Coming off its first state championship since 2007, Kanab enters the 2026 season looking to defend its 1A title despite significant graduation losses. Kanab knew it had a solid team last season and were finally able to reach the pinnacle after so long.
The Cowboys hope to do just that again this upcoming season, even after so much turnover. And the other coaches have taken note, voting them as the preseason favorite to win the 1A South region.
They know that they will need help from Walker Baird and Bryce Szymanski were both Second Team all-state players last year for the Kanab offensive line.
“We lost a lot of production and experience, so we have a lot of work to do,” said Kanab coach JR Quarnberg. “Bryce Szymanski and Walker Baird will have to lead us up front, but we do return several key two-way players.”
One of those returning players is senior Lattimer Glover, who is expected to play a larger role at tight end and linebacker.
“He (Lattimer) has been a vital part of our program for several years. He will look to take on an even bigger role, and we are excited to see what he can do,” said Quarnberg.
Defensively, Kanab returns senior Degan Swapp, who recorded 59 tackles last season, along with junior Grady Anderson, who finished with 63 tackles and seven interceptions while both earning second-team all-atate honors for the Cowboys.
Quarnberg stated, “We are a bit more experienced on the defensive side of the ball, and we are working well together and looking to become a strong defensive team.”
Coming into the season Beaver was projected to finish No. 2 in the region. The Beavers look to return to the top of not just the region but the whole 1A classification. Not winning the state title for the first time since dropping down to 1A. The Beavers return on five starters from last year, two on offense and three on defense.
“We will have a young team with a lot of new faces. We are excited to start putting the pieces together and see what we can accomplish,” said Beaver coach Jonathan Marshall, “We’re looking forward to working hard to compete with the best teams in our classification.”
The Beavers have also endured a turbulent offseason. The Cottonwood Fire burned just five miles east of Beaver, leaving a burn scar on the mountainside that many residents held dear. Heavy rains on the scarred landscape recently contributed to devastating flooding throughout the community.
“It’s been a huge challenge for our community,” Marshall said. “We have players whose families have been severely impacted by the flood. Football has become secondary over the last week because of the flooding.”
Despite the devastation, Marshall said the experience brought the team together in a unique way.
“It’s given our team the opportunity to give back and provide service to a lot of people,” Marshall said. “The lessons learned from serving will benefit our young men more than anything we do on the football field.”
Marshall also praised the response from those inside and outside the Beaver community.
“We have had so many people reach out and offer to help,” he said. “It’s been a very humbling experience.”
Coming in third is the Enterprise Wolves. The Wolves have been having an uphill climb the last two seasons, finishing 3-8 and 4-7 respectively. But that is something that Enterprise head coach Andy Messersmith hopes to change.
Enterprise returns 15 starters from last season, nine on offense and six on defense, giving the Wolves reason for optimism as they look to return to championship form.
“With the experience we have returning, we’re hoping to have a great year.” Messersmith said.
The Wolves were one of the youngest teams in 1A last season, starting six sophomores on offense. One of those sophomores was all-state running back Jake Christensen who ran for 1,038 yards and accounted for 23 total touchdowns. After averaging 21 points per game last season, Enterprise hopes that added experience will translate into more wins and another postseason run. But that is easier said than done as the Wolves are in a region with both Beaver and Kanab, winners of the last four 1A titles.
Defensively, Enterprise returns six starters, including four juniors. Combined with an experienced offense, the Wolves have reason to believe they can improve on last season’s finish.
Picked fourth in the 1A South preseason coaches poll, Parowan enters the season looking to continue the progress it made a year ago. After improving from two wins in 2024 to four victories last season, the Rams return 15 starters and believe they have the experience to take another step forward.
“We have a strong group of returning guys this year, but are hoping they step up to fill some pretty big gaps left by guys that graduated,” head coach Ryan Heath said. “We are excited for what we are bringing back and challenging guys to step into new roles and embrace what they are asked to do. Our guys are ready to get the season started. Our expectations are high for a successful season.”
The Rams return nine starters on offense, including five along the offensive line. Senior running back Tyrel Vest returns after rushing for 377 yards and six touchdowns, while senior receivers Cooper Heath and Mason Biasi combined for 331 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Junior Tyson Bettridge is expected to take over at quarterback after serving in a reserve role last season.
