Last season, the Cedar City Reds had the season of dreams.
They’ve historically been a struggling team. Not only had they never won a state title, but they hadn’t won a region title since 2010.
That changed in a big way last year as Cedar had its first-ever undefeated season for the 3A state championship.
Despite the large turnover and losing 2025 3A player of the year Everett Kelling, 3A South coaches’ voted Cedar as the favorite to take the region.
“I think last year was awesome,” said Cedar head coach Tye Hiatt. “Being able to do something for the first time, it was really special. But, I would say with this year, the biggest thing that we’ve been focused on is just trying to be the best team that this team can be.
“Last year was great, but we don’t want to compare last year’s team to this upcoming team.”
The Reds had the best offense in 3A last season, but return only four starters from last year’s squad. They also have some big shoes to fill at quarterback after Kelling’s departure.
Hiatt says the race is still open between senior Jackson Mann and junior Colt Kelling.
“I think it’s gonna be a really good battle between those two,” Hiatt said. “It’s hard to follow someone who was a state player of the year, because Everett was a great player for us last year.
“I think the biggest thing is we’ve been telling them all summer, ‘You don’t have to be Everett. You just got to try and be the best guy that you can be and protect the football and be able to get us in and out of good plays.’ I think it’s going to be a healthy competition, and whoever ends up being the guy we’re going to feel good about.”
While Cedar ended up finishing first in the coaches’ poll, second-place Juab and third-place Richfield were only behind by a single vote each.
Juab is also coming off a strong year with a semifinal finish. But unlike Cedar, the Wasps will bring back quarterback Price Armstrong. Armstrong earned 2025 3A all-state honorable mention honors behind a campaign of 25 touchdowns with a total of 2,761 passing yards with a 57% completion percentage.
Outside of Armstrong, there will be many new faces in the Juab offense. The only two other returning starters are wide receivers Quentin Robinson and Brady Gempeler.
The Wasps’ defense returns five starters, with the headliner being Wyatt Downard. Downard was a 3A all-state first-team honoree, tallying 77 tackles and 12 sacks his junior year.
“We have a lot of solid pieces returning for the Wasps,” said head coach Jake Downard. “We are thrilled with the work ethic. Our team has been committed since January to get ready for a very strong 3A classification. We have been excited to see this group of players come together.”
Despite finishing third in the voting, Richfield may have the biggest advantage in all of 3A schools early in the season with 20 total returning starters across both offense and defense.
Two-way player and 2025 3A all-state first-team member Trey Yardley is the highlight return for Richfield. Yardley pulled in nine rushing touchdowns last season while also producing 42 tackles and four interceptions on defense.
While Richfield bowed out of the 3A playoffs in the quarterfinals last season, they’ll return by far the most starter minutes of anyone in the region.
“The team is very excited for this upcoming year, working hard in the weight room and on the field,” said Richfield head coach Eric Thorson. “Nearly every starter from last season is back, with a focus on being bigger and stronger than last year. It’s a great environment to be in. Players are building with the mentality that we won’t be better just because we are older, we’ll be better because we have earned improvements.”
Manti finished fourth, and it was a much more conclusive vote from the 3A South coaches.
The Templars may be coming off a stellar season where they ended as the 3A runner-up, but they lost a large chunk of top performers from a year ago. But head coach Fred Taukei’aho says the rising ranks have potential to be a very competitive team.
“We’re a young team with some big shoes to fill, but we’re excited about the challenge ahead,” Taukei’aho said. “We have a lot of young, talented players stepping into bigger roles and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow throughout the season. If our team continues to work hard, improve every day and play together, we believe we’ll be competitive every week. We’re excited for the opportunity to compete this season.”
Finishing sixth is Canyon View. The Falcons had a middling 5-6 season a year ago, but similarly to Richfield, they’ll be an experienced group.
Canyon View has 15 total returning starters. Its offense will be especially seasoned with nine of its starters returning.
Carbon rounds out the coaches’ poll, finishing seventh. The Dinos are still trying to bolster their program and second-year head coach Nick Milovich is optimistic about this year’s group.
“We’re so excited for this year due to the number of returning kids to the program and also the newcomers who will contribute right away to the success of the team,” Milovich said. “Senior Leadership will be our key for success this year and I can’t wait to see what these awesome young men are going to do.”
