After making it to the semifinals of the 2A playoffs a year ago and losing to the eventual state champs San Juan, Summit Academy are the early frontrunners to finish atop the 2A North region in 2026.
Summit Academy enters the season with a nice mixture of veteran leadership, as well as new additions to this year’s team. The combination of older and newer players is something head coach Ben Young is excited to see and believes that the good balance on the roster will pay major dividends as the season goes along.
“While our roster does not feature a large number of returning starters, the players who are back are very good. Our biggest question mark is experience, but it may also become the team’s greatest strength,” said Young. “Our program is filled with young talent that will be asked to grow up quickly. If that group embraces the culture, commits to the process, and continues to develop throughout the season, we will be a difficult team to beat.”
Summit Academy returns just five total starters from last season’s team, with three on offense in Beckham Meredith, Brayden Dieters and Ayden Fazio. On the defensive side of the ball, the team welcomes back pivotal starters in defensive end Sam Troaster and outside linebacker Ian Hall.
Summit Academy will be relying heavily on returning wide receiver Meredith. The veteran presence and vocal leadership of Meredith will help guide Summit Academy through what Young hopes is a very fruitful and successful season.
“Leading the way is all-state standout Beckham Meredith, whose leadership, experience, and playmaking ability give us a player capable of changing games every Friday night. In terms of the region race, it runs through South Summit. Other teams will prove tough, but everyone will need to beat the defending region champs,” said Young.
Predicted to finish second right behind Summit Academy is South Summit. South Summit made it all the way to the 2A state championship game a year ago, falling to San Juan to cap off what otherwise was a very strong season.
If South Summit wants to get over the hump and take that last step, it will need to rely heavily on a crop of returning players with plenty of experience to help guide an otherwise young team.
“I am very excited for the upcoming season. We graduated some key players from last season, but we also have a lot of key players coming back and we have a really solid senior group this year. We will be young in some spots but have a ton of talent in our younger groups,” said South Summit head coach Levi Thompson.
Returning quarterback Ian Mair will look to improve upon his already outstanding stats from last season, where he threw for 2,457 yards to go along with 29 touchdowns.
“Ian Mair is going to be huge again for us this season. Brody Larsen is a returning starter on both sides of the ball and is a game changer. I’m excited for the season to start and can’t wait to see these players show what they have been work hard for all summer long,” added Thompson.
Coming in at No. 3 in the preseason rankings is Providence Hall. It will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing early exit from the state playoffs a year ago. Providence Hall welcomes back a total of nine starters, with five on offense and four on defense.
Among the returning players is a trio of seniors who will be tasked with leading the team forward in running back Gary Grayson, tailback Bodie Sommerville and center Jared Alzamora. Their experience and leadership will be critical as the Patriots look to reestablish themselves as one of the top contenders in their classification and make a deeper postseason run.
On defense, junior defensive lineman Denzel Hernandez will be a player to watch throughout the season. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and control the line of scrimmage could make a significant impact, especially in key region matchups.
Currently projected to finish fourth in their region, American Leadership hopes to improve on its 4-7 record from last season.
American Leadership is set for somewhat of a rebuild within their program this year and will be guided by new head coach Joe DuPaix.
With DuPaix’s recent departure from his college head coaching position at Southern Virginia University to take the reins at American Leadership Academy just weeks ago, the Eagles football program is starting largely from scratch.
Yet, the team is brimming with energy and excitement as it prepares to launch the 2026 season, working to establish a new culture, raise expectations and pursue a bold, shared vision for the future.
“We face an incredibly strong region this year — every opponent will be a handful. Utah high school football keeps getting better and better, promising a competitive and thrilling season ahead for the Eagles,” said DuPaix.
The biggest question marks will be on the offensive side of the ball, with just two returning starters in senior running back Mason Ober and senior offensive lineman Marcus Twitchell. Developing consistency at quarterback and finding additional playmakers will be key as the season progresses. If the Eagles can grow together quickly under their new coaching staff, they could become a much more competitive team than many expect by the end of the season.
Looking to surprise everyone is Judge Memorial, projected to finish last in the region.
Judge was winless in region play last season and will desperately be looking to improve upon its 2-10 overall record from a year ago.