Defensively, Parowan returns six starters led by Vest, who recorded 59 tackles, two sacks and an interception. Heath added 48 tackles, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown, while Rustyn Mackelprang finished with 56 tackles and a sack. If the Rams can successfully replace their graduated seniors, they believe they have the experience to contend in another competitive 1A South race.
1A South projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Kanab Cowboys
2026 Schedule
Head coach: JR Quarnberg
Is entering his seventh season as head coach at his high school alma mater after leading the program to a 54-19 record the past six years, including a state title in 2025. He’s a graduate of Southern Utah University.
Coach JR Quarnberg’s general outlook
The Boys are excited and working hard. We have kids competing for positions and looking to find roles. We return about half of our starters, so we should have a fairly experienced group. We do feel like we have more depth than we have had in the past, hopefully that can be strength for us. We have a senior group that will provide good leadership. You will see a Cowboy group that’s exited to compete.
Offensive coordinator: JR Quarnberg
2025 offense: 41.75 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
- Six returning starters
- Wing-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Walker Baird, OL, Sr.
- Bryce Szymanski, OL, Sr.
- Deagan Allen, OL, Jr.
- Lat Glover, TE, Sr.
- Degan Swapp, RB, Sr.
- Grady Anderson, ATH, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Brennan Orton, WR/QB, Jr.
- Gary Hill, WR, So.
- Brady Ramsay, TE, Sr.
- Kanon Virostko, RB, Sr.
- James Glover, TE/OL, Jr.
- Walker Clark, OL, Jr.
- Bevan Corry, OL, Jr.
- Jackson Jones, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Brandon Brown
2025 defense: 16.5 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Grady Anderson, S, Sr.
- Lat Glover, LB, Sr.
- Degan Swapp, LB, Sr.
- Kanon Virostko, LB, Sr.
- Walker Baird, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Jackson Jones, DL, Sr.
- Deagan Allen, DL, Jr.
- Kaleb Warner, LB, Sr.
- Tavis Barney, LB, Sr.
- James Glover, DL, Jr.
- Willis Wulfenstien, LB, Jr.
- Brennan Orton, DB, Jr.
- Tavin Glazier, DB, Jr.
2. Beaver Beavers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jon Marshall
Entering his 10th season as Beaver’s head football coach on top of the 30 years he’s been the girls basketball coach. Beaver’s football teams have an impressive 97-18 record in his eight seasons in charge, including state titles in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024. He’s led Beaver’s girls basketball team to nine state titles, the third most in state history. He’s a graduate of Beaver High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Jon Marshall’s general outlook
We will have a young team with a lot of new faces. We are excited to start putting the pieces together and see what we can accomplish. Looking forward to working hard to compete with the best teams in our classification.
Offensive coordinator: Jonathan Marshall
2025 offense: 35 ppg (No. 3 in 1A)
- Two returning starters
- Wing T/triple option
Returning offensive starters
- Emmet Lurth, WR/RB, Sr.
- Davis Carter, QB/RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Leo De Leon, RB, Jr.
- Mikey Pimental, WR/RB, Sr.
- Emmett Albrecht, TE, Sr.
- Trey Bradshaw, RB, Jr.
- Trey Vasquez, OL, Sr.
- Marshall Williams, OL, Sr.
- Garrett Gale, OL, Jr.
- Kutler Albrecht, OL, Jr.
- Tristen Jensen, OL, Jr.
- Vincent Elliot, OL, Sr.
- Jayden Eyre, OL, Jr.
- Ace Edwards, TE, Jr.
- Cutler Bradshaw, RB, Jr.
- Brandon Benson, RB, So.
- Zack Benson, RB, So.
- Krosby Hollingshead, RB, So.
- Tyten Evans, RB, Jr.
- Bradie Pender, OL, Jr.
- Donovan Scheuer, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Steve Hutchings
2025 defense: 14.38 ppg (No. 1 in 1A)
- Three returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Emmet Lurth, OLB, Sr.
- Davis Carter, DB, Sr.
