3A semifinals
No. 4 Juab vs. No. 1 Cedar
When Cedar City and Juab last met on Oct. 10, the Reds needed a furious second-half rally to escape with a 41-35 victory on the Wasps’ home field.
Four weeks later, the stakes are considerably higher as the undefeated Reds (11-0) face the battle-tested Wasps (9-3) in Friday’s 3A semifinal showdown at Southern Utah University.
Cedar City enters the rematch riding high after a perfect regular season and a dominant 49-14 quarterfinal victory over Ogden. The Reds established control early in that contest, building a 28-0 halftime lead that proved insurmountable. Daxton DeMille provided a defensive spark, returning an interception 33 yards for a touchdown as part of Cedar City’s overwhelming performance.
The Reds’ high-octane offense (45.7 points per game) is powered by junior quarterback Everett Kelling, who has accumulated 2,312 passing yards with 28 touchdowns against just two interceptions. The dual-threat signal-caller has added 878 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground.
Juab counters with an offense averaging 34.7 points behind quarterback Price Armstrong (2,580 passing yards, 25 TDs) and workhorse running back Brock Richards, who has amassed 1,096 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season.
The Wasps advanced to the semifinals with a dramatic 26-20 victory over Grantsville, sealed by Armstrong’s 61-yard touchdown strike to Jaden Heap with just 2:30 remaining in the game. Heap was unstoppable throughout the contest, hauling in all three of Armstrong’s touchdown passes, while Max Gardner provided a crucial defensive score with a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The previous matchup between these teams featured plenty of offensive fireworks, but it was Cedar City’s 20-point third-quarter explosion that turned the tide. Juab had built a 21-7 halftime advantage before the Reds roared back behind Kelling, who accounted for three scores in the victory.
Both teams feature explosive playmakers who can score from anywhere on the field. Cedar City’s Slade Parsons averages a whopping 25.4 yards per catch with nine touchdowns, while Juab’s Heap has emerged as Armstrong’s favorite target with 50 receptions for 777 yards and eight scores.
Defensively, the Reds have been significantly stingier, allowing just 18.9 points per game compared to Juab’s 24.2. Cedar City’s Dax Wankier (103 tackles) and Junior Togiai-Bloomfield (62 tackles) anchor a unit that has held eight of 11 opponents under 20 points.
The winner advances to face either Morgan (10-1) or Manti (8-3) in the championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.
No. 3 Manti vs. No. 2 Morgan
When Morgan and Manti take the field Friday afternoon at Southern Utah University, it will mark the rubber match in what has become a compelling 3A football playoff rivalry.
For the third consecutive year, the Trojans and Templars meet in the semifinal round, with Morgan winning last season’s showdown 42-28 en route to the state championship. Manti claimed the 2023 semifinal battle 35-21.
Morgan (10-1) enters as the No. 2 seed and defending state champion, riding the momentum of a 49-14 quarterfinal demolition of Richfield. The Trojans wasted no time asserting dominance in that contest, scoring 21 first-quarter points behind quarterback Cade Randall, who finished with four touchdown passes.
Randall has been nearly flawless this season, throwing for 1,838 yards with 25 touchdowns against just two interceptions. His favorite target, Eli Mortensen, has been equally impressive with 42 receptions for 873 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a 48-yard scoring strike in the quarterfinal victory.
The third-seeded Templars (8-3) dismantled North Sanpete 55-17 in their quarterfinal matchup. Manti’s high-powered offense was on full display from the opening minutes, when Tala Taulapapa connected with Stone Mortensen on an 80-yard touchdown pass just 1:12 into the contest.
Quarterback Carter Mason orchestrated Manti’s attack with precision, throwing three touchdown passes while accumulating over 400 passing yards. The senior signal-caller has thrown for 2,830 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.
Morgan’s defense, allowing just 14.4 points per game, will face its toughest test in containing Manti’s explosive offense (39.8 ppg). The Trojans’ defensive unit features stalwarts Luke Bauerle (69 tackles) and Jake Hansen (65 tackles).
Manti counters with a defense that includes standout Ty Pringle, who recorded a momentum-shifting 82-yard interception return for a touchdown in the quarterfinals. The senior has four interceptions on the season to complement his seven touchdown receptions.
The ground game could prove decisive, with Morgan’s George Thurston (354 yards, 9 TDs) facing off against Manti’s Taulapapa, who has rushed for 1,057 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
The winner advances to face either undefeated Cedar City (11-0) or Juab (9-3) in the championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.
2A semifinals
No. 4 Summit Academy vs. No. 1 San Juan
Four-time defending state champion San Juan is once again knocking on the championship door, but Summit Academy stands as the final obstacle between the Broncos and another title game appearance.
