AROUND THE VALLEY ⛰️
👀 WE NOTICED
Ridgeline girls soccer upset #2 Park City and then took down Crimson Cliffs on Friday to win the 4A State Championship! The Riverhawks are back on top for the first time in six years.
📊 BY THE NUMBERS
Bear River’s Eli Braegger hauled in 65 receptions for 1,198 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking #2 in the entire state (#1 in 4A). The Bears travel to SLC on Friday to play #8 Highland.
🔥 HOT TAKE
We’re picking #13 Sky View to upset #4 Snow Canyon. The Bobcats are an underrated 5-5 team that can utilize their run game to overtake the Warriors.
🗓️ GAME OF THE WEEK
Football - #7 Mountain Crest (7-3) vs #10 Salem Hills (8-2). The high-powered Mustangs offense look to overpower a tough Skyhawks defense that has allowed 16.8 points per game this season.
📈 STOCK UP
Preston football has won four consecutive games, after starting the year 0-4. The Indians also earned their district title Friday night, defeating American Falls 33-16.
FOOTBALL 🏈
3A/4A State Playoffs Preview
Photo by Pierce Halaufia
🏈 LOGAN - Fresh off a win over Morgan and a region title, Logan football heads into its matchup with Manti full of confidence.
#11 Manti upset #6 Canyon View on Friday night, 35-17. On the broadcast, it was reported Manti has two notable players back from injury. It’s not going to be an easy one for Logan. However, Manti allows nearly 40 points per game and has some bad losses against North Sanpete and Cedar. We feel their defense is going to struggle against Easton Favero. Easton leads all 3A teams in passing yards and is top 10 in rushing yards as a QB. Favero has been the driving force behind Logan's offense, posting a 128.9 QB rating.
Manti’s offense is underrated, with their QB Kingston Wright putting up big numbers. Manti averages 31 points per game, but I do think Logan’s defense will prove too much for the Templars. The Grizzlies have one of the best defensive players, Grayden Olsen. He leads 3A in sacks (12), using his raw power to disrupt offenses constantly. Also, don’t forget about Ethan Carson. He leads 3A in interceptions and had an incredible pick-six against Morgan last week.
Logan has been consistent all year. Their closer games were against Ogden, Grantsville, and Morgan, but they ultimately prevailed due to their well-run offense. It’s hard not to mention freshman standout, Royce Sargent. His speed makes him a tough matchup, and he has a knack for coming down with contested catches even when defenders are all over him. Sargent had 949 receiving yards this season and will surely give Manti’s defense plenty of headaches. Logan has too many weapons offensively (471 total yards per game) and a defense that knows how to make big stops. We believe the Grizzlies get the W.
Our prediction? Logan 31, Manti 17.
Photo by Trevin Anderson
🏈 RIDGELINE - Ridgeline football enters the 4A playoffs undefeated and looks like the clear favorite to repeat. The Riverhawks claimed another region championship and now turn their attention to #16 Mountain View. The Bruins enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak, so they're not a team Ridgeline can completely overlook.
Ridgeline's offense has been nearly unstoppable this season, averaging 46.7 points per game and nearly 280 rushing yards per contest. The main reason for that success is Noah Fiefia. The standout running back averages over 215 rushing yards per game and has been a nightmare for opposing defenses. Mountain View allows 24.5 points per game, and we expect that number to climb against Ridgeline's powerful rushing attack. Don't forget about quarterback Crew Cox, either. His connection with Owen Leishman gives the Riverhawks another dangerous weapon through the air, making this offense extremely difficult to contain.
Defensively, Ridgeline has been super impressive. The Riverhawks allow only 16.6 points per game and average more than four sacks per contest. Mountain View has a respectable offense, averaging nearly 31 points per game, but we don't see the Bruins having much success against Ridgeline's defensive front. We believe Ridgeline takes care of business at home and advances to the quarterfinals.
Our prediction? Ridgeline 49, Mountain View 14.