- Marshall Williams, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Mikey Pimental, DB, Sr.
- Leo De Leon, DB, Jr.
- Trey Bradshaw, LB, Jr.
- Drew Sorenson, LB, Jr.
- Emmett Albrecht, DE, Sr.
- Trey Vasquez, DE, Sr.
- Garrett Gale, DE, Jr.
- Kutler Albrecht, DE, Jr.
- Tristen Jensen, DL, Jr.
- Vincent Elliot, DL, Sr.
- Ace Edwards, OLB, Jr.
- Cutler Bradshaw, LB, Jr.
- Taft Griffiths, OLB, Jr.
- Gage Gale, DL, Jr.
- Brandon Benson, LB, So.
- Zack Benson, LB, So.
- Krosby Hollingshead, RB, So.
3. Enterprise Wolves
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andy Messersmith
Entering his 11th season as head coach for the Wolves as he’s guided the program to a, 64-48 record the past nine seasons. He’s a graduate of Juab High School and Adams State in Colorado.
Coach Andy Messersmith’s general outlook
With the experience we have returning we’re hoping to have a great year.
Offensive coordinator: Andy Messersmith
2025 offense: 22.27 ppg (No. 5 in 1A)
- Nine returning starters
- Multiple formation offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jackson Moyle, QB, Jr.
- Rigz Anzalone, SLOT, Jr.
- Jake Christenson, SLOT, Jr.
- Brannoc Davidson, FB, Jr.
- Cody Bowler, OL, Sr.
- Dillon Cram, OL, Sr.
- Knox Fitzwater, OL, Jr.
- Jarred Hess, OL, Jr.
- Easton Hill, WR, Sr.
- Gus Albrecht, WR, Sr.
- Rylan Terry, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Aidan Allen, OL, Jr.
- Austin Grob, OL, Sr.
- Emmett Simkins, OL, So.
- Wyatt Adams, So.
Defensive coordinator: Dallin Clove
2025 defense: 33.09 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Rigz Anzalone, OLB, Jr.
- Jake Christenson, OLB, Jr.
- Easton Hill, C, Sr.
- Gus Albrecht, S, Sr.
- Rylan Terry, C, Sr.
- Brannoc Davidson, MLB, Jr.
- Jarred Hess, OLB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Austin Grob, DE, Sr.
- Aiden Ennin, DE, Jr.
- Emmett Simkins, DT, So.
- Dillon Cram, DT, Sr.
4. Parowan Rams
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Ryan Heath
Ryan Heath is entering his seventh year as head coach at Parowan after leading the program to an 19-48 record the previous six seasons. He’s a graduate of North Sevier High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Ryan Heath’s general outlook
We have a strong group of returning guys this year, but are hoping they step up to fill some pretty big gaps left by guys that graduated. We are excited for what we are bringing back and challenging guys to step into new roles and embrace what they are asked to do. Our guys are ready get the season started. Our expectations are high for a successful season.
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Heath
2025 offense: 18.82 ppg (No. 7 in 1A)
- Nine returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Lucas Williamson, OG, Sr.
- Maddox Jackson, C, Sr.
- Jace Keene, OT, Sr.
- Tyler Meibos, OT, Jr.
- Landon Fobert, OG, Jr.
- Tyrel Vest, RB, Sr.
- Cooper Heath, WR, Sr.
- Mason Biasi, WR, Sr.
- Rustyn Mackelprang, SL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Tyson Bettridge, QB, Jr.
- Gradey Osborne, WR, Jr.
- Hagen Evans, WR, Jr.
- Kelly Valladolid, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Dave Bettridge
2025 defense: 33.45 ppg (No. 8 in 1A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Rustyn Mackelprang, LB, Sr.
- Tyrel Vest, LB, Sr.
- Cooper Heath, DB, Sr.
- Mason Biasi, DB, Sr.
- Lucas Williamson, LB/DL, Sr.
- Tyler Meibos, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Kelly Valladolid, DL, Jr.
- Landon Fobert, DL, Jr.
- Hagen Evans, DB, Jr.
- Kaleb Kohler, DL, Sr.
- T Myburgh, LB, Sr.
- Karter W, DL, Sr.