After finishing second behind Mountain Ridge in Region 2 last year and then going on to fall to them in the 6A state quarterfinals, Herriman will enter this season with plenty of motivation to make a deeper playoff run this year. With a total of 13 returning starters, Herriman is picked to finish atop the region this season.
Herriman head coach Matt Rickards is confident in what his team can provide this and has really liked what he has seen from his players in the offseason.
“We are excited for the season. We feel like we have some very talented players and many returning players with experience that will lead to success,” said Rickards. “Our kids have worked hard in the weight room this offseason increasing our team speed and physicality.”
Herriman has a number of players that they will be able to rely upon and lead the team. Running back Filisie Filipe will have a stellar offensive line to run behind, while quarterback Bryson Sweeney will have plenty of weapons to throw to on the outside.
When it comes to what to expect from the rest of the region this year, Rickards knows the quality of the other teams and coaches and feels that the region is tighter than it has ever been.
“Region 2 has some very talented players. There are some very well coached teams that are competitive in every phase of the game. We had some teams do well in the playoffs last season and That will happen again. I also expect some improvements from some of the other teams in the region because I know that they have good coaches leading them in the right direction.”
Picked to finish behind Herriman is the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last season in Mountain Ridge. Finding themselves at #2, Mountain Ridge made it all the way to the semifinals last year, losing to eventual state champions Corner Canyon.
If they want to build upon the success they had last year, Mountain Ridge will have to rely on a number of fresh faces and newcomers to help lead the pack.
“We are coming off a historic season at Mountain Ridge. Our guys have really put the time in this offseason to improve. We are excited for the challenge and opportunity to compete this season,” said Mountain Ridge head coach Nick Robins.
Three of the key offensive returning veteran players that Mountain Ridge will look to include quarterback Jaxon Hunt, wide receiver Tytan Dejong and offensive tackle Tyler Mclellan.
“Region 2 has some really good football teams. I think a lot of teams in our region will elevate from last year. It’s a battle each week and we are excited for region play,” said Robins.
After having a strong showing in region last year only to go out in the first round of the playoffs, Westlake is hopeful that they will have the players and scheme to finish the job this season.
With another offseason to develop and prepare, the Thunder will look to turn last years’ experience into motivation as they chase a deeper postseason run. The team believes that if they can stay healthy, execute consistently and find ways to close out tight games, Westlake will have plenty to be excited about throughout the season.
“Last year was a breakout year for our program. This year we are expecting a special year. We have special people in our program...admin, staff, players, parents & community who are vertically aligned and bought into the standards & expectations of our program,” said Westlake head coach Arnold Ale.
Ale knows that there are a number of teams who can finish atop the region and make a deep playoff run, with his team being one of those.
“Our region has both incredible coaches & players. I believe we have multiple teams who can contend for the region and state championship.”
Predicted to finish in the middle of the pack are the Bingham Miners. After a disappointing 3-7 season and one where the team went 3-3 in region play, the Miners hope that a mixture of newcomers as well as 11 returning starters will be the perfect recipe for success.
After putting in the work during the offseason, the Miners are looking to take another step forward this season. Head coach Josh Johnson is encouraged by the team’s preparation and the combination of veteran leadership and young talent heading into the year.
“We are excited for our upcoming team; we have a great mix of experience and talented underclassmen. They have worked extremely hard since December to be ready for the season! Summer camp went great; we have a good group of leaders both on and off the field. We are excited to compete,” said Johnson.
With several teams in the region capable of making a run, Bingham knows there won’t be many easy games on the schedule. Johnson expects the Miners to face a tough test each week as the competition continues to improve across the region.
“Our region is extremely competitive; you can’t really take a week off. All teams have improved, and I expect a game every week.”
Predicted to finish fifth in the region this year, Riverton will get a full refresh with a very young team this season. With only two returning starters split between the offense and defense, the Silverwolves will have a bit of an uphill climb if they hope to be among the top teams in the region.