The top-seeded Broncos (9-2) and fourth-seeded Bears (6-5) will clash Saturday at 10 a.m. at Southern Utah University, with the winner advancing to face either South Summit or South Sevier in the 2A championship game.
When these teams met on Sept. 5, San Juan pulled away for a 50-29 victory, though Summit Academy remained competitive early, trailing just 16-9 at halftime before the Broncos erupted in the second half.
The semifinal matchup features one of Utah’s most prolific offensive players in San Juan’s Jagger Nieves, who is approaching rarefied air in the state record books. The senior running back has accumulated 1,910 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns this season, putting him just three scores shy of tying the single-season state record of 38, jointly held by Grantsville’s Alan Mouritsen (1997) and East’s Jaylen Warren (2016).
San Juan’s quarterfinal performance showcased their championship pedigree in a staggering 77-2 dismantling of Judge Memorial. The Broncos raced to a 39-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back. Nieves was unstoppable with four touchdowns — two rushing and two receiving from quarterback Beau Yeomans, who orchestrates an offense averaging 54.5 points per game.
The Broncos’ defense proved equally formidable against Judge Memorial, with Jonas Jeppesen and George McNaughtan both returning fumbles for touchdowns while Max Stearns added a 20-yard interception return.
Summit Academy enters the semifinal with momentum after a convincing 48-14 quarterfinal victory over Emery. After a scoreless first half, the Bears exploded for 28 third-quarter points, with Liam Larson leading the charge. The junior running back scored three touchdowns in the second half, including an impressive 80-yard burst in the third quarter.
The Bears’ offensive resurgence coincided with quarterback Preston Mackowiak finding his rhythm. The senior has thrown for 1,813 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with Beckham Meredith (803 receiving yards, 8 TDs) serving as his primary target. Meredith showcased his playmaking ability against Emery with a 37-yard touchdown reception and a 42-yard punt return score.
Defensively, Summit Academy will rely on linebacker Ian Hall (54 tackles) and defensive end Tug Wilbur, whose 14 sacks match the total of San Juan’s McNaughtan.
If Summit Academy hopes to dethrone the defending champions, they’ll need to contain a San Juan offense that has scored at least 46 points in eight of their nine victories. The Broncos’ only losses came against Beaver (33-30) and Manti (38-28).
The winner advances to face either No. 3 South Summit (7-4) or No. 2 South Sevier (10-1) in the championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.
No. 3 South Summit vs. No. 2 South Sevier
When South Sevier and South Summit clash in Saturday’s 2A semifinal at Southern Utah University, it will mark a rare matchup between programs that haven’t faced each other in nearly a decade.
The second-seeded Rams (10-1) and third-seeded Wildcats (7-4) enter their 4 p.m. showdown with contrasting playoff experiences. South Sevier survived a quarterfinal thriller, while South Summit cruised to a decisive victory.
South Sevier needed a dramatic late-game score to escape with a 43-42 win over Delta in the quarterfinals. Hudson Flinders delivered the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with just 1:14 remaining, capping a remarkable comeback from a 42-28 fourth-quarter deficit.
The victory marked the Rams’ first 10-win season in program history, extending a remarkable campaign that has seen them average 45.5 points per game. Their only defeat came against undefeated San Juan, a potential championship game opponent.
For South Sevier, this semifinal appearance represents a significant achievement. The Rams’ last semifinal berth came in 2014, when they suffered a 49-0 defeat to South Summit.
South Sevier’s balanced offense features a dynamic passing attack led by senior quarterback Bridger Bradshaw, who has thrown for 2,058 yards with 33 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His favorite target, Cooper Castle, has hauled in 41 passes for 742 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The Rams complement their aerial assault with a potent ground game featuring Flinders (775 yards, 9 TDs) and Masen Healey (705 yards, 12 TDs).
South Summit enters the semifinal after a dominant 55-20 quarterfinal victory over American Leadership Academy. The Wildcats jumped ahead early with a 14-point first quarter, including a 46-yard touchdown run by William Neff.
Quarterback Ian Mair directed the Wildcats’ attack, throwing four touchdown passes, with Blake Osguthorpe catching two scores, including a 55-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
South Summit is no stranger to deep playoff runs. The Wildcats reached the championship game just two years ago in 2023, falling to San Juan 43-28 in the title matchup.
