Love it or hate it, Region 3 is the center of the high school football universe in Utah.
Its current five teams have combined to win the past seven 6A state championships, averaged 3 of 4 semifinalists in those seven seasons, and year and year features rosters loaded with college talent.
Make no mistake either, the flagship of that dominance has been Corner Canyon.
As elite as Skyridge, Lone Peak, American Fork and Lehi have been in recent years, it was Corner Canyon that won five of the past seven state championships.
Everyone knew the Chargers were the team to beat in November.
And now, in 2026 though, that long-standing assumption is packed with uncertainty.
The architect of Corner Canyon’s rise to national powerhouse and the coach that churned out college-level and NFL-level talent at QB is gone. In a move that seemed perhaps inevitable, former Corner Canyon head coach Eric Kjar left the program to take Weber State’s head coaching job last December.
On that day too, there was likely rejoicing in coaching rooms at the 16 other 6A schools.
Without Kjar, surely Corner Canyon’s 6A reign is over, right?
That one question is the most fascinating storyline heading to the 2026 season, especially in Region 3 where four other teams can’t wait to knock the Chargers off their perch.
The person charged with making sure Corner Canyon doesn’t get knocked down a peg or two is Kjar’s former right-hand man, and Kjar’s recommendation to take over the program after his departure — Casey Sutera.
Their backgrounds and bread-and-butter are largely opposite — Kjar’s an offensive wiz and Sutera a defensive-guru — but Sutera was previously an assistant coach at Corner Canyon from 2017 to 2021 and he knows what the job entails.
“We know we have a high expectation because of the standard coach Kjar has created at Corner Canyon. We expect to keep the same tradition and we know that starts with the process,” said Sutera.
“Our players have done a great job of investing into our offseason strength program and I feel like we are in a good place coming out of our summer camp. We also have a lot of players that have worked hard through out their time in the program and we are excited for them to get an opportunity.”
Sutera spent the past four seasons as head coach at Brighton, departing after leading the program to back-to-back 5A semifinal appearances.
Sutera seems to immediately have the respect of his Region 3 peers, as the coaches voted Corner Canyon the team to beat in the preseason region rankings despite Kjar’s absence.
Regardless of how things play out, Region 3 is going to be must-watch theatre every Friday night.
Lehi coach Andy Hadfield summed playing in the SEC of Utah football this way.
“Region 3 is a gauntlet. Week in and week out you are competing against some of the best talent in the state. The teams are big, fast and strong. We love the challenge it takes to prepare mentally and physically each week. Managing depth and training to stay healthy through it all is always a challenge,” said Hadfield.
As for Corner Canyon, it returns three offensive starters and five defensive starters in its quest for a fourth straight 6A state championship. Internally, nobody expects a drop off.
All eyes will be on senior quarterback Jaxon Pehrson, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of a long line of great Corner Canyon QBs ahead of him.
Skyridge is projected to finish second in Region 3 this season as it returns five starters on both sides of the ball.
The Falcons actually earned a share of the Region 3 title last season along with Corner Canyon, but bowed out of the playoffs against Lone Peak in the semis.
Fourth-year Skyridge coach Justin Hemm expects his team to be in the hunt again, and said his players can’t wait for the pressure cooker of Region 3 action.
“Every week presents a different challenge, and there are no easy games. The coaching is outstanding, the players are well-developed, and every program has the ability to compete on any given Friday night,” said Hemm.
“We have a great deal of respect for every team in our region because we know how difficult it is to consistently win at this level. Our focus isn’t on predictions or standings — it’s on preparing to play our best football each week. We believe competing in a region this competitive ultimately makes everyone better and prepares teams for postseason success.”
Leading the way for Skyridge is new starting quarterback Jagger Fountaine, as the junior is already viewed as one of the top QB prospects in the state.
He’ll benefit from playing behind center Anders Anderson, a returning first team all-stater.
Checking in at No. 3 is Lone Peak, one of the few 6A teams that’s experienced recent success against Corner Canyon.
In fact, the Knights beat the Chargers in the regular season in each of the past two seasons. Unfortunately for them, they succumbed to Kjar’s postseason wizardry both times losing in the 6A title game back-to-back years.
Lone Peak, seemingly, should be the most happy about Kjar’s departure, but it also means the end of the Kjar vs. Bart Brockbank chess match-type games, which have been cinema the past nine seasons.
Coach Brockbank’s team returns four starters on both sides of the ball, and he believes the expectations are as high as they always are
“I believe our region will be as good as it has been in years past. All teams will compete and have a shot to be holding the trophy at the end of the season,” said Brockbank.
American Fork checks in at No. 4 in the preseason rankings as Aaron Behm heads into his 17th season leading the program. His team returns six starters on both sides of the ball, the most of any Region 3 team.
“We are really excited for this upcoming season. We have some great experience coming back from the last two seasons and it will be fun to see that play out throughout the fall,” said Behm.