Photo by Pierce Halaufia
🏈 MOUNTAIN CREST - Mountain Crest is heading into the 4A playoffs with some serious momentum. The Mustangs have won four straight games, including impressive victories over Bear River and Logan. Now they face #7 Salem Hills, a team that has won six straight games of its own. Both teams are playing some of their best football, and we think this could be one of the more entertaining first-round matchups.
Mountain Crest has one of the better passing attacks in 4A, averaging nearly 287 passing yards per game. Senior quarterback Brady Muir has thrown for over 2,600 yards while completing 69% of his passes. His favorite target? Kael Olsen. The senior receiver averages nearly 100 receiving yards per game and is a driving force behind their successful offense. Salem Hills has a solid defense, allowing just 16.8 points per game, but we believe Mountain Crest has the offensive weapons to challenge that secondary.
Pay attention to Salem Hills, though. The Skyhawks average 31.6 points and 385 total yards per game. QB Cash Hollingshead leads a solid offense. Defensively, Salem Hills averages 2.1 sacks per game, compared to Mountain Crest's 1.3. The Mustangs will need to protect Muir and avoid costly turnovers.
One player who could play a pivotal role is Tayton Page. The senior linebacker averages around eight tackles per game and leads a Mountain Crest defense allowing 19.5 points per contest. Nathan Wells has also been a force, recording 5.5 sacks this season. Salem Hills has scored 40 or more points in three straight games, so slowing down its offense won't be an easy task.
Here's what makes this matchup interesting. Mountain Crest actually averages more points per game, more passing yards, and more total yards. Salem Hills has the better record and home-field advantage, but we like Mountain Crest's ability to move the ball through the air. If Muir can connect with Olsen and the Mustangs limit turnovers, we believe Mountain Crest will pull off the upset.
Our prediction? Mountain Crest 35, Salem Hills 31.
Photo by Trevin Anderson
🏈 SKY VIEW - Sky View might be the most underrated five-win team in 4A football. The Bobcats have been inconsistent at times, but they've also shown they can compete with some of the better teams in the state. They nearly knocked off Spanish Fork, defeated Mountain Crest, and lost to Stansbury by 9. Now they travel to St. George to face #4 Snow Canyon. The Warriors enter the playoffs with a 6–3 record and home-field advantage, but we believe this game could closer than you think.
Sky View's offense has been difficult to figure out this season. The Bobcats average 24.6 points and 366 total yards per game. QB Tucker Stokes has been a key contributor, averaging nearly 198 passing yards per game. Don't forget about Rad Sparrow, either. The running back averages 76 rushing yards per game and gives Sky View another weapon on the ground.
Snow Canyon has several offensive weapons. The Warriors average 27.2 points and nearly 350 total yards per game. QB Parker Olson’s favorite target, Issaiah Thompson, averages over 94 receiving yards per game. Sky View's defense will need to find a way to limit that connection. One advantage for the Bobcats? Their pass rush. Sky View averages 2.5 sacks per game compared to Snow Canyon's 0.6. Sky View’s Gavin Reed has been a force on the defensive line, averaging nearly one sack per game.
Here's what makes this matchup interesting. Sky View actually averages more total yards per game than Snow Canyon (366.2 to 349.8) and has a stronger rushing attack (160.2 to 112.4). The Bobcats have also proven they can compete in close games, but finishing them has been a different story. Three of Sky View's five losses have come by nine points or fewer. Snow Canyon has been particularly tough at home, posting a 5–1 record, while Sky View has struggled on the road at 1–4.
We believe Sky View has the talent to pull off the upset, especially if Stokes can get the passing game going and the defensive front puts pressure on Olson. SV also has an underrated rushing game that can make a difference in the end. We expect the Bobcats to keep this one close and win the game in a thriller.
Our prediction? Sky View 28, Snow Canyon 27.
🏈 PRESTON - From an 0–4 start to four straight wins and a conference championship. Preston has completely turned things around, capping off the regular season with a convincing 33–16 win over American Falls on senior night. The Indians finish 4–4 overall and a perfect 3–0 in conference play, taking down Snake River, Bear Lake, and American Falls. Insane turnaround!