3A South projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Cedar City Reds
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Tye Hiatt
Hiatt is heading into his third season as head coach at Cedar after leading the program to a perfect 13-0 record a year ago and its first-ever state title. Cedar is 17-7 in his two years as head coach. He’s a graduate of Vale High in Oregon and Southern Virginia University. Prior to Cedar, all of his previous coaching experience came at the college level, including as the offensive coordinator at Southern Utah University in 2023.
Coach Tye Hiatt’s outlook
“We are excited to go out and compete this fall. In the program, we have been focused on improving our competitive character and consistently giving our best effort. This group has been working daily to embrace those principles and it has been fun to be apart of that process with the team,” Hiatt said."
“We will have some new faces in different roles for varsity program this fall, but we believe they will be ready to step in and compete at a high standard. A lot of these kids have been in the program for a couple years. They have been making plays on special teams and have been in back up roles, but it is now their turn to step up and lead the program.”
Offensive coordinator: Tye Hiatt
2025 offense: 43.62 ppg (No. 1 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Power Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Royce Jolley, OL, Sr.
- Asher DeMille, OL, Sr.
- Braxton DeMille, RB, Sr.
- Gavin DeMille, WR/ATH, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Andy Linn, OL, Sr.
- Cohen Sullivan, OL, Sr.
- Jackson Crowley, OL, Jr.
- Ryker Janes, TE, Jr.
- Sam Simmons, WR, Sr.
- Hunter Burgess, WR, Jr.
- Jackson Mann, QB, Sr.
- Colt Kelling, QB, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Colter Evans
2025 defense: 19.92 ppg (No. 6 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Rhake Marsh, DE, Sr.
- Skyler Oveson, DE, Jr.
- Junior Bloomfield, LB, Jr.
- Gavin DeMille, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Evan Forrester, DL, Sr.
- Owen Burton, LB, Sr.
- Luke McNett, LB, Sr.
- Jace Jamison, LB, Sr.
- Jake York, DB, Sr.
- Hunter Burgess, DB, Jr.
- Parker Dotson, DB, Sr.
2. Juab Wasps
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jake Downard
In three seasons as head coach at Juab, Downard has led the program to a 21-15 record. Prior to that, he spent a year as Monticello’s head coach in 2009. Downard is a graduate of North Summit High School and Utah State.
Coach Jake Downard’s outlook
“We are very excited to get going this upcoming season! We have a lot of solid pieces returning for the Wasps. We are thrilled with the work ethic. Our team has been committed since January to get ready for a very strong 3A classification. We have been excited to see this group of players come together,” Downard said.
“We had a strong team camp and we are very optimistic about these kids. We return some great talent that helped us have success last season. They have filled the leadership roles very well through our offseason. We return our QB in Price Armstrong as well as returning receivers in Brady Gempeler and Quentin Robinson. Our skills are very solid and we have quite a few weapons we are excited about. The place we needed to replace was our O-line. We are very pleased with those guys up front. It is a hungry group and they have done really well. They will be anchored by Kalen Mattinson, who played quite a bit for us up front.
“Defensively, we return quite a bit of our production. Wyatt Downard returns to set our edge, Justus Reynolds returns to anchor the LB group. Bryson Downard, Gage Vance (and) Quentin Robinson all return in our secondary.
“We have quite a bit of talent and we have such a great Juab Football community. We are honored to play for such a football town. We hope to make some noise this season and we will work our hardest to achieve our goals.”
Offensive coordinator: Robert Gempeler
2025 offense: 33.23 ppg (No. 4 in 3A)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Price Armstrong, QB, Sr.
- Brady Gempeler, WR, Sr.
- Quentin Robinson, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Gage Vance, Slot, Sr.
- Robert Squire, WR, Sr.
- Kaden Ross, WR, Sr.
- Bryson Downard, SLOT, Jr.
- Kelsen Allred, TE, Sr.
- Will Armstrong, Slot, So.
- Rhett Richards, QB/Slot, So.
- Grady Jacobsen, OL, Jr.
- Fisher Jacobsen, OL, So.
- Issac Dansie, OL, Sr.
- Ryder Vincent, OL, Sr.
- Kael Blackett, OL, Sr.
- Grady Ballow, RB, Sr.
- Tillman Yama, RB, Jr.
- Porter Dudley, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Jake Downard
2025 defense: 24.08 ppg (No. 9 in 3A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Wyatt Downard, EDGE, Sr.
- Justus Reynolds, LB, Sr.
- Quentin Robinson, DB, Sr.
- Gage Vance, DB, Sr.
- Bryson Downard, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Issac Dansie, DE, Sr.
- Kelsen Allred, DE, Sr.
