Five seasons into Utah’s 8-player classification, Rich has established itself as the program everyone else is chasing.
The Rebels have reached three of the first four state championship games and won each of the past three, including last season’s 21-12 victory over Milford. Rich enters 2026 as the No. 1 team in the Deseret News preseason coaches poll, looking for a fourth straight championship and another chapter in a program that already has seven state titles and 15 championship game appearances.
Rich went 10-3 last season, with losses to Mountain View, Wyo., Grace, Idaho and South Sevier. But when the playoffs arrived, the Rebels looked like the team that had dominated the classification the previous two seasons.
Rich beat Water Canyon 55-14 in the quarterfinals, Whitehorse 50-8 in the semifinals and Milford 21-12 in the championship game.
The challenge this season is replacing a senior class that accounted for a significant portion of last year’s production.
Quarterback Jett Holmes graduated after throwing for 862 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 743 yards and 11 touchdowns. Linebacker Karter Groll led the team with 103 tackles, while Aiden Weston, Boston Jolley, Easton Eborn and Dylan Fonnesbeck also earned All-State honors before graduating.
The Rebels do, however, return the player who was named the classification’s Player of the Year last season.
Wilkes Weston enters his senior season after rushing for 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. He also threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns and finished with 82 tackles defensively. Paxton Nicolodemos and Rylan Gough also return after earning All-State honors a year ago.
Still, Rich expects plenty of new faces. The Rebels could have six or seven first-year starters on both sides of the ball, putting added importance on a senior group Larsen believes can carry the program forward.
“Any of the success we have had over the last few years is credited to how hard these guys work and their commitment to each other,” Larsen said. “I’ve been impressed at how the guys naturally have a high standard and hold each other accountable.”
That standard has helped Rich remain at the top even as one senior class graduates after another.
“As with any other team every year, the guys in our program that need to step into the biggest roles are the senior group,” Larsen said. “We have some motivated younger dudes in crucial positions, but we are hoping the seniors who’ve had some experience can carry the torch and lead through example.”
The Rebels have been the team to beat since 8-player football arrived in Utah. With another talented group coming through Randolph, the question isn’t whether Rich can contend.
It’s whether anyone can finally knock them off.Milford didn’t need long to establish itself as a contender in 8-player football.
After dropping from 1A, the Tigers reached the state championship game in their first season in the classification, finishing 9-3 and earning the No. 2 spot in the preseason coaches poll. Every coach other than Rich, which could not vote for itself, selected Milford second.
The Tigers’ only losses last season came against Enterprise and Rich, with the Rebels handing them both defeats. The first came by seven points during the regular season. The second came in the state championship game, when Rich pulled away for a 21-12 victory.
Now Milford returns with something it didn’t have a year ago: experience in the 8-player championship game.
The Tigers were dominant for much of their first season in the classification. They beat Altamont 72-6, Water Canyon 65-0 and Monticello 67-0 during the regular season before shutting out UMA Camp Williams 57-0 and beating Monticello 83-24 in the playoffs to reach the championship game.
But getting back won’t be as simple as bringing everyone back.
Milford graduated an impressive group that included quarterback Carson Cheney, receiver and defensive back Boston Sullivan, defensive lineman Adrian Tafalo and linebacker Boston Thompson. Cheney threw for 1,971 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Sullivan had 795 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and intercepted 12 passes on defense.
The Tigers still have plenty of firepower, though.
Senior Kyzler Merryweather returns after earning First Team All-State honors last season. He accounted for more than 1,000 yards of offense and 20 offensive touchdowns while also contributing defensively and on special teams. Senior Griffin Walker also returns after totaling 770 offensive yards and 53 tackles.
Tayon Blackburn, a senior, rushed for 415 yards and five touchdowns last season and is one of the players coach Thane Marshall expects to help lead the team. Marshall also pointed to seniors Kristian Magana and Skyler Russell as key pieces.
Milford’s experience from last season may ultimately be its biggest advantage.
“I think that the kids learned that you have to play every game/every play to achieve your goal!” Marshall said. “As a coaching staff I think we learned that we need to adapt to every conceivable part of the game and to have the kids ready for anything.”
The Tigers also know exactly what stands between them and their first championship in the new classification.
