Congratulations Corner Canyon on winning a third State Title in a row yesterday afternoon. It is truly a tremendous feat to accomplish. The sky is the limit from here.

The following is the Chargers journey as seen through my lens. I hope you enjoy this road to the state title game I’ve compiled from throughout the season. I guess in a way, I knew all along that I was following this team for a reason.

It was so I could have the pleasure of learning along the way and tell my part of the story.

We will blast backwards to the 100 degree heat in July and then progressively work our way towards the final game.

—

7/29/25 5:38PM

Remember, it’s not about you…it’s about the mission and how best to accomplish it. With that attitude exemplified in you and your key leaders, your team will dominate.” – Jocko Willink EXTREME OWNERSHIP

• The Corner Canyon Chargers repeated as state champs’ last season. The Chargers fell behind Lone Peak early but rallied and scored 23 unanswered points to win 30-27 this past November in the title game. Head Coach Eric Kjar now has five State Titles in eight seasons to go along with 100-8 record. High School Football Living Legend.

This year’s team will have to do without 4 top 35 recruits from last season.

• Wide Receiver Jerome Myles was the Number One football recruit in Utah in 2024. Texas A & M
• Tight End Jordan Vyborny #24 recruit: Oklahoma St
• Defensive Linemen Paxton Naegle #25 recruit: Utah St
• Interior O-lineman Zion Finau #35 Recruit: Weber St

Elite talent lost, but the Chargers have redundantly reloaded. A threepeat is more than possible. “High expectations” as Kjar said to Deseret News. This is a school that has produced special players like Utah Backup QB Isaac Wilson, his older brother Zach, and newly drafted to the NFL Jaxson Dart. This team knows winning and knows high expectations, but there will be others nipping at the Chargers heels this season.

There are some exciting games on this year’s schedule.

It feels like 99 degrees across the valley right now. Find water and stay there. (Not today it doesn’t)

Players and coaches all over the country are preparing for the season and enduring some sort of torridity or another. It feels like 113 in my hometown right now, where farm boys are pulled from hayfields to run-block for the one fast kid. Maybe the team completes one or two passes, but HB Power on first and second down and triple option or HB Sweep on 3rd down was how I remember it. At least, that’s how it used to be. Either way, those hayfields were hot then and are still hot now.

THREE BIG GAMES

For now, let’s get into some High School games that are worth mentioning and garnering much interest from me.

There is talent all over this state, but there are three schools that have a significant concentration of such talent, Orem, Lone Peak, and Corner Canyon, and three games early in this season where one can witness the players of the future.

The first of such games is Orem travelling to Lone Peak August 22. This game will feature 9 of the top 50 football recruits in Utah.

For Orem:

• ATH Kaue Akana- #7 player in the state, #25 at his position nationally. At 6’2″/ 200lbs, he’s a fearless tackler with elite instincts and closing speed as noted from his film clips. He plays both sides of the ball but 247Sports “likes him at linebacker.” Committed to BYU.
• DL Lopeti Moala- #12 in the state. 6’4″/ 250lb. A big kid with a big smile. Looks like he has fun dominating the line. reminds me of a Quinnen Williams type. Committed to BYU
• TE Kai Wesley- #13 in the state. 6’7″/ 235 lb. Committed to Baylor
• QB Tayden Kaawa- #16 in the state. 6’5″/ 235lbs. Committed to Alabama
• LB Isaac Vaea- #41 in the state. 6’2″/ 208lbs. Currently Uncommitted

For Lone Peak:

• OT Bott Mulitalo- #3 in the state, #12 OT in the nation. 6’5″/ 290lbs. Committed BYU
• WR Jaron Pula- #5 in the state. 6’2/185. Committed to Utah
• WR Kennan Pula- #8 in the state. 6’2 195. Committed to Utah
• QB Kepa Niumeitolu- 6’1/205. Committed to Idaho St.

Orem is the #1 5A school and Lone Peak is the #2 6A school according to the preseason rankings, so this game should be a good one for (4) quarters.

—

Game number two that is a ‘must watch’ in the Utah High School Football season has Corner Canyon hosting Liberty out of Peoria, ARI.

Liberty is the preseason ranked #1 school in Arizona and #32 nationally. They themselves, like their host are back-to-back 6A state champs, and like their host, they are stacked with talent sporting 5 of the top 50 football recruits in Arizona.

Top Liberty PLayers:

• #12th Ranked Hudson Dunn. Linebacker. 6’1/210. Committed to Minnesota
• #14 Zach Thues. Safety. 5’11/185. Committed to Arizona St
• #33 Paz St. John. Defensive Line. 6’3/260. Committed to Boise St
• #41 Tyler Burnstein. Edge. 6’4/235. Committed to Washington St
• #48 TJ Fo’ilefutul. ATH. 6’1/230. Committed to Hawaii
  • Old School power Running Back at his best, but shows talent on both sides

Coming off their own two season dominate run, Corner Canyon is ranked the #1 team in Utah and ranked 19th nationally with their own list of top talented players. 6 of the top 43.

Top Corner Canyon Players:

• #4 Esun Tafa Interior O-Line. 6’4/305. #10 in the Nation at his position. Committed to USC
• #6 Helaman Casuga. QB. 6’1/220. #18 in Nation at position. Committed to Texas A&M
• #17 Kai Meza. WR. 6’0 185. Committed to Minnesota
• #34 Isaiah Morris. WR. 5’10/160.
• #36 Jase Kozlowski. DL. 6’5/230.
• #43 Mason Wood. LB. 6’2/215.

September 5th at 7Pm in Draper, these two top schools will compete.

—

The third and final game that has me intrigued is on September 19th at 7:00PM.

Corner Canyon will travel to Lone Peak. 10 of the top 43 football recruits in Utah will feature, not to mention, this will be a 2024 State Title rematch and preseason ranked #1 vs #2. This game should be intense.

–It will be fun to watch this Utah High School season unfold and I hope to make at least four games personally including these three listed. (I was present for far more than that)

So–Will Corner Canyon threepeat? Does Lone Peak get revenge? Maybe I’ll start a weekly hit for Utah High School Football once the season begins. Maybe.

Until then, “it’s not about you…it’s about the mission.”

—

8/16/25

–Corner Canyon dominated in their season opener 45-0. (Bingham)

Coming into the game, I was specifically watching for USC commit Esun Tafa on the o-line and A&M commit Helaman Casuga at QB. Both impressed at their positions.

Casuga is crisp and confident with a lighting quick release and strong arm. I see room for him to grow in big ways as he progresses into college. Tafa is strong, confident, and physically dominant, and he is an elite O-lineman who can go far with his large frame and jack rabbit feet.

During one play last night, Tafa impressively ran side by side with Senior Running Back Weston Briggs as he broke through the middle on a big chunk gain. His effort along with the rest of the offensive line allowed Briggs, who also impressed, to tally over 150 yards on the night and the team to rush for nearly 250.

It was a dominant home win.

To name a couple of other players that impressed me:

• Minnesota commit Kai Meza caught six passes for 145 yards. He’s razor sharp on his post routes and has the speed to break away when the ball is in his hands. I can see him developing into a productive slot receiver at the college level. We will wait and see how the Golden Gophers utilize him

• 6’2″ Diesel Dart (class of 2027) at Free Safety. While not making many plays himself, he was right where he was supposed to be on every play. Bingham did not generate much on offense so, while he was never really tested, he looks the part. Another year of getting stronger and a bit quicker will do him good as he prepares for college. His brother Jaxson went to USC and then Ole Miss as a QB, so I’m curious what route he chooses.
• Mason Wood looked solid at the Mike Linebacker. He’s uncommitted to a college at this point, but I think he’s got UTE written all over him.
• My favorite player of the night. #88 Manase Brown. The six-foot seven Junior TE/ DE is a straight ‘I just wanna play ball’ kind of guy, and sweet Christmas, he looks like he has fun doing it. A giant human with a giant personality and a ton of potential.

