High school football: Skyline tops preseason Region 10 football coaches poll

Skyline edged defending region champion Highland for the top spot in the preseason coaches poll after both teams reached the 4A playoffs last season. Murray and East also return after playoff appearances, while Jordan, Juan Diego and Cottonwood will look to move up the standings in 2026.

Read more Opinion: Being good instead of just feeling good — America’s future well-being depends on virtue

After overcoming an 0-2 start to reach the 4A quarterfinals last season, Skyline enters 2026 as the preseason favorite to win Region 10.

The Eagles finished 9-4 overall and 5-1 in region play in 2025, with their only region loss coming to eventual region champion Highland. Despite graduating First Team All-State quarterback Xavier Cocci and former head coach Ryan Mailei, Skyline received the most votes in the preseason coaches poll.

New head coach Brandon Matich said the goal is to continue building on the success Skyline had a year ago.

“Skyline made a lot of strides last year and we hope to build off what Coach Mailei started,” Matich said.

Skyline returns eight starters on offense and six on defense, including Honorable Mention All-State running back Jonah Mailei. The senior rushed for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 344 receiving yards last season.

The Eagles will have a new quarterback after Cocci accounted for more than 4,600 total yards and 49 touchdowns last season. Tate Johnson transferred from Mountain View after throwing for 1,973 yards, 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2025. He’ll take over Skyline’s power spread offense.

Matich also expects offensive lineman Elijah Browne, running back Will Black, tight end/linebacker David Campbell, defensive lineman Andy Paiva and safety Liam Whitworth to make key contributions this season.

Even after Skyline was picked to finish first in the preseason poll, Matich said Highland deserves to be considered the team to beat.

“I’m surprised Highland is not the favorite,” Matich said. “They won it last year, which until they are knocked off, they deserve to be favored.”Highland will look to defend its Region 10 championship after finishing 7-4 overall and a perfect 6-0 in region play last season.

The Rams opened the year with three straight non-region losses before winning seven of their final eight games. The turnaround included a 24-7 victory over Skyline to secure the region title. Highland followed with a 42-14 win over Dixie in the first round of the 4A playoffs before falling to Hurricane in the quarterfinals.

The Rams return eight starters on both offense and defense, giving Highland one of the more experienced rosters in Region 10.

“We are optimistic about this upcoming season with many returning players who have valuable game-time experience,” the coaching staff wrote in its preseason questionnaire. “Those returning players have felt what it took to earn region champs last season and are leading the team to put in the work this offseason.”

Junior quarterback Will Bauman is expected to take over the offense after seeing varsity action last season. He completed 15 of 25 passes for 218 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 163 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Highland also returns sophomore running back Vili Ripley, who led the team with 356 rushing yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. Manase Wolfgramm added 193 rushing yards and three touchdowns last season, while Zamari Vaughn caught five touchdown passes.

Honorable Mention All-State defensive tackle Cortland Angstman returns to anchor a defense that also brings back Otto Wolfgramm, Aidan Demarco, Evan Kearl, Andrew Cracroft, Henry Tuha, Nafe Pulini and Sisi Noa.

Murray will look to climb the Region 10 standings after finishing 5-5 overall and 3-3 in region play last season.

The Spartans opened the season with four wins in their first five games before dropping three of their final four regular season contests. Murray’s season came to an end with a 41-34 loss to East in the 4A play-in round, but head coach AJ Jones believes the program is headed in the right direction.

“Heading into the 2026 season, our players have been working extremely hard in the weight room and learning new playbooks on both sides of the ball,” Jones wrote in his preseason questionnaire. “Our program is full of dynamic athletes and an incredible culture built around brotherhood, accountability and character. The wins happen when you care about the brother next to you and work relentlessly.”

The Spartans return four starters on offense and four on defense. Senior running back McKade Eardley headlines the returning offense after rushing for 714 yards and six touchdowns last season. Murray also returns offensive linemen Alex Huggins, Drake Kano and Zahir Martinez. Quarterback Dru Reuss, offensive linemen Andrew Miller and Keaton Boss, and receivers Jagger Karr, Kyler Eck, Jersey Alvillar and Chase Mower are among the team’s key offensive newcomers as the Spartans look to replace quarterback Phil Holland, who threw for 2,086 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025.

