Sports
Caveman athletes commit to colleges
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
Seventeen senior athletes from American Fork High School who have accepted offers to continue their playing careers at the next level in 10 sports were honored at a school ceremony on Feb. 4 in “The Cave.” All but four were on hand for the festivities.
The sports represented included baseball, boys basketball, girls and boys cross country, football, boys and girls golf, girls soccer, boys tennis and girls volleyball.
“One of the best parts of the signing event is seeing all of the coaches, teachers, friends and family who have supported these student athletes along their journeys,” said Principal Peter Glahn.
“It is such a significant achievement to be accepted into these collegiate programs, and it takes a village to get these kids to that level.”
The non-statistical information included below is excerpted from what was provided by the families of the players for the signing ceremony narration and is shown in quotation marks.
BASEBALL
Bode Gaggero, INF – Salt Lake Community College
Gaggero hit .409 last spring for the state champion Cavemen. He had 38 hits, 38 runs scored and 23 RBI with 10 hits for extra bases plus he stole successfully nine times. He tallied a 94 percent fielding percentage and also made six appearances on the bump, earning three saves.
“From an early age it was clear Bode had a passion for baseball. Bode has always been a hard worker, a great teammate and is very coachable. He enjoys high-level competition and loves to play the game with his teammates, win or lose. He has been a part of two AF state championships and is eager to win a third. He moved into the American Fork program from our rival team in eighth grade because he loves the Cavemen’s gritty style of baseball, the incredible coaching staff and the type of players that make up this successful program. He is grateful for the opportunity to play for Coach Ingersoll, Coach Johnson, Coach Holmstead, Coach Jeppson, Coach Mascaro and Coach Jones and all of the amazing teammates he has had the opportunity to share the field with. We cannot thank you all enough for the opportunity to play for the winningest program in the state of Utah.”
Kenny Johnson, 3B/RHP – Salt Lake Community College
In 12 appearances as a pitcher last year, Johnson was undefeated at 5-0 and also earned two saves. He batted .269 and more than half of his hits were doubles.
“From an early age, Kenny has always loved the game of baseball and being part of a team. Kenny couldn’t wait to get home from school to put on his jersey, wristbands, necklaces, sunglasses, arm sleeve, and anything else that was in style at the time. We are proud of the way you have always competed and your desire to get better. Overcoming some serious injuries your sophomore year shows your competitiveness and toughness that’s going to help you in life. As parents, we will always remember how you helped your team last year on its way to another state championship and earning 6A playoff MVP. Keep working hard, being a good teammate, and serving others.”
Cache Poulson, C/OF – Brigham Young University (Provo)
Poulson swung a big bat for the Cavemen last season, hitting .432 with 41 hits including nine for extra bases and 37 RBI. He was perfect as a fielder as well, recording 186 putouts, two assists and no errors.
“Cache’s experience as a student and baseball player at American Fork High School has shaped both the player and person he has become thanks to his teammates, coaches, teachers and the administration. He has been fortunate to be a 4-year varsity starter, win two state titles, soon to be a third, been awarded All-Valley, All-Region and All-State honors and recognized by the Deseret News as a member of Utah’s baseball Elite 9 and nominated for Utah’s Mr. Baseball. Cache has the unique ability to work. His work ethic isn’t in just working hard but doing it every day without needing or looking for recognition and a lot of times when people are not watching. His ability to balance life and baseball has also been important. His family, church, maintaining a 4.0 in the classroom and his friends have been his outlets away from the game. He wants to thank his family, coaches and teammates, whose trust, guidance and shared commitment pushed him to grow on and off the field.”
BOYS BASKETBALL
Bryce Mella, G – Utah State University (Logan)
Mella is averaging about 17 points, six rebounds and three assists per game for the Cavemen, who are one of the favorites in the 6A state title race this year. He has also made 22 triples and 24 steals.
“Bryce Mella is recognized as both a natural leader and versatile team player. Although he has scored over 1,300 points and accumulated 300 rebounds during his high school career, Bryce’s true ‘superpowers’ are his coachability and his rare ability to truly see people with kindness. Bryce is quick to credit his growth to the AFHS basketball community. He would like his fellow signees, teammates and coaches to know that success is shared. He feels a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to play basketball here, where he has gained a lifelong fellowship of brothers and the invaluable mentorship of Coach Cuff and the entire coaching staff. As he prepares for the opportunity to become an Aggie, he carries with him the lessons of hard work and determination.”
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Kayla Bushman – College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls)
“Kayla works hard in the classroom and on the track. Kayla has represented AFXC as a team captain for the past two years. She will focus on completing her associate’s degree at CSI prior to moving on to the next level. Kayla started running in junior high. She fell in love with the sport mainly because of her teammates and coaches, but also the feeling of accomplishment that comes with each workout and race. Kayla has loved running the past several years with her older sister Kenadee. Thank you to Coach Bruno for always pushing me to reach my goals and teaching me the importance of hard work. Thanks to coach Janae Richardson for believing in me and my potential.”