Corner Canyon proved their #1 ranking last night.

—

So, that’s where I stood at the end of week one’s win. Thoroughly impressed with the team that was right down the road from me. I was hooked and couldn’t wait until the next one. –There will be more on some games than others. Just go with the flow. We all know the end of the story.

—

8/24/25

Corner Canyon 38 @ 13 West Broward (FL)

• Storms, lightning, wind, rain…Florida weather delayed the game by nearly two hours, but Corner Canyon won comfortably once the game kicked.
• This was West Broward’s season opener, and it showed especially in the secondary.
• Casuga aired out several deep balls for completions to barely covered receivers due to some confusion in coverage.
• I paid attention to the entire second half as the game was streamed in good quality.

—

9/1/25

Corner Canyon 67 @ Fremont 21

• QB Casuga Rushed for two and passed for four (4) touchdowns
• Corner Canyon hosts #1 in Arizona Liberty next friday 9/5 at 7PM
  • ChargersTV will have the live stream if you can’t make this game live

Friday night football is beginning to heat up with the cooling temps. Corner Canyon’s matchup with Lone Peak is only a few weeks away.

—

9/7/25

• #1 Liberty (ARI) @ #1 Corner Canyon

It was 81, cloudy, and breezy at kickoff. Throughout the game, ducks and geese were flying back and forth along the canals that lead to the Jordan River which is not relevant to the game in any way, but it certainly added to the perfection of the evening. A fella like me loves that type of stuff.

I sat amongst the Liberty fans who were strong in number and strong in voice supporting their 31st Nationally Ranked squad. Well, as long as they had something to cheer for–As that sentence suggests, the Lion faithful hushed for a reason.

THE GAME

-Corner Canyon ran 5 plays then punted on their first possession and the Lion crowd and sideline were amped…for about 90 seconds.

-On a 3rd and 1 The Liberty QB Powered to the right but fumbled after gaining 5-6 yards and trying to stretch it for more.

In fairness, if he broke the tackle, there was nothing but green grass in front of him. Unfortunately, he took a pop a coughed up the ball inside the 30-yard line.

One play later Casuga drilled Jasean Mayberry with a 29-yard laser beam TD. 7-0

It was after the extra point that the White hat summoned both coaches to midfield to calm down the trash talk. (I assume)

Both teams were popping the pads hard, getting chippy, and trash talking after every play. The coaches gathered their teams to calm them down and after that the pad popping didn’t stop, but the trash talk did.

On the next Liberty possession, they threw a pick on the first play and gave Corner Canyon the ball inside the 30. On the third play, Casuga hit Weston Briggs with an easy 15 yard throw and catch for a touchdown. 14-0

Liberty responded with their best drive of the entire night sparked by a 20-yard option play to the right. 5 Minutes and 78 yards for an eventual rushing touchdown by Hawaii commit TJ Fo’ilefutu. He’s a stocky dude and will make an impact on short yardage situations for the Rainbow Warriors. 14-7

–Notable–Liberty threw the ball once on the drive and completed the one throw. Notable only because they never used that strategy again. The Lions insisted on throwing the ball and neither of their QB’s seemed to find their rhythm.

I had the pleasure of sitting amongst TJ’s siblings and mother. They were full of love and energy for him all night. “Go wave at your brother on the bench” said Mama to his younger siblings. They dashed to the railing and yelled “TJ!” The 5’11/210 Back turned around and waved with a beaming smile on his face. From my seat three feet away, his family seemed full of love and that’s the real stuff right there.

-Corner Canyon was forced into a decision at the end of the first quarter as they faced a 4th and 6 from the Lion 22. Coach Kjar elected to go for it and Casuga delivered a 7 yard pass for the first down. A play or two later, he tossed a one yard touchdown. 21-7.

On the next Liberty drive which began at their own 20, they threw a pick on their first play. This time picked by Safety Diesel Dart. The Liberty QB got smashed as he released the ball causing the pigskin to flutter like the ducks moving North to South. The QB did not return to the game, and I am unsure if it was because of the hit he took or because he had thrown two picks and lost a fumble in the first 15 minutes of gametime.

Either way, Corner Canyon took over but came away without a point as they attempted a Field Goal that missed to the right.

It was 21-7 at halftime which looks closer than the game felt.

Liberty #99 Senior D-lineman and Boise St commit Paz St. John absolutely hulk smashed Casuga with six seconds to go in the half forcing him to fumble the ball. The bull rush from the defensive lineman was impressive. Warren Sapp type of dude. In fact, I’d like to mention both defenses for these teams as both were popping pads and tough as nails all night.

• Senior Paz St John and Sophomore Aiden Thompson stood out to me for Liberty and Manase Brown and Jase Kozlowski were relentless with pressure from Corner Canyon.

• Liberty #27 Junior Strong Safety Cannon Collins and #0 Senior Safety Zeth Thues (Arizona St) were the bright spots in the secondary.
• #7 Senior Mike Linebacker Hudson Dunn (Minnesota) looks the part but found himself the victim of great blocking on many of the plays.

—

Corner Canyon received the ball to begin the half and began from the 20. I was scribbling a note as they took the field and looked up just as Casuga released his first throw of the half. He hit Kai Meza on an 18-yard post route. Meza beat the Safety on his first step and took it all the way for an 80-yard touchdown. It was one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ situations. Silence on the away side. 28-7. 11 seconds into the second half.

Liberty punted, and Corner Canyon’s student section, which was packed, coordinated, and energetic found their full voice. My better half pointed out that they all were wearing white shirts in the first half and switched to black shirts for the second half. Several hundred students chanted and cheered in unison throughout the first half, but they hit their stride once the sun and Liberty’s chances of winning disappeared for the evening.

On the next drive, Casuga delivered his best ball of the night. A rocket 48 yard pass caught by Jasean Mayberry at the two yard line. It was an absolute on the money throw. He delivered 4-5 super elite balls, but this one proved his ability. Weston Briggs rushed it in on the next play. 35-7.

• The final score was 45-14
  • Casuga tossed 4 and ran in one TD

• Corner Canyon is now 4-0 notching wins over Bingham, West Broward (FL), Fremont, and now #1 in Arizona and 31st Nationally ranked Liberty.
• They’ve won by at least 25 in each game. Scoring as many as 67 and giving up no more than 21.

-Corner Canyon is moving into conference play where the chippyness will increase and the stakes will rise. From what I’m seeing, this team is destined for a third State Championship in a row.

• Corner Canyon host Brighton 9/12 at 7PM.

The big game between Corner Canyon and Lone Peak in a state playoff rematch is 9/19 at 7PM. If you remember, this game had its own sort of chippyness last season. Rock steady lads. Rock steady.

—

9/14/25

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Perfect. It was perfect Friday Night Football weather. It was 76 degrees and cooling at kickoff with clear skies and a slight breeze across the valley. Charcoal briquets smoldered underneath half foot long hot dogs, three bean chili smothered hand-cut French fries fresh out of the grease, and varying colors of snow cones were smeared across the faces of youngsters with dirt on their pants and energy in their feet. Friday Night Lights at its best.

The season will continue to get more competitive as the top teams are set to begin facing off as early as next week. This past Friday produced more of the same that we have seen so far–top teams winning by 30+ over lesser opponents.

• Brighton 14 @ Corner Canyon 56
  • Casuga 6 Passing Touchdowns
  • Defensive Lineman Jase Kozlowski’s Birthday
  • No one has stopped the Chargers offense through five games.
• Farmington 7 @ 34 Lone Peak
  • The defense produced two pick-sixes
  • Kepa rushed for one
• Davis 49 @ 14 Olympus
  • Tradon Bessinger: Twenty (20) passing touchdowns entering this game threw another five (5)
  • Junior ATH Bode Sparrow finished the game with two TD’s

– Corner Canyon has flaws but there has not been one team that has been able to exploit and capitalize on them. On the other hand, when teams have made mistakes against them, they’ve been exploited and turned into points. As long as teams continue to let the Chargers get away with mistakes, they will continue to steam roll opponents. Absolute monster game against Lone Peak incoming this Friday.

