High school football: 4A champion Ridgeline is favorite to repeat as Region 11 champ

If this year’s Region 11 coaches poll showed anything, it’s that Ridgeline is expected to do well once again this season. The defending 4A champions are coming off a dominant campaign with a 14-0 record and both the best offense and defense in the classification.

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While Ridgeline lost most of its top producers from a year ago, including four-star Oklahoma commit Krew Jones who transferred to Orem, its returners and up-and-comers will likely keep the RiverHawks as the team to beat in 4A.

Quarterback Crew Cox will graduate from backup to starter this fall, and a new group of receivers will join him. Luckily for Cox, he’ll have an experienced offensive line to keep him safe as Ridgeline returns four of its starters a year ago.

Defensively, the RiverHawks have just four returning starters. Ridgeline head coach Travis Cox is excited at the mix of returners and up-and-comers.

“I’m excited about this year’s team,” Travis Cox said. “We have a great mix of returning starters and players who have patiently waited their turn behind some great players from last year’s team. They are a hungry group who worked extremely hard in the offseason, and I’m excited to watch that dedication pay off on the field on Friday nights.”

Stansbury finished second in the coaches’ poll after finishing tied for second in the region last year.

The Stallions will have one of the more seasoned offenses in the region, especially as quarterback Brighton Reutzel enters his senior year. Reutzel was named to the 4A all-state second team after throwing for 3,014 yards and 42 touchdowns with a 62% completion percentage.

Two of his top targets also return in Lincoln Reutzel and Boston Rowley. Lincoln Reutzel and Rowley combined for 18 receiving touchdowns and 1,330 yards last year.

While Stansbury returns some high impact players in skill positions, they’re going to see virtually fresh offensive and defensive lines.

“We will have to replace quite a few players from last year’s team, especially with our linemen on both sides of the ball,” said second-year head coach Jason Walker. “We do return a good core of linemen that played a significant amount and feel they have had a great offseason to be ready to help our team in the trenches.

“On offense, we return our QB and a very strong and possibly the fastest WR crew I have ever coached. The group of them should be very explosive with a chance to score on any play.”

Finishing third narrowly behind Stansbury is Green Canyon.

The Wolves have been looking for both their first region and state championship since opening their doors in 2017. Last season, Green Canyon made a push to the 4A state championship, but Ridgeline dominated 56-0.

However, similarly to Stansbury, Green Canyon returns a big chunk of last year’s offensive starters.

Firstly, quarterback Ethan Munk will be back at the helm of the offense. Munk had a 23:4 touchdown to interception ratio last year and threw for 2,186 yards. Though, Munk will be working with a new group of starting receivers.

The Wolves will also bring back an experienced group of running backs. All four of their top rushers from a year ago will return. Those four, Micah Jenkins, Huston Paremski, Samuel Selman and Munk, combined for 13 of Green Canyon’s 17 total rushing touchdowns last year.

Meanwhile, Green Canyon’s defense will be much different as it has only two starters returning.

“Looking forward to a new season and new players to step up and fill important roles on the team,” said head coach JT Tauiliili. “This offseason has been unique and fun as we’ve had to replace a lot of varsity positions, so the position battles have been fun to watch.

“Seeing young players make improvements and step into new roles has been a highlight of the summer. We are grateful to have a veteran offensive line, QB, and running backs that we can lean on this season.”

Mountain Crest finished fourth, and it will have a very different team from last season. The Mustangs will return only four total starters, two on offense and two on defense.

They’ll have to rely on its youth to step up and compete in a difficult Region 11.

“We are excited to get going for another great season,” said head coach Ryan Visser. “Boys have worked hard to improve and prepare for the year. We lost a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. So a lot of inexperienced and young players stepping into the lights. They are a talented group, though, and we’re excited to compete in a very tough Region 11 and 4A.”

Coming in fifth is Sky View, who also had quite a few holes to fill as it returns only three starters on offense.

The Bobcats retained a few more starters on defense, especially in the secondary. However, both the offensive and defensive lines will feature new starters.

