Parity, stacked and wide-open were among the most common words used by Region 6’s coaches to describe their expectations for the upcoming season.
A year ago every team suffered at least one loss — one of only two regions in the entire state that happened. Woods Cross and Brighton finished as so-region champs and Bountiful and Olympus tied for third.
Fast forward to this year and there appears to be just as much unpredictability and uncertainty.
Three different teams received a first-place vote in the preseason Region 6 coaches poll. On top of that, two teams have a new head coach, and the team that finished last a season ago is loaded with the most returning starters.
“I know that our region is going to be one of the toughest in the state. We have great teams, great coaches and great players. Week to week it will be a fight. It will be playoff atmosphere every game,” said Woods Cross coach Brody Benson.
As Bountiful coach Jason Freckleton said, “Winning this region would be a great accomplishment and each team will be prepared for state tournament time.”
Despite all the expectation of competitive games every Friday night in region play, Olympus got the slight nod among Region 6’s coaches as the preseason favorite.
Ironically enough, it has among the most question marks heading into the season with a new head coach and two new coordinators.
New coach Casey Evans, a Titan alum, is inheriting a team with the second-fewest returning starters in the league.
“The Titans are eager and optimistic about the upcoming season. There is talent and experience on the roster, but depth is definitely a question mark,” said Evans. “The Titans have had a great offseason and implemented many changes within the program. You can expect a tough, smart, disciplined, well-coached and undersized team.”
Olympus ranked fourth in 5A scoring defense a year ago, and led by returning second team all-state starters Sam Brown and Haloti Ngata, that could be the strength of the Titans team once again.
Woods Cross checks in at No. 2 in the preseason coaches rankings after sharing the region title a year ago with Brighton. It returns six starters on both sides of the ball.
Benson is entering his sixth season as head coach at Woods Cross, and in that time his teams have progressed from 0-10 in 2021 to 8-4 a year ago.
“We are looking to build on what our program achieved last year. We have young men who believe in each other, our coaches and our culture that we are continuing to build,” said Benson. “We will not hang our hat on what we were able to achieve last year but instead use it as a stepping stone and foundation of the hard work that we pride ourselves in.”
The biggest challenge offensively will be replacing the 1,601 rushing yards and 17 TDs from Viliami Tapa’atoutai who was a senior last year. Defensively, the Wildcats will lean on their second-leading tackler from a year ago, Ryan Miller.
For Alta, a year after struggling to a fifth-place region finish with just one win, expectations are significantly higher this season.
On top of returning five offensive starters and six defensive starters, Alta should benefit from the transfer of quarterback Xavier Cocci from Skyline. He totaled over 3,800 passing yards and accounted for 52 total touchdowns a year ago.
“We graduated a significant amount of production from last year’s team, which creates opportunities for a new group of players to step into larger roles and prove themselves,” said Alta coach Blake Burdette. “Our athletes have worked hard throughout the offseason, showing commitment, growth, and a strong desire to compete.”
Alta was middle of the pack in 5A in both scoring offense and defense a year ago, and making a big jump in both areas will be necessary to compete for the region title.
Bountiful and Brighton tied for fourth in the coaches voting.
Bountiful won the 5A state championship in 2024, but it dipped a year ago with a 7-6 record and lost in the quarterfinals to West 14-3.
The potential is there for a Redhawks bounce-back season as they return the second most starters in Region 6, including eight offensive starters.
Freckleton said his team will be in the trenches, but then also has athleticism and speed in the skill positions.
“This is an exciting group that has been working hard this offseason. We are bringing back a good amount of starters and experience from last season. This team has a good group of senior leaders with some very talented underclassmen,” said Freckleton.
Brighton seemingly has most question marks among Region 6 teams this season. After reaching the semifinal in each of the past two seasons, the Bengals have a new head coach as long-time Park City coach Josh Montzingo replaces Casey Sutera — who departed for Corner Canyon.
He inherits a team with the fewest returning starters in Region 6.
Montzingo’s Park City teams finished with a winning record in seven of the past eight seasons, including double digit wins in three of those years. That’s the level of expectation he’s bringing to Brighton High.
“We will be young but talented this season. Looking forward to some great competition for positions on both sides of the ball. With a tough pre-region schedule, we will have to grow up fast,” said Montzingo.