Defensively, Murray will look to replace several of its top playmakers from last season, but returning starters King Yom, Ropati Atuaia, Peyton Pili and Anthony Guerra provide experience. Yom finished with 32 tackles and two interceptions in 2025, while Atuaia added 19 tackles and an interception. Pili recorded 14 tackles and a sack, and Guerra returns after scoring 42 points as the Spartans’ kicker. McCoy Ash, Wyatt Lindquist, Bryan Gregston and Tony Rogers headline the team’s key defensive newcomers.The Leopards opened the season with five straight losses against Mountain Crest, Olympus, Skyridge, Eastside Catholic (Wash.) and Highland before winning five of their final seven games. East earned wins over Murray, Juan Diego, Jordan and Cottonwood during region play before beating Murray 41-34 in the first round of the 4A playoffs. The Leopards’ season ended with a loss to eventual 4A state champion Ridgeline.

East returns a veteran group led by seniors Tommy Ellis, Asaeli Otukolo, Joseph Cooley, Karmelo Tuamoheloa, James Vai Jr., DeeMoala Bernard, Zion Ligi, Yahir Lopez, Kealoha Tupou and Fatai Tuiono. Juniors Hosny Suliman, Enele Tuamoheloa, Winston Creer, Makisi Fakahafua, Elijah Kwok, Sebastian Aquino Navarro, Kemueli Vai Jr. and Nathaniel Lopez also return, while sophomore quarterback Dru Reuss is among the younger players on the roster.

Juan Diego finished 2-9 overall and 1-5 in Region 10 last season, with its lone region victory coming against Cottonwood.

The Soaring Eagle were picked fifth in the preseason Region 10 coaches poll as Trever McFalls takes over as head coach.

Juan Diego opened the season with a 49-6 win over Judge Memorial before adding a 35-6 victory over Cottonwood in region play. The Soaring Eagle also dropped a four-point game to Jordan before falling to Sky View in the first round of the 4A playoffs.

McFalls said Juan Diego will feature a young team in 2026 but believes the players have worked hard to prepare for a challenging schedule.

Read more Opinion: Thinking about immigration’s impact on Utah

“Our team will be full of youth and new faces that are eager to turn things around,” McFalls said. “With a very challenging schedule, we will be tested every week. But the team has worked hard to prepare over the summer to bring our best.”

Juan Diego returns five starters on offense and four on defense. Junior quarterback Jacoby Ahlstrom returns after throwing for 1,373 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, while sophomore running back Sione “One” Vea rushed for 811 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior lineman Taaroanui Tapea, junior lineman Stephen Burr and junior tight end Myles Carlton also return on offense.

Senior linebacker Kysen Dowland returns after leading the team with 75 tackles, while Vea added 28 tackles on defense last season. Tapea and Carlton also return as two-way starters, and Zach Muirbrook, Cole Williams, Colin Hill, Romeo Ramirez and Aryian Salout are among the team’s key newcomers.

The Beetdiggers were picked sixth in the preseason Region 10 coaches poll after opening the 2025 season with four straight losses before earning region wins over Juan Diego and Cottonwood. Jordan also dropped one-score games to Murray and East.

Marc Albertson enters his third season as Jordan’s head coach after the Beetdiggers won three games in his first season and two last year. He said Jordan returns experienced players across the roster and expects improved buy-in, senior leadership and a revamped culture to help the Beetdiggers become a more consistent team.

“We will be experienced at all positions this year, while gaining experienced senior leadership across the board,” Albertson said. “With more buy-in than we have had this year, we are poised to see a more complete and consistent program top to bottom.”

Jordan returns four starters on offense and seven on defense. Senior Sterling Ostler and senior receiver Landon Tibbetts headline the returning skill players, while senior center Zach Parker and junior tackle Eli Kennar anchor the offensive line. Defensively, Ostler, Titan Schaugaard, Thomas Howard, Eli Kennar, Trae Ewing, Sam Dean and Mason Dayton all return, giving the Beetdiggers experience on that side of the ball.