“From January until this point, our players have demonstrated a commitment to be all in,” said coach Eric Alder. “They have great attitudes and work ethic. I like the leadership and the team mentality. We have seen some great growth and maturity and the boys will be ready to represent the school and community.”

Bear River finished sixth in the voting, and it will have a new head coach in Craig Anhder. Anhder is an experienced head coach. He previously spent 12 years as head coach of Sky View and six years as head coach for Green Canyon.

Andher inherits a program with 10 returning starters, six offensive and four defensive.

Bear River is still looking to turn its program around and is currently in a 20-year region title drought. The Bears limped to a first-round exit and finished with a 3-8 record last season.

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“With a change in coaching staff, there is a huge learning curve,” Andher said. “The focus is on learning the process and the systems. The players are working hard and seek to improve from last year’s season.”

In seventh is Tooele, and head coach Tuli Wily-Matagi will lead for the second season.

Similarly to Bear River, the Buffaloes are coming off a struggling season. They lost handily to Skyline in the first round with a 2-9 record. They also finished seventh in Region 11 with a 1-6 record.

Though Tooele may not be a powerhouse, it’s looking to build on what Wily-Matagi helped start last year. They return total starters, including quarterback Gus Pater.

“Going into the second year of this new staff and program, there’s a lot more familiarity and confidence throughout the team,” Wily-Matagi said. “The players have had a full offseason in the system and have a much better understanding of what’s expected of them. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re making progress and feel like we’re headed in the right direction.”

Rounding out the list in eighth is Deseret Peak.

It’s not particularly shocking, as Deseret Peak only fielded a team for the first time last year as is still in the process of building up its program.

Still, the Golden Eagles have a long ways to go after finishing last in Region 11 and 0-10 on the year.

“We are excited to get rolling with our second year,” said head coach Cooper Buchhammer. “We have some young guys that are going to be key in our success, and kids that have been working hard and competing all summer. Our kids that are returning have bought in and are continuing to leave their mark.”

Region 11 projections

(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)

1. Ridgeline RiverHawks

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Travis Cox

Entering his seventh season as head coach at Ridgeline High School after an impressive 66-11 record the past six years, including state title in 2021 and 2025. He’s a graduate of Mountain Crest and Utah State.

Coach Travis Cox’s general outlook

“I’m excited about this year’s team. We have a great mix of returning starters and players who have patiently waited their turn behind some great players from last year’s team. They are a hungry group who worked extremely hard in the offseason, and I’m excited to watch that dedication pay off on the field on Friday nights.”

Offensive coordinator: Jeremy Livingston

2025 offense: 52.36 ppg (No. 1 in 4A)

• Six returning starters
• Multiple offenses

Returning offensive starters

• Owen Leishman, TE, Sr.
• Noah Fiefia, RB, Sr.
• Tayson Knighton, OL, Jr.
• Cade Berrett, OL, Sr.
• Kennedy Taukeiaho, OL, Sr.
• Cooper Wilson, OL, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Crew Cox, QB, Sr.
• Hudson Parry, RB, Sr.
• Brock Merkley, WR, Sr.
• Jett Jensen, WR, Jr.
• Hayden Miller, WR, Sr.
• Jace Hansen, OL, Sr.
• Koyce Munford, OL, So.

Defensive coordinator: Jake Pitcher

2025 defense: 8.71 ppg (No. 1 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• 4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Colton Clark, FS, Jr.
• Johnathan Groll, DT, Sr.
• Matt Alles, DT, Jr.
• Hunter Sholley, LB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Trey Heninger, DB, Sr.
• Titus Fuhriman, S, Sr.
• Kaden Wiser, LB, Sr.
• Tye Paskett, DE, Jr.
• Logan Nelson, DE, Sr.
• Jaxon Zollinger, LB, Sr.

2. Stansbury Stallions

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Jason Walker

Heads into his second season as head coach at Stansbury after leading the program to 9-3 record a year ago. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Bountiful for seven seasons, including during the Redhawks’ 2024 state championship season. He’s a graduate of Ben Lomond High School and Utah State.