As for Viewmont, based on preseason voting expectations are that it will bring up the Region 6 again in 2026.
With nine returning starters on both sides of the ball, however, the Vikings have the potential to be much more competitive.
“Our players have embraced the lessons learned from last year, and we believe those experiences will help us continue to grow and improve,” said Viewmont coach Andru Jones. “While we are excited about the potential of this team, our focus remains on taking things one day at a time, getting better every practice, and competing with toughness, discipline, and effort throughout the season.”
Region 6 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Olympus Titans
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Casey Evans
A former defensive coordinator at Olympus, he’s taking over as head coach at his alma mater for the 2026 season. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach Casey Evans’s general outlook
With a new head coach, new offensive coordinator, and new defensive coordinator, the Titans are eager and optimistic about the upcoming season. There is talent and experience on the roster, but depth in definitely a question mark. The Titans have had a great off-season and implemented many changes within the program. You can expect a tough, smart, disciplined, well-coached, and undersized team.
Offensive coordinator: Casey Evans
2025 offense: 21.75 ppg (No. 17 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Sam Ngata, TE, Sr.
- Beckham Allred, RB, Sr.
- Preston Ferran, QB, Sr.
- Logan Peterson, OL, Sr.
- Will Farnsworth, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Kempton Rice, WR, Sr.
- Easton Zito, RB, Sr.
- Jack Dalton, OL, Jr.
- Haloti Ngata, ATH, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Eric Jacobsen
2025 defense: 15.83 ppg (No. 4 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Sam Brown, DB, Sr.
- Haloti Ngata, DL, Sr.
- Sam Ngata, LB, Sr.
- Wyatt Fuhriman, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Tennessee Taylor, DB, Jr.
- Will Cutler, DB, Jr.
- Kirabo Nadauld, DB, Jr.
- Dylan Landies, DL, Sr.
2. Woods Cross Wildcats
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Brody Benson
Entering his sixth season at Woods Cross after a 28-29 record in the first five seasons. Previously, he had a successful 15-year run as coach at Highland, where his teams went 115-60 with a state title in 2010. He’s a graduate of Granger High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Brody Benson’s general outlook
We are looking to build on what our program achieved last year. We have young men who believe in each other, our coaches and our culture that we are continuing to build. We will not hang our hat on what we were able to achieve last year but instead use it as a stepping stone and foundation of the hard work that we pride ourselves in. Our goal is to be better each day and the only way to achieve that is through hard work.
Offensive coordinator: Brody Benson
2025 offense: 28.25 ppg (No. 9 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Triple Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Napa’a Tuakiapimahu, LT, Sr.
- Kerry Brown, LG, Sr.
- Brody Rogers, RG, Sr.
- Teiyon Halbasch, RB, Sr.
- Wyatt Hunter, RB, Sr.
- Ryan Miller, FB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Tage Ita, QB, Sr.
- Ryder Schwulst, OC, Sr.
- Tyler Lingmann, RT, Sr.
- Weston Nielson, WR, Sr.
- Cale MacArthur, WR, Sr.
- Jj Walje, WR, Sr.
- Bronson Martin, RB, Jr.
- Cory Flanders, WR, Jr.
- Vili Brown, FB, Jr.
- Achilles Tongaonevai, FB, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Chris Haning
2025 defense: 17.92 ppg (No. 5 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Napa’A Tuakiapimahu, DE, Sr.
- Brody Rogers, DT, Sr.
- Sam Bahr, OLB, Sr.
- Ryan Miller, OLB, Sr.
- Wyatt Hunter, SS, Sr.
- Teiyon Halbasch, CB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Weston Nielson, DE, Sr.
- Ilaisa Moli, DT, Jr.
- Vili Brown, DE, Jr.
- Archer Gale, DE, Jr.
- Abram Webre, MLB, Sr.
- Achilles Tongaonevai, MLB, Jr.
- Jack Tyson, OLB, Sr.
- Bronson Martin, OLB, Jr.
- Mak Trimming, DB, Jr.
- Cory Flanders, DB, Jr.
- Will Starkie, DB, Sr.
- Luke Landry, DB, Sr.
3. Alta Hawks
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Blake Burdette
Entering his third year as head coach at Alta after last year’s debut 9-15 season. He’s a graduate of Olympus High School and the university of Utah.