The Indians were clinging to their playoff hopes just a few weeks ago, but now they've punched their ticket to the postseason. QB Carter Perry was the star of the show, accounting for five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) on Friday night. Perry connected twice with sophomore TE Cash Harris, including a 41-yard bomb and an 11-yard shovel pass. Harris now has 11 receiving touchdowns this season, while Perry has accounted for 28 total touchdowns (16 passing, 12 rushing).
Don't overlook Preston's defense, either. The Indians held American Falls scoreless until the fourth quarter, building a 26–0 lead before the Beavers finally found the end zone. Isaac Muhler also recovered a mishandled kickoff in the rainy conditions. Preston has now won back-to-back games by 17 or more points for the first time in two years.
So, what's next for Preston? The Indians will find out their first-round playoff opponent when Idaho's 4A bracket is released next week. A road game appears likely, but with four straight wins and a conference title under their belt, Preston has plenty of momentum heading into the postseason.
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: the Preston Indians will play against South Fremont in the opening round of the 4a Idaho state playoffs. These two teams have already met once this season, with Preston pulling out a thrilling 42–35 victory. Preston has an opportunity to prove their late-season surge is no fluke. South Fremont, meanwhile, enters with a 6–3 record and will be looking for revenge on its home field. this will be a close game yet again.
Senior quarterback Carter Perry has been the catalyst behind the Indians' turnaround, accounting for 28 touchdowns on the season. tight end Cash Harris will also be a dangerous target for south Fremont, who caught 11 touchdowns for 489 receiving yards. the Indians have a clear advantage in offensive production, averaging 381 yards per game (compared to South Fremont’s 228). but South Fremont presents a difficult challenge defensively. The Cougars have shut out 3 opponents this season and have only allowed 14.4 points per game this season. For Preston, establishing its offense early and limiting mistakes will be critical against this south Fremont team. I believe preston’s offense and overall confidence will get them a w.
Coverage by Rustyn Burnside (My Local Radio - Preston Indians)
Photo by Pierce Halaufia
🏈 BEAR RIVER - Bear River is heading into the 4A playoffs battle-tested and ready to make some noise. They travel to Salt Lake City to face #8 Highland in the opening round. Don't let Bear River's record fool you. The Bears have the highest opponent winning percentage of any 4A playoff team.
One player to keep an eye on is quarterback Preston Wilkinson. The Bears' signal-caller has put together an impressive season, and his head coach had plenty of praise for him, describing Wilkinson as a great leader and game manager. Having a QB who can stay composed and make smart decisions will be especially important in a road playoff game. Let’s also not forget Preston was #3 in 4A for passing yards (2,793) and is key to Bear River’s offense that averages 431 yards per game (72 yards per game more than Highland).
Eli Braegger is the real deal. The standout Bears receiver has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, leading 4A in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. However, Highland's defense has been impressive this season, allowing just 17.7 points per game, so the Bears will need Braegger at his absolute best.
When we asked Bear River's head coach about the team's biggest X-factor heading into the playoffs, his answer was simple: the defense. He emphasized how much the unit has improved over the past couple of weeks and how hard the players have worked to get to this point. Key linebacker, Brecken Garn, has the ability to disrupt Highland’s offense with his physical play, and a timely sack or big defensive stop could be a massive difference in this game.
We expect this to be one of the more competitive first-round matchups in 4A. Highland has the advantage of playing at home, but Bear River's difficult schedule, leadership at quarterback, and improving defense give the Bears a legitimate opportunity to pull off the upset. Don't be surprised if Bear River moves on.
Our prediction? Bear River 28, Highland 24.
🏈 GREEN CANYON - It wasn't the season Green Canyon had hoped for, as the Wolves finished 3–7 overall and 2–5 in region play. GC failed to qualify for the playoffs. Last year, the Wolves made it all the way to the 4A state championship game and lost to Ridgeline.
