Picked to finish atop the 3A North this season is the Morgan Trojans. After falling a game short of the 3A championship a year ago, the Trojans will be looking to take the next step forward this season.
Morgan will have a new look on offense this year, with just two starters returning in junior offensive lineman Gage Denton and junior wide receiver George Thurston.
“One strength of our team is their competitive spirit and desire to be successful. That has led them to work hard in developing physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Morgan head coach Jared Barlow. “As the season starts and we are preparing for games, one area we need to constantly work on is our attention to detail. Little things matter, both on and off the field.”
Barlow knows that everyone is expecting big things out of his team this year. The only thing that they can do is control what they control and lean into what they do well while continuing to work on the weak areas of the field.
“Humility allows us to recognize that others have strengths, and they are working hard as well, both on our team and our competitors. We know that, and we try to prepare ourselves to give whoever we play the best version of ourselves. We can control what we do, and other peoples’ expectations of us is not one of those things we control. We just work hard to be the best version of us.”
While there are several players that Barlow is hoping will step up and carry this team this year, it’s not one individual that is going to determine the team’s success as the season goes on.
“The great teams constantly build and have great leadership. Leadership is found in many places, and we have some really good leaders,” said Barlow. “One group that we look to for leadership is our offensive and defensive lines. The work they put in and how well they perform has a drastic impact on how we perform as a team.”
The Cowboys have eight returning starters from a year ago, with four on offense and four on defense.
“We are really excited for this year. The kids have been working really hard in the weight room, and we hope it will show on the field this year. We lost a lot of good seniors from last year but have several good players back and look forward to seeing several new players show what they can do,” said Grantsville head coach David Millward.
After getting bounced out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals a year ago, Grantsville will have a tough task ahead of them if they want to be able to get past Morgan and the other tough teams in their region.
“Our region will continue to run through Morgan High School. I believe we have good coaches in our region, and I think each team will improve and make each week a challenge,” added Millward.
Grantsville has the pieces in place to make some noise in region this year. If the Cowboys can replace the production they lost and continue to improve as the year progresses, there is no reason why they can’t make a deep playoff run this season.
Coming in at No. 3 is the Logan Grizzlies. After seeing their season come to a close much sooner than they would have liked last year by losing in the first round of the playoffs, continuity is going to be key for Logan this year, with 17 total returning starters hoping to push the Grizzlies to the top this season.
“The team is excited for the 2027 season. With eight returning offensive starters, nine defensive starters, and returning both coordinators, we are excited to see what we can do. We have a tough non-region schedule and then get into a very good 3A North schedule. Each week will be a challenge, and we are looking forward to it,” said Logan head coach Nate Butts.
Butts believes the region is stronger than it has ever been and that his team will need to play their best football week in and week out.
“The 3A North Region is a very strong one. We are excited to be in Year 2 and compete against these schools. Each program is led by a great head coach who wants to build young men the right way. The Grizzlies feel honored to be in this region,” added Butts.
Likely to finish toward the middle of the pack, according to our preseason rankings, are the Ogden Tigers.
Much like Logan, Ogden saw their season come to a disappointing close early in the state playoffs a year ago.
Entering his 10th year with the program, Ogden head coach Terry Larsen likes what he has seen from his players during the offseason, and he believes they are destined for bigger and better things this season.
“We’re excited to continue building the foundation of our program. Our players have worked hard throughout the offseason and are buying into the culture and standards we’re establishing,” said Larsen. “We return experienced playmakers at the skill positions and have a talented group of young linemen developing in the trenches. We’re looking forward to competing every Friday night.”
Larsen knows there won’t be an easy game during the season, but he believes his team matches up well with any of the other teams in the region. He expects every week to present a new challenge and hopes his players will continue improving as the season progresses.
“Our region is highly competitive, with several strong programs and quality coaching staffs. We know every week will bring a new challenge, and we’re looking forward to competing throughout the season.”
After losing a big chunk of the team to graduation, it is going to be somewhat of a new-look team for the Cougars this year. Although the team will look much different, Union head coach Jordan Gurr has the belief in his returning seniors to lead the way this year.