Coach Blake Burdette’s general outlook
We graduated a significant amount of production from last year’s team, which creates opportunities for a new group of players to step into larger roles and prove themselves. Our athletes have worked hard throughout the offseason, showing commitment, growth, and a strong desire to compete. While we have plenty of young players gaining valuable experience, we are excited about the potential of this team and look forward to seeing their hard work translate onto the field. We have a tough schedule ahead of us and will certainly be tested each week.
Offensive coordinator: Jess Schuck
2025 offense: 25.08 ppg (No. 13 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Justin Hopkins, T, Sr.
- Colter Fullwood, G, Sr.
- Evan Eyink, TE, Sr.
- Treven Cooke, RB, Sr.
- Lucas Pagel, RB/WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- David Thomason, T, Sr.
- Xavier Cocci, QB, Sr.
- Maximus Cocci, TE, Sr.
- Kellen Burgess, G, So.
- Hudson McBride, WR, Jr.
- Kenny Rowe, WR, Jr.
- Jace Brown, QB, Jr.
- Mack Vickery, C, Sr.
- Bronson Schriever, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Joe Tuha
2025 defense: 27.17 ppg (No. 17 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Steven Tuha, LB, Sr.
- Mason Clark, LB, Sr.
- Evan Eyink, LB, Sr.
- Ryland Clayton, DB, Sr.
- Breck Warren, DB, Sr.
- David Thomason, DL, Sr.
- Lisiate Fevaelaki, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Charlie Gates, DE, Sr.
- Mason Albrecht, DL, Jr.
- Thomas Deckart, DB, So.
- Hosny Suliman, CB, Sr.
- Kolt Handren, LB, Jr.
- Chandler Woods, DB, Sr.
- Malakai Lam, LB, Sr.
T4. Bountiful Redhawks
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jason Freckleton
In six seasons as Bountiful’s head coach he’s posted an impressive 52-23 record, including a state runner-up finish in 2023 and a state championship in 2024. He previously was an assistant at Bountiful for 10 years. He’s a graduate of Bountiful and Weber State University.
Coach Jason Freckleton’s general outlook
This is an exciting group that has been working hard this off-season. We are bringing back a good amount of starters and experience from last season. This team has a good group of senior leaders with some very talented underclassmen. We will be tough and physical on our D-Line & O-Line, and our skill group brings a lot of athleticism and speed. It’s always great to have a returning starter at the QB position. This is looking to be a great team and we can’t wait to see what we can do.
Offensive coordinator: Jason Freckleton
2025 offense: 22.08 ppg (No. 15 in 5A)
- Eight returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Hudson Malmrose, QB, Sr.
- Mason Tidwell, WR, Sr.
- Lakepa Satuala, WR, Sr.
- Max Feller, WR, Sr.
- Ty Nuku, OL, Sr.
- Maika Va’eno Tonga, OL, So.
- Mckay Moore, OL, Jr.
- Connor Tower, OL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Madden Parks, TE, Sr.
- Carter Brooks, RB, Sr.
- Ami Vunipola, TE, Jr.
- Corbin White, WR, Jr.
- Madden Rieck, WR, Sr.
- Siaki Keiaho, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Mo Manu & Mike Tidwell
2025 defense: 19.62 ppg (No. 8 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Ami Vunipola, DE, Jr.
- Manu Tia, DT, Sr.
- Carter Brooks, LB, Sr.
- Mason Tidwell, DB, Sr.
- Lakepa Satuala, FS, Sr.
- Will Smoot, CB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Braden Boucha, CB, Sr.
- Jake Castleberry, LB, Sr.
- Ty Morrell, LB, Jr.
- Brad Lloyd, DL, Sr.
T4. Brighton Bengals
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Josh Montzingo
After a successful decade at Park City where his teams amassed an 82-39 record, Montzingo takes over as Brighton coach in 2026. During his time at Park City he led the Miners to a state runner-up finish in 2021 and four Region titles. He’s a graduate of Edmonds Woodway High School in Washington and North Park University in Illinois.
Coach Josh Montzingo’s general outlook
We will be young but talented this season. Looking forward to some great competition for positions on both sides of the ball. With a tough pre-region schedule, we will have to grow up fast. The team has been working hard all off season and is ready to tackle a very challenging schedule.