Kate Piccolo – Snow College (Ephraim)
“Ever since discovering a love for running in the seventh grade, Kate Piccolo has dedicated herself to hard work, consistency and determination. Despite having moments of injury and other health challenges, she has steadily progressed over the years, improving her cross-country 5K time from 27:30 to 19:53. In track, she has run 5:38 in the mile and 2:34 in the 800 meters. Kate was a team captain for the AFHS cross-country team in 2025. As a track athlete, she has twice earned a varsity letter and been part of two state championship teams. Kate has a 4.0 GPA and will complete eight AP courses by the time she graduates. She is excited to commit to Snow College for cross country and track and has a full academic scholarship.”
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Austin Plewe – Brigham Young University (Provo)
“Austin showed up to cross country practice the summer before his freshman year and after one week knew he had found his place. Over the last four years, Austin has traveled the country with the AF cross country and track program where his team finished second and fifth at Nike Cross Nationals. On the track he has been honored to be a Nike, New Balance and Running Lane All-American in the 800m, mile, and mile relays. Austin feels very blessed to have the opportunity to run at BYU after he returns from an LDS mission. Austin’s greatest memories of running in high school are the work ethic he has learned from Coach Timo and the friends he has made on his team and from other teams in the state and throughout the country.”
FOOTBALL
Octavious Luna, WR (6-2, 195) – Ogden Jets
The Ogden Jets, one of Utah’s first private teams, are committed to helping post-high school players develop academically, athletically, and physically so they can reach their ultimate goal: playing major college football.
“Your athletic drive has always wowed those around you and you have been known for your big smile. But what you should be most proud of isn’t just your athletic talent or the way you can turn a room around with your fun spirit, it’s the strength you’ve shown through challenges, the genuine care you give to others, and the grit that pushes you forward. You have shown resilience and leadership in challenging times. Continue to live your days with integrity, trusting in Christ to complete the work he has started in you. The next opportunity is ready for you.”
Jaybian Na’a, NG/DT (6-2, 280) – Utah Tech University (St. George)
Na’a tallied 16 solo and 25 assisted tackles including 5.5 tackles for a loss (2.5 sacks) with two fumbles caused and one recovered during last year’s fall campaign. The Trailblazers played in the Western Athletic Conference under Coach Lance Anderson this season, but the school will be joining the Big Sky Conference in 2026.
Dyson Richards, TE/WR (6-5, 220) – Weber State University (Ogden)
Richards collected 33 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns this season with 25 catches for 276 yards as a junior. The Wildcats earned a 4-8 record this year and were 2-6 in the Big Sky Conference, which competes in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision with ESPN+ as their broadcast partner.
Carson Thorne, T/DT (6-5, 280) – Utah State University (Logan)
“Carson loves football. He has a competitive drive to do his best. Carson has loved his time with American Fork football. It has shaped who he is and who he wants to be. The opportunity to represent himself, his family, his coaches and the Caveman football program is an honor and has helped elevate him every day. He has thrived in leading himself and his teammates to get better. As a junior, Carson received All-Region honorable mention. As a senior, Carson received first team All-Region and second team All-State. Watching Carson be challenged and work for what he loves has been an amazing experience. It is impossible to show his deep gratitude to the training staff, Garrett, his coaches and his teammates. He loves them and is grateful for them. They will forever be his Caveman football family. He is grateful for his parents and his family, and recognizes that none of this would be possible without their support. Carson will continue to strive for greatness every single day and looks forward to meeting challenges head on. He is excited for what the future holds and cannot wait to get back on the football field.”
GIRLS GOLF
Tyler Dunkley – Hastings College (NB)
“Tyler is able to go to school there and golf because of her hard work and ‘all in’ approach to all aspects of her life. Everything Tyler does is 100 percent and it shows in her accomplishments. Tyler started relatively late to the sport of golf. She was a very gifted distance runner but due to injury she had to trade the spikes for clubs and she never looked back. Some of her accomplishments include: Jr PGA and US Kids golf league top 5 finishers all seasons competed and captain and varsity golfer for all three seasons she’s competed for the Cavemen. Off of the course she also excels, as a continuous 4.0 student taking multiple AP and concurrent college courses. We can’t wait to watch this special girl’s next chapter in life as a collegiate student, athlete, and leader. Tyler would like to thank her coaches, friends, and family for the love and support she has received.”
BOYS GOLF
Jack Davis – South Mountain Community College (Phoenix AZ)
Davis led his team all season this past fall, tying for 10th place in the individual medalist standings at the 6A state tournament, leading his team which finished fifth after nearly missing the cut the first day to continue in the tournament. He earned third place in the Region 3 medalist race.
GIRLS SOCCER
Julie Huddleston, MF – Snow College (Ephraim)
“Julie is outstanding on and off the field. She has played soccer with Celtic for 11 years and all four years of high school with AFHS. On both teams she has played down the spine of the field as center back, 6, 10 and 9. She has been called the “best 6 in the state” by her coaches and has been invited to a Youth National Team recruiting event. Her sophomore year she scored 10 goals for American Fork, helping them finish second in the state. As a defensive player she was an offensive force as she would come in clutch assisting and scoring. She has been an athletic leader on the soccer team as a player and as a captain. As a student she has a 4.0 and has taken 10 AP and honors classes. She is fluent in French and has been the French Student of the Month. She serves the school community as a member of the Seminary Committee. Snow is very lucky to sign someone of Julie’s caliber.”