“We just need to be able to play our game and not let any game be to big,” Marshall said. “Now that we have been there we need to be very hungry to get back there and to have a better result.”
Milford already has three state championships and five championship game appearances in program history. After reaching the title game in its first 8-player season, the Tigers now have a chance to add another championship to that history.
The coaches have made their choice. Milford is the team most likely to challenge Rich.
Monticello has been one of the defining programs of Utah’s young 8-player classification.
The Buckaroos were the runner-up in each of the first three seasons, reaching the championship game in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Last season, however, their run ended in the semifinals, leaving Monticello looking to get back into the championship picture with a much younger group.
The Buckaroos went 6-6 in 2025 and entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. After advancing through the first round by forfeit, Monticello pulled off one of the classification’s bigger playoff upsets, knocking off No. 3 seed Altamont 43-24 in the quarterfinals. The run ended against Milford, which beat the Buckaroos 83-24 in the semifinals.
Monticello had actually lost to Altamont 44-37 during the regular season, making the playoff victory over the Longhorns even more significant.
This year’s team will look considerably different.
Quarterback Jackson Keyes graduated after throwing for 1,997 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, while Landon Shumway rushed for 770 yards and eight touchdowns. Tommy Morrison also departed after leading the team with 686 receiving yards while recording 98 tackles and four sacks.
Coach Reed Anderson expects a younger team, one that may need some time to find its identity.
“We are going to be a younger team that we have been in the past,” Anderson said. “We have a few returning starters and even amongst those, many are changing positions.”
The biggest change comes at quarterback, where senior Cache Young moves from receiver to take over for Keyes. Young caught 38 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns last season while also throwing for 424 yards and two scores.
Senior John Leber gives the Buckaroos an experienced presence on defense after leading the team with 113 tackles last season. Tristan Burtenshaw, Canyon Christensen and Arturo Gutierrez are other seniors Anderson expects to lean on early.
Burtenshaw recorded 24 tackles and two sacks last season, while Christensen had 51 tackles and an interception. Gutierrez contributed 77 rushing yards and 112 receiving yards.
The Buckaroos also have several younger players Anderson believes can grow into bigger roles, including junior Miles Coleman, sophomore Avery Hedrick and sophomore Noah Dilts. Brandtson Mack, a sophomore, also gives Monticello another young player capable of contributing at multiple positions.
“This team is full of young, hardworking players, that want to get on the field and have some fun,” Anderson said. “This team will get better as the weeks play on and we get some experience under our belts.”
That development could determine just how far Monticello goes. The Buckaroos have already established themselves as one of the classification’s premier programs, but this group will have to grow into that standard.
Anderson sees the continued growth of 8-player football as part of what makes the challenge worthwhile.
“The classification is getting better each and every year in my opinion,” he said. “Each year 8 player gets more and more competitive and more and more fun.”
Altamont enters the season with plenty of confidence after an 8-3 finish last year, but the Longhorns also have a major piece of production to replace.
Breyden Jessen was one of the most productive players in 1A 8-player football last season, earning first-team All-State honors after accounting for 2,018 rushing and receiving yards and 40 total touchdowns.
The good news for Altamont is that it doesn’t have to start over at quarterback.
Junior Dallan Ledbetter returns after throwing for 1,843 yards and 25 touchdowns with just two interceptions last season. He also rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown. Ledbetter was an honorable-mention All-State selection, giving the Longhorns an experienced quarterback to build around.
Altamont also returns several seniors who will be expected to take on bigger roles, including running back/linebacker Payson Evans and offensive linemen Parker Phillips and Jax Sorensen. Phillips was a first-team All-State selection last season, while Logan Nelson, who has graduated, was a second-team selection.
The Longhorns will continue to run an option offense, with five returning offensive starters listed by coach Justin Busdicker. Porter Lazenby is another player expected to step into a bigger role after being listed among the team’s key newcomers on offense and defense.
“The boys are excited and ready to go,” Busdicker said. “We have been in the weight room all summer long doing strength training and speed training.”
That work will be important for a team that experienced plenty of highs and lows last season.