Coach Jason Walker’s general outlook

“We will have to replace quite a few players from last year’s team, especially with our linemen on both sides of the ball. We do return a good core of linemen that played a significant amount and feel they have had a great offseason to be ready to help our team in the trenches. On offense, we return our QB and a very strong and possibly the fastest WR crew I have ever coached. The group of them should be very explosive with a chance to score on any play. We will look to a younger core of guys to help balance our offense as we strive to find our stride in the running game throughout the season. We look to have a stout and very aggressive linebacker crew to lead the way on the defensive side. Our upcoming DL will look to fill the shoes of those core seniors that we had last year. If the DL plays to their potential, we have a strong chance to be really tough in the trenches. We will look to some new upcoming additions to fill out the backend for us. They might be a group with little experience, but they don’t lack for talent and a strong love for the game of football. This is a team that is hungry and looks to be one of the final four teams at the end of the year.”

Offensive coordinator: Josh McMorris

2025 offense: 37.08 ppg (No. 4 in 4A)

• Six returning starters
• Spread/Pistol offense

Returning offensive starters

• Porter Knudsen, OT, Sr.
• Gunner Leslie, G, Sr.
• Daniel Rich, C, Jr.
• Brighton Reutzel, QB, Sr.
• Lincoln Reutzel, WR, Sr.
• Boston Rowley, WR, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Feagai Lealaisalanoa, G, Jr.
• Ladarius Rhodes, WR, Jr.
• Junior Helu, WR, Jr.
• Peti Vaka, RB, So.

Defensive coordinator: Jason Walker

2025 defense: 25 ppg (No. 12 in 4A)

• Three returning starters
• We run a 3-4 Base Zone Defense that allows us to adjust to the number of backers we have in our program. This also allows us to give a multiple look up front without adjusting personnel to much.

Returning defensive starters

• Benny Joyce, Edge, Sr.
• Broncs Baker, ILB, Sr.
• Lincoln Reutzel, DB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Austin Jacobsen, DE, Jr.
• Griffey Gilsdorf, DT, Jr.
• Omauri Warren, DT, Jr.
• Mapa Helu, ILB, Sr.
• Jaxton Toth, OLB, Sr.
• Junior Helu, DB, Jr.
• Ryder Meyer, CB, Jr.
• Ladarius Rhodes, CB, Jr.

3. Green Canyon Wolves

2026 Schedule

Head coach: JT Tauiliili

He’s entering his fourth season as head coach at Green Canyon after guiding the program to a 27-13 record the past three years, including 4A runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025. He’s a graduate of Hunter High and Utah State.

Coach JT Tauiliili’s general outlook

“Looking forward to a new season and new players to step up and fill important roles on the team. This offseason has been unique and fun as we’ve had to replace a lot of varsity positions, so the position battles have been fun to watch. Seeing young players make improvements and step into new roles has been a highlight of the summer. We are grateful to have a veteran offensive line, QB, and running backs that we can lean on this season.”

Offensive coordinator: JT Tauiliili

2025 offense: 22.2 ppg (No. 18 in 4A)

• Seven returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Dakota Calverley, Sr, OT
• Kole Bunderson, Sr, G
• Malaki Laulu-Pututau, So, OT
• Ethan Munk, Sr, QB
• Sam Selman, Sr, RB
• Micah Jenkins, Sr, RB
• Huston Paremski, Sr, Slot

Key offensive newcomers

• Tate Higham, Sr, WR
• Porter Stott, Sr, WR
• Quinn Godfrey, Sr, WR

Defensive coordinator: Ammon Samia

2025 defense: 20.87 ppg (No. 8 in 4A)

• Two returning starters
• 3-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Sam Allen, Sr, LB
• Drage Briggs, Sr, S

Key defensive newcomers

• Brock Bingham, Jr, DB
• Matt Allen, Jr, DB

4. Mountain Crest Mustangs

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Ryan Visser

In his first four years as a head coach in Utah, he’s led Mountain Crest to a 29-19 record. He previously was the head coach at Big Piney, Wyoming, the two years prior. He’s a graduate of Preston High School in Idaho and Idaho State.