The Colts were picked seventh in the preseason Region 10 coaches poll as Mike Ward takes over as head coach.

Ward said Cottonwood is focused on building the program and believes the Colts will take a step forward in 2026 after embracing the work required during the offseason.

“We expect Cottonwood football to take a significant step forward this season,” Ward said. “Our players have embraced the work required to change the standard, and we expect to be more competitive, more physical and more disciplined every Friday night.”

Cottonwood returns no starters on offense or defense from last season. Senior quarterback Soren Moffat, senior receiver Jaxson Siddoway, sophomore receiver Dartagnan Zachery, junior tight end Brandon Passey and junior running back Jacob Stephens are expected to lead the offense.

Defensively, junior Brandon Passey, junior Jacob Stephens, senior Jaxson Siddoway, senior Glorie Reukea and sophomore Aaron Kasteler headline the group’s expected contributors.

Region 10 projections

(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)

1. Skyline Eagles

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Brandon Matich

After a one-year hiatus, veteran coach Brandon Matich is back for his 20th season as head coach in Utah. He coached at Park City from 2006 to 2009, tallying a 36-11 record, and then 15 years at East from 2010 to 2024. His East teams were 128-60, including state championships in 2015 and 2016. He’s a graduate of Brighton and the University of Utah.

Coach Brandon Matich’s general outlook

This Skyline team has worked really hard this off-season as we’ve worked to build on the foundation that Coach Mailei created build upon last years success. It’s a great group of kids that are hungry and talented. And like any year – if we can stay healthy and learn to fight through adverse conditions and a difficult pre-season… this team has a chance to be really successful.

Offensive coordinator: Brandon Matich

2025 offense: 36.69 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)

• Eight returning starters
• Power Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Jonah Mailei, Sr., RB
• Cole Christensen, Sr., OL
• Ammon Sánchez, Sr., OL
• Elijah Browne, Sr., OL
• Will Black, Sr., Slot/RB/QB
• Mikey Riley, Sr., TE
• Simon Johnson, Sr., OL/FB
• David Campbell, Sr., WR/TE

Key offensive newcomers

• Tate Johnson, Sr., QB
• Lemeki Malu ,Sr., OL
• Nick Fungavaka, Sr., OL
• Veni Mapa, Jr. OL
• Judah Valle, Jr., RB/Slot
• Will Taholo, Sr., WR
• Rex Wilkinson, Sr., Slot
• Sosaia Vake, Jr., RB

Defensive coordinator: Sale Tuitavake

2025 defense: 19.85 ppg (No. 6 in 4A)

• Six returning starters
• Multiple defenses

Returning defensive starters

• Mikey Riley, Sr., DE/LB
• David Campbell, Sr., DE
• Xander Mattinson, Sr., S
• Liam Whitworth, Jr., S
• George Steenblick, Sr., S
• Jonah Mailei, Sr., LB

Key defensive newcomers

• Andy Paiva, Sr., DT
• Sio Hosea, Jr., DE
• Veni Mapa, Jr., DE
• Will Taholo, Sr., LB /S
• Nick Tueller, Jr., LB
• Adam Fredrick, Jr., CB
• Jack Fredrick, Sr., LB
• Rex Wilkinson, Sr., DB

2. Highland Rams

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Kautai Olevao

Olevao is entering his sixth season as head coach at Highland, with a 17-34 record in those previous five years, including a region title in 2025. He’d previously served as an assistant for six years. He’s a graduate of Kahuku High School in Hawaii and the University of Utah.

Coach Kautai Olevao’s general outlook

We are optimistic about this upcoming season with many returning players who has valuable game time experience. Those returning players have felt what it took to earn region champs last season and are leading the team to put in the work this offseason.