Altamont opened 2025 with a wild 54-52 loss to St. Joseph, then won seven of its next eight games before falling to Milford. The Longhorns also beat Monticello 44-37 during the regular season, only to have the Buckaroos return the favor in the playoffs with a 43-24 victory.
Those close games were a theme throughout the season. Altamont beat UMA Hill Field 68-36 and 28-26 in two meetings, then edged Whitehorse 54-52 before finishing the regular season with a 50-8 victory over Panguitch.
“Our region is a good strong one and we hope to be competing for a region title thorughout the season,” Busdicker said.
Replacing Jessen won’t be easy, but with Ledbetter back under center and several experienced players returning around him, Altamont has enough pieces to remain one of the classification’s most dangerous teams.
For Whitehorse, 2025 was a season that put the program back among the best in its history.
The Raiders finished 6-3, their most wins since the 1995 team won seven games, and scored a school-record 392 points. They also reached the state semifinals for just the second time in school history, making it one of the best seasons Whitehorse has ever had.
The Raiders didn’t have the easiest start, opening the season with a 52-26 loss to UMA Camp Williams. But Whitehorse responded by winning six of its next seven games, including a 30-18 victory over St. Joseph, a 44-2 win over UMA-Hill Field and a 77-42 victory over Monticello.
The win over Monticello was particularly impressive considering the Buckaroos eventually reached the semifinals themselves. Whitehorse also played one of the wildest games of the season against Altamont, falling 54-52, before closing the regular season with a 74-20 victory over Monument Valley.
Then came the postseason.
Whitehorse defeated UMA-Hill Field 38-20 in the quarterfinals, earning its second semifinal appearance in school history. The Raiders’ run ultimately ended against Rich, which defeated Whitehorse 50-8.
Still, the semifinal appearance marked a major achievement for the Montezuma Creek program. The Raiders hadn’t reached that stage since 1995, and their 392 points surpassed the previous school record of 337 set by the 1984 team.
The challenge now is building on that breakthrough.
After a season that ranks among the best in school history, the Raiders enter 2026 with a chance to prove 2025 was not simply a historic moment, but the beginning of a new era for Whitehorse football.
Utah Military Academy Camp Williams has made steady progress through its first two seasons, going from a 2-7 record in its inaugural season to 5-5 last year. The Guardians reached the quarterfinals in both seasons, but 2026 brings a different challenge as they replace a large senior class.
“After graduating 11 seniors in 2025, including several starters, and losing some production to transfers, Camp Williams is experiencing its first real rebuild,” Caleb Schulte said. “Some key contributors and leaders do return and will be heavily relied on as we enter the 2026 season. We hope to continue to build on the improvement from year 1 to year 2 as we enter our third season as a program.”
UMA Camp Williams returns three offensive starters, with Kerry Salomon back on the offensive line, Tyler Muse at tight end/wide receiver and James Sullivan at running back/slot. The Guardians will use a spread offense and have several newcomers expected to take on important roles, including senior quarterback Houston Snow, sophomore wide receiver Ryker Prather, junior running back/slot Jordan Gardner and sophomore receiver Rocco Davis.
Four defensive starters return as the Marauders prepare to run a 2-3-3 defense. Keegin Bryant, Muse, Justin Osamudiamen and Sullivan are back, while Gardner, Daxton Lemon and Cian Gannon are among the newcomers expected to contribute.
The challenge will be doing all of that against a region that UMA Camp Williams believes has become increasingly competitive.
“Rich and Milford continue to set the standard in an 8-man classification that has become more and more competitive,” Schulte said. “Last season proved that the 8-man classification provides tight, competitive matchups every single week, which makes our region exciting and challenging.”
Utah Military Academy Hill Field has made a strong start to its young program. After playing its first game in 2024, the Thunderbirds picked up their first win later that season and reached the quarterfinals. UMA Hillfield followed that with a 5-5 season in 2025 and another quarterfinal appearance, falling to Whitehorse.
Now UMA Hill Field enters its third season after losing 11 seniors. That leaves some big roles to fill, but the Thunderbirds are confident in the group coming back and the younger players stepping into new opportunities.
“We lost 11 seniors this year. While that is a big hole to fill, we are very excited about the core that remains and some very promising newcomers,” Jesse May said. “As long as we stick to our values and brand of football it should be another good year for us. I am excited to watch these younger players grow, mature, and build the future of this program.”
