Utah high school football is gearing up for an exciting championship weekend as teams across multiple divisions compete for state titles. The spotlight will be on Zions Bank Stadium, where the 3A, 2A, and 1A championships are set to unfold.
3A Championship Preview
A thrilling matchup is on the horizon as undefeated Cedar (12-0) takes on Manti (9-3) for the 3A state championship. The game kicks off at 10 AM on Saturday, showcasing two teams with distinct histories but similar offensive prowess. Cedar has been a scoring machine, averaging 43.8 points per game, while Manti, with a rich championship background, is eager to add to its four state titles, the last of which came in 2012.
Leading the charge for Cedar is quarterback Everett Kelling, who has amassed 3,408 total yards and 46 touchdowns this season. Kelling”s dual-threat capabilities have made him a challenge for defenses, as he has thrown for 2,443 yards and 29 touchdowns with only three interceptions, while also rushing for 965 yards and 17 touchdowns. Earlier this season, Cedar defeated Manti 51-27, with Kelling scoring three times on the ground.
Manti”s running back Tala Taulapapa was a standout in that game, scoring four rushing touchdowns despite the loss. He has had a remarkable season, recording 1,077 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns while also leading the defense with 95 tackles. Both teams reached the finals by overcoming tough semifinal opponents, with Cedar edging Juab 23-16 and Manti pulling off an upset against No. 2 Morgan with a 42-28 victory.
2A Championship Preview
In the 2A championship, San Juan (10-2) will battle South Summit (8-4) in a highly anticipated rematch. This contest is particularly significant as San Juan seeks its fifth consecutive state title, a feat only achieved by a handful of schools in Utah high school football history.
San Juan”s running back Jagger Nieves is just one touchdown shy of tying the state record for rushing touchdowns in a season, currently at 37. The Broncos crushed South Summit 69-21 in their previous encounter, and both teams have shown strong playoff performances to reach the finals. San Juan overwhelmed Judge Memorial in the quarterfinals and Summit Academy in the semifinals, while South Summit has found its rhythm late in the season, winning decisively in their playoff matches.
1A Championship Preview
The 1A championship features a storied rivalry between Kanab (10-1) and Beaver (10-2) at Southern Utah University. These teams have a combined total of 24 state championships, with Beaver looking to extend its reign after winning back-to-back titles. Kanab aims to claim its first championship since 2007.
During their previous meeting, Kanab secured a 26-14 victory, propelled by the impressive performance of running back Hayden Gubler, who has scored 30 touchdowns this season. Beaver”s quarterback Davin Orton has also been a key player, showcasing his talent with both rushing and passing abilities.
1A 8-player Championship Preview
On Saturday, another clash will occur in the 1A 8-player championship as two-time defending champion Rich (9-3) faces off against first-year program Milford (9-2). Rich aims to make history by securing a third consecutive title. Their earlier matchup resulted in a narrow victory for Rich.
Milford has shown tremendous growth since that encounter, averaging over 51 points per game in the playoffs. With quarterback Carson Cheney leading the offense, the Tigers have transformed into a formidable force. Rich”s dual-threat quarterback Jett Holmes will also be a critical factor, having excelled both in the air and on the ground.
As the championship weekend approaches, excitement builds across Utah with teams vying for glory and a place in the history books.
