to Fremont (35-34), Davis has been nearly unstoppable, outscoring opponents 384-159 during its win streak. The Darts’ high-powered offense is orchestrated by senior quarterback Tradon Bessinger, who has completed an impressive 75.4% of his passes for 3,587 yards and 44 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
Bessinger’s favorite target is Bode Sparrow, who has hauled in 67 receptions for 1,049 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Darts’ receiving corps features additional weapons in Jaxton Itaaheau (54 catches, 764 yards, 10 TDs), Tyson Baggett (47 receptions, 592 yards, nine TDs) and Isaac Morrison (49 catches, 716 yards, six TDs).
The ground attack is led by running back Makaio Byrd (387 yards, five TDs) and the versatile Itaaheau, who has added 286 yards and four scores on the ground.
Bingham enters the matchup having won three of its last four games, including victories over Riverton (28-26), Cedar Valley (49-39) and Copper Hills (34-10) before falling to Mountain Ridge (35-6) in the regular-season finale. The Miners have struggled with consistency at quarterback, with Boston Singley leading the way through the air (530 yards, five TDs).
The Miners’ offense relies heavily on running back Owen Peterson (418 yards, four TDs) and wide receiver John Kulimushi (25 receptions, 439 yards, three TDs).
Defensively, Davis features one of the state’s most opportunistic secondaries, led by Sparrow’s seven interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and Morrison’s three picks. Linebacker Ethan Lockwood anchors the front seven with 111 tackles, while defensive end Johnny Parker has recorded eight sacks.
Bingham counters with linebacker Judd Bowen (66 tackles) and defensive back Grady Johnson (35 tackles, three interceptions).
The Darts enter as heavy favorites, having averaged 44.5 points per game during their winning streak while limiting opponents to just 19.9 points per contest.
No. 11 Farmington at No. 6 Lone Peak
Less than two months after Lone Peak dominated Farmington by a score of 34-7, these teams meet again with significantly higher stakes in Thursday’s 6A second-round playoff matchup.
The 11th-seeded Phoenix (7-3) and sixth-seeded Knights (5-4) both enter the postseason after first-round byes, with the winner advancing to face either Bingham or Davis in next week’s quarterfinals.
Since that Sept. 12 defeat to Lone Peak, Farmington has gone 3-2, closing the regular season with back-to-back victories over Syracuse (27-21) and Layton (26-10). The Phoenix also defeated Fremont (24-17) during that stretch, with their only losses coming against Weber (35-31) and third-seeded Davis (21-10).
Running back Drew Love powers the Farmington offense with 852 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The Phoenix employ a two-quarterback system with Will Peterson (1,038 yards, six TDs) and Alton Dahl (269 yards, two TDs) sharing duties.
When they drop back to pass, their primary target is receiver Tanner Nielsen, who has hauled in 40 receptions for 483 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kava Fiefia has been a versatile weapon, contributing 217 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air while adding 96 yards and four scores on the ground.
Lone Peak enters the postseason having lost all three of their final regular-season games, falling to American Fork (31-28), Skyridge (37-34) and Lehi (34-6).
The Knights’ offense is led by quarterback Cruz Christensen, who has thrown for 1,524 yards and 12 touchdowns this season after taking over the starting role due to injuries. Their offense features explosive receiver Jaron Pula, who has accumulated 761 yards and 10 touchdowns on 46 receptions. Kennan Pula provides a complementary threat with 30 catches for 417 yards and four scores.
On the ground, Tate Barney (375 yards, two TDs) and Sean Tahi (280 yards, three TDs) lead a balanced rushing attack.
Defensively, Farmington is anchored by linebacker Easton Hunt (71 tackles, one sack, one interception) and defensive back Kash Taylor (66 tackles). Lone Peak’s defense has been opportunistic, with defensive backs Sa Tanuvasa and Anthon Grimmer each returning interceptions for touchdowns in the teams’ previous meeting.
This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.