With so many new players stepping into larger roles, development and consistency will be key throughout the season. The young roster will be learning week in and week out while building confidence along the way.
After an early first-round exit from the postseason last year, Riverton will be facing quite a bit of change and turnover this year. The Silverwolves will look to use the experience gained last season while giving their younger players opportunities to grow and gain valuable varsity experience.
Riverton recognizes the quality of coaching and talent across the region and understands that competing at a high level will require consistency from start to finish.
“Region 2 challenges itself with consistent competition and great coaching. It is up there as one of the best regions in the state,” said Riverton head coach James Freeland.
At #6 in our preseason rankings, Copper Hills helps to take another big step forward in year 2 under head coach Darius Matthews.
Copper Hills will have plenty of familiar faces and leadership on the field to start with season, with 16 total returning starters.
Copper Hills head coach Darius Matthews believes the program has made significant strides since last year. With increased confidence and a stronger foundation in place, Matthews and the Grizzlies are ready to turn the page and change the way people view the program.
“We have a very positive outlook on this season. This is year two for me and this team. With that has come growth, confidence, and intentional optimism amongst my guys, said Matthews. “We are excited to compete this season and put last year behind us, and I believe these young men are up for the challenge. Our mission remains the same; to change the narrative,” said Matthews.
Copper Hills knows it will have to bring its best each week, and Matthews expects another highly competitive season with strong competition spread throughout the region and very little room for error.
“I think we play in one of the toughest regions, if not arguably the toughest region the state. Solid competition that is spread throughout all 7 teams. I’m looking forward to a competitive year.”
Hoping to shock everyone and take the region by surprise is Cedar Valley. If they want to improve off of their 1-win season from a year ago and make their way out of the cellar, Cedar Valley will need to rely on a completely fresh group of players and starters to get the job done.
Going into his first year at the helm, Cedar Valley head coach Cody Gardner likes the commitment and drive he has seen from his players and hopes it continues once the season gets under way.
“The kids have been great, doing everything we’ve asked of them. Our focus has been on creating a new standard. “The Process” is cliche and overused but it’s really where we are at, only focused on the way we go about being a football team,” said Gardner. “I know these boys will compete and if we coaches have asked the right things of them, they will find on field success.”
Gardner believes Region 2 deserves more recognition for the level of competition it provides than what it has gotten in the past. Gardner expects the region’s top programs to be right in the mix when the playoffs arrive.
“6A football in Utah is tremendous football. Region 2 is no different, every week will be a challenge. Region 3 gets a ton of attention and rightfully so, but I truly think the top teams from our region will be in the mix come playoffs.”
Region 2 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Herriman Mustangs
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Matt Rickards
Heading into his third season as head coach at Herriman after racking up a 13-10 record the past two seasons. Prior to that he spent 11 seasons at Kearns where his teams went a combined 71-50. He’s a graduate of Hunter High School and Weber State.
Coach Matt Rickards’s general outlook
We are excited for the season. We feel like we have some very talented players and many returning players with experience that will lead to success. Our kids have worked hard in the weight room this offseason increasing our team speed and physicality. We will rely on our O line to pave way for our talented running back group. That O line has many starters coming back like Toa Feinga, Elway Aiono, Ivan Rameriz, and Henry Tulikihihifo. Filisi Filipe is one of the best Running backs in the state and with that O line I believe we will be a force. QB Bryson Sweeney will be throwing to some talented guys like Hates Priest, Jayden Galvin, Britton Wall, Wes England, Cam Curtis and Nash Collie.
Defensively Kemper Castro will lead the squad as one of the most productive defensive players returning in the state. A number of strong defensive linemen will hold down the line of scrimmage that include Aden Jensen, Nu’u Maui, Sam Toa, Cash Peterson, Rhett Parker and Griff Landies. Linebacker Gavyn Fox looks to have a strong year. In the secondary Logan Gregory will lead that group with a bunch of talented guys with speed. Defensively last year we were one of the best in the state and plan to improve off of that success. Punter Sebastian Alfanso was a standout last year and will likely have a great year again with improvement that he had in the offseason.