Mair has accumulated 2,216 passing yards with 27 touchdowns this season, with Osguthorpe serving as his primary target (50 receptions, 724 yards, 13 TDs). Running back Bryce Pulver provides balance with 646 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, both teams feature playmakers capable of changing momentum. South Sevier’s Rayce Freeman has recorded five sacks and five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. The Wildcats counter with Theus Reed, who has three interceptions and 90 tackles this season.
These programs last met in 2016, when South Summit blanked South Sevier 42-0 during the regular season.
The winner advances to face either four-time defending champion San Juan (9-2) or Summit Academy (6-5) in the championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.
1A semifinals
No. 4 North Summit vs. No. 1 Kanab
Kanab finds itself in familiar territory as it prepares for its fifth consecutive 1A semifinal appearance, but the Cowboys are determined to clear the final hurdles that have kept them from a state championship since 2007.
The top-seeded Cowboys (9-1) face a North Summit team they defeated soundly earlier this season, with a berth in the championship game on the line Saturday at 1 p.m. at Southern Utah University.
This program has established itself as a perennial contender in recent years, consistently reaching the semifinal round while falling short of the ultimate prize. Kanab’s last state championship came 18 seasons ago.
When these teams met in September, Kanab delivered a statement performance, building a commanding 35-0 halftime lead en route to a 41-13 victory. Senior running back Hayden Gubler powered the Cowboys’ attack with three rushing touchdowns, part of his extraordinary season tally of 28 scores on the ground.
For fourth-seeded North Summit (6-5), the challenge is clear: find a way to slow a Kanab offense averaging 43.4 points per game while generating enough offense to keep pace.
The Braves enter the semifinal with momentum after a thrilling 18-14 quarterfinal victory over Millard. Quarterback Cru Richins connected with Knox Woolstenhulme on a 31-yard touchdown pass as time expired to complete the comeback win.
Richins has orchestrated the Braves’ offense with 1,181 passing yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 547 rushing yards. Woolstenhulme has been his favorite target, hauling in 51 receptions for 834 yards and nine touchdowns.
Kanab dominated Gunnison Valley 49-0 in the quarterfinals. The Cowboys’ defense recorded its third shutout of the season while Gubler continued his remarkable campaign with three more touchdowns, including a 41-yard scoring run.
North Summit’s title drought is slightly longer than Kanab’s, with its last championship coming in 2008.
Defensively, both teams feature playmakers capable of shifting momentum. Kanab’s Grady Anderson has seven interceptions this season, including one he returned for a touchdown, while North Summit’s Cael Blonquist leads a physical front seven with 111 tackles.
The semifinal represents the second straight year these programs have met at this stage of the playoffs, with Kanab prevailing last season before falling to Beaver in the championship game.
The winner advances to the 1A championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
No. 3 Duchense vs. No. 2 Beaver
Beaver enters Saturday’s 1A semifinal chasing a three-peat while also looking to extend its remarkable streak of championship game appearances to seven consecutive seasons.
Second-seeded Beaver (9-2) and third-seeded Duchesne (9-2) will meet at 7 p.m. at Southern Utah University in a highly anticipated rematch. The winner advances to face either top-seeded Kanab or fourth-seeded North Summit in the championship game.
When these teams met on Sept. 5, Duchesne escaped with a thrilling 24-23 victory on its home field. Nashden Goodliffe’s 31-yard touchdown run with just 1:54 remaining provided the winning margin in a back-and-forth contest.
Beaver enters the semifinal after a dominant 49-0 quarterfinal victory over Parowan. The Beavers built a commanding 35-0 halftime lead, with Emmet Lurth’s 56-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Davin Orton just before the break highlighting their offensive explosion.
The Beavers’ championship pedigree is remarkable. Since 2019, they have appeared in every 1A title game, winning championships in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024 while finishing as runners-up in 2021 and 2022. Beaver defeated Kanab in last year’s championship game.
Duchesne advanced to the semifinals with an equally impressive 42-6 quarterfinal victory over Enterprise. Kasen Crum scored three touchdowns, including a 17-yard run early in the second quarter, while the Eagles’ defense stifled Enterprise’s attack.
Both teams feature potent rushing attacks. Crum leads Duchesne with 1,492 yards and 24 touchdowns, while Goodliffe has added 698 yards and 12 scores. Beaver counters with Orton (912 yards, 16 TDs) and Bridger Blackner (652 yards, 9 TDs).
The quarterback matchup features Goodliffe (688 passing yards, 7 TDs) against Orton, who has thrown for 1,044 yards and 12 TDs.
Defensively, Beaver’s Jex Bradshaw (86 tackles) and Duchesne’s Rhett Clayburn (57 tackles, 3 sacks) anchor units that have been stingy throughout the season.
The winner advances to the 1A championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.