Four offensive starters return for UMA Hill Field. Keaton Speier and Kaison Workman return at wide receiver, Corbin Duran is back at running back and Damien Liest returns on the offensive line. The Thunderbirds will also bring in Jackson Stanford at quarterback, Caleb Wilson on the offensive line and Xavier Lee at wide receiver/tight end.
UMA Hill Field plans to continue using multiple formations while maintaining a balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
Four defensive starters also return in Speier, Workman, Duran and Jet Le. The Thunderbirds will continue with their 3-3 defense, with Liest moving into a defensive line role and Logan Reedy joining the defensive group at defensive back.
The Thunderbirds expect another difficult year in a region that continues to grow more competitive.
“The 8-man region is always tough. We have a lot of programs that are very well run and very well coached,” May said. “As teams continue to either drop down or play both 8 and 11 man it will continue to be tough.”
St. Joseph Catholic High School enters 2026 with what the program believes is its most experienced team yet. The Jayhawks are entering their fourth season of football and have already made the quarterfinals twice, including a 5-5 season in 2024. St. Joseph finished 4-6 in 2025 and lost to Water Canyon in the first round.
This year’s group brings back five offensive starters, giving the Jayhawks a level of experience they haven’t had before. Izaiah Hebert, Quinn Vasquez, Ryan Castaneda, Hunter Roberts and Richardo Hernandez are all back, with Hebert returning after earning second-team All-State honors as a junior.
St. Joseph will continue to run a power-spread offense under offensive coordinator Deshon Butler. The Jayhawks also have several newcomers who could make an immediate impact, including running back Ryker Christenson, offensive linemen Conner Argueta and Michael Lella, and quarterbacks Keenan Campbell and Joseph Huseman. Senior fullback Greysen Charnstrom is another newcomer expected to contribute.
The experience continues on defense, where four starters return under defensive coordinator Taveon Hunter. Hebert, Castaneda, John Rodriguez and Roberts are back, while Hernandez, Hunter Roberts, Lella and Charnstrom are among the newcomers expected to help fill defensive roles.
The Jayhawks have shown they can put points on the board against some of the better teams in the classification. Their 2025 season included wins over Altamont, Water Canyon and Panguitch, while they also pushed several other opponents in a competitive schedule.
With more experience than any previous St. Joseph team, the Jayhawks believe they have a chance to take another step forward in 2026. Much of that will come down to whether the returning players can use their experience to help the younger players adjust to bigger roles.
“The Hawks will be entering this season with the most experienced team that we have had in the program’s short four year history. We look to rely heavily on the grit and our experience to carry us this season,” Deshon Butler said.
Panguitch is entering just its second season back on the football field after the program returned in 2025 for the first time since 1975. The Bobcats went 1-9 in their return season, earning their lone win against Monument Valley before falling to UMA Camp Williams in the first round of the playoffs. With the program now back on the field for a second straight year, Panguitch is focused on continuing to build its foundation.
The Bobcats return six offensive starters, giving them a strong group of experienced players to build around. Peyton Stewart returns at center, while Boston Veater and Archer Ward are back along the offensive line. Ward, Mason Martin, TJ Tebbs and Gaige Stewart also give Panguitch experience at the skill positions.
Panguitch will continue to run a zone-read offense. The Bobcats will also have several young players competing for bigger roles, including sophomore quarterback Krue Spencer, junior offensive lineman Dayton Houston, freshman Jaxson Brown and freshman Bryce Harland.
The Bobcats also bring back six defensive starters. Stewart returns at nose tackle, Bridger Stewart at defensive end, Ward and Martin at linebacker, and Tebbs and Gaige Stewart in the secondary. Panguitch will continue to use a 3-3 defense.
Panguitch’s return to football also comes in a region that Allen believes is becoming increasingly competitive. Milford and Rich remain the teams to watch, but he also came away impressed with several other programs after seeing them play last season.
“Milford and Rich are still the teams to watch. Although, I was impressed with what I saw from Whitehorse, Altamont and Monticello,” Allen said.
For the Bobcats, 2026 is another step in rebuilding a program that was away from the field for five decades. With a full season back under their belts and six returning starters on both sides of the ball, Panguitch will look to show progress in its second year back.