The cream is rising to the top and this next weekend’s results will separate the Title contenders from the rest of the pack except in Region 3. Region 3 has been dubbed “the SEC of Utah High School Football” and will be competitive throughout the season.

UHSAA 6A Region 3 Standings:

1. Corner Canyon 5-0
2. American Fork 5-0
3. Lone Peak 4-1
4. Skyridge 4-1
5. Lehi 3-1

Getting through this season unscathed in Region 3 is going to be no small feat. Corner Canyon is not the only team that can win the Title but they are the only ones who can ‘threepeat.’ Get a hot dog, some french fries, and a snow cone and find a seat. The Corner Canyon Chargers may be imperfect, but they are certainly elite.

—

9/18/25

(5-0) #1 Corner Canyon @ (4-1) #2 Lone Peak 9/19 7pm

Number one versus number two in the state. This is the game we have been building towards the first half of this season.

Lone Peak and Corner Canyon have steamed through the in-state competition thus far with Lone Peak’s one loss coming at the hands of the #1 team in Nevada Bishop Gorman. Incidentally, that game ended by forfeit in the 3rd quarter due to Lone Peak violating NIAA rules by leaving the sideline during the altercation.

In terms of in-state competition, so far Corner Canyon has dispatched Bingham, Fremont, and Brighton in games that were not competitive, and Lone Peak has beaten Orem, Timpview, Crimson Cliffs, and Farmington all by double digits. This top-level Region 3 matchup is one that will have both teams will be hungry.

Corner Canyon has also beaten Liberty High who are back-to-back Arizona State Champs, Arizona’s number One ranked team, and a team ranked 32nd Nationally as well as winning at West Broward (FL). Both games were blowouts from start to finish. To add context, Liberty turned the ball over in their own territory three times in the first quarter and Corner Canyon put up three quick scores due to these mistakes and West Broward was playing their season opener when Corner Canyon had already brushed off the cobwebs the week prior. That said, they impressively outscored these opponents 83-27.

These two powerhouses met last season in Week 3 with Lone Peak winning on their home field 28-21 but met again in a rematch in last season’s emotional State Title game that finished 30-27 in favor of Corner Canyon. After falling behind early in the game, the Chargers scored 23 straight points to go on and win their second straight State championship.

This is not just a rematch of last season’s Title game, but also a game that showcases ten of the state’s top forty-three football recruits as ranked by 247Sports. Let’s meet the young stars that will feature in this game. Some names will be familiar if you’ve read along this season and the number represents their recruitment ranking.

LONE PEAK TOP PLAYERS:

• #3 OT Bott Mulitalo (BYU)
  • 6’5/ 300
• #5 WR Jaron Pula (Utah)
  • 6’3/ 200
• #8 WR Keenan Pula (Utah)
  • 6’3/ 195
• #42 QB Kepa Niumeitolu (Idaho St)
  • 6’1/ 205

CORNER CANYON TOP PLAYERS:

• #4 Esun Tafa (USC)
  • 6’5/ 355
• #6 QB Heleman Casuga (Texas A&M)
  • 5’11/ 210
• #17 WR Kai Meza (Minnesota)
  • 6’1/ 180
• #34 WR Isaiah Mooris uncommitted
• #36 DL Jase Kozlowski uncommitted
  • 6’3/ 240
• #43 LB Mason Wood uncommitted
  • 6’1/ 210

I’ve yet to wtach Lone Peak this year, but I’ve watched Corner Canyon in every game except Fremont. I can say that Tafa is a giant human with jackrabbit feet that rarely puts a step wrong.

Casuga is the real deal. He has a lightning quick release, excellent footwork, and has shown multiple times that he has pinpoint accuracy on the deep balls. He’s also deceptively fast and tough as nails. Multiple times I’ve seen him take grown man level hits while standing in the pocket. One specific hit happened in the final minute of the first half against Liberty. It was one of those hits that echoed off the metal bleachers, and one of those hits that would be understandable to miss a play or two afterwards. Impressively, Casuga took the medicine and on his next drop back delivered a confident 19-yard strike over the middle to Kai Meza who took it the distance for an 80-yard touchdown. Casuga is the real deal. The Golden Gopher bound Kai Meza is physical and has breakaway speed.

Mason Wood and Jase Kozlowski are always right where they are supposed to be and are fearless at the point of the tact.

Other Corner Canyon players that are worth noting are Senior RB Weston Briggs, Senior WR Jasean Mayberry, Junior ATH Diesel Dart, and Junior TE/ DE Manase Brown. I’ve seen all of these players lift their team when it was needed.

Briggs is a beast. He’s got PSAC player of the year written all over his game. Mayberry fights hard to hold blocks well on the edge and can catch the deep ball. Dart starts at Free Safety, returns punts, and plays receiver occasionally. I like him at safety but would like to see him be more confident on punts. I’ve observed him on more than one occasion bobble the punt before corralling and advancing the ball forwards and watched him fumble just last week against Brighton. He’s a good player with good instincts. Manase Brown is just a big dude that loves ball. Plays with intensity and is not afraid to flash his big smile. Keep working hard men.

So, what do I expect in this game?

This is each team’s first Region 3 matchup, and these are the wins that matter the most. Due to the stakes and magnitude of this game, I want to see Lone Peak limit their mistakes and make Corner Canyon play perfect to beat them. Corner Canyon is an elite but imperfect team, and I have yet to see anyone take advantage of their mistakes. All I really want to see is a clean, competitive game. I expect Corner Canyon to win. I’ll take them 35-27.

Keep calm and execute the play. This is how you win the day.

-For those that cannot make the game, Chargers TV will have the coverage as always.

• A fun fact shared by the broadcast team–during the Liberty game, there was someone watching from 48/50 states and an international audience from more than ten different countries represented. Football is growing. These young, talented men are the reason why.

Let’s have a great game tomorrow night and I hope to see you there.

—

9/21/25

FEATURED GAME:

• #1 Corner Canyon 21 @ #2 Lone Peak 42

Lone Peak impressed in many ways. The entire operation felt professional and it’s obvious that Coach Bart Brockbank and his staff hold and maintain a high standard.

Corner Canyon battled but were bested by the better side to fall for the first time this season.

Lone Peak are solid at many positions, but especially at receiver. The Pula Twins were both the standout players on the field. Jaron scored three TD’s and Keenan scored one and added an interception. Both strong and supremely talented with infinite upside!

Junior QB Cruz Christensen started the game for Lone Peak and threw four TD’s and added one rushing. Cruz battled through some early adversity and delivered some excellent balls in some crucial times of the game. He filled in for QB Kepa Niumeitolu who was out injured.

Junior Sean Tahi added a TD. Tate Barney played as an all-round bulldozing spark plug and was impactful when on the field.

Overall, the Lone Peak defense provided ample pressure and forced mistakes. The team performed like a disciplined group of young professionals and will challenge anyone in the state.

Corner Canyon were uncharacteristically shutout in the second half.

Of note, one of my favorite players this season, Manase Brown continues to impress me with his energy. He’s tenacious off the edge with a relentless motor and looks natural at tight end.

Casuga showed flashes of brilliance in the loss and Weston Briggs ripped off some nice runs. Kai Meza and Isaiah Morris caught some nice balls and overall, the team gave a great effort.

Number One Falls for the first time this season.

—

9/23/25

“In order to convince and inspire others to follow and accomplish a mission, a leader must be a true believer in the mission.”- Jocko Willink EXTREME OWNERSHIP

For the first time this season the back-to-back champs are coming off a loss. Over the halfway mark in the regular season has Lone Peak at the top of 6A Region 3 with other hungry teams also eyeing the playoffs. It’s been a fun season to watch unfold.

It’s been the most fun to watch the players that give their all every Friday Night for their schools. Some have stood out above all of the rest.