The team returns a vast majority of its players from last season, with a total of 20 returning starters.
Playing in a tough region once again, Judge will be leaning on the experience and veteran presence of its defense if it wants to climb out of the cellar.
“Our team is mature and experienced this year defensively. Offensively, we have some great returning upperclassmen, and the region will be very competitive,” said Judge head coach Jeff Kaufusi.
The Bulldogs are hopeful that the continuity throughout the roster will translate into better results on the field. If the experienced core can help the younger players develop quickly and the offense becomes more consistent, Judge could prove to be a much tougher opponent than its preseason ranking suggests.
2A North projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Summit Academy Bears
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Ben Young
After serving as an assistant coach at Brighton last year, he’s taking over as head coach at Summit Academy in 2026. He’s a graduate of Brighton High and Utah State.
Coach Ben Young’s general outlook
We enter the season with a unique mix of proven talent and exciting potential. While our roster does not feature a large number of returning starters, the players who are back are very good.
Leading the way is All-State standout Beckham Meredith, whose leadership, experience, and playmaking ability give us a player capable of changing games every Friday night.
Our biggest question mark is experience, but it may also become the team’s greatest strength. Our program is filled with young talent that will be asked to grow up quickly. If that group embraces the culture, commits to the process, and continues to develop throughout the season, we will be a difficult team to beat.
Offensive coordinator: Francis Bernard
2025 offense: 35.33 ppg (No. 4 in 2A)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Beckham Meredith, WR, Sr.
- Brayden Dieters, WR, Sr.
- Ayden Fazio, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Rigby Young, QB, So.
- Nito Fonua, RB, Sr.
- Siasi Afu, WR, So.
- Tannon Horner, TE, Jr.
- Saia Tonga, OL, So.
- Tristen Lapana, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Paul Solia
2025 defense: 28 ppg (No. 4 in 2A)
- Two returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Sam Troaster, DE, Sr.
- Ian Hall, OLB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Caleb Faatoa, DE, So.
- Finn Katoa, DE, Fr.
- Zak Olsen, DL, So.
- Makai Pula, LB, So.
- One Fonua, S, Jr.
- Andrew Siluafu, CB, Jr.
2. South Summit Wildcats
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Levi Thompson
The South Summit High School and Snow College grad is heading into his second season as head coach for the Wildcats after leading the program to an 8-5 record in 2025 and a 2A runner-up finish.
Coach Levi Thompson’s general outlook
Very excited for the upcoming season. We graduated some key players from last season. But we have a lot of key players coming back. We have a really solid senior group this year. We will be young in some spots but have a ton of talent in our younger groups. We have 3 returning O-lineman/D-lineman (Iann Andruschenko, Kobe Yturralde, tanner Smith) that are going to be a force up front for us. Ian Mair return QB from last season is going to be huge again for us this season. Brody Larsen is a return starter on both sides of the ball, and is a game changer. I’m excited for the season to start and can’t wait to see these players show what they have been work hard for all summer long.
Offensive coordinator: Kendall Prescott
2025 offense: 36.15 ppg (No. 3 in 2A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ian Mair, QB, Sr.
- Iann Andruschenko, OL, Sr.
- Kobe Yturralde, OL, Sr.
- Tanner Smith, OL, Sr.
- Brody Larsen, RB, Sr.
- Gage Woolstenhulme, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jesse Clegg, WR, Sr.
- Micah Montgomery, OL, Sr.
- Barrett Schweitzer, OL, Sr.
- Dylan Villalpando, OL, Sr.
- Ammon Marchant, TE, Sr.
- Nash Harline, TE, Sr.
- Steele Woodward, RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Levi Thompson
2025 defense: 23.31 ppg (No. 3 in 2A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Iann Andruschenko, DL, Sr.
- Kobe Yturralde, DL, Sr.
- Ammon Marchant, LB, Sr.
- Brody Larsen, LB, Sr.
- Nash Harline, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Steele Woodward, LB, Sr.
- Seth Andruschenko, LB, Sr.
- Micah Montgomery, DE, Sr.
- Gage Woolstenhulme, DB, Sr.
- Kash Atkinson, DB, Sr.
