6A-Region 3 Predictions

Preview: This is the toughest region, and it wasn't a wise realignment; and did none of the schools in this region any favors. American Fork is a year away from contending for the region, and Skyridge has a lot of moving parts that will hinder them. Lone Peak is stout offensively, but will they go away from their 60/40 run-heavy offense? That leaves Corner Canyon and Lehi. They both have some deficiencies that they'll need to sort out, and both have a revamped secondary with an anchor safety to erase mistakes. Both defenses are great, but in their own way, and in how they approach offenses. That leaves the biggest difference maker, and why the team with the edge will be my prediction to win the region, and that is the quarterback play. Region 3 Winner? Corner Canyon The greatest difference maker is at the quarterback position, and they have our overall top prospect of the 2026 class [player_tooltip player_id='212444' first='Helaman' last='Casuga']. That edge puts Corner Canyon over the top and over Lehi. If Corner Canyon gets down two or three possessions, they have Casuga at the ready and he can lead an offense back and be a calming influence on an offense and on a team, that leadership cannot be taught and that gives them the edge in this region and why they are my pick to win the toughest region in any classification in Utah. Region 3 Runner Up? Lehi Lehi should focus on the run and short area passes, where [player_tooltip player_id='1680859' first='Legend' last='Glasker'] and crew can work with the ball in their hands and use the run game with [player_tooltip player_id='402743' first='Devaughn' last='Eka'], and let that defense do work. Lehi has 5 offensive linemen who are over 300 lbs. They should lean on that and be run-centric and allow that defense to rest and be fresh. Defensively, they have playmakers at each position and will create chaos in every game. If they can get the quarterback play situated, they should challenge Corner Canyon in the season finale, which should decide the region winner. Region 3 Contender Lone Peak Knights The Knights have 3 players in the top 12 in the 2026 class, and that leadership and talent make them a contender. They picked up an additional running back in the portal, and offensively, they can compete with anyone. They have been on a tendency to be a heavy run team with passing when they have to. If they can shift that to a pass-heavy offense with the weapons they have, they can challenge for the region and can hang with any offense in the state. Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year    Helaman is our prediction for Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year. He is fully healthy from his injury last season. He's had a fantastic offseason and was excellent at the Elite 11 finals. Helaman will look to lead Corner Canyon to a state title and is an elite signal caller who will be a multi-year Power Four starter. He has elite traits, and they'll be on full display this season.    Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year    Takitaki is our prediction for Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year. He has done an excellent job this offseason and is primed to help lead a strong Lehi defense this year. He'll be the lead pass rusher for them and can easily get 20+ sacks this year. He is set up for an exceptional final season before heading off to his next destination. He'll be a multi-year Power Four starter.    Region 3 Offensive Newcomer of the Year    Matsen is elite, and I would not be surprised if he started games at the varsity level. He's ready for it today. He will be a national recruit and will be a top-five quarterback nationally in recruiting and be widely coveted. He is a tremendous talent and will be a prime-time player. He is our pick for Region 3 Newcomer of the Year.    Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year    Stroshine should make an impact on Thursdays, and should suit up on Fridays, and I would not be surprised to see him get varsity reps this year. I prefer him as a defensive back, but he could see some offensive snaps at the slot, where he can be put in motion and get him in space. He is an exceptional athlete and has a tremendous future. He is a future Power-Four starter.    Honorable mentions to players we haven't discussed during our week-long look at Region 3    Satiu will likely impact Thursdays, but with his size and frame, he should find himself suiting up on Friday nights and see some snaps. He's a big target with a great catch radius and is strong at the catch point, showcasing good physicality. Next year should be the year for him, but it would not shock, if he was part of the rotation this year.     Whitford is advanced and polished. He'll find his way onto the field on Friday nights this year. He'll be a sensation on Thursday nights, but his combination of route runner, little wasted movement, creating separation, and being strong at the catch point are skills that can't be kept off the field. I'd argue he's the second-best receiver at American Fork right now.     Mailo has done an exceptional job this offseason, and he made plays during the showcases and 7s events, and is someone who will be part of the receiving rotation. He has good size, and his hands are strong; he moves well and brings a large catch radius.     Chandler will be an important part of the offensive line for Corner Canyon. He has good versatility and can line up anywhere along the line. I prefer him on the interior, where he can use his footwork and quickness to pull and help out in the run aspect. He's got good size, shows a strong base, and is technically sound.     Chadwick has great size and will be an important part of the American Fork line. I'd argue he's the best lineman they have, and they'll lean on him this year. I've seen him this offseason at some 5v5 competitions, and he is a player who is ready to break out and be a force along the offensive line.     The room clears a bit with a transfer out, and Shepherd is now the big-bodied receiver and red zone threat now. This offseason, during showcases, he showed a great release package and did a good job of creating separation. He'll be part of the rotation and the target in key situations due to his large catch radius.     Tripp is a player who consistently catches my eye each time I've seen Lehi this offseason. He does a good job of making plays and getting to the ball. He'll be part of the rotation as one of the backers and be a key player next year.    That was our look at the toughest region in the state.

Preview:

This is the toughest region, and it wasn't a wise realignment; and did none of the schools in this region any favors. American Fork is a year away from contending for the region, and Skyridge has a lot of moving parts that will hinder them. Lone Peak is stout offensively, but will they go away from their 60/40 run-heavy offense? That leaves Corner Canyon and Lehi. They both have some deficiencies that they'll need to sort out, and both have a revamped secondary with an anchor safety to erase mistakes. Both defenses are great, but in their own way, and in how they approach offenses. That leaves the biggest difference maker, and why the team with the edge will be my prediction to win the region, and that is the quarterback play.

Region 3 Winner?

Corner Canyon
The greatest difference maker is at the quarterback position, and they have our overall top prospect of the 2026 class Helaman Casuga Helaman Casuga 6'1" | 198 lbs | QB Corner Canyon | 2026 State UT . That edge puts Corner Canyon over the top and over Lehi. If Corner Canyon gets down two or three possessions, they have Casuga at the ready and he can lead an offense back and be a calming influence on an offense and on a team, that leadership cannot be taught and that gives them the edge in this region and why they are my pick to win the toughest region in any classification in Utah.

Region 3 Runner Up?

Lehi
Lehi should focus on the run and short area passes, where Legend Glasker Legend Glasker 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Lehi | 2026 State UT and crew can work with the ball in their hands and use the run game with Devaughn Eka Devaughn Eka 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Lehi | 2026 State UT , and let that defense do work. Lehi has 5 offensive linemen who are over 300 lbs. They should lean on that and be run-centric and allow that defense to rest and be fresh. Defensively, they have playmakers at each position and will create chaos in every game. If they can get the quarterback play situated, they should challenge Corner Canyon in the season finale, which should decide the region winner.

Region 3 Contender

Lone Peak Knights
The Knights have 3 players in the top 12 in the 2026 class, and that leadership and talent make them a contender. They picked up an additional running back in the portal, and offensively, they can compete with anyone. They have been on a tendency to be a heavy run team with passing when they have to. If they can shift that to a pass-heavy offense with the weapons they have, they can challenge for the region and can hang with any offense in the state.

Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year