“We are still building a better foundation and working toward developing all areas of our game,” Allen said.
Water Canyon enters 2026 looking to bounce back from a 3-8 season in 2025. The Wildcats earned a first-round playoff win over St. Joseph before falling to Rich in the quarterfinals. After reaching the state semifinals in each of their first three seasons, Water Canyon will try to get back to that level with a young group.
The Wildcats return four offensive starters, including Mark Barlow at center, Enzign Barlow at guard, and Justin Cooke and Tristan Jessop at wide receiver. Water Canyon will continue to run a power-spread offense under offensive coordinator Heber Horsley. Sophomore quarterback Deagan Williams, sophomore wide receiver Sawyer Horsley and sophomore tight end Gabe Cooke are among the newcomers expected to contribute.
Water Canyon returns three defensive starters, with Cooke, Barlow and Jessop providing experience. The Wildcats will continue to use a 3-5 defense under defensive coordinator Mitch Jessop. Sawyer Horsley, Andrew Musser and Gabe Cooke are among the younger players expected to take on new roles.
The Wildcats’ youth could make 2026 a season of development, but the program has already shown it can compete in the postseason. Water Canyon has reached at least the quarterfinals in each of its first four seasons, giving the younger players a strong foundation to build on.
The region should remain challenging, and Water Canyon’s coaching staff believes there are a couple of schools that may be better suited for 11-man football. For the Wildcats, the focus will be on continuing to develop a young roster and building on the progress the program has made.
“We are young but gaining traction,” Heber Horsley said.
Monument Valley enters 2026 with a new head coach and a chance to start fresh. Merril Smith takes over as the Cougars’ first-year head coach after Monument Valley went 0-7 in 2025.
The Cougars faced a difficult schedule last season, including games against UMA Hillfield, UMA Camp Williams, Altamont, Panguitch and Whitehorse. Monument Valley also faced Navajo Pine from New Mexico before finishing the season with a forfeit loss to Monticello.
The 2026 schedule will again give Monument Valley plenty of opportunities to test itself against familiar opponents. The Cougars are scheduled to face Panguitch, UMA Hillfield, UMA Camp Williams and Whitehorse, among others.
With Smith taking over, the biggest focus for Monument Valley will be establishing a new direction and building consistency. The Cougars have a chance to use the experience gained from last year’s schedule while beginning a new chapter under their first-year coach.
For a program coming off a winless season, 2026 will be less about looking backward and more about building something new.
Grand will compete as an independent in 8-player football in 2026 after moving down from the 2A ranks. The Red Devils are led by second-year coach Keith Hill and won’t be eligible for the 8-player postseason.
1A 8-Player projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Rich Rebels
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Tyson Larsen
The former all-stater from Rich High School is entering his fifth season as head coach after leading his alma mater to a state championship in 2023, 2024 and 2025. His record the past three seasons stands at 33-17.
Coach Tyson Larsen’s general outlook
I’m excited for this group of guys. We have some big shoes to fill but have several returning and some motivated underclassmen that are eager to compete. As long as we can stay healthy, I’m hoping that we’ll field a competitive and hardworking team. It should be a fun year.
Offensive coordinator: Cooper Cornia / Tyson Larsen
2025 offense: 34.77 ppg (No. 4 in 1A 8-player)
- Two returning starters
- Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Brayker Willis, C, Sr.
- Wilkes Weston, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Bailey Weston, OL, Sr.
- Traxon Chandler, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Lex Cornia
2025 defense: 24.77 ppg (No. 2 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- 2-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Paxton Nicolodemos, S, Sr.
- Bode O’Mealy, DB, Sr.
- Jasper Johnson, CB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Rylan Gough, DE, Sr.
2. Milford Tigers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Thane Marshall
Entering his 13th season as head coach at Milford, recording a 93-48 record over that stretch, including back-to-back 1A titles in 2017 and 2018. He’s a graduate of Beaver High School and Southern Utah University.
Coach Thane Marshall’s general outlook
We are looking forward to getting back out on the field. We did not like how last year ended and have been working hard this off season to hopefully get better and have a better ending to our season this year.