Offensive coordinator: Adam Flores

2025 offense: 27.09 ppg (No. 13 in 4A)

• Eight returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• John Noa
• Donald Shaw
• Will Bauman
• Zamari Vaughn
• Manase Wolfgramm
• Vili Ripley
• Cortland Angstman
• Henry Tuha

Defensive coordinator: Will Hawes

2025 defense: 19.45 ppg (No. 5 in 4A)

• Eight returning starters
• 3-4 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Evan Kearl, DL, Sr.
• Andrew Cracroft, DL, Sr.
• Aidan Demarco, DL, Sr.
• Henry Tuha, DL, Sr.
• Nafe Pulini, DL, Sr.
• Sisi Noa, DL, Sr.
• Cortland Angstman, DL, Sr.
• Otto Wolfgramm, DL, Sr.

3. Murray Spartans

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Dalton Dunn

A graduate of Millard High School and UVU, he’s heading into his third season as head coach at Murray after leading the program to a 11-10 record in his first two seasons.

Coach Dalton Dunn’s general outlook

Heading into the 2026 season, our players have been working extremely hard in the weight room and learning new playbooks on both sides of the ball. We have dynamic athletes who are hungry to prove themselves at the varsity level. Our goal is to continue building a culture centered around brotherhood, accountability, and character development. The wins happen when you care about the brother next to you and work relentlessly. We will be a tough, smart, and exciting football team that our school and the Murray community can be incredibly proud of.

Offensive coordinator: Nate Hoggan

2025 offense: 33.7 ppg (No. 8 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Alex Huggins, OL, Sr.
• Drank Kano, OL, Sr.
• Zahir Martinez, OL, Sr.
• McKade Eardley, RB, Sr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Dru Reuss, QB, Jr.
• Andrew Miller, OL, Sr.
• Keaton Boss, OL, Jr.
• Jaggar Karr, WR, Sr.
• Kyler Eck, WR, Jr.
• Jersey Alvillar, WR, Jr.
• Chase Mower, WR, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: AJ Jones

2025 defense: 31.9 ppg (No. 17 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• 4-2-5 defense

Returning defensive starters

• King Yom, DB, Sr.
• Ropati Atuaia, LB, Jr.
• Peyton Pili, DL, Sr.
• Anthony Geurra, Kicker, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• McCoy Ash, LB, Sr.
• Amari Jamah, DB, Sr.
• Wyatt Lindquist, LB, Jr.
• Bryan Gregston, DB, Sr.
• Tony Rogers, DB, Sr.

4. East Leopards

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Joe Tukuafu

Is entering his first season as head coach at his alma mater. He’s a graduate of BYU.

2025 offense: 24.25 ppg (No. 15 in 4A)

2025 defense: 38.67 ppg (No. 21 in 4A)

No additional info provided

5. Juan Diego Soaring Eagle

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Trevor McFalls

A Juan Diego alum, Trevor McFalls is taking over as head coach in 2026. He previously was the offensively coordinator and O-line coach at Snow College. He’s a graduate of SUU.

Coach Trevor McFalls’s general outlook

The Juan Diego Football team is ready to return to action with a fresh start. Our team will be full of youth and new faces that are eager to turn things around. With a very challenging schedule, we will be tested every week. But the team has worked hard to prepare over the summer to bring our best.

Offensive coordinator: Trever McFalls

2025 offense: 24.18 ppg (No. 16 in 4A)

• Five returning starters
• Power spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Jacoby Ahlstrom, QB, Jr.
• Sione One Vea, RB, Jr.
• Stephen Burr, OL, Jr.
• Taaroanui Tapea, OL, Sr.
• Myles Carlton, TE, Jr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Zach Muirbrook, WR, Jr.
• Cole Williams, OL, Sr.
• Colin Hill, TE, Jr.
• Romeo Ramirez, WR, So.

Defensive coordinator: Corey Dodds

2025 defense: 45.36 ppg (No. 24 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• 4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

• Sione One Vea, DL, Jr.
• Taaroanui Tapea, DL, Sr.
• Myles Carlton, DE, Jr.
• Kysen Dowland, LB, Sr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Zach Muirbrook, DB, Jr.
• Colin Hill, LB, Jr.
• Romeo Ramirez, DB, So.
• Aryian Salout, DL, Sr.