- Grady Ballow, LB, Sr.
- Auston Brown, LB, Sr.
- Robert Squire, DB, Sr.
- Trevyn Callaway, DB, Sr.
- Kael Blackett, DL, Sr.
- Ryder Vincent, DL, Sr.
- Jaxon Nelson, DB, Sr.
- Clayton Pay, EDGE, Jr.
- Jiles Barnes, DB, Sr.
- Marshall Draper, DB, Jr.
- Will Armstrong, DB, So.
- Rhett Richards, DB, So.
3. Richfield Wildcats
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Eric Thorson
Entering his fourth season as head coach in his second stint at Richfield, Thorson has led the team to a 32-6 record the past three years and a 2023 state championship. He previously coached at Richfield from 2014-2016, where his team’s posted a 10-21 record. He’s a graduate of Davis High and Utah State.
Coach Eric Thorson’s outlook
“The team is very excited for this upcoming year, working hard in the weight room and on the field,” Thorson said. “Nearly every starter from last season is back, with a focus on being bigger and stronger than last year. It’s a great environment to be in. Players are building with the mentality that we won’t be better just because we are older, we’ll better because we have earned improvements.”
Offensive coordinator: Eric Thorson
2025 offense: 30.33 ppg (No. 6 in 3A)
- Ten returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cord White, QB, Sr.
- Trey Yardley, WR, Sr.
- Tytus Jones, OL, Sr.
- Anhder Thorson, OL, Sr.
- Rip Janes, OL, Sr.
- Brayson Berrett, WR, Sr.
- Mana Vakautakakala, WR, Jr.
- Nash Spell, TE, Jr.
- Ngalu Taufatofua, RB, Jr.
- Colton White, RB, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Austin Morgan, WR, Jr.
- Derek Barton, WR/QB, Jr.
- Brayden Beard, OL, Jr.
- Cruz Yardley, OL, So.
- Beckham Yardley, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Chet White
2025 defense: 25.33 ppg (No. 10 in 3A)
- Ten returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Cord White, DB, Sr.
- Trey Yardley, DB, Sr.
- Rip Janes, LB, Sr.
- Bridger Goodwin, DL, Sr.
- Shane Pearson, DB, Sr.
- Briggs Mullen, DB, Sr.
- Mana Vakautakakala, DB, Jr.
- Ngalu Taufatofua, LB, Jr.
- Nash Spell, DL, Jr.
- Colton White, LB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Crew Udy, DB, Jr.
- Gage Fjord, LB, Sr.
- Tyler Barnum, LB, Jr.
- Dax Janes, LB, So.
- Ethan Damron, DL, So.
- Slade Christensen, DL, So.
- Jake Dickinson, DL, So.
4. Manti Templars
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Fred Taukei’aho
In three seasons as head coach at Manti, Taukei’aho has led the team to a 27-11 record, including runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025. He’s a graduate of Lahainaluna High School in Maui and Snow College.
Coach Fred Taukei’aho’s outlook
“We’re a young team with some big shoes to fill, but we’re excited about the challenge ahead,” Taukei’aho said. “We have a lot of young, talented players stepping into bigger roles and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow throughout the season. If our team continues to work hard, improve every day and play together, we believe we’ll be competitive every week. We’re excited for the opportunity to compete this season.”
Offensive coordinator: Cameron Shumway
2025 offense: 39.62 ppg (No. 2 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Wally Everitt, OL, Jr.
- Jacob Cox, OL, Sr.
- Isaiah Wright, WR, Sr.
- Trever Christensen, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Stetson Thomson, RB, Jr.
- Tevon Vakautakakala, OL, Jr.
- Kingston Wright, QB, Jr.
- Hudson Crane, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Erick Lui
2025 defense: 26.23 ppg (No. 11 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Ethan Summers, DB, Jr.
- Isaiah Wright, DB, Sr.
- Trever Christensen, DB, Sr.
- Jacob Cox, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Tevon Vakautakakala, DL, Jr.
- Ben Taulapapa, LB, Jr.
- Stetson Thomson, LB, Jr.
- Hudson Crane, DL, Jr.
- Kooper Lund, Jr.
5. North Sanpete Hawks
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Dave Peck
Dave Peck heads into this season season as head coach at North Sanpete after leading the program to a 7-5 record a year ago. This will be his 25th overall season as a head coach in Utah. He coached at North Sanpete in 1984 (7-3) and then Cyprus from 1995 to 1999 (20-30). He then coached 18 seasons at Bingham over two stints (2000-2014 and 2020-2021). His career record as head coach is 204-84, including five State titles at Bingham (2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014). He’s a graduate of Cyprus and SUU.