This will be a list of the players that I’ve seen this season that have made a positive impression upon me so far.

Impressive Utah High School Players: Not in any particular order

• OT/ IOL Esun Tafa

“#77 is an elite player–Giant with gentle feet and a running back’s motor” is what I scribbled on August 15th. Since then, I’ve used the term ‘jackrabbit feet’ when describing him. What I mean is–This dude is a 6’4/ 305 O-Lineman and he can chop his feet spritely as if he were a slender DB. Multiple times this season, I’ve watched him run step for step with the running back down the field. Tafa gliding full speed and steamrolling anyone naive enough to get in his path is a sight to behold.

There is still much to accomplish these last games at Corner Canyon, but I look forward to watching him progress at Southern Cal under Coach Riley.

• OT Bott Mulitalo

Up until this past Friday night, I had only watched film and read a few blurbs about Bott. “Ferocious with fast feet” is what I scribbled when observing #52. He was facing off against an aggressive, physical front and stood his own. At 6’5/300, he stood tall doing it. Mulitalo also showed his elite status with his ability to block downfield on several plays.

After Bott completes his commitments for Coach Brockbank and Lone Peak, he will head down the road to Provo and give his all securing the Cougar line.

• QB Helaman Casuga

“Crisp, confident, quick release” were the first of many notes that I scribbled during the first game against Bingham. He has since shown consistent accuracy on deep balls and exceptional toughness. The big hit he absorbed from the Boise St commit Paz St. John was a solid as they come. He’ll take plenty of those types of hits in the SEC next season at A&M.

His deep ball throw to Jasean Mayberry in the 3rd Quarter of the Liberty game was special. Jasean did his part to make the grab, but the throw was on a dime at 50+ yards.

Casuga will join Jerome Myles at Texas A&M next season. Jerome graduated from Corner Canyon last season and was the state of Utah’s top football recruit.

Big fan of the type of toughness I’ve seen with Casuga. Which is redundant because I’m a big fan of any of the tough young men on this list.

• ATH Kennan Pula
• WR Jaron Pula

Incredible. Truly incredible that these young men aren’t already in their second year of college. That’s how they look on the field and carry themselves. Both are confident in their abilities and are ball magnets. The type of player that is just ready for the ball in their hands at all times.

These guys look ready to help the Utes tomorrow. The speed, explosiveness, height, physicality, athletic ability, and overall ball skills make these two young men simultaneously elite.

Impressively, Jaron caught a jump ball on a 4th and 15 for a touchdown as well as having a 65 yard explosive catch and run TD.

When these two are lined up on the same side of the field, the image is quite imposing. Good luck high school DB’s.

Lone Peak has an absolute chance to claim the Title this year, and this gifted duo is just one of the reasons.

• QB Kaneal Sweetwyne

Moxie and leadership. Tall frame with a quick first step and strong arm. His positivity through adversity impressed me the most. He always seems to have the team on his shoulders. Thankfully, at 6’4 he’s tall enough to bear the load. Leader.

Kaneal and Helaman will go head-to-head this week.

• DE/ TE Manase Brown

I think I’ve mentioned Manase the most this season. Good gracious this guy is fun to watch. The first time he caught my eye was against Bingham when he was coming off the edge. “#88 is a ‘I just want to play ball kind of guy.’ Intense, fun, good speed off the edge…and can catch a pass at TE.” He’s repeated this in every game I’ve watched. Relentless motor.

• RB Devaughn Eka

“#24 is strong,” “24 is the offense” “#24 is an Achane type.” Devaughn went for 228 and two TD’s.

• OT Mataalii Benjamin

Minnesota Golden Gopher bound. “My days #55 is a unit” is what I scribbled after watching him for a half. He’s listed at 6’7/315. You tell me? That’s most NBA shooting guards’ height. I felt like a hobbit as he and the rest of the Lehi O-line walked past. Modern Day Giants.

• DT Briggs Love

“Big, bad #95 Briggs Love. The energetic Lehi D-Lineman did it all the night I watched him. His interception and ‘Refrigerator Perry’ style rushing touchdown were fun to watch.

On the D-line, I was impressed with his ability to press the O-line every play. Constant spin moves and swim moves from #95.

• WR Legend Glasker

Two big plays impressed me the most. He’s dynamic and fearless in the moment. BYU bound after his time with Lehi.

• RB Weston Briggs

“6’2/ 205 and runs his ass off.” That’s the first scribble of the season written about him. The O-line creates the gaps, but someone has to see them and run through them and have the ability to run over the second level and the pace to pull away. Weston has exemplified all of these characteristics in every game I’ve watched him. “He runs like it’s his last day to have legs.”

• WR Kai Meza

Big fan of this guy’s route running and feel for the space that opens in the secondary. He and Casuga have a nice understanding. I like him on slants, posts, and hitches over the middle.

Meza is Minnesota bound where I hope he continues to develop his skills. He’s got the makeup of a solid receiver.

—

There are many, many other players I could name that have impressed me in some way halfway through this season, and many players that I’ve yet to lay eyes on that are probably outstanding. This is only a small taste of the elite talent that UHSAA 6A is featuring this season.

To all the players–wins and losses will come in bunches whether on the football field or in life. Regardless of the external conditions, continue through the process: the early morning workouts, the strict nutritious diet, and the different disciplines set in place by the coaches and watch the improvement. Each is responsible for maintaining themselves and bringing one hundred percent focus and effort each day. Each is responsible for improving themselves, so the team may also improve. Keep perspective, keep believing in the mission, and remain humble.

Whether you are a player on this list, one of the many that play every week, or like me, just a football fan, regardless of the externals, continue to be disciplined through the process. We all need each other.

Good luck the rest of the way!

—

9/28/25

FEATURED GAME:

• Skyridge 14 @ Corner Canyon 49

Amber mountains, deerskin foothills, a purple peak atop Timpanogos, and flocks of white under bellied green headed ducks circled the stadium and flew the canals before the sunset faded for the day. The sun was completely hidden by the western mountains and was casting its last bits of refracted light East that gave the Corner Canyon football fans a spectacular view to open the Friday Night Lights matchup. A perfectly light breeze added the slightest chill to the 75-degree evening.

To get to the football, unfortunately, it was never competitive. In fact, Corner Canyon was unfazed defensively. To quote a young fan who was within ear shot of me just as the third quarter began, “I thought this was going to be a good game.” He trudged past me and plopped next to his friend about the same age before saying those exact words in a most exasperated way. Me and you both little buddy.

Regardless of the lacking in competitiveness, it was a great team win for Corner Canyon and a good response after last week’s road loss. I’ll jump through some of the top performers.

• DE Jayden Pearce pick six. #9 is a bolt off the edge.
• Jackson Caruth rushed for 4 TD’s
• Lucas Jackson 2 Rec TD’s. Impressive YAC numbers.
• Isaiah Morris with a couple of nice grabs
• ATH Diesel Dart had a couple of catches, a couple of nice fair catches on punts, and a couple of tackles. He also broke up a pass or two. I mention the fair catches because of one in particular. It was tricky but he used excellent concentration to corral the ball cleanly in traffic. This is an area that I’ve watched Dart improve upon this season.
• Jasean Mayberry impressed again
• Josh Harris with multiple nice tackles on the edge.
• Skyridge RB Lincoln Tahi ran hard and had a nice one-handed grab out of the backfield.

Corner Canyon move to 6-1 on the season.