OUR ALL-VALLEY FOOTBALL TEAM WILL BE REVEALED NEXT WEEK! 👀
CROWD CALL 📢
Introducing Crowd Call
Each week send us your thoughts for high school sports in Cache Valley! Ideas can include why you think a certain program finds success, an underrated athlete and what they do to help their team, a bold prediction, which teams have the best rivalry, etc. In the end, we want the fans to let their voice be heard.
Zach Semanoff, overcame an ACL tear freshman year and shows up everyday better than before for Sky View
Justin Hugie, doubled the total amount of wins from previous Logan coach
Best rivalry is Sky View vs Green Canyon
VARSITY CLUB 🏅
LOGAN
🏐 Girls Volleyball - Logan enters the 3A State Tournament with a 6-21 record, facing a Union squad that has won 23 of its 27 matches. The Cougars have some serious talent, led by senior Rowen Weaver, who has recorded 472 kills this season and averages 5.5 kills per set. Senior Aliah Martin has been just as impressive defensively, recording over 400 digs. Logan will need a big performance from Nora Wiberg, who leads the Grizzlies with 1.8 kills per set, along with strong serving and fewer unforced errors. We believe Logan has enough to steal a set and make things interesting, but Union's offensive firepower should ultimately be too much.
Our Pick: Union wins 3–1.
GREEN CANYON
🏐 Girls Volleyball - Green Canyon enters the postseason as one of the hottest teams in 4A, riding a 14-match winning streak and finishing region play with a perfect 14-0 record. The Wolves have been dominant all season, led by Audrey White, who has recorded 442 kills and 79 service aces, both among the best marks in 4A. Setter Eliza Force has been a major reason for that success, dishing out 922 assists and keeping Green Canyon's offense firing on all cylinders.
The Bobcats have been playing some of their best volleyball lately. Jenna Hiatt has been a difference-maker from the service line with 71 aces, while Reese Seeley continues to create opportunities for Sky View's hitters. SV has shown they can put together strong stretches of volleyball, and their recent success should give them some confidence heading into this matchup.
Green Canyon swept both regular-season meetings. That's a pretty significant advantage for the Wolves, but we're expecting a more competitive battle this time around. Sky View has the serving ability to create problems and potentially steal a set, but Green Canyon has simply been too consistent to pick against. We believe the Wolves will advance, although the Bobcats won't go down without a fight.
Our Pick: Green Canyon wins 3–1.
Photo by Trevin Anderson
⚽ Girls Soccer - What a season for Green Canyon girls soccer, but certainly not the ending the Wolves had in mind. After scoring an incredible 123 goals this season, Green Canyon's offense went quiet at the worst possible time, falling 1-0 to No. 3 Crimson Cliffs in Tuesday's 4A State Semifinals. The Wolves finished 19-2, with senior Chloe Sadler putting together a remarkable season of 30 goals and 34 assists. It's a tough way to go out for a team that looked capable of winning it all, but there's no denying Green Canyon was one of the most impressive teams in the state this fall.
RIDGELINE
Photo by Pierce Halaufia
🏐 Girls Volleyball - Ridgeline enters the 4A State Tournament with a 19-9 record and plenty of momentum after winning five straight matches to close out the regular season. The Riverhawks finished second in Region 11. Their offense has been led by Brooke Smart, who averages 2.8 kills per set, while Sophie Larsen has been a difference-maker with her serving and defense.
Snow Canyon won't make things easy. The Warriors enter with a 14-13 record and have plenty of offensive talent of their own. Pa'alo Tupe recorded 16 kills in a recent matchup against Desert Hills, while Lee added seven kills and five blocks. That kind of production shows Snow Canyon can put pressure on opposing defenses, especially when its hitters get going.
Here's where we believe Ridgeline has the advantage: consistency. The Riverhawks have been playing some of their best volleyball at the right time, and their ability to serve aggressively, defend the back row, and get contributions from multiple hitters could make the difference. Snow Canyon has enough talent to push this matchup into a fourth or fifth set, but we like the way Ridgeline has been playing lately. We're calling for the Riverhawks to keep their winning streak alive and move one step closer to a deep postseason run.
Our Pick: Ridgeline wins 3–1.
