Socolive - Latest Sports News & Updates

High school football: Region 10 preview

East’s student section cheers at their high school football season opener against Orem at East High School in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

With the new region realignments for the 2025-26 school year, Region 10 looks quite different from years past.

Only Murray, Jordan and Cottonwood stayed, while East, Skyline, Highland and Juan Diego joined.

Last season Stansbury took the region title, and with the Stallions moving to Region 11, a new program will take the Region 10 crown this season.

According to the coaches’ poll, East high is the one most likely to do so.

Last year, the Leopards had a meddling season in which they finished fourth in Region 6 with a 3-3 in-region record and finished with a 6-6 overall record.

Longtime East head coach Brandon Matich stepped down after 15 years, which included back-to-back state championships in 2015 and 2016.

East and BYU football alum Joe Tukuafu is taking over the program as head coach and will lead the Leopards into their venture into 4A.

Skyline was voted to finish second this season in Region 10. The Eagles are eager to bounce back from a rough 1-10 season.

Head coach Marcus Mailei heads into his second season as head coach and will steer the ship as Skyline ventures down to 4A play.

“Skyline Football enters the 2025 season with renewed energy, sharper focus, and a strong foundation built on resilience, integrity, support and excellence,” Mailei said. “We are excited to get into our 2025 campaign; the Eagles have attacked the offseason with great intensity and purpose.”

“We’ve faced some of the top teams in 4A in various football competitions and I know our boys are ready for the new division.”

Skyline has a decent amount of returning production with seven returning offensive starters and six returning defensive starters.

Skyline’s top running back from last season, Jonah Meilei, is returning for the Eagles, as are wide recievers Alex Brown and Luke Frey, though the biggest question for Skyline is whether or not its returning production will be enough to improve on last year’s struggle.

The Eagles’ averaged only eight points per game while giving up an average of 39.7 points per game.

“Our team’s work ethic has been impressive, and there’s been a noticeable shift in confidence and culture,” coach Meilei said. “Skyline returns a core group of varsity-experienced players who’ve battled through tough matchups and are hungry to turn the corner.”

Finishing third in this year’s coaches poll is Murray. The Spartans also finished third in region last year with a 4-2 Region 10 record.

Last year was a huge step in the right direction for Murray after an abysmal 1-9 season in 2023. 2024 was the first season since 2019 wherein Murray had a record above .500, as head coach Dalton Dunn led his team to a 6-5 finish in his first season with the Spartans.

Quarterback Phil Holland returns for Murray after playing backup last season. In six games last year, Holland threw for 342 yards while scoring seven touchdowns against just one interception.

Senior wide receiver Evan Talbot also returns for the Spartans. Talbot was one of the top wide receivers for Murray last year, clocking 575 yards on 33 receptions and scoring four touchdowns.

Highland also moves from 5A’s Region 6 to the new Region 10 and is projected to finish fourth in the region. Since 2020, Highland has had a rough time with a combined 12-37 record.

Head coach Kautai Olevao is in his fifth season at Highland and is also looking to turn things around for his program.

“Highland High Football is looking forward to the 2025 football season with excitement and enthusiasm,” Olevao said. “The new region realignment provides equal opportunities for all teams to be competitive each week. We feel we are a team that will be competitive in the region.”

The Rams bring in an experienced offense with seven starters returning. Highland also returns six defensive starters.

Among the returning starters is wide receiver Jackson Folau, who averaged 38 receiving yards per game last season.

Running back Manase Wolfgramm will also be a returning offensive weapon for Highland. Wolfgramm rushed for 270 yards on 86 carries last season.

Juan Diego is jumping up a class from 3A North to Region 10, and it finished fifth in the coaches’ poll.

In his first year as head coach, Danny Larson helped Juan Diego achieve a 6-6 season record and finished third in the 3A North region.

It will have a bit of turnover, particularly defensively as it returns only four defensive starters. Juan Diego will be relatively young on both sides of the ball with a significant number of sophomores expected to see the field.