—

10/5/25

MARQUEE GAME: Thursday Night

• Lone Peak 34 @ Skyridge 37
  • SKY QB Kaneal Sweetwyne 3 Total TD’s
  • SKY RB Lincoln Tahi 2 Rushing Td’s
  • LP WR Jaren Pula 186 rec yards and 2 TD’s
  • LP QB Cruz Christensen 2 passing TD’s

This game was wild. One that ended late into the night on Thursday. I’ll hit the highlights:

• With less than six minutes to go in the first half, Lone Peak opened the scoring with a 24-yard field goal to make it 3-0.
• Less than 2 minutes later, Cruz hit Pula, and he took it 87 yards to the house. 10-0 at Half.
• Skyridge having been shut out in the first half tied the game at 10 with a 42-yard field goal with 5 minutes to go in the 3rd.
• The two teams swapped scores down the stretch
• Skyridge tied the game 24-24 with a score in the final 2 minutes to send the game to OT
• Both Teams scored touchdowns in the first OT
• Lone Peak kicked a FG in the second OT to go up three. This set up…

Picture a Classic Radio announcer voice coming through a fuzzy speaker:

“From the 16. Sweetwyne is in the gun. Lincoln Tahi to his right. Two receivers split left, one to the right. Lone Peak looking to end this one with a defensive stop. Sweetwyne checks with the sideline, then claps to signal the ready. These boys have played hard all night. Somebody has to win–here’s the snap and a zone read to the right. It’s Tahi–He bursts through a hole untouched. Skyridge is going to win this game…Touchdown SKYRIDGE!!! In classic Friday Night Light’s fashion Skyridge has come back once again to win on a Thursday Night with Lincoln Tahi finishing it off. What a game, folks. What a game. I tell you this, if you weren’t here for the end of this one, you missed a classic.”

What a game. Sheer will and competitiveness on display from both sides. Football is just a game, but it can teach many lessons. Never quit is a lesson we all could learn from this Skyridge team.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Lights turned on, cars jammed parking lots, and people packed stadium bleachers as the storm clouds brewed to the South and West of the Valley. To my knowledge, at least half a dozen games were delayed in some way by the turbulent weather.

Syracuse, Davis, West Field, and Bonneville were four of the games that were suspended before halftime and finished Saturday afternoon, and the Lehi game was called in the fourth quarter. Wind, rain, thunder, and lightning all played a role. Nonetheless, football was played, but not by Corner Canyon.

American Fork is next for the Chargers.

—

10/6/25

The state of Utah is being treated to some elite High School ball. With only two games from the playoffs, these games matter more and more. With the temps dropping, fans will bundle in blankets and gloves, and those pads on the field will be popping just a little harder. The cold always breeds tougher play and cold fingertips. It’s just how it is in the oblong game late in the season.

I’m here for it.

Good luck to every youngster competing and thank you to every coach and official that serve to make this game great.

—

10/12/25

MARQUEE GAME

• American Fork 21 @ Corner Canyon 37

Senior night in Draper. Strong young men ready to step into the next chapter of life were escorted to midfield by proud loved ones before the game. It was a special time for all involved. Beaming proud mommas clutching the arm or holding the hand of their sons who were walking tall and proud. In the stands, at least one Dad was rocking his newborn to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” that was playing. His #DadLife flat bill bobbing while his baby draped on his shoulder like an Afghan over a lounge chair. Real stuff.

Striking skies were in every direction as the game was set to kick. Fluffy grey and white clouds sporadically filled the western sky as the sun faded for the day. Deep ocean blue clouds could be seen brewing to the south of Mt. Timpanogos which was glowing orange from the last glimpse of the sun that was stretching towards its high reaching peak. More clouds could be seen to the North and East behind the warm glow that was reflecting off the Wasatch.

Just before the coin toss, Davis Nelson kicked two balls into the teeth of the wind that was swirling from the south. Impressively both landed mid endzone.

Windy, relatively warm. A great night for football. It always is.

As far as the game goes–Corner Canyon earned a comfortable 21-point lead at the half on the backs and legs of Weston Briggs, Casuga, and the ever-consistent offensive line that did just about everything right all night. Every time Casuga dropped into pocket, he looked more comfortable than the baby sleeping like a rock on ‘Dad’s’ shoulder.

While American Fork’s d-line and pass rush did everything they could, the Corner Canyon O-line proved far superior. A trend consistent to the entire season. As elite as certain players are on the team and as deep as certain position groups are–the O-line unit has been the most consistent all season.

Fast-footed Esun Tafa has been mentioned several times but I’ve yet to mention any others that are part of this hard-working group. Last night, I took note of three.

• #71 Will Chandler 6’3/ 260
• #72 Jackson Overstreet 6’5/ 300
• #55 Robby Whelan 6’3/ 280

Regarding all three: Relentless to the whistle on every play. Disciplined to the plan, blocking as a group, picking each other up, selling out on every play. #72 got that dog in him is something I specifically scribbled. Great job to all of the giant young men on the Charger O-Line.

• #9 EDGE Jayden Pearce is playing his best ball right now. I love having an excuse to use this word yet again–relentless. #9 is quicker and quicker every week. Explosive first step and relentless in pursuit.

Corner Canyon played well and look to have the little things buttoned up as any coach would want to see late season. As good as the Chargers looked Week one against Bingham, this current team is worlds better. The Corner Canyon that played last night would beat the Corner Canyon from week one by 30 and that’s the improvement every team strives for. Always being a little better than the last time. Lessons for us all.

Great Job Coach Kjar.

NOTABLE SCORE on Thursday:

• Lone Peak 6 @ Lehi 34

This was a struggle of late-season wills between two three loss teams. Both teams have looked at times as though they could run the gauntlet and win it all come playoff time. The nature of the oblong game is that the ball could always bounce one way or another. Had that lemon shaped pigskin bounced either of these team’s ways one or two more times, this could just as easily have been a Top 5 matchup.

That said–only one team looked State playoff ready last night. Absolutely outstanding to see Lehi battling each week. ‘The best three loss team in the state’ was how it was written here three weeks ago. That continues to be true as Lehi improves to 5-3. Just to write it one more time, Lehi’s three losses are by 1 point, 2 points, and 4 points. This is a solid team and will continue to be formidable especially at home. (Corner Canyon @ Lehi 10/15)

—

10/15/25

“Gratitude leads to love.”- on my tea bag this morning

It’s mid-afternoon and the weather has been squirrely up until now. Driving rain and hail around midday. Stiff south breeze and showers expected later tonight and most of the day tomorrow. In the present–the sun is shining between puffy fast-moving clouds and it’s approaching 60 degrees. Perfect afternoon.

Later this evening it’ll be the perfect evening for football. Blustery, chilly, maybe a bit drizzly for the Wednesday Night version of Friday Night Lights between UHSAA 6A Giants.

—

10/16/25

“Sweet Summer Rain. One of God’s great mercies.”- Sheriff Cooley

While it most definitely is not Summer, this wet October in the desert is another form of “God’s Mercies” as Sheriff Cooley describes in “O Brother.” It’s been a steady flow since about 4PM yesterday. There was an hour break in the weather during the first half of last night’s ball game, but the rain resumed about the time the fourth quarter began and has been continuous ever since.

I think I’ll be moving high up on the mountain. The pasture that this cookie cutter neighborhood is etched into is about a day or two from going completely underwater. If I lived on the banks of the river Jordan or the shores of Utah Lake, I’d go ahead and secure floaties to the foundation and seal off the basement. Shoreside homes will certainly be swept away, so it’s best to be prepared.

You know? I wonder how many Utahns have flood insurance? It can’t be many. I mean, who gets flood insurance on a property in the desert? It certainly hasn’t crossed my mind in the few years I’ve lived here. As these rains fall and floods rise, the Salt Lake Valley may be going the way of the old Yazoo River Basin. “Yessir! Things are about to change…”-Everett

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

—

But let’s digress in a major way. Major way. Back to football.

• Corner Canyon @ Lehi

As I said, last night was a damp, chilly game in Lehi as #1 Corner Canyon rolled into town. The visitors proved their ranking by beating #9 Lehi 56-3 to claim the 6A Region 3 regular season Title.

Impressively, there was barely three and half square feet of empty space on the ice-cold bleachers. Both the home side and visitors were packed to the gills and energetic but only one side looked like a national title contender. On a chilly wet night on the road against a physical team, Corner Canyon played nearly flawless.