Nate Childs is back at QB for the Cavemen after starting most of the season last year, and three of his top four receiving threats return as well. Headlining that group is Michigan tight end commit Christian Hanshaw.
Lehi is projected to finish last in Region 3 season coming off a season where it faded late with blowout losses to Lone Peak and Corner Canyon to end the regular season.
Coach Hadfield’s team returns the fewest starters of Region 3 teams this year, but he’s optimistic that the talent and leadership are there to turn some heads in 2026.
“We will have a team with great senior leadership. Some position groups will be young, but have great talent they just need experience,” said Hadfield. “We have had a great offseason and the team is fired up and ready to go. I’m excited to see them compete on Friday nights.”
Region 3 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Corner Canyon Chargers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Casey Sutera
After a successful four-year stint as Brighton’s head coach (35-14), which included a semifinal appearance in 2024, Sutera is returning to Corner Canyon in 2026 as head coach. He served as Eric Kjar’s defensive coordinator with the Chargers from 2017 to 2021, a span in which the program won three state titles. Sutera a graduate of Murray High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Casey Sutera’s general outlook
We know we have a high expectation because of the standard Coach Kjar has created at CC. We expect to keep the same tradition and we know that starts with the process. Our players have done a great job of investing into our offseason Strength program and I feel like we are in a good place coming out of our summer camp. We also have a lot of players that have worked hard through out their time in the program and we are excited for them to get an opportunity. We still have a lot of work to do but looking forward to the season.
Offensive coordinator: Wes Patterson
2025 offense: 46.21 ppg (No. 1 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Jackson West, OL, Sr.
- Diesel Dart, WR, Sr.
- Jackson Carruth, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jaxon Pehrson, QB, Sr.
- Carter Kjar, WR, Sr.
- Kelen Gold, WR, Jr.
- Deagan Mason, WR, Sr.
- Beckham Coon, WR, Jr.
- Lucas Byrd, WR, Jr.
- James Granberry, WR, Jr.
- Luke Hale, WR, Sr.
- Chase Peterson, OL, Sr.
- Mo Brown, OL, Sr.
- Damon Warburton, OL, Jr.
- Nathan Falekaono, OL, So.
- Bodi Whelan, OL, So.
- Keyon Davis, OL, Sr.
- Axyl Meine, RB, Sr.
- Eli Garrett, TE, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Frankie Sutera
2025 defense: 17.29 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Tate Patterson, LB, Sr.
- Diesel Dart, DB, Sr.
- Josh Harris, DB, Sr.
- Mo Brown, DL, Sr.
- Jackson West, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Ryce Palepoi, LB, Sr.
- Wyatt Warner, DL, Sr.
- Brody Allred, DL, Jr.
- Laken Abilla, DB, Sr.
- Will Tenney, DB, Sr.
- Burn Sudweeks, DB, Sr.
- Isaac Otuafi, DB, Sr.
- Jace Iverson, LB, Jr.
- Aj Anigbo, DB, So.
- Sidon Satiu, DL, So.
- James Bowman, DL, Sr.
- Lolo Angilau, DL, Jr.
- Lincoln Street, DL, Jr.
- Tui Angilau, DL, Sr.
2. Skyridge Falcons
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Justin Hemm
Heads into his fourth season after leading Skyridge to a 30-9 record the past three years and a 6A runner-up finish in 2023. He previously coached Brighton for three years as his teams posted a 26-7 record.He’s a graduate of Piqua High School in Ohio and Adrian College in Michigan.
Coach Justin Hemm’s general outlook
We believe this year’s team has talent, experience, and work ethic to compete with anyone, but we also understand that success has to be earned every day. We return a strong core of experienced players while adding a talented group of young athletes who have embraced the culture of our program. Our schedule is one of the most challenging in the state, featuring outstanding opponents from both Utah and out of state, which is exactly the type of competition we want to prepare us for November. We are excited about our leadership, our depth, and the competitive mindset this team has developed throughout the offseason. Our focus is simple: improve every day, play physical and disciplined football, and put ourselves in position to compete for a Region 3 championship and another deep playoff run.
Offensive coordinator: Justin Hemm
2025 offense: 42.33 ppg (No. 2 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Andy Anderson, C, Sr.
- Daynian Afalava, G, Jr.
- Sitiveni Fuatapu-Ngata, OT, Jr.
- Soren Christiansen, G, Jr.
- Omarian Sanders, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jagger Fountaine, QB, Jr.
- Beckham Bennett, RB, Jr.
- Steeler Wesley, TE, Jr.
- Dax Rehrer, WR, Sr.
- Eli Mortensen, WR, Jr.
- Koa Wallwork, WR, Jr.
- Malosi Shepard, WR, So.
- Simote Afu, T, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Patrick Gleaves
2025 defense: 23.42 ppg (No. 8 in 6A)
- Five returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Rex Caswell, LB, Sr.
- Carter Seu, DL, Sr.
- Latu Moeai, DL, Sr.
- Daison Merrill, CB, Sr.
- Ethan Schriever, S, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Sua Ripley, DL, Sr.