“Our schedule this year is fantastic,” said Larson. “Every week we will be playing talented teams. We couldn’t be happier to join our new region and the 4A classification. It will produce some challenges, but we feel we are ready to compete.”

Finishing sixth in the preseason poll is Jordan. The Beetdiggers are among the teams hoping to find some consistency this season.

It’s been a rough time for Jordan’s football program with its last winning season being its 6-5 season in 2018.

Region 10 projection graphic — Deseret News graphic

In his first year as head coach, Marl Albertson believes leaves Jordan made some necessary improvements. Albertson is looking forward to making use of the lengthy returning players for the Beetdiggers.

“Last year, we were able to find some success with a team with limited varsity experience,” Albertson said. “With close to 15 returning starters on offense and defense, we are expecting our more experienced players to lead the way throughout the season.”

Finishing last in this year’s Region 10 coaches ranking is Cottonwood. The Colts were one of the few teams to finish last season without a single win.

Cottonwood especially struggled defensively as it gave up an average of 44.7 points per game while scoring only an average of 8.7.

Colts’ head coach Tui Satuala is also one of the Region 10 coaches who is hoping his team will find stability and a winning culture this season. This year will be Satuala’s second season as head coach.

Region 10 projections

(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)

1. East Leopards

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Joe Tukuafu

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

2024 offense: 26.67 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)

2024 defense: 26.08 ppg (No. 14 in 5A)

No additional info provided by coaching staff

2. Skyline Eagles

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Marcus Mailei

An assistant at Skyline for three seasons, he took over as head coach in 2024 and led the Eagles to a 1-10 record. He’s a graduate of Highland and Weber State. He played two years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Coach Marcus Mailei’s general outlook

Skyline Football enters the 2025 season with renewed energy, sharper focus, and a strong foundation built on Resilience, Integrity, support and Excellence. We are excited to get into our 2025 campaign, the Eagles have attacked the offseason with great intensity and purpose. We’ve faced some of the top teams in 4A in various football competitions and I know our boys are ready for the new division. Our team’s work ethic has been impressive, and there’s been a noticeable shift in confidence and culture. Skyline returns a core group of varsity-experienced players who’ve battled through tough matchups and are hungry to turn the corner. At the same time, several key new additions are poised to make an immediate impact, bringing fresh talent and energy to the program.

Offensive coordinator: Skip Cocci

2024 offense: 8 ppg (No. 26 in 5A)

Seven returning starters
Air Raid Offense

Returning offensive starters

Ammon Sanchez, Jr., LT
Kyle Johnson, Sr., RG
Elijah Browne, Jr., LG
Alex Brown, Sr., WR
Luke Frey, Sr., WR
Will Black, Jr., ATH
Jonah Mailei, Jr., RB

Key offensive newcomers

Xavier Cocci, Jr., QB
Max Cocci, Jr., TE
Jackson Patmides, Jr., C
Harvey Harris, 2025, RT
Eljiah Penya, Jr., RB
Parker Wesemann, Jr., G
Cole Tayler, Jr., C, G

Defensive coordinator: A.J., Jones

2024 defense: 39.36 ppg (No. 26 in 5A)

Six returning starters
4-2-5 defense

Returning defensive starters

Peyton Carter, Sr., LB
Sione Tupua, Sr., CB
Liam Hosea, So., CB
Kyle Johnson, Sr., DT
Cash Grandon, Sr., LB
Jonah Mailei, Jr., LB
Xander Mattinson, Jr., LB
Court Bills, Sr., LB
Jackson Treanor, Jr., DE

Key defensive newcomers

Max Cocci, Jr., LB
Dax Bacon, Sr., S
Micheal Riley, Jr., DE
David Campbell, Jr., DE
Jack Butters, Sr., LB
Elijah Penya, Jr., LB
Eyan Latimer, Jr., LB
Harvey Harris, Sr., DT
Lincoln Clark, Jr., DB
Jack Fredrick, Jr., LB
Bryan Gregston, Jr., DB
Simon Johnson, Jr., DE

3. Murray Spartans

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Dalton Dunn

The graduate of Millard High School and UVU is heading into his second season as head coach at Murray after leading the program to a 6-6 record last year.