Coach Ryan Visser’s general outlook

“We are excited to get going for another great season. Boys have worked hard to improve and prepare for the year. We lost a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. So a lot of inexperienced and young players stepping into the lights. They are a talented group, though, and we’re excited to compete in a very tough Region 11 and 4A.”

Offensive coordinator: Ryan Visser

2025 offense: 42.08 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)

• Two returning starters
• Spread/Multiple offenses

Returning offensive starters

• Kael Olsen, WR, Sr.
• Austin Bostock, OL, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Brady Muir, QB, Sr.
• Mason Bradford, WR, Sr.
• Tayt Page, RB, Sr.
• Brenton Leishmen, OL, Sr.
• Kolden Kennington, RB, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: Preston Schwab

2025 defense: 15.42 ppg (No. 2 in 4A)

• Two returning starters
• 3-3, Multiple defenses

Returning defensive starters

• Tayt Page, LB, Sr.
• Brock Hunter, DB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Nate Wells, LB, Sr.
• Cole Young, DL, Sr.
• Noah Cardon, DB, Sr.
• Tanner Harris, DB, Sr.
• Easton Needham, LB, Sr.

5. Sky View Bobcats

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Eric Alder

Entering his third season as head coach at Sky View and 13th overall in Utah. His Sky View teams are 15-10 over the past two years. He previously served as head coach at Ben Lomond from 2014 to 2018 in which his teams posted a 10-41 record, and then five years at Stansbury (45-16). He’s a graduate of Sky View High School and Utah State.

Coach Eric Alder’s general outlook

“From January until this point, our players have demonstrated a commitment to be All In. They have great attitudes and work ethic. I like the leadership and the team mentality. We have seen some great growth and maturity and the boys will be ready to represent the school and community.”

Offensive coordinator: Eric Alder

2025 offense: 37.33 ppg (No. 3 in 4A)

• Three returning starters
• Spread No Huddle offense

Returning offensive starters

• Gavin Reed, OT, Sr.
• Rad Sparrow, RB, Sr.
• Nixon Bohm, WR, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Peyton Palmer, TE, Sr.
• Zach Semanoff, RB, Sr.
• Will Alder, WR, Sr.
• Stetson Summers, WR, Sr.
• Tucker Stokes, QB, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: Ryan Bohm

2025 defense: 24.67 ppg (No. 11 in 4A)

• Five returning starters
• 4-2-5 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Gavin Reed, DT, Sr.
• Stetson Summers, S, Sr.
• Peyton Palmer, LB, Sr.
• Bret Carling, CB, Sr.
• Will Alder, CB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Trey Lilywhite, LB, Sr.
• Nixon Bohm, S, Sr.
• Ammon Smith, DL, Sr.
• Zach Semanoff, LB, Sr.
• Jhett Omon, S, Sr.
• Zach Tempest, CB, Sr.

6. Bear River Bears

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Craig Anhder

With 18 years of previous head coaching experience in northern Utah, Craig Anhder is taking over as head coach for the Bears in 2026. His first 12 years as a head coach were at Sky View from 2005 to 2016, where his teams went 91-46. He then moved to Green Canyon when the school opened in 2017, and was the head coach for six years. The Wolves were 28-35 during that stretch. He’s a graduate of Mountain Crest High School and Utah State University.

Coach Craig Anhder’s general outlook

“With a change in coaching staff, there is a huge learning curve. The focus is on learning the process and the systems. The players are working hard and seek to improve from last year’s season.”

Offensive coordinator: Craig Anhder

2025 offense: 21.73 ppg (No. 19 in 4A)

• Six returning starters
• Spread – Multiple offenses

Returning offensive starters

• Eli Breager, WR, Sr.
• Rigdon Vonk, RB, Jr.
• Delyn Groom, RT, Sr.
• Cade Dahle, LT, Jr.
• Porter Wood, C, Sr.
• Glaiden Behrens, WR, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Preston Wilkinson, QB, Sr.
• Carson Summers, WR, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: Jared List

2025 defense: 40.36 ppg (No. 22 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• 3-3-5 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Brady Payne, DE, Sr.
• Bennet Allen, LB, Jr.
• Eli Braegger, DB, Sr.
• Glaiden Behrens, CB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Carson Summers, CB, Sr.
• Ridgon Vonk, DB, Jr.