Offensive coordinator: Wes Marshall
2025 offense: 48.08 ppg (No. 1 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Tayon Blackburn, RB, Sr.
- Kristin Magana, C, Sr.
- Skyler Russel, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Haze Marshall, WR, Jr.
- Kamdon Spaulding, WR, Jr.
- Koy Smith, TE, So.
- Slade Kessler, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Garland Walker
2025 defense: 10.17 ppg (No. 1 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- 3-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Haze Marshall, C, Jr.
- Bradyn Carter, DL, Sr.
- Skyler Russel, DL, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Marco Saavedra, MLB, Sr.
- Koy Smith, DE, So.
- Jake Finicum, LB, So.
- Tyce Barnes, S, Jr.
- Holden Finch, DL, Jr.
3. Monticello Buckaroos
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Reed Anderson
Entering his ninth season as head coach at his alma mater, he’s tallied a 46-46 record in his first eight seasons.
Coach Reed Anderson’s general outlook
We are going to be a younger team that we have been in the past. We have a few returning starters and even amongst those, many are changing positions. These team is full of young, hardworking players, that want to get on the field and have some fun. This team will get better as the weeks play on and we get some experience under our belts. We have a few returning seniors that we will lean on heavily in the early parts of the year and hope to lighten the load as the season progresses.
Offensive coordinator: Reed Anderson
2025 offense: 31.08 ppg (No. 7 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cache Young, QB, Sr.
- Tristan Burtenshaw, OL, Sr.
- Arturo Gutierrez, WR/RB, Sr.
- Cash Mack, WR, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Brandt Mack, WR/QB, So.
- Miles Coleman, RB, Jr.
- Zamian Lopez, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Krieg Adair
2025 defense: 37.75 ppg (No. 7 in 1A 8-player)
- Five returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- John Leber, LB, Sr.
- Canyon Christensen, DB, Sr.
- Tristan Burtenshaw, DE, Sr.
- Noah Dilts, DT, Jr.
- Arturo Gutierrez, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Avery Hedrick, DE, Jr.
- Diego Cortez, LB, Jr.
4. Altamont Longhorns
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Justin Busdicker
Entering his second season as head coach at Altamont High School after last year’s 8-3 season. He played his high school football at Morris Community High School in Illinois, graduated from UVU and SUU.
Coach Justin Busdicker’s general outlook
The boys are excited and ready to go. We have been in the weight room all summer long doing strength training and speed training. We look forward to building on our succesfull season from last year.
Offensive coordinator: Justin Busdicker
2025 offense: 41.45 ppg (No. 3 in 1A 8-player)
- Five returning starters
- Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Dallan Ledbetter, QB, Jr.
- Payson Evans, RB, Sr.
- Parker Phillips, OL, Sr.
- Jax Sorensen, OL, Sr.
- Memphi Avila, WR, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Logan Witbeck, OL, Jr.
- Hayden Williams, RB, So.
- Porter Lazenby, RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Justin Busdicker
2025 defense: 35.27 ppg (No. 6 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- 2-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Memphi Avilia, DB, Jr.
- Parker Phillips, DL, Sr.
- Payson Evans, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Porter Lazenby, LB, Sr.
- Dallan Ledbetter, DL, Jr.
5. Whitehorse Raiders
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andrae Beard
Entering his sixth season as head coach at Whitehorse, where his team’s have put together an 18-19 record during that stretch.
2025 offense: 43.56 ppg (No. 2 in 1A 8-player)
2025 defense: 31.22 ppg (No. 5 in 1A 8-player)
Additional info not provided
6. Utah Military Camp Williams Marauders
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Ephraim Schulte
Heading into his second season as head coach for the Marauders after leading the team to a 5-5 record a year ago.
Coach Ephraim Schulte’s general outlook
After graduating 11 seniors in 2026, including several starters, and losing some production to transfers, Camp Williams is experiencing its first real rebuild. Some key contributors and leaders do return and will be heavily relied on as we enter the 2026 season. We hope to continue to build on the improvement from year 1 to year 2 as we enter our third season as a program.
Offensive coordinator: Caleb Schulte
2025 offense: 34.2 ppg (No. 5 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Kerry Salomon, OL, Sr.
- Tyler Muse, TE/WR, Sr.