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Good
2025 offense: 38.92 ppg (No. 4 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple Power and RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Toa Feinga, OT, Jr.
- Elway Aiono, OT, Sr.
- Henry Tulikihihifo, G, So.
- Ivan Rameriz, C, Sr.
- Filisi Filipe, RB, Sr.
- Max Wilson, FB, Jr.
- Hayes Priest, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Britton Wall, WR, Sr.
- Kaden Crook, OL, So.
- Zion Fesili, OL, Sr.
- Jayden Galvin, TE, Sr.
- Wes England, WR, Sr.
- Cam Curtis, WR, Sr.
- Nash Collie, WR, So.
- Max Stevens, RB, Jr.
- Jauin Polanco, RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Tyler Pedersen
2025 defense: 14 ppg (No. 1 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- 3-4 Multiple
Returning defensive starters
- Kemper Castro, EDGE, Sr.
- Nu’U Maui, DL, Sr.
- Aden Jensen, DL, Jr.
- Sam Toa, DL, Jr.
- Logan Gregory, CB, Sr.
- Gavyn Fox, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Cash Peterson, DL, Jr.
- Griff Landies, DL, Jr.
- Rhett Parker, DL, Sr.
- Dailen Asaana, DL, Sr.
- Ashton Hebert, LB, Sr.
- Stone Tia, LB, Sr.
- Sebastian Alfanso, LB, Sr.
- Aden Perea, DB, Sr.
- Isaac Owens, DB, Sr.
- Krew Olsen, DB, Sr.
- Dylan Aldridge, DB, Sr.
- Cadse Jensen, DB, Sr.
- Jackson Nickel, DB, Sr.
- Max Wilson, LB, Jr.
- Elijah Pena, DB, Sr.
2. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Nick Robins
Led Mountain Ridge to a 10-3 record in his debut season at the school in 2025. He previously served as an assistant coach at Timpview. He’s a graduate of Juab at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
Coach Nick Robins’s general outlook
We are coming off a historic season at Mountain Ridge. Our guys have really put the time in this offseason to improve. We are excited for the challenge and opportunity to compete this season.
Offensive coordinator: Nick Robins
2025 offense: 33.38 ppg (No. 5 in 6A)
- Three returning starters
- Run N Shoot offense
Returning offensive starters
- Tytan Dejong, WR, Sr.
- Jaxon Hunt, QB, Sr.
- Tyler Mclellan, OT, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Bennett Nielsen, WR, Sr.
- Xander Thayer, WR, Sr.
- Jordan Classenn, WR, Jr.
- Shane Johnson, OT, Sr.
- Mckrae Renteria, WR, So.
- Marshal West, WR, So.
- Tyson Dunn, RB, Jr.
- Rhett Collins, WR, Jr.
- Mason Tavita, OG, So.
- Jaxton Agguire, OL, Sr.
- Bradley Foster, OL, Sr.
- Kyle Rawlins, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Jackson Peck
2025 defense: 23 ppg (No. 6 in 6A)
- Two returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Cole Uluave, LB, Sr.
- Easton Stubbs, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Boston Kojima, DL, Jr.
- Tani Kinikini, DB, Sr.
- Cael Castillo, DB, Jr.
- Kyler Christiansen, LB, Sr.
- Scooby Tulau, LB, Jr.
- Ryder Whitaker, LB, So.
- Blake Benson, DB, Sr.
- Gavin Roberts, DL, Sr.
- Siaosi Mama’O, DL, So.
- Tristan Washington, DB, Fr.
- Jayce Helm, DB, Sr.
- Caysen Nicholosi, LB, Sr.