“We’re looking forward to this year being a fun and competitive year. We took positive steps last season and even though we graduated a large amount of senior experience, this group has set an exciting tone across the offseason and into the summer,” said Gurr. “Our seniors are leading the way in the weight room with a different mindset that is reaching programwide, and the underclassmen are responding very positively. I’m excited to see that energy translate to the field for these young men.”
Gurr knows his team really has nothing to lose and is excited to see which players are able to step up and lead the way as the season moves along.
“Our region is tough all the way through. Every week requires us to play our best football to have a chance to win and we are excited to give everyone our best shot.”
Hoping to surprise everyone are the Ben Lomond Scots. Picked to finish at the bottom this year, the Scots will be out to prove that they can hang with anyone, and they are not a team to take lightly.
After relying on a roster filled with first-year varsity players last season, Scots head coach Ty Smith believes the experience they gained will pay dividends this year. He expects his team to play with more confidence, consistency, and composure in key moments throughout the season.
“Last year, we had 80% of the team playing football for the first time, and we are excited about this upcoming season. We had a great offseason and a lot of strides made within the program.”
Smith knows expectations outside the program may not be high this season, but he believes his team is capable of surprising a lot of people. He looks forward to making life difficult for every opponent in the region and proving the Scots are a team that cannot be overlooked each week.
“It’s a very good region with some great teams and well-coached teams. We look forward to giving everyone more competition than we have done in the last two years.”
3A North projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Morgan Trojans
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jared Barlow
Entering his seventh season as head coach at Morgan after posting a 61-13 record his first six seasons, including state title in 2022 and 2024. He previously served as an assistant coach at Morgan for 15 years. He’s a graduate of Morgan High School and Weber State.
Coach Jared Barlow’s general outlook
“Exciting time of year. We replace a lot of graduating seniors, but have an excellent group doing it. Looking forward to see what legacy this team will leave with our school and community.”
Offensive coordinator: Matt Larsen
2025 offense: 34.58 ppg (No. 3 in 3A)
- Two returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gage Denton, OL, Jr.
- George Thurston, WR, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Owen Gilson, QB, Sr.
- Cole Miller, OL, Jr.
- Bronson Ball, OL, Jr.
- Foster Ostrander, OL, Sr.
- Cole West, OL, Sr.
- Tucker Kelly, OL, Sr.
- Owen Belliston, WR, Sr.
- Rhett Larsen, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Gavin Roberts
2025 defense: 16.67 ppg (No. 3 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Miles Sydenham, DL, Sr.
- Cael Edgington, LB, Sr.
- William Pace, LB, Jr.
- Cade Spens, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Kwayde Meibos, DL, Sr.
- Hayden Mecham, DL, Jr.
- Dayton Mecham, DL, Jr.
- Tucker Kelky, DL, Sr.
- Krew Asay, LB, Sr.
- Bridger Schiffman, DB, Sr.
- Lawson Walker, DB, Jr.
- Jarek Mccleary, DB, Sr.
- Jaxton Morrell, DB, Sr.
- Bridger Neuenschwander, DB, Jr.
2. Grantsville Cowboys
2026 Schedule
Head coach: David Millward
A longtime Grantsville assistant coach, he took over as head coach for his alma mater in 2024, and in two seasons he’s guided the program to a 16-8 record. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach David Millward’s general outlook
“We are really excited for this year. The kids have been working really hard in the weight room and we hope it will show on the field this year. We lost a lot of good seniors from last year, but have several good players back and look forward to seeing several new players show what they can do.”
Offensive coordinator: Alan Mouritsen
2025 offense: 30.92 ppg (No. 5 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Wyatt Lee, OL, Sr.
- Jaymesen Held, OL, Sr.
- Teagan Dalton, OL, Sr.
- Ty Holm, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Dawson Dunlevey, WR, Sr.
- Cruze Anderson, RB, Sr.
- Krue Allred, QB, So.
- Beck Mondragon, TE, Jr.
- Caleb Westover, OL, Jr.