- James Sullivan, RB/SLOT, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Houston Snow, QB, Sr.
- Ryker Prather, WR, So.
- Jordan Gardner, RB/SLOT, Jr.
- Rocco Davis, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Topher Gomez
2025 defense: 26.8 ppg (No. 3 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- 2-3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Keegin Bryant, DE, Sr.
- Tyler Muse, S, Sr.
- Justin Osamudiamen, LB, Jr.
- James Sullivan, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Jordan Gardner, DB, Jr.
- Daxton Lemon, CB, Jr.
- Cian Gannon, DE, So.
7. Utah Military Hill Field Thunderbirds
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jesse May
Heading into his third season as head coach with the Thunderbirds after leading the program to a 7-10 record the past two seasons.
Coach Jesse May’s general outlook
We lost 11 seniors this year. While that is a big whole to fill, we are very excited about the core that remains and some very promising newcomers. As long as we stick to our values and brand of football it should be another good year for us. I am excited to watch these younger players grow, mature, and build the future of this program.
Offensive coordinator: Jesse May
2025 offense: 29.3 ppg (No. 8 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple formations and a balance run and pass attack
Returning offensive starters
- Keaton Speier, WR, Sr.
- Corbin Duran, RB, Sr.
- Kaison Workman, WR, Sr.
- Damien Liest, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jackson Stanford, QB, Sr.
- Caleb Wilson, OL, Sr.
- Xavier Lee, WR/TE, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Jed Davies
2025 defense: 27.7 ppg (No. 4 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Keaton Speier, S, Sr.
- Jet Le, CB, Sr.
- Corbin Duran, LB, Sr.
- Kaison Workman, CB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Damien Liest, DL, Sr.
- Logan Reedy, DB, Sr.
8. St. Joseph Jayhawks
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Deshon Butler
Entering his third season as head coach at St. Joseph High School after guiding the program to a 9-11 record over the past two seasons. He’s a graduate of McLane High School in California and Weber State.
Coach Deshon Butler’s general outlook
The hawks will be entering this season with the most experienced team that we have had in the program’s short 4 year history. We look to rely heavily on the grit and our experience to carry us this season.
Offensive coordinator: Deshon Butler
2025 offense: 33.2 ppg (No. 6 in 1A 8-player)
- Five returning starters
- Power spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Izaiah Hebert, WR, Sr.
- Quinn Vasquez, WR, Sr.
- Ryan Castaneda, RB, Sr.
- Hunter Roberts, WR, So.
- Richardo Hernandez, TE, So.
Key offensive newcomers
- Ryker Christensen, RB, So.
- Conner Argueta, OL, Fr.
- Michael Lella, C, Jr.
- Keenan Campbell, QB, So.
- Joseph Huseman, QB, Sr.
- Greysen Charnstrom, FB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Taveon Hunter
2025 defense: 40.6 ppg (No. 9 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- 3-3-2 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Izaiah Hebert, CB, Sr.
- Ryan Castaneda, LB, Sr.
- John Rodriguez, CB, Jr.
- Ryker Christensen, DE, So.
Key defensive newcomers
- Richardo Hernandez, DE, So.
- Hunter Roberts, DB, So.
- Michael Lella, NT, Jr.
- Greyson Charnstrom
9. Panguitch Bobcats
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Luke Allen
A graduate of San Juan High School and SUU, he led Panguitch to a 1-9 record in 2025 in the school’s first season competing in 8-player football.
Coach Luke Allen’s general outlook
We are still building a better foundation and working toward developing all areas of our game.
Offensive coordinator: Luke Allen
2025 offense: 18 ppg (No. 9 in 1A 8-player)
- Six returning starters
- Zone read offense
Returning offensive starters
- Peyton Stewart, C, Sr.
- Boston Veater, OL, Jr.
- Archer Ward, OL/RB, Jr.
- Mason Martin, TE, So.
- TJ Tebbs, WR, Jr.
- Gaige Stewart, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Krue Spencer, QB, So.
- Dayton Houston, OL, Jr.
- Jaxson Brown, WR/QB, Fr.
- Bryce Harland, QB, Fr.