- Barrett Schweitzer, LB, Sr.
3. Providence Hall Patriots
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Dave Smith
Is heading into his third season as head coach after amassing a 2-20 season in his first two seasons. He’s a graduate of Timpview High School and Snow College. He’s also been an assistant coach at Pleasant Grove and Timpanogos.
Offensive coordinator: Danny Fonua
2025 offense: 16.18 ppg (No. 8 in 2A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gary Grayson, RB, Sr.
- Bodie Sommerville, TB, Sr.
- Ethan Griffith, WR, So.
- Tyson Hetherington, G, Sr.
- Jared Alzamora, C, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Maka Kauvaka, OL, Jr.
- Jordan Britt, RB, Jr.
- Deigo Sanchez, WR, Jr.
- Ty Evans, QB, Jr.
- Kolden Sleator, TE, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Dave Smith
2025 defense: 33.64 ppg (No. 7 in 2A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Denzel Hernandez, DL, Jr.
- Gary Grayson, LB, Sr.
- Bodie Sommerville, OLB, Sr.
- Ethan Griffith, FS, So.
Key defensive newcomers
- Maka Kauvaka, DL, Jr.
- Jordan Britt, LB, Jr.
- Deigo Sanchez, DB, Jr.
- Kolden Sleator, LB, Jr.
- Zac Ross, LB, Jr.
4. American Leadership Eagles
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Joe Dupaix
Is entering his first season as ALA head coach, after spending most of his coaching career in the college, including the last three at Southern Virginia University. He previously was a head coach for one season in Utah at Timpanogos back in 2014.
Coach Joe DuPaix’s general outlook
With Joe DuPaix’s recent departure from his college head coaching position at Southern Virginia University to take the reins at American Leadership Academy just weeks ago, the Eagles football program is starting largely from scratch.
Yet the team is brimming with energy and excitement as it prepares to launch the 2026 season, working to establish a new culture, raise expectations, and pursue a bold shared vision for the future.
Offensive coordinator: Dimitri Gomez
2025 offense: 24 ppg (No. 5 in 2A)
- Two returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Mason Ober, RB, Sr.
- Marcus Twitchell, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Cooper Dupaix, QB, Sr.
- Asher Hernandez, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Joe Hernandez
2025 defense: 37.09 ppg (No. 8 in 2A)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Dom Mendez, DB, So.
- Mason Ober, LB, Sr.
- Braxtyn Root, LB, Sr.
- Wesley Haston, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Asher Hernandez, DB, So.
- Mario Garcia, DL, So.
5. Judge Memorial Bulldogs
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jeff Kaufusi
After a 20-year stint as an assistant coach, including the previous eight at Alta, Jeff Kaufusi took over as head coach at Judge Memorial in 2024 and in the past two seasons he’s led Judge to a 6-18 record. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach Jeff Kaufusi’s general outlook
My team is mature and experienced this year defensively. Offensively, we have some great returning upperclassman.
Offensive coordinator: Parker Edgington
2025 offense: 8.42 ppg (No. 9 in 2A)
- Nine returning starters
- Two-back set offense
Returning offensive starters
- Thomas Lapp, OT
- TK Taufa, OG
- Helaman Lautaha, OL
- Sam Cuevas, C
- Thomas Dickman, OT
- Michael Gibbons, RB
- Carson Dubois, RB
- Dillon Campbell, WR
Key offensive newcomers
- Kheari Lark, WR
- Maverick Middleton, S/QB
- Isaiah Ibarra, WR
Defensive coordinator: Kap Talakai
2025 defense: 40.67 ppg (No. 9 in 2A)
- 11 returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Thomas Lapp, DE, Sr.
- Tk Taufa, DT, Sr.
- Helaman Lautaha, DL, Sr.
- Sam Cuevas, DE, Sr.
- Thomas Dickman, DE, Sr.
- Michael Gibbons, LB, Sr.
- Carson Dubois, LB, Sr.
- Owen Higgins, OLB, Sr.
- Kheari Lark, S, Sr.
- Dillon Campbell, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Kheari Lark, S, So.
- Maverick Middleton, S, So.
- Isaiah Ibarra, DB, Sr.