7. Tooele Buffaloes

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Tuli Wily-Matagi

A graduate of Kahuku High School in Hawaii and Oregon State, he’s heading into his second season as head coach at Tooele after leading the program to a 2-9 record in 2025. He previously was an assistant coach at Stansbury.

Coach Tuli Wily-Matagi’s general outlook

“Going into the second year of this new staff and program, there’s a lot more familiarity and confidence throughout the team. The players have had a full offseason in the system and have a much better understanding of what’s expected of them. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re making progress and feel like we’re headed in the right direction.

“We return a number of athletes with varsity experience, with a returning quarterback that is much more comfortable in the offense. Depth will be a challenge at times and we’ll rely on several players to contribute on both sides of the ball, we feel like we have the type of athletes who will embrace those roles.

“Our focus remains on teaching, developing, and helping our players continue to grow. If we stay committed to that process and embrace the highs and lows, we believe we can be competitive team.”

Offensive coordinator: Kody Byrd

2025 offense: 16.55 ppg (No. 22 in 4A)

• Six returning starters
• Spread Pistol offense

Returning offensive starters

• Gus Pater, QB, Sr.
• Kami Vaenuku, HB, Sr.
• Quaid Vowels, OL, Sr.
• Gus Rimmington, OL, Sr.
• Braxton Anderson, OL, Jr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Zidane Jenson, HB, Jr.
• Bronson Borders, WR, Jr.
• Trevan Rosser, ATH, Jr.

Defensive coordinator: Hirk Latu

2025 defense: 42.82 ppg (No. 23 in 4A)

• Eight returning starters
• 4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Kami Vaenuku, LB, Sr.
• Gus Pater, S, Sr.
• Quaid Vowels, DE, Sr.
• Jayden Chien, DL, Jr.
• Mack Thrall, DL, Jr.
• Colton Smith, LB, Jr.
• Trevan Rosser, S, Jr.
• Krayton Barton, DB, Jr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Mcrae Kinsman, DE, Sr.
• Aj Afualo, DE, Jr.
• Rhett Buhr, LB, Jr.

8. Deseret Peak Golden Eagles

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Cooper Buchhammer

After an 0-10 campaign in Deseret Peak’s inaugural campaign in 2025, he’s heading into his second season as head coach at the program. He’s a graduate of Scottsbluff High School in Nebraska and Chadron State, also in Nebraska.

Coach Cooper Buchhammer’s general outlook

“We are excited to get rolling with our second year. We have some young guys that are going to be key in our success, and kids that have been working hard and competing all summer. Our kids that are returning have bought in and are continuing to leave their mark.”

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Offensive coordinator: Tyler Garcia

2025 offense: 2.8 ppg (No. 27 in 4A)

• Five returning starters
• Multiple offenses

Returning offensive starters

• Karter Stroyek, ATH, Sr.
• Andrew Harris, ATH, Sr.
• Cody Jensen, RB, Sr.
• Tennessee Greenhalgh, WR, Sr.
• Eli Overman, ATH, Jr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Nikko Drake, WR, So.
• Mason Hiett, WR, So.
• Porter Russell, WR, Sr.
• Angel Paredes, WR, Jr.
• David Muderwa, WR, Jr.
• Axel Trujillo, OL, Jr.
• Brigham Olive, OL, Jr.
• Epi Brown, OL, So.

Defensive coordinator: Dillon Cox

2025 defense: 56.3 ppg (No. 27 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• 4-2-5 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Cody Jensen, DE, Sr.
• Tennessee Greenhalgh, CB, Sr.
• Andrew Harris, ATH, Sr.
• Xzavier Valadez, LB, Jr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Mason Hiett, DB, So.
• Nikko Drake, DB, So.
• Owen Jackson, LB, Jr.
• Angel Paredes, DB, Jr.
• Eli Overman, LB, Jr.
• Dominic Valencia, DB, Jr.