Defensive coordinator: Jace Mecham
2025 defense: 48.2 ppg (No. 11 in 1A 8-player)
- Six returning starters
- 3-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Peyton Stewart, NT, Sr.
- Bridger Stewart, DE, So.
- Archer Ward, LB, Jr.
- Mason Martin, LB, So.
- Tj Tebbs, DB, Jr.
- Gaige Stewart, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Dayton Houston, DE, Jr.
10. Water Canyon Wildcats
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Heber Horsley
In four seasons as head coach at Water Canyon, he’s guided the program to a 17-28 record. He’s a graduate of Centenniel Academy in Arizona and Mojave Community College.
Coach Heber Horsley’s general outlook
We are young but gaining traction.
Offensive coordinator: Heber Horsley
2025 offense: 17.82 ppg (No. 10 in 1A 8-player)
- Four returning starters
- Power Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Mark Barlow, C, Sr.
- Justin Cooke, WR, Sr.
- Enzign Barlow, G, Jr.
- Tristan Jessop, WR, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Deagan Willams, QB, So.
- Sawyer Horsley, WR, So.
- Gabe Cooke, TE, So.
Defensive coordinator: Mitch Jessop
2025 defense: 39.27 ppg (No. 8 in 1A 8-player)
- Three returning starters
- 3-5 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Justin Cooke, DB, Sr.
- Mark Barlow, DL, Sr.
- Tristan Jessop, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Sawyer Horsley, DB, So.
- Andrew Musser, DB, So.
- Gabe Cooke, LB, So.
11. Monument Valley Cougars
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Merril Smith
He’s heading into his first season as head coach at Monument Valley.
2025 offense: 12 ppg (No. 11 in 1A 8-player)
2025 defense: 45 ppg (No. 10 in 1A 8-player)
No additional info provided
8-player Independent — Grand Red Devils
2026 Schedule
Head Coach: Keith Hill
In his first season as head coach after taking over for long-time head coach Dennis Wells, Grand racked up an 0-9 record in 2025. Hill is a graduate of Lancaster High School in Ohio and MidAmerica Nazarene University, Kansas.
Coach Keith Hill’s general outlook
As our roster sizes have gradually decreased over the past several years, the program transitions this season from 11-player/2A to an 8-player format with an independent schedule. We are hopeful that leveling the playing field from a participation perspective will give us the opportunity to be much more competitive than we have been in recent seasons.
Offensive coordinator: Keith Hill
2025 offense: 3.78 ppg (No. 10 in 2A)
- Nine returning starters
- RPO offense
Returning offensive starters
- Edgar Hernandez, RB/TE, Sr.
- Everett Hill, RB, Sr.
- Harley Knudsen, OL, Sr.
- Beto Carroll, WR, Jr.
- Cayden Tyner, OL, Jr.
- Cooper Swasey, RB, Jr.
- Emmanuel Villalba, OL, Jr.
- Jamari Connelly, OL/TE, So.
- Justin Kimmerle, QB, So.
Key offensive newcomers
- Jonathan Gonzales, RB/WR/QB, Jr.
- Kaden Wilson, WR, Jr.
- Kyler Williams, TE, Jr.
- Aiden Tsosie, OL, So.
- Davyn Hickman, OL/TE, So.
- Dylan Brown, RB/TE, So.
- George Wright, RB, So.
- Kalvin Hopkins, RB/WR, So.
- Rowan Cresto, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Rye Adams
2025 defense: 58.67 ppg (No. 10 in 2A)
- Seven returning starters
- 3-1 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Edgar Hernandez, LB, Sr.
- Everett Hill, LB, Sr.
- Beto Carroll, CB, Jr.
- Cooper Swasey, DE, Jr.
- Emmanuel Villalba, DE, Jr.
- Jonathan Gonzales, FS, Jr.
- Davyn Hickman, SS, So.
Key defensive newcomers
- Harley Knudsen, DT, Sr.
- Cayden Tyner, DT, Jr.
- Kaden Wilson, CB, Jr.
- Kyler Williams, LB, Jr.
- Aiden Tsosie, DT, So.
- Dylan Brown, LB, So.
- George Wright, DE, So.
- Jamari Connelly, DT, So.
- Kalvin Hopkins, SS, So.
- Rowan Cresto, FS, So.