3. Westlake Thunder
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Arnold Ale
Entering his fourth season as head coach at Westlake after a 12-23 record in his first three seasons. Prior to that he was the head coach at Payson in 2022, where team went 7-4. He’s a graduate of Carson High in California and UCLA.
Coach Arnold Ale’s general outlook
Last year was a ‘breakout’ year for our program. This year we are expecting a ‘special’ year. We have special people in our program...admin, staff, players, parents & community who are vertically aligned and bought in to the standards & expectations of our program.
Offensive coordinator: Westlake football staff
2025 offense: 32.55 ppg (No. 6 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Malik Sika, WR, Sr.
- Slone Su’a, WR, Sr.
- Ashton Taylor, RB, Sr.
- Dylan Blakey, RB, Sr.
- Savai’i Fetuao, OL, Sr.
- Hayden Traxler, OL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Silas Taumoepeau, QB, So.
- Kylan Xoumphonphackdy, WR, Jr.
- Spencer Dickerson, WR, Sr.
- Kayson Ashby, OL, Sr.
- Logan Sorensen, TE/OL, Sr.
- Dayne Miller, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Westlake football staff
2025 defense: 24.91 ppg (No. 10 in 6A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Malakai Leilua, S, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
Daxon Schaugaard, CB, Sr.
4. Bingham Miners
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Josh Johnson
Entering his third season as head coach at Bingham after spending 19 years as an assistant coach at the school. He guided Bingham to a 8-13 record in his first two seasons. He’s a graduate of Bingham at UVU.
Coach Josh Johnson’s general outlook
We are excited for our upcoming team, we have a great mix of experience and talented underclassmen. They have worked extremely hard since December to be ready for the season! Summer camp went great, we have a good group of leaders both on and off the field. We are excited to compete.
Offensive coordinator: Donovan Malmrose
2025 offense: 16.7 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Samson Tongolei, OL, Sr.
- Tusi Tuikolovatu, RB, Sr.
- Elias Fineanganofo, OL, Sr.
- Paea Tovo, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Graham Wilson, OL, Jr.
- Sione Afemui, OL, Jr.
- Lotu Tuineau, OL, So.
- Terrance Amasio, OL, Sr.
- Jaedyn Alailima, OL, So.
- Beckham Greaves, WR, Sr.
- Alex Dabo, WR, Sr.
- Chance Marti, WR, Jr.
- Jamo Montoya, WR, Jr.
- Charlie Olson, TE, Jr.
- Ryder Singley, WR, So.
- Ruben Hoffer, TE/RB, Jr.
- Knox Dawson, QB, So.
- Makhi Spight, QB, Sr.
- Max Childs, QB, Sr.
- Ethan Hawes, WR/RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: LT Filiaga
2025 defense: 31.9 ppg (No. 13 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Monson Tukuafu, LB, Sr.
- Lincoln Morgan, DL, Sr.
- Tali Lataha, DL, So.
- Lao Tafuna, DL, So.
- Sila Maumau, DL, Jr.
- Jayden Cumbee, DB, Jr.
- Kash Dawson, DB, Sr.
- Jaylee Thompson, DE, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Cash Johnson, DB, Jr.
- Cooper Johnson, DB, Jr.
- Ryder Loveless, DL, Sr.
- Andrew Finau, DE, Jr.
- Tui Angilau, LB, Sr.
- Jack Demke, LB, Sr.
- Xander Peni, DB, Sr.
- Rock Norris, DB, Sr.
- Marlon Laban, LB, Sr.
- Kole Mechling, DB, Sr.
- Austin Larsen, LB, Sr.
- Lisiate Vahe, LB, Sr.
- Inoke Vahe, LB, Jr.
- Sione Toutai, DL, Sr.
- Gabe Hawes, DB, So.
- Brody Meyer, LB, Jr.
5. Riverton Silverwolves
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jim Freeland
He’s guided Riverton to a 9-23 record over the past three years. He’s a graduate of Amador Valley High School in California and BYU.
