The 2026 high school football season in Utah is set to begin with a bang, as teams across the state take the field on Thursday night for the first round of Week 1 games.
Opening Night Matchups
Three marquee contests open the slate: Cedar will host Wasatch, Stansbury will meet Skyline, and Skyridge will face Mountain Ridge, each promising early momentum for their respective programs.
The opening weekend will feature 55 games spread across Friday night lights, with an additional three contests slated for Saturday, ensuring a full slate of competition from the outset.
Fans can follow live scores and expert commentary on the Deseret News scoreboard page, which will track every game across the state in real time.
Power Guide Predictions
Each week, analyst Noland Parry contributes his Parry’s Power Guide, offering predictions on which teams are likely to dominate their matchups throughout the 15‑week schedule.
Preseason forecasts already point to regional favorites such as Davis in Region 1, Herriman in Region 2, and Hurricane in Region 9, setting expectations for those areas.
The excitement is amplified by memories of last year’s 3A state championship, where Manti Templars supporters filled the stands with cheers that underscored the competitive spirit of Utah high school football.