Lehi had flashes of brilliance by way of Mike Linebacker Vince Evans who tallied double digit tackles, 2-3 for a loss, and Lehi’s one INT. #0 was nearly in on every play. The Lehi O-line also played outstanding against a formidable opponent.

In other games, #3 Skyridge won on the road at #10 American Fork 26-14 to finish the regular season as Region 3 runner-ups.

#2 Davis bested visiting Weber 38-23 with Tradon Bessinger passing for three touchdowns and Jaxton Itaaheau totaling three.

Now, it’s time for the playoffs.

—

10/19/25

At this point, it feels as though it was two weeks ago when I sat in the frigid rain amongst Pioneer lovers and football faithful as Corner Canyon notched the final win of the regular season this past Wednesday Night. What a fun night that was.

It’s worth mentioning now that out of all of the crowds I’ve sat amongst this season, Lehi’s was my favorite by a slim margin over Skyridge. Two schools separated by a whopping 3.1 miles and both have energetic fan bases full of love, passion, and knowledge of football. Both sport impressively coordinated student sections that stay involved throughout the game, but Lehi’s is my favorite–For now.

Even on such a cold and rainy Wednesday night there was barely space to be found on the frigid bleachers. Whether you were built like Jason Kelce or Zendaya, it was going to be a tight squeeze between the local faithful and football fans on that rainy night. Somehow, someway I showed up late, but just in time to snag a spot on the 46-yard line near the top row. A perfect seat for a fella like me.

As you already know, Corner were a bit stingy as the away team and came away with the easy win, but in my opinion, the Lehi fans won the night by their show of undaunted support for their team despite the odds stacked against them and the adverse weather conditions. Well done, Pioneers.

The regular season has concluded, and the playoff bracket is set for UHSAA. The top teams will all receive a first round bye and this includes Corner Canyon, Skyridge, Davis, Lehi, Lone Peak, Orem, West, and Fremont among others. This means that the top teams will not play until All Hallows Eve afternoon.

Due to the popularity of Halloween, especially in this region of the country, most of the games on that day will be played at 4PM to allow for the spookiness of the night to take place off High School campuses.

Matchups on the 31st include the winner of Layton/ Cedar Valley vs Corner Canyon, Skyridge vs Copper Hills, Davis vs Bingham, Farmington vs Lone Peak, and a Region 3 rematch that involves feisty Lehi and the Cavemen of American Fork. Pick a game and enjoy. Lehi/ AF will be the game of the week. Can’t wait.

The regular season is over but the Friday Night Lights story here in Utah is far from complete.

—

11/1/25

What an amazing afternoon for football. 63-64 with bright sunny skies and a steady Northwest breeze. If there was a day to play football or go trick or treating, it was yesterday.

6A Final Scores:

• Syracuse 31- Westlake 28
  • Syracuse shutout Westlake 10-0 in the second half and eventually won on a Game Winning field goal as time expired.
  • RB Ryker Van Komen 2 TD’s
• Herriman 62 – Weber 32
  • RB Fillisi Filipe 3 TD’s
• Lone Peak 41- Farmington 14
  • Pula Twins 1 TD Each
  • FAR Drew Love 2 TD’s
• Mountain Ridge 35 – Riverton 21
  • DB Cutler Whitaker 2 INT for TD
    • helluva name
• Skyridge 63 – Copper Hills 3
  • QB Kaneal Sweetwyne 3 Total TD’s
• American Fork 21- Lehi 20
  • AF Nate Childs Two TD’s
  • Lehi Legend Glasker two 1st half TD’s
• Davis 42- Bingham 21
  • Isaac Morrison 3 TD’s
• Corner Canyon 63 – Layton 9
  • Kai Meza 3 TD’s

So, these results set up next week’s Quarterfinals which will be played at the high seed under the lights.

6A MATCHUPS Quarterfinals:

• Syracuse @ Corner Canyon
• Herriman @ Mountain Ridge
• Lone Peak @ Davis
• American Fork @ Skyridge

—

11/1/25

“Remember, it’s not about you…it’s about the mission and how best to accomplish it. With that attitude exemplified in you and your key leaders, your team will dominate.” – Jocko Willink

CORNER CANYON: Coach Kjar and the Dynasty Forged in Fire

The Corner Canyon Chargers repeated as state champs’ last season. The Chargers fell behind Lone Peak early but rallied and scored 23 unanswered points to win 30-27 this past November in the title game earning Head Coach Eric Kjar a fifth State Title in eight seasons.

To go along with those titles is an outstanding 100-8 record through those 8 seasons. He is a High School Football Living Legend with his best years still to come.

• Corner Canyon lost a handful of great high school players along with four that earned scholarships.

Yet, they continue to do nothing but win. But how? How are they accomplishing this year in and year out and consistently achieving these phenomenal results?

–Before I get to what I think Coach Kjar has been doing–I’ll start with an example from my first game seeing Corner Canyon.

“There’s no Safety over the top!! Hit em deep!”- middle school aged kid behind me yelling from the stands. He was very much into the game and as football savvy as any other adult football fan I know. The little master knew the game and knew when to exploit the weaknesses. I heard and felt this disappointment when the play turned out to be a run to the right for a gain of 1. “Why didn’t we throw it deep? That was an easy touchdown.”

The opposing defense stacked the line and left Single High coverage pre-snap. Then, the Single High Safety surprisingly crept forward about seven yards or so and the Cornerback was in press coverage on Minnesota commit Kai Meza. It was a no-brainer. So, why run to the right?

Casuga could’ve hit Meza four times for four scores in the first half of that game. The opposing defense was scrambling and leaving acres of space in the secondary. So why not exploit it? Why not do the video game move and run the score up with your SEC bound QB throwing eight touchdowns? I mean, if they are giving it to you, why not take it?

On that specific drive alone, Kai Meza was wide open four times and was targeted zero. The young lad behind me just couldn’t understand. The drive ended in a touchdown, but it was one that was earned and required the entire team to get involved. “Well, I’m glad we scored but we could’ve done it a long time ago.” He wasn’t wrong.

Like I said, this was the way back in August–I think it’s clear exactly what he is doing.

SYSTEM

He’s building a dynasty. Powerhouse programs are not this long standing without a system. Now, I’m not so bold as to say that I know Coach Kjar’s System, but I think these may be pieces of that system.

• Never rely on just one player, even two. No matter how great one player may be–it takes eleven to win each play.
• Give Each Player quality snaps and let them feel the fire once in a while. Fire only makes the unit stronger.
• Coach, Correct, Move on to the next play.
• Each play matters. Effort from all eleven is essential.

Cheesy? Sure. Equally true from my vantage point.

Coach Kjar is forging a stronger team with each and every down they play. By rotating the players and giving each of them touches or moments to impact the game, it builds confidence. Confidence from the ground up. It also brings a healthy amount of inner-squad competitiveness which sharpens the iron that gets forged.

While Corner Canyon feature some absolutely phenomenal players that will be playing ball for the next decade or so, they will not be playing for Corner Canyon much longer. Coach Kjar knows this which is exactly why he coaches the way he does. The constant mixing and matching of players and balanced play calling gives everyone a chance and keeps everyone involved. Everyone must feel the fire.

Because if he doesn’t have a Zach Wilson or Jaxson Dart or Casuga on his team, he still wants to win every game. And you win when there are three to four guys at every position that are confident in themselves that when they are called upon, they will make the play.

There will certainly be moments when failures happen, but it’s the fire of those failing moments that make a team what it is. The fire makes the metal vulnerable, so the craftsman, in this case a coach can– ‘Coach, Correct, Move on to the next one’ with a better, stronger team.

It takes the fire of failure to build a team that plays with such confidence. When that level of confidence seeps two levels deep in the depth chart, the unit becomes unstoppable.

Sure, it’s a wonderful thing to have a well-spring of talent in the corner of the canyon, but talent doesn’t always win. You have to be forged in fire, and Coach Kjar has been a smithy now eight years or so. He has carefully crafted this program to be strong and sharp and built to last. A team that can be down three scores in a championship game and score twenty-three unanswered to win. He’s Forging a dynasty. The word applies.