2024 offense: 32.18 ppg (No. 9 in 4A)

2024 defense: 21.73 ppg (No. 7 in 4A)

No additional info provided by coaching staff

4. Highland Rams

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Kautai Olevao

Olevao is entering his fifth season as head coach at Highland, with here’s 10-30 in those previous fourth years. 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

Highland High Football is looking forward to the 2025 football season with excitement and enthusiasm. The new region realignment provides equal opportunities for all teams to be competitive each week. We feel we are a team that will be competitive in the region.

Offensive coordinator: Coach Adam Flores

2024 offense: 18 ppg (No. 20 in 5A)

Seven returning starters
Spread offense

Returning offensive starters

Brayden King, Sr., Center
John Noa, Jr., OL, Jr.
Tokelau Manavahe, OL, Sr.
Cortland Angstman, OL, Jr.
Manase Wolfgramm, RB, Jr.
Jackson Folau, WR, Sr.
Zamari Vaughn, QB, WR, Jr.

Key offensive newcomers

Zamari Vaughn, Jr., QB

Defensive coordinator: Coach Will Hawes

2024 defense: 28.1 ppg (No. 20 in 5A)

Six returning starters
4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

James Conde, D, Line Sr.
Cortland Angstman, D, Liine, Jr.
Jackson Folau, Sr., S

Key defensive newcomers

Donald Shaw D, Line Jr.
Aidan Demarco S, So.

5. Juan Diego Soaring Eagle

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Danny Larsen

The West High and Dixie State graduate is entering his second season as head coach at Juan Diego after a 6-6 record in his debut season.

Coach Danny Larsen’s general outlook

Our schedule this year is fantastic. Every week we will be playing talented teams. We couldn’t be happier to join our new region and the 4A classification. It will produce some challenges but we feel we are ready to compete.

We have some very talented seniors that we expect to have a big season. This team has very few juniors so the sophomore class is going to be relied on to step up. We have some athletes that can play so we are excited.

Offensive coordinator: DJ Larson

2024 offense: 27.83 ppg (No. 6 in 3A)

Five returning starters
Multiple Formation Option Offense

Returning offensive starters

Kynoa Jaeger Sr., TE
Hunter Landers Jr., Center
Garang Deng Sr., WR
Kingston Taban Sr., WR
Braylen Fail Sr., WR

Key offensive newcomers

Sione’one Vea So., RB
Nick Richardson Sr., TE
Jacoby Ahlstrom So., QB
Kysen Dowland Jr., QB
Nui Tapea Jr., OL
Jason Arapa Sr., OL
Aiden Mack Jr., OL
Oscar Ojeda So., RB
Drew Grams So., RB

Defensive coordinator: Danny Larson

2024 defense: 23.58 ppg (No. 7 in 3A)

Four returning starters
4-3 defense

Returning defensive starters

Garang Deng Sr., OLB
Kynoa Jaeger Sr., DE
Kingston Taban Sr., CB
Braylen Fail Sr., CB

Key defensive newcomers

Nui Tapea Jr., DL
Jason Arapa Sr., DL
Myles Carlton So., DE
Nick Richardson Sr., LB
Drew Grams So., LB
Sione’one Vea So., S
Hudson Houtz So., S

6. Jordan Beetdiggers

2025 Schedule

Head coach: Marc Albertson

Led Jordan to a 3-8 record in his first season 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

Last year, we were able to find some success with a team with limited varsity experience. With close to 15 returning starters on offense and defense, we are expecting our more experienced players to lead the way throughout the season.

Offensive coordinator: Josh Phifer

2024 offense: 12.82 ppg (No. 27 in 4A)