Coach Dave Peck’s outlook
“This will be my second year as the head football coach at North Sanpete and I couldn’t be any happier with what we have accomplished at this point,” Peck said. “We had a great offseason in the weight room and the senior leadership has been amazing. I expect us to compete with every team on our schedule this season.”
Offensive coordinator: Rhett Bird
2025 offense: 25 ppg (No. 7 in 3A)
- Five returning starters
- Wing-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Chaetton Osborne, RB, Sr.
- Milo Hendry, TE, Sr.
- JT Holt, OL, Sr.
- Luke Lee, QB, Sr.
- Seth Burningham, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Trevor Mann, RB, Sr.
- Andy Aragon-Begay, OL, Sr.
- Flair Johnson, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Dave Peck
2025 defense: 21.83 ppg (No. 7 in 3A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 Multiple defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jesse Nuttall, DL, Sr.
- Chaetton Osborne, DB, Sr.
- Milo Hendry, LB, Sr.
- Seth Burningham, DB, Sr.
- Wyatt Hobush, LB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Trexon Madsen, LB, Jr.
- Nyxon Parkinson, DL, Jr.
- Graysen Boylan, DL, So.
6. Canyon View Falcons
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Burke Miller
Burke Miller is entering his fifth season as head coach at Canyon View, where his team’s posted a combined 28-19 record over the previous four years. He’s a graduate of Moapa Valley High School and the University of Phoenix.
Coach Burke Miller’s outlook
“We are excited about this year. Returning experience and newcomers look good. We are ready to compete,” Miller said.
Offensive coordinator: Burke Miller
2025 offense: 22.73 ppg (No. 10 in 3A)
- Nine returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Camden Sheridan, RB, Sr.
- Jace Floyd, RB/SLOT, Sr.
- Kayl Hutchinson, LT, Sr.
- Kody Lloyd, G/C, Sr.
- Bridger Bauer, G, Sr.
- Gage Miller, WR, Sr.
- Chase Jacobsen, RB/TE, Jr.
- Preston Higgins, WR, So.
- Maleck Rigby, TE/WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Owen Williams, QB, Jr.
- Bryson Barnes, WR, Sr.
- Kash Kinnaman, WR, Jr.
- Keegan Robertson, T, Jr.
- Max Vest, G, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Jack Morita
2025 defense: 0.88 ppg (No. 1 in 3A)
- Six returning starters
- 5-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Chase Jacobsen, LB, Jr.
- Maleck Rigby, S, Sr.
- Preston Higgins, CB, So.
- Wyatt Copp, LB, Sr.
- Teegen Stephenson, Nickel, Sr.
- Chase Miller, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Bridger Bauer, DE, Sr.
- Keyan Maher, CB, Jr.
- Gage Miller, S, Sr.
- Kash Kinnaman, S, Jr.
7. Carbon Dinos
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Nick Milovich
Milovich is entering his second season as head coach at Carbon High School after leading the Dinos to a 2-9 record a year ago. He’s a graduate of Carbon and Utah State.
Coach Nick Milovich’s outlook
“We’re so excited for this year due to the number of returning kids to the program and also the newcomers who will contribute right away to the success of the team,” Milovich said. “Senior Leadership will be our key for success this year and I can’t wait to see what these awesome young men are going to do.”
Offensive coordinator: Nick Milovich
2025 offense: 15.73 ppg (No. 12 in 3A)
- Seven returning starters
- Gun-T offense
Returning offensive starters
- Andy Kiefer, OL, Sr.
- Dax Mower, OL, Sr.
- Ben Stewart, OL, Sr.
- JJ Ruden, OL, Sr.
- Tayger Timothy, SB, Sr.
- Dexter Packard, RB, Sr.
- Carter Branch, QB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Ben Simms, WB/SB, Sr.
- Kyler Sandoval, RB, Jr.
- Baylor Sanders, WR, Jr.
- Weston Holm, WR, Jr.
- Jayden Powell, WR, Jr.
- Dawson Johnson, RB, So.
Defensive coordinator: Danny Mower
2025 defense: 2.37 ppg (No. 2 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Dax Mower, LB, Sr.
- Ricky Sandoval, LB, Sr.
- Tayger Timothy, DB, Sr.
- Andy Kiefer, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Davis Secor, DB, Jr.
- Jace Shumway, DE, So.