6. Jordan Beetdiggers

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Marc Albertson

Marc Albertson has led Jordan to a 5-15 record in his two seasons as head coach. He previously served as an assistant coach at Alta High School for four season. Prior to that, he spent three years as an assistant at his alma mater, Roy High School in Washington. He’s a graduate of BYU.

Coach Marc Albertson’s general outlook

Jordan Football is coming back in 2026 with a revamped culture and more physically prepared for the upcoming season! We will be experienced at all positions this year, while gaining experienced senior leadership across the board! With more buy-in than we have had this year, we are poised to see a more complete and consistent program top to bottom.

Offensive coordinator: Josh Phifer

2025 offense: 17.67 ppg (No. 21 in 4A)

• Four returning starters
• Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

• Landon Tibbetts, WR/QB, Sr.
• Sterling Ostler, RB/QB, Sr.
• Zach Parker, C, Sr.
• Eli Kennar, OT, Jr.

Key offensive newcomers

• Kingston Lomouli, OG, Jr.
• Jake Holdaway, OT, Jr.
• Tanner Keyes, WR, Sr.
• Isaac Robles, WR, Sr.
• Seth Melton, RB, Sr.
• Matt Halisky, OG, So.
• Tyler Kidd, OT, Jr.
• Grant Pete, OG/C, Jr.
• Thomas Howard, TE, Sr.
• Jude Jacobson, TE, So.
• Teagan Dayton, OG, Jr.
• Ayden Zwahlen, WR, So.
• Jaken Barfuss, WR, So.
• Brodie Sargent, WR, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: Marc Albertson

2025 defense: 33 ppg (No. 18 in 4A)

• Seven returning starters
• Odd Front defense

Returning defensive starters

• Sterling Ostler, ILB, Sr.
• Titan Schaugaard, SS, Jr.
• Thomas Howard, DE, Sr.
• Eli Kennar, DE, Jr.
• Trae Ewing, CB, Jr.
• Sam Dean, CB, Jr.
• Mason Dayton, FS, Jr.

Key defensive newcomers

• Kingston Lomouli, DL, Jr.
• Jaxon Chalmers, ILB, Sr.
• Behr Russell, ILB, Jr.
• Seth Melton, OLB, Sr.
• Tanner Keyes, OLB, Sr.
• Isaac Robles, SS, Sr.
• Tanner Keyes, OLB, Sr.
• Ayden Zwahlen, S, So.
• Kole Starr, OLB, Jr.
• Teagan Dayton, DL, Jr.
• Tavian Dutson, CB, Sr.
• Jude Jacobson, DE, So.
• Brodie Sargent, DB, Sr.

7. Cottonwood Colts

2026 Schedule

Head coach: Mike Ward

After spending the past two years as an assistant coach at Granger, Mike Ward is taking over as head coach at Cottonwood in 2026. He’s a graduate of Norwich Free Adamy in Connecticut and Wesley College in Delaware.

Coach Mike Ward’s general outlook

Cottonwood will be a much improved football team in 2026. While we understand building a program is a process and success is not measured solely by wins and losses, this team is not focused on the past. Our players have embraced the work required to change the standard, and we expect to be more competitive, more physical, and more disciplined every Friday night. We have a group that believes in each other, believes in the vision of the program, and is committed to earning respect through their effort and preparation. We expect Cottonwood football to take a significant step forward this season.

Read more Deseret News archives: Scouting movement began with a camping trip

Offensive coordinator: Mike Ward

2025 offense: 6.89 ppg (No. 26 in 4A)

• Zero returning starters
• Multiple offenses

Key offensive newcomers

• Jaxson Siddoway, WR, Sr.
• Dartagnan Zachery, WR, So.
• Brandon Passey, TE, Jr.
• Jacob Stephen’s, RB, Jr.
• Soren Moffat, QB, Sr.

Defensive coordinator: Matt Lewis

2025 defense: 53 ppg (No. 26 in 4A)

• Zero returning starters
• 3-4 defense

Key defensive newcomers

• Brandon Passey, MLB, Jr.
• Jacob Stephen’S, LB, Jr.
• Jaxon Siddoway, S, Sr.
• Glorie Reukea, CB, Sr.
• Aaron Kasteler, LB, So.