So, for the bright sir behind me asking fair and logical football questions through an exasperated tone, “Why didn’t he throw it to him?” Because he wants your team to win, not just this play or today, but tomorrow and next season and the one after that. ‘”The proof is in the pudding.”

As of fan of greatness in the game of football, it was worth a moment to highlight Coach Kjar through my personal observations. He’s forged a dynasty in Draper. Only up Coach.

—

Yesterday, when I was looking through the top players in the state by statistic, I noticed that Corner was lacking in some categories comparatively to how good they have been, and it led to this moment to highlight the eight going on nine years for Coach Kjar and Corner Canyon.

Nine losses in that span is an incredible thing to achieve. He’d probably say, “you just can’t lose the last one.”

Ledger Wight, Ryker Van Komen, and Syracuse play at Corner Canyon under the lights next Friday. Coach Kjar’s story is far from complete.

It’s time to move on to the next play.

—

11/6/25

• Syracuse @ Corner Canyon 4:00 PREVIEW

Syracuse’s Ledger Wight and Ryker Van Komen combine for nearly 2,000 yards rushing. They will need to be clever with the playcalling and mix it up against the #1 team in the state because Corner Canyon will certainly score.

With Helaman Casuga at QB, Weston Briggs running the ball, and Kai Meza at receiver, behind one of the best O-Lines in the state, this offense is a machine primed and ready to score.

On defense, Jayden Pearce and Manase Brown crash the edges, Mason Wood fills the gaps, and Diesel Dart lurks up top.

This one will be fun to watch.

—

11/8/25

UHSAA Quarterfinals

Near perfect conditions led to some great ball being played by the Utah young men on Friday. As they continue to pursue towards the holy grail of a State Championship, the stakes continue to increase and the intensity of each moment swells. Victories will feel sweeter and losses more bitter. It’s the nature of the playoffs. Let’s see who made the final four.

6A QUARTERFINALS

• Lone Peak 41 @ Davis 38 (2OT)

The #1 Quarterback in the land, Tradon Bessinger tossed his fair share of touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough.

In what may have been the Game of the Year, Davis lost at home to Lone Peak. Lone Peak QB and Idaho St commit, Kepa Niumeitolu rushed in the game tying score with thirty seconds to go in the game. Kicker Jake Barker won the game with a field goal. A game that began 3-3 on his make in the first quarter. Barker made every field goal and every extra point and is my player of the game.

In a game where the stakes were that high, the pressure of the moment could very easily have led to a mistake. Because the Kicker performed his best with the season on the line, he is my player of the game. Well done to all.

Lone Peak continue their journey back up the mountain. They’ve had their pitfalls and hardships this year but have overcome them all to find themselves one game away from a potential rematch with the back-to-back state champs. Oh buddy. I’d love to see this game.

Davis had a tremendous season. Bessinger will go on to Boise St where he will help the Broncos passing attack and players like Itaaheau and Sparrow will load up for next season’s senior campaign.

What a game.

I was attending American Fork and Skyridge, and a youngster rushed past me then turned and shouted in my direction, “Lone Peak just won bro!” He was elated because if his team advanced, they would dodge the number one passing attack in the state and play four-loss Lone Peak instead.

Well Done Lone Peak!

• Syracuse 14 @ Corner Canyon 56

Not to sound reductive, but Corner cruising once again.

Semifinals Matchups:

• Corner Canyon vs Mountain Ridge
• Lone Peak vs Skyridge

—

11/15/25

6A Semifinals:

• Corner Canyon 55 vs Mountain Ridge 20
• Lone Peak 13 vs Skyridge 7

6A STATE FINAL

• Corner Canyon vs Lone Peak 11/20 at 2:30

A rematch between last season’s State Final participants. Two 6A Region 3 foes that know each other quite well. Lone Peak edged Corner Canyon by three scores earlier this season.

Will Corner Canyon win and three-peat as State Champs? Or does Lone Peak find the mountaintop and knock off the perennial giants?

—

11/20/25

STATE FINAL

–I’m here. Late but I’m here. 7:20 left in the second quarter.

ChargersTV Radio Broadcast is telling me the story. Any quotes will be from them unless otherwise stated.

So, where are we?

Lone Peak vs Corner Canyon State Championship from Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Lone Peak (LP) just scored to make it 10-7. Corner Canyon (CC) has had the ball just twice in this game so far. “CC missed tackles all over the place.”

Apparently, LP defense has been pressing the issue at the line of scrimmage and keeping pressure on Casuga.

-CC needs more Briggs behind Tafa. That is the bread and butter all season. Take the pressure off the QB….

–Still getting settled here on the bar top in the kitchen.

• TD CC: Casuga on the rushing TD. 2:24 Second Quarter CC 14-LP 10

–Lone Peak will get the ball in the second half. This is a huge possession in this game.

-BIG PLAY! LP Kickoff for a TD, but an illegal block penalty brings it back to midfield. “The last block before the touchdown…unnecessary.”

–“Chargers defense with another missed tackle. This is abysmal.” Tate Barney and Sean Tahi are more than a handful to wrangle down. LP moving at-will. “8 to 9 yards per carry at this point.” Stress in the CC Radio Announcers voice. Nervous. I can feel the tension. There is a timeout now and these two passionate fans are airing their frustrations. “Adjustments are needed.”

-LP RB Tate Barney is 6’1/ 210 and CC have not once tackled him cold.

-“26 seconds to go LP has the ball at the six inch line.” QB Kepa Niumeitolu with an easy fall into the endzone to regain the lead. 17-14 LP. 22 seconds to go in the half. “I don’t have a good feeling, Doug.”

–Oh, I will be using that one–“I don’t have a good feeling, Doug.” These guys are on a knife’s edge of stress.

–Kickoff out of bounds and the Chargers will start at the 35. Can they move the ball quickly?

–8 yard gain, quick TO. 17 seconds left. A score here would be huge for CC. A score and a stop out of the half. LP looking stronger than the back-to-back champs so far. The crowd is lively as heard over the broadcast.

–3 Seconds left from the OPP 46. Casuga hit as he threw, INT on the Hail Mary attempt. CC JR OL Chase Peterson is injured on the play. Flag on the play. “Blindside block after the INT.”

-HALFTIME

So, 17-14 is the score at Rice-Eccles. What a ball game. Looking at the scoreline it is far closer than the announcers on ChargersTV may indicate. Poor chaps are feeling the nerves. A few nervous chuckles between each play breakdown do very little to quell their obvious stress. One thing is most stressing for both of them and that is how to stop this dominant Lone Peak Rushing attack.

How can CC improve on this front? LP OL Bott Mulitalo and his 6’5/ 300-pound frame is leading the line and both Barney and Tahi have found success running behind the BYU Commit’s lead.

This is very similar to what I observed during the regular season when Corner Canyon were doubled up 42-21 at Lone Peak. The O-line had their way for most of the game.

It may be that there is no tangible way to stop the LP running attack and CC should seek other ways to win. Such as, getting back to the efficient offense that spoiled fans all season. An offense that is led by the strong boys at O-Line. USC Commit Esun Tafa is particular. Let’s see the O-line lead this offense. Allow Casuga a little more time to throw and auxiliary receivers Mayberry, Jackson, and Mooris to get involved. This game may just end up being a high-scoring affair. Afterall, neither team has a thing to lose. It’s all or nothing.

Will Lone Peak complete their journey towards the mountaintop? It’s been a long season. Pitfalls and slippages but Knights have continued to grind. I’m on pins and needles as a neutral.

Second Half incoming.

SECOND HALF

–The announcers are back and one of them sounds completely out of breath. Like he sprinted up the stairs and then started talking kind of out of breath. These two are great representatives of ‘nervous nellies.’ Relax boys. Let the game play out.

–LP with the ball to begin the half. These guys are hyperventilating. “We can’t even catch our breath, and we miss another tackle.”