Coach Jim Freeland’s general outlook
Riverton High will get a full refresh with a very young team this season. Only two returning starters split between the offense and defense for the Wolves. The Silverwolves look to continue to compete in a tough Region 2.
Offensive coordinator: James Freeland
2025 offense: 28.6 ppg (No. 10 in 6A)
- One returning starter
- Pro Style offense
Returning offensive starters
- Truxton Davenport
Key offensive newcomers
- Austin Morris, JR, QB
- Tayvin Hill, JR, WR
- Ian Grey, So, OT
- Will Taylor, JR, WR
Defensive coordinator: Josh Holt
2025 defense: 25.4 ppg (No. 11 in 6A)
- One returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Exodus Afatasi
Key defensive newcomers
- Autry Hobbs, Jr, MLB
- Kendrick Coates, Jr, OL
- Kyle Cornia, Sr, CB
6. Copper Hills Grizzlies
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Darius Matthews
Heading into his second season as head coach after a 3-8 debut season with Copper Hills. Matthews previously served as the defensive coordinator and D-line coach at Mountain Ridge for six seasons. He’s a graduate of West Jordan High School and Utah Tech.
Coach Darius Matthews’s general outlook
Very positive outlook on this season! This is year two for me and this team. With that has come growth, confidence, and intentional optimism amongst my guys. We are excited to compete this season and put last year behind us, and I believe these young men are up for the challenge. Our mission remains the same; to change the narrative.
Offensive coordinator: Pala Vaitu’u
2025 offense: 20 ppg (No. 13 in 6A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple-Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ethan Hill, QB, Jr.
- Ryder Mitchell, RB, Sr.
- Logan Beck, WR, Jr.
- James Gleed, WR, Jr.
- Maximus Tua, OL, Sr.
- Luke Brough, OL, Sr.
- Hyrum Maiava, OL, So.
Key offensive newcomers
- TJ Chadwick, OL, Sr.
- Bryant Shaw, WR, Jr.
- Kaven Loertscher, OL, So.
Defensive coordinator: Darius Matthews/MJ Tafisisi
2025 defense: 34.09 ppg (No. 15 in 6A)
- Nine returning starters
- 4-2 multiple defense
Returning defensive starters
- Mo Ho’Opai, DL, So.
- Collin Sidwell, DL, Sr.
- Darius Fue, MLB, Sr.
- Wyatt Werner, LB, Sr.
- Kome Toilolo, LB, Sr.
- Louie Riggs, CB, Sr.
- Landon Gerona, CB, Jr.
- Logan Morrell, SS, Sr.
- Aka Eheounou, FS, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Isaac Moreno, DE, Sr.
- Maddox Iocono, DE, Jr.
- Krew Vrotney, LB, Jr.
- Channing Kaio, S, Jr.
7. Cedar Valley Aviators
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Cody Gardner
After serving as the defensive coordinator at Corner Canyon the previous four years, he’s taking over as head coach at Cedar Valley in 2026. He’s also been an assistant at Park City, Washington High in Missouri and his alma mater at Riverton High School in Illinois.
Coach Cody Gardner’s general outlook
It’s year one and it’s my first year as a Head Coach, so we are all learning a lot. The kids have been great, doing everything we’ve asked of them. Our focus has been on creating a new standard. The Process is cliche and over used but it’s really where we are at, only focused on the way we go about being a football team. I know these boys will compete and if we coaches have asked the right things of them, they will find on field success.
Offensive coordinator: Jason Londe
2025 offense: 19.4 ppg (No. 14 in 6A)
- One returning starter
- West Coast/Pro Style offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Maxwell Stoner, RB, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Ryder Amador, WR, Sr.
- Jeremiah Blair, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Cody Gardner
2025 defense: 39.9 ppg (No. 17 in 6A)
- Zero returning starters
- 4-2-5 defense
Key defensive newcomers
- Carter Paulson, DB, Sr.
- Antonio Sanchez, DB, Sr.