Photo by Pierce Halaufia
⚽ Girls Soccer - Ridgeline girls soccer are STATE CHAMPIONS! 🏆
From heartbreak to hardware! One year after falling to Snow Canyon in a penalty shootout in the 2025 4A State Championship, Ridgeline returned to the biggest stage and made sure history wouldn't repeat itself. The No. 4 seed put together an incredible postseason run, knocking off No. 1 Park City and No. 3 Crimson Cliffs on its way to capturing the 2026 4A State Championship. Four games, four wins, and three shutouts.
Facing Park City, Ridgeline knew it would need a nearly perfect defensive performance, and that's exactly what the Riverhawks delivered. Samantha Brown and Lily Hunsaker connected on the game's only goal late in the first half, while goalkeeper Preslee Major recorded seven saves to preserve the shutout. Defenders Rylee Vetica and Sami Boren helped contain a dangerous Park City offense, sending Ridgeline to its second consecutive state championship appearance. Ridgeline advanced with a 1-0 victory.
One final obstacle stood between Ridgeline and a state title: a Crimson Cliffs team that hadn't allowed a single goal throughout the playoffs. But the Riverhawks found a way. In the 51st minute, Samantha Brown found the back of the net off an assist from Melanie Smith, breaking the scoreless tie and delivering the biggest goal of Ridgeline's season. The defense took care of the rest, shutting out the Mustangs 1-0 and brought the 4A championship trophy back to Millville!
MOUNTAIN CREST
Photo by Pierce Halaufia
🏐 Girls Volleyball - Earlier in the week, the Mustangs struggled against a red-hot Green Canyon squad, but bounced back to finish the season with a win. Mountain Crest volleyball closed out its season on a positive note, sweeping Stansbury 3-0 on Thursday (25-22, 25-19, 25-23). Junior setter Makell Crofts delivered an impressive performance with 25 assists, six service aces, six digs, and a solo block. Despite winning three of their final five matches, Mountain Crest finished 9-19 overall and 6-8 in region play, falling short of qualifying for the 4A State Tournament. Not the season the Mustangs had hoped for, but they showed some fight down the stretch.
SKY VIEW

Photo by Trevin Anderson
🏐 Girls Volleyball - The Bobcats have shown they can be a dangerous team when everything clicks! After finishing the regular season 16-12 overall and 9-5 in Region 11, Sky View is looking to make some noise in the postseason.
The Bobcats have put together some impressive performances down the stretch, including victories over Tooele, Cottonwood, Box Elder, and Bear River. Their ability to compete in a tough Region, alongside powerhouses Green Canyon and Ridgeline, has given them plenty of experience against quality competition.
One player to watch is Jenna Hiatt, who has recorded 71 service aces this season, giving Sky View a serious weapon behind the service line. The Bobcats have also gotten contributions from Reese Seeley, who recorded 19 assists and six aces in a win over Tooele.
Sky View has the talent to make this an interesting matchup, especially with its aggressive serving and recent success. However, Ridgeline enters the postseason riding a five-match winning streak and has been playing some of its best volleyball at the right time. We believe the Bobcats will steal a set and keep things close, but the Riverhawks' offensive firepower and momentum will ultimately be too much to overcome.
Our Prediction: Sky View loses 3-1.
PRESTON

Photo by Blake Harris
🏐 Girls Volleyball - The No. 2 seed Lady Indians opened district tournament play with a 3-1 victory over No. 3 Snake River, defeating the Panthers for the third time this season. That set up a showdown with No. 1 Bear Lake, one of Idaho's top volleyball programs. Although Preston fell 3-1, the Lady Indians managed to steal a set from the Bears for the first time in two years! Unfortunately, a rematch with Snake River didn't go as planned. The Panthers flipped the script, defeating the Lady Indians 3-1 to secure a spot in the district championship and Preston finished 3rd.
Despite falling short of its district championship hopes, the Lady Indians finished among the top five teams in Idaho's MaxPreps rankings, earning one of two available at-large berths into the 4A State Tournament. For the second consecutive year, Preston is one of the final eight teams competing for a state championship! The Lady Indians will head to Coeur d'Alene for the state tournament, beginning Thursday, October 29.