There is true passion in these announcers that’s for sure, but someone needs to slip them a Newport during the break. LP moving the ball currently near the CC 30.

–Bott picking up where he left off and his dominating his side of the line…and just as I type this, Tate Patterson drops Kepa for a SACK. 2nd and 13. The Junior CC Linebacker wrestled the Idaho St commit to the turf.

–LP BIG First Down. Sean Tahi on a screen play moves the ball down to the 11 yard line. LP is in control. CC on their heels.

–Instead of a Newport, maybe get these guys some O2. ASAP. I’m not exaggerating much. Huffing and Puffing like they’re on the last leg of Mt. Timp. Someone call timeout and give these guys a break.

-4th and a few. LP tried to get CC to jump offsides and then called TO. This has been a long drive. More than half the quarter is gone.

–22 yard FG Good 5:17 to go in the 3rd quarter. 20-14.

A long drive from Lone Peak but stalled inside the ten. I’m a little surprised that they didn’t gamble and go for it. A three-to-six-point lead just doesn’t feel like that big of a difference in a game like this. Not to mention that if you don’t get it, your defense that has been dominant at times in this game would get a chance to make a play deep in CC territory. A FG feels like a CC win.

–CC Ball Lucas Jackson with a big catch out to the 35.

–TD CC that is called back due to Lucas Jackson not being set. Mayberry was wide-open and the 54 yard TD is brought all the way back and minus 5 more. Gut-check penalty.

-3:07 2nd and 10 “5 Wide receivers. They’re going to air it out.”

-LP lightens the box and Briggs rips a 29 yard run on the next play. The passing game is opening the running game. Mayberry involved. Down to the 10.

-1:15 to go in the 3rd Q. 1st Down CC to the 5. 1st and Goal.

–Casuga with a QB sneak went down gingerly and has exited the game. Bronson Evans and the heavy package brought in.

• TD Weston Briggs powers it home from a yard out. 21-20 CC. 20 seconds to go in the 3rd. This is a great ball game!

We will have to see if Helaman can continue. Nothing was mentioned about the nature of the injury. Hopefully, he returns.

-I still don’t understand LP kicking the FG from inside the ten. Let’s see if that becomes the difference in this game. CC’s offense looked sharp there. Clever playcalling.

-LP Ball at the 23. The announcers sound a bit more relaxed. Newport or O2? Something stronger? Who knows.

What I do know is that one play into the drive and we are heading into the fourth quarter of the Utah 6A State Championship game between back-to-back champs, Corner Canyon and Lone Peak.

Lone Peak had to run the gauntlet to get here knocking off Skyridge and number 2 in the state, Davis. Now they are facing number one. No one will have earned a State Title the way that LP will have if they can come back to win this in the fourth.

I’m so impressed by this game so far. Well done to all!

Here we go–to the 4th.

–LP Ball Pula’s have been relatively quiet with the running game being so solid. Is it one of the twins that wins the game?

-THREE and out. Here comes the punt team. 4th and 4 “don’t jump offsides.”

-CC Ball at their own 45 with the 21-20 lead. That’s the best the CC defense has been since I’ve been listening.

–Kai Meza in frame. Big play down to the LP 40. 10:38 4th Q

–Briggs rips a run for a first down and more. “Time to shine O-line.” And another run by Briggs down to the 21. CC moving quick. “Momentum is on the Chargers side.”

-LP EDGE Tagg Zundel is down with a shoulder injury. He’s an impact player on this line.

–Another 9 yards for Briggs. He’s running like he’ll never run a ball competitively again.

• TD Weston Briggs. Briggs, Briggs, Briggs. Three runs in a row and a TD. 28-20.

WOW! What happened? CC moving the ball at-will and taking everything they wanted on the past two drives. An 8 Point lead for the team seeking the threepeat, but this game is far from over. These announcers are loving it. Their emotional rollercoaster has been entertaining to listen to. I appreciate their football knowledge and passion as fans. These guys are real.

-LP Ball at the 35 after the CC kick went out of bounds.

-A quick ten yard hit to bulldozer Tate Barney on 1st down. “Lots of time left,” says the nervous announcer. Up and down the emotions go with these two.

–Big Play to Pula down to the ten! “LP is threatening.” Yessir. That’s what that’s called.

–3rd and goal from the 4 yard line. 6:45 to go. Trips left. “Kepa on a keeper–CHARGERS take him down on the spot for no gain!”

–4th and goal from the 4 yard line. Trips left. “INCOMPLETE! Chargers take over on downs!”

This is how championships are won. 5:49 left in the game. Can CC run the clock out on a long drive?

-CC Ball Briggs up Tafa’s side for an eight yard gain on 1st down.

–BIG PLAY Briggs. Keenan Pula saved a TD. 26 yard gain. CC in complete control. These announcers are loving it.

–BRIGGS AGAIN!! Another monster run. Keenan Pula down injured. “8 in the box and they just can’t stop him…57 yards rushing on this drive alone…just give Weston Briggs the football.” 4:15 4th Q CC Ball on the 29 looking to put this game out of reach.

–BRIGGS. The O-line doing their part and Briggs picks up another 11. “O-line exerting dominance.”

–3rd and 4. 2:07 left in the game. TO Corner Canyon. 84 yards rushing on this drive. A two yard gain after the timeout. 4th and 2. TO LP

–4th and 2 CC has the offense on the field. Trying to get a jump offsides but to no avail. TO CC

–ILLEGAL SUB. 12 MEN on the field gives CC a first down. CC was lined up for a FG and were given a first down. Holy smokes this ends it.

• TD CC! On the next play the Chargers just ran down the gut. BRIGGS again. He’s by far and away the player of the game. 34-20 CC. Subtle tears coming from one of the announcers. Passion is real. Less than two minutes to go.

Lone Peak had 7.2 Yards per carry in the 1st half and have been completely shut down in this half.

–Back-to-back kickoff out of bounds for CC. This is the third kickoff. LP has the ball now at the 38 after all of that.

–LP 1st down 1:52 to go. Tate Patterson wrangles down Kepa after a gain of two.

–1:10 to go. Ledger Holmes with a catch gets LP down to the CC 48.

–3rd and two deep ball incomplete. This next play is the game.

–4th and two 49 seconds to go. Complete to the 38. 1st down. Not moving fast enough down two touchdowns. “LP fans are leaving.”

Coach Eric Kjar and Corner Canyon are on their way to their 6th title in 8 years and three in a row. This is legendary. Coach Kjar is a living legend in this sport. My gosh, I’ve become a fan of his. What a leader. Truly inspiring to see another one of his teams dominate Utah High School Football. I’m a fan of his.

Congrats to the young men on both sides. Incredible seasons.

–GAME OVER CC 35-LP 20.

Absolute, stone-cold champs. One of the best football programs in High School Football History. Not just in this state, but all-time. Coach Kjar has three more losses than state titles won. Nine losses. 6 State Titles. Coach Kjar is a living legend. Respect.

Before I go, Senior Running Back Weston Briggs is the player of the game. Behind the elite O-line, he ran as much as he wanted. Reminiscent to how he has dominated on the ground this entire season. Only up Briggs. With whatever is next for you. Only up!

• Weston Briggs 174 Yards and 4 TD’s

—

That’s all for now. Corner Canyon are the UHSAA 6A State Champs once again!

Next year, they will go for a fourth in a row.

See you on the next one!

“I don’t have a good feeling, Doug.”

—

11/23/25 (Today)

And that catches us up to now. In the drop-down-den with the fuzzy snoring as usual.

The Corner Canyon Chargers did all of the work. It was my pleasure to watch them in as many games as I could. I hope you enjoyed this briefest of recaps of the 2025 State Champion Season. The Third in a row. Worthy of a story. Coach Kjar worthy of a statue.

I can’t predict the future, but if I find myself down the road from Corner Canyon next fall, you better believe I’ll be watching closely to see if they can get a fourth.

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.