- Sa Tanuvasa, LB, Sr.
- Drayson Afalava, LB, So.
- Andrew Price, LB, Jr.
- Crew Stevens, DB, Sr.
- Jaden Tahi, S, So.
- Trey Harper, DB, Sr.
- Eli Mortensen, DB, Jr.
3. Lone Peak Knights
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Bart Brockbank
Entering his 10th season as head coach at Lone Peak, where he’s compiled a, 76-40 record during that stretch and state titles in 2018 and 2021. He’s a graduate of Lehi High School and BYU.
Coach Bart Brockbank’s general outlook
With a few returning starters in key positions we will lean on them to help an otherwise younger starting core in helping them to be prepared for Friday night competition.
Offensive coordinator: Gary Trwobridge
2025 offense: 30.62 ppg (No. 8 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cruz Christensen, QB, Sr.
- Sean Tahi, RB, Sr.
- Sione Moeaki, OL, Sr.
- Ledger Holmes, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Pili Mounga, RB, So.
- Dillon Sykes, WR, Sr.
- Crew Robinson, WR, Sr.
- Ayden Laws, RB, Sr.
- Gus Johnson, C, Sr.
- Samsoni Falepapalangi, OL, So.
- Jeeta Muavesi, OL, Jr.
- JB Sua, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Ryan Denney
2025 defense: 23.38 ppg (No. 7 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Kingston Stroshine, LB, So.
- Gabe Harmon, S, Sr.
- Bridger Dunn, DL, Sr.
- Tate King, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Inoke Folaumahina, LB, Jr.
- Justin Thayer, LB, Sr.
- Dalton Broadbent, DB, Sr.
- Joe Brown, DB, Jr.
- Isaac Evans, DB, Jr.
- Nusi Schaumkel, S, So.
4. American Fork Cavemen
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Aaron Behm
Entering his 17th season as American Fork’s head coach, where he’s guided the team to an 114-78 record. He led the Cavemen to runner-up appearances in 2014, 2018 and 2019. He’s a graduate of Grant Community High School and Trinity International University, both in Illinois.
Coach Aaron Behm’s general outlook
We are really excited for this upcoming season. We have some great experience coming back from the last two seasons and it will be fun to see that play out throughout the fall. We have some great senior leadership in place and the team in hungry to get going with games in August.
Offensive coordinator: Micah Hunsaker
2025 offense: 24.75 ppg (No. 12 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Nate Childs, QB, Sr.
- Christian Hanshaw, TE, Sr.
- Cash Taiese, WR, Jr.
- Ty Holmstead, WR, Jr.
- Talon Roberts, G, Sr.
- Andrew Uluilakepa, G, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Zach Cowie, TE, Sr.
- Dc Fonua, RB/WR, Sr.
- Manatoa Fano, T, Jr.
- Dayton Hanson, WR, Sr.
- Jackson Chadwick, OL, Jr.
- Jake Matsen, QB, So.
- Mason Brooks, WR, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Trevor Richins
2025 defense: 23.67 ppg (No. 9 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-3-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Dalin Afu, DL, Sr.
- Noah Behm, S, Sr.
- Sam Thompson, LB, Sr.
- Lincoln Miller, S, Sr.
- Sam Merten, DL, Sr.
- Mason Peterson, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Manatoa Fano, DL, Jr.
- Brayden Litke, C, Jr.
- Mack Segura, C, Sr.
- Hayden Reutzel, C, Sr.
5. Lehi Pioneers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andy Hadfield
After serving as an assistant coach at Lehi for a decade, he took over as head coach for the Pioneers in 2025 and led the program to a 6-5 record. He’s a graduate of Lehi High School and SUU.
Coach Andy Hadfield’s general outlook
We will have a team with great senior leadership. Some position groups will be young, but have great talent they just need experience. We have had a great offseason and the team is fired up and ready to go. I’m excited to see them compete on Friday nights.
Offensive coordinator: Andy Hadfield
2025 offense: 28.8 ppg (No. 9 in 6A)
- Two returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cam Wren, WR/TE, Sr.
- Kacyn Page, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Briggs Jensen, QB, Sr.
- Sam Verbecky, RB, Sr.
- Cam Bryce, RB, Jr.
- Kyson Butterfield, WR, Sr.
- Vince Rueles, WR, Sr.
- Zeke Clements, TE, Sr.
- Jace Kerns, OL, Jr.
- Brandon Tuuholoaki, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Jared Harward
2025 defense: 18.1 ppg (No. 3 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Tautai Meredith, DE, Sr.
- Treydon Nelson, DT, Sr.
- Brody Downs, LB, Sr.
- Colt Kelley, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Sterling Fillmore, DE, Sr.
- Carter Smith, DT, Jr.
- Paul Unga, LB, Sr.
- Raiden Tripp, LB, Sr.
- Porter Hobbs, DB, Sr.
- Li’I Unga, DB, So.
- Eli Cole, DB, So.
- Ken Moleni, DB, Jr.