- Logan Brown, OL, Jr.
- Kanon Fields, OL, Jr.
- Mack Hammond, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Heath Kelley
2025 defense: 17.58 ppg (No. 4 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Colt Thomas, DE, Sr.
- Jake Rounds, DE, Sr.
- Brigham Mouritsen, S, Jr.
- Greason Warren, S, Jr.
- Isaiah Williams, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Zaiden Clark, C, Jr.
- Dallan Vanvleit, S, Sr.
- Zane Carter, C, Sr.
- Beck Mondragon, LB, Jr.
- Cruze Anderson, LB, Sr.
- Zaxton Ellis, DL, Jr.
- Bronx Bolinder, DL, Jr.
3. Logan Grizzlies
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Justin Hugie
Justin Hugie is entering his first season as head coach at Logan after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator a year ago. He’s also been an assistant coach at ALA, Southern Virginia University and then Southern Utah University. He’s a graduate of Box Elder and then SUU.
Coach Justin Hugie’s general outlook
“The Grizzlies are excited for the 2027 season. With eight returning offensive starters and nine defensive starters, and returning both coordinators, we are excited to see what we can do. We have a tough non-region schedule, and then get into a very good 3A North schedule. Each week will be a challenge and we are looking forward to it.”
Offensive coordinator: Latu Pauni
2025 offense: 23.91 ppg (No. 9 in 3A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Easton Favero, QB, Sr.
- Mason Birch, RB, Sr.
- Jase Pingree, WR, Sr.
- Grayden Olsen, TE, Sr.
- Riley Corda, OL, Sr.
- Kedin Avila, WR, Sr.
- Roy Chavez, OL, Sr.
- Eddie Millan, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Royce Sargent, WR, Fr.
- Hyrum Mather, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Justin Hugie
2025 defense: 32.73 ppg (No. 12 in 3A)
- Nine returning starters
- 4-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Kolt Redd, S, Sr.
- Ozi Fryer, CB, Jr.
- Mason Redd, S, Jr.
- Quinn Pingree, S, Jr.
- Will Tolman, LB, Sr.
- Mason Birch, LB, Sr.
- Tony Holmes, DL, Sr.
- Connor Chelsey, DL, Sr.
- Grayden Olsen, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Treyson Covington, DB, Sr.
- Spencer Fenstermaker, DL, So.
- Finn Malouf, LB, Jr.
- Niu Manuleleua, DL, Sr.
4. Ogden Tigers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Terry Larsen
A former Ogden assistant coach for eight seasons, he’s heading into his second season as head coach with the Tigers after last year’s 7-5 debut season. Larsen is a graduate of Box Elder High School and Weber State.
Coach Terry Larsen’s general outlook
“Entering my 10th season with the program and second as head coach, we’re excited to continue building the foundation of our program. Our players have worked hard throughout the offseason and are buying into the culture and standards we’re establishing. We return experienced playmakers at the skill positions and have a talented group of young linemen developing in the trenches. We’re looking forward to competing every Friday night.”
Offensive coordinator: Brogan Poll
2025 offense: 22.67 ppg (No. 11 in 3A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ryan Kirkland, OT, Sr.
- Jack Thompson, WR, Sr.
- Nash Bockwoldt, TE, Sr.
- Blake Weston, TE/QB, Sr.
- Anderson Curry, RB, Sr.
- Ryker Rice, RB, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Khyle Ramboz, C, Jr.
- Angel Flores, G, Sr.
- Beckham Belliston, T, Sr.
- Kos Crowther, RB, Jr.
- Eli Gastelum, WR, Jr.
- Carter Herrick, RB, So.
- Steven Mencos, G/C, Jr.
- Emmett Rector, QB, Jr.
- Dallyn Martinez, T/G, Jr.
- Christian Zarate, T, Sr.
- Trayven Olivieri, TE, Jr.
- Easton Smith, G, Jr.
- Axton Curry, C, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Terry Larsen
2025 defense: 19.58 ppg (No. 5 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jack Thompson, CB, Sr.
- Blake Weston, OLB, Sr.