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: The Preston Indians are heading to the Idaho 4A State Volleyball Tournament, where they'll face No. 4 Filer on Thursday. pHS finished third in the District tournament.
These two teams are no strangers to each other, having split their two regular-season matchups, with both matches going all five sets. Senior outside hitter Mackley White and senior setter Averie Madsen will be key players for the Indians. Preston will need consistent serving, strong defensive communication, and timely offensive execution to keep Filer from controlling the momentum.
The Indians know what to expect and understand what it takes to compete with the Wildcats. The difference could come down to limiting unforced errors, capitalizing on scoring runs, and staying composed in the closing moments of each set. If Preston can establish an early rhythm and maintain its intensity, the Indians have a legitimate opportunity to advance.
Our Prediction? Preston wins 3-2.
⚽ Girls Soccer - For the first time in eight years, Preston girls soccer is back among Idaho's final eight teams! After finishing runner-up in the district tournament, the Lady Indians earned a play-in game against Sun Valley Community and made the most of it, securing a 1-0 victory to punch their ticket to state. Brielle Biggs scored the lone goal, while Laura Silva added two points in the win. The victory sent Preston to Twin Falls for its first state tournament appearance since 2018!
Unfortunately, Preston's state run came to an end with a 5-0 loss to No. 1 Sugar-Salem, followed by a 4-0 defeat to No. 5 McCall-Donnelly in the consolation bracket. Still, a first state appearance since 2018, a top-eight finish, and a 14-7-1 record are accomplishments worth celebrating.
Coverage by Rustyn Burnside (My Local Radio - Preston Indians)
BEAR RIVER

Photo by Trevin Anderson
🏐 Girls Volleyball - Bear River plays Cedar in the first round. The Reds enter the postseason with an impressive 20-8 record and a Region 9 championship after finishing 10-2 in conference play. Cedar has plenty of weapons, including senior Alexandra Esplin, who averages 3.0 kills per set and has recorded 36 blocks. Shawni Larson has been efficient at the net with a .329 hitting percentage, while Kendyl Harrison anchors the defense with 3.4 digs per set and 40 service aces.
But don't overlook Bear River! The Bears have put together a strong 17-7 season and have the pieces to give Cedar problems. Junior Emry Evans leads the offense with 3.4 kills per set, while Robbi Marble and Caycee Crowther have combined for 89 blocks in the available statistics. Make sure you pay attention to Kailyn Rice, who averages 4.5 digs per set, and setter Brynlee Garn, who has recorded 347 assists this season. We believe Bear River has the offensive and defensive talent to make things interesting.
Cedar has faced a tougher schedule and will certainly test the Bears, but we like Bear River's ability to defend, control the net, and extend rallies. If Evans can consistently put the ball away and the Bears limit Cedar's opportunities at the service line, this matchup could go the distance. It won't be easy, but we're picking Bear River to take down #6 Cedar.
Our Prediction: Bear River defeats Cedar 3-2.
ATHLETE ARCHIVES 🗃️

Photo from Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News
Jason Zundel | Class of 2005
🏈 Sport: Football
🏆 High School: Bear River
🎓 College: Utah Valley University
📍 Where Is He Now? Working at Nucor Steel.
Before Bear River became a football powerhouse in the early 2000s, Jason Zundel helped put the Bears on the map. The former QB led Bear River to back-to-back 3A State Championships in 2003 and 2004, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2004. Across those two championship seasons, Zundel piled up an incredible 4,072 total yards and 69 touchdowns, earning 3A MVP honors in 2003 and Utah's prestigious Mr. Football award in 2004!
What’s interesting is that football wasn't even his best sport. Despite being named the top high school football player in Utah, Zundel went on to pursue baseball at Utah Valley University. From leading the Bears to two state titles to being recognized as the best football player in Utah, Zundel remains one of the biggest names in Bear River football history.
He currently lives in Tremonton and works for Nucor Steel.