Offensive coordinator: Teddy Spooner
2025 offense: 24.38 ppg (No. 14 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Shilo Collins, OL, Sr.
- Zion Hunkin, OL, Sr.
- Easton Gustafson, WR, Sr.
- Oakley McKnight, TE, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Griff Matsumori, QB, Jr.
- Titus Mohr, WR/TE, Sr.
- Jay Thompson, RB, Sr.
- Kaiser Haertel, WR, Sr.
- Evan Brown, WR, Sr.
- Ryan Nazari, WR, Sr.
- Magnus Macomber, WR, Sr.
- Rush Larsen, OL, Sr.
- Ryker Larsen, OL, Sr.
- Wilson Pace, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Josh Montzingo
2025 defense: 27.23 ppg (No. 18 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Dax Matheson, S, Sr.
- Graham Liddell, DL, Sr.
- Owen Hanson, C, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Zach Jolley, LB, Sr.
- Rodrigo Queiroz, C, Sr.
- James Sorensen, LB, Sr.
- Evan Price, LB, Sr.
- Cole Christensen, S, Sr.
- Jack Storrs, S, Sr.
- Mason Barber, S, Sr.
- Jake Powers, DL, Sr.
- Kyler Lawson, DL, Sr.
- Jaxon Leavitt, LB, Sr.
- Jaxon Tavaga, LB, Sr.
- Kyson Pataiali’I, LB, Sr.
6. Viewmont Vikings
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andru Jones
Heading into his fifth season as head coach at Viewmont after previous stints at Tooele (2019-2021) and Layton Christian (2016-2018). He’s posted a 20-24 record in his first four years at Viewmont, and his career record in 10 years is 49-58. He’s a graduate of Northridge High School and Grand Canyon University.
Coach Andru Jones’s general outlook
The Viewmont Vikings enter the 2026 season with a great deal of excitement and confidence as we return a large group of experienced players on both sides of the ball. The experience gained from last season has given our team a better understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level week in and week out. We know the challenge ahead will be significant, especially in a very competitive 5A Region 6 that features strong programs such as the Woods Cross Wildcats, Brighton Bengals, Bountiful Redhawks, Olympus Titans, and Alta Hawks. Our players have embraced the lessons learned from last year, and we believe those experiences will help us continue to grow and improve. While we are excited about the potential of this team, our focus remains on taking things one day at a time, getting better every practice, and competing with toughness, discipline, and effort throughout the season. We look forward to the opportunity to represent Viewmont and see how much this group can accomplish together.
Offensive coordinator: Joe Jessop/Andru Jones
2025 offense: 25.82 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Austin Cannon, WR, Sr.
- Joshua Lewis, WR, Sr.
- Brady Clegg, WR, Sr.
- Miles Frey, RB/WR, Sr.
- Draylon Jensen, WR, Sr.
- Slater Hobson, OL, Sr.
- Griffin Larsen, OL, Sr.
- Bronson Tingey, OL, Sr.
- Lewis Wright, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Braxton Morris, WR, Sr.
- Jesse Johnson, RB, Sr.
- Brandon Swain, OL, Sr.
- Brian Taukiuvea, OL, Sr.
- Brett Tovey, QB, Jr.
- Damon Frey, WR, Jr.
- Cash Hawkins, WR, Jr.
- Cole Winland, OL, Jr.
- William Hargreaves, OL, So.
- Ethan Pitt, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Jackson Cella
2025 defense: 27.27 ppg (No. 19 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Brian Taukiuvea, DL, Sr.
- Benjamin Lufkin, DL, Sr.
- Rayden David, LB, Sr.
- Owen Seeley, LB, Sr.
- Ed Wright, LB, Jr.
- Brady Clegg, DL, Sr.
- Austin Cannon, DL, Sr.
- Miles Frey, DL, Sr.
- Gabe Draper, DL, Sr.
- Cash Hawkins Jr, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Joseph Matila, LB, Sr.
- Jesse Johnson, LB, Sr.
- Tyler Mishler, DL, Sr.
- Maxwell Reese, DL, Jr.
- Canon Ashworth, DL, Jr.
- Pyke Jones, LB, Jr.
- Landon Dimick, LB, Jr.
- Lincoln Richards, DL, Jr.
- William Hargreaves, DL, So.