- Anderson Curry, MLB, Sr.
- Ryan Kirkland, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Julius Salgado, S, Sr.
- Eli Gastelum, CB, Jr.
- Max Macinnes, MLB, Sr.
- Boston Davies, LB, Jr.
- Trayven Olivieri, LB, Jr.
- Moises Palomares, DT, So.
- Soren Munoz, NG, Sr.
- Jeffery Dibbell, NG, Sr.
- Ethan Wardell, DE, Sr.
- Christian Zarate, DE, Sr.
- Beckham Belliston, DE, Sr.
- Aaron Boehm, LB, Sr.
- Kos Crowther, LB, Jr.
- Charlie Spendlove, LB, Jr.
- Colton Rasmussen, CB, Jr.
- Carter Herrick, S, So.
5. Union Cougars
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jordan Gurr
He’s heading into his second season as head coach at Union after guiding the program to a 4-7 record in 2025. He previously was the defensive coordinator at Wasatch. He’s a graduate of Union High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Jordan Gurr’s general outlook
“We’re looking forward to this year being a fun and competitive year. We took positive steps last season and even though we graduated a large amount of senior experience, this group has set an exciting tone across the offseason and into the summer. Our seniors are leading the way in the weight room with a different mindset that is reaching programwide, and the underclassmen are responding very positively. I’m excited to see that energy translate to the field for these young men.”
Offensive coordinator: Jordan Gurr
2025 offense: 25 ppg (No. 7 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Flexbone Triple Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Dylan Watahomigie, QB/RB, Sr.
- Cruz Labrum, RB/WR, Sr.
- Kash Daniels, OL, Sr.
- Kayden Olsen, WR/RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Brevan Stevens, OL, Sr.
- Landon Sims, OL, Sr.
- Jaxon Grimm, WR/RB, Sr.
- Tyce Labrum, RB, Jr.
- Teegan Terry, RB/TE, Jr.
- Ben Diaz, OL, Sr.
- Bradee Murray, OL, Jr.
- Brett Meeks, RB, So.
- Jax Berlin, RB/WR, So.
- Ollie Cook, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Kwanki Au
2025 defense: 23.36 ppg (No. 8 in 3A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple Defense
Returning defensive starters
- Kash Daniels, DL, Sr.
- Landon Sims, DL, Sr.
- Cruz Labrum, DB, Sr.
- Brayden Faussett, DB, Sr.
- Kayden Olsen, DB, Sr.
- Jaxon Grimm, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Deegan Harmston, LB, Sr.
- Tyce Labrum, LB, Jr.
- Teegan Terry, LB, Jr.
- Jax Berlin, DB, So.
- Reid Burgess, LB, So.
- Creedyn Nyburg, LB, Jr.
- Ojus Mahkewa, DL, Jr.
- Brett Meeks, DL, So.
6. Ben Lomond Scots
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Ty Smith
Heading into his second season as Ben Lomond’s coach after last year’s 0-10 debut season. Smith was the head coach at St. Martin High School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, prior to taking over at Ben Lomond. Earlier in his career he coached with Les Hamilton at Alta High School. He’s a graduate of Adams County Christian High School in Mississippi and Southern Mississippi University.
Coach Ty Smith’s general outlook
“Last year, we had 80% of the team playing football for the first time, and we are excited about this upcoming season. We had a great offseason and a lot of strides made within the program.”
Offensive coordinator: Ty Smith
2025 offense: 3.8 ppg (No. 13 in 3A)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple, we have to adapt frequently based off of the kids we get out each year.
Returning offensive starters
- Parker Vanbeekum, OL, Sr.
- Da’Shawn Gordon, RB, Sr.
- Tykston Yates, TE, Sr.
- Luis Carmona, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
Defensive coordinator: Lyndon Johnson
2025 defense: 48.1 ppg (No. 13 in 3A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Kale Ha’O, DE, Sr.
- Nephi Blankenship, DE, Sr.
- Da’Shawn Gordon, LB, Sr.
- Tony Herrara, LB, Sr.
- Diego Gomez, LB, Sr.