Stori Jones, D – Weber State University (Ogden)
“Stori is the only girl with three brothers, and growing up alongside them has made her strong, resilient and fearless. She learned early how to stand her ground and defend herself, qualities that now define her both on and off the field. She came to soccer later than most, but once she found the game, she fell in love. As a center back, she chooses the position with the most action, where toughness, leadership, and heart matter most. She plays club soccer for Celtic in the GA League and gives everything she has to the game. At just 14 years old, Stori tore her ACL and was forced to sit out an entire year. That injury became one of her greatest teachers. Through hard work, patience, and determination, she fought her way back to the field, emerging mentally tougher and more driven than ever.”
BOYS TENNIS
Braeden Johnson – Brigham Young University (Provo)
This past spring, Johnson was the top-ranked player in the 6A classification and earned the gold medal as the No. 1 Singles bracket champion, helping to lead his team to the 6A state championship over Lone Peak.
In the title match, he faced off against senior defending state champion and No. 2 seed Calvin Armstrong of Skyridge. Armstrong easily won the first set 6-2, so Johnson had to come from behind to earn his gold medal. He proved equal to the task, securing the final two sets 6-4, 6-3.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Halle Smith, L/DS – Snow College (Ephraim)
Smith had an outstanding senior season for the Cavemen, contributing 339 digs, 79 assists and 423 serve-receives. She also had 11 kills and 32 aces with a serving percentage of 93.
“Halle has absolutely loved playing volleyball for American fork. She was named to the first team All-Region, received the Academic All-State award as well as receiving the first ‘Cavemen standard’ award from her coach. She will take so many amazing memories with her of the fun times with her teammates and the time and dedication of her many coaches over the last four years. She wouldn’t be here without their support. She is thrilled to be able to play at Snow College this fall and looks forward to creating more memories. Halle is a blast to be around, so happy and a friend to all. She is a born leader and a dedicated player and we can’t wait to see her excel in this next phase of life.”
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork High School girls volleyball team won four of their last five matches to finish the regular season, tying for third place in Region 3 at 4-4 and ending up 15-11 overall heading into the playoffs.
Oct. 6: American Fork 3, Lehi 0
The Cavemen easily won the first two sets against the homestanding Pioneers 25-11, 25-13. However, Lehi put up more of a fight in the third round, pushing it to an extra point, but American Fork still prevailed 26-24 to secure the match.
Senior outside hitter Destinie Hampton led the attack with 14 kills, two aces, 10 digs and eight serve-receives while senior outside hitter Macy Melville added 12 kills, three aces, 11 digs and 12 serve-receives.
Senior setter Brynn Murray supplied 27 assists. Sophomore libero Calla Pranger led her team with 17 serve-receives.
Oct. 8: American Fork 3, Syracuse 2
The Cavemen had a marathon battle on the road against the Titans. They got off to an exciting start by outlasting Syracuse 26-24 in the first set, but the home squad responded by winning the next two games 25-14, 25-16.
American Fork came back to capture the fourth set 25-23 and then closed out the match by securing a 15-13 win in the tiebreaker.
Melville sparked her squad with an outstanding effort, contributing team highs of 15 kills, five aces and 11 digs to go with 19 serve-receives. Hampton added 12 kills and led the squad in serve-receives with 32. Junior middle blocker Daci Roberts tallied six kills.
Junior opposite Alivia Lemon contributed 11 kills while freshman middle blocker Alexis Brant provided eight kills with four combined blocks and Murray served three aces to go with 10 digs and 40 assists. Pranger collected 25 serve-receives.
Oct. 12: American Fork 3, Fremont 1
The host Cavemen had a lively match with the Silverwolves. They got a comfortable win in the first set 25-14 but fell just short in the next one 24-26. American Fork rallied to claim the final two sets 25-20, 26-24 to capture the match victory.
Melville had another fantastic outing with 14 kills, six aces, three combined blocks, 23 digs, four assists and 40 serve-receives. Hampton garnered 13 kills, 13 digs and 15 serve-receives.
Lemon made eight kills and three aces while Brant supplied six kills and four combined blocks. Pranger served six aces with 11 digs plus 10 serve-receives and Murray had three solo blocks, 11 digs and 37 assists.
Oct. 20: Skyridge 3, American Fork 1
The Cavemen challenged the Falcons in their gym. After dropping the first set to Skyridge 25-16, American Fork bounced back to win the second game 25-22. The Falcons took the third 25-16 and then hung on to win the final set 26-24.
Melville continued her productivity with 15 kills, three aces, 12 digs and 15 serve-receives. Hampton supplied 12 kills, 12 digs and 17 serve-receives. Lemon posted nine kills.
Murray dug 11 times and dished out 35 assists. Pranger recorded 26 serve-receives. Senior libero Taanii Fielding made 10 digs.
Oct. 22: American Fork 3, West 0
The Cavemen scheduled a competitive match to close out the regular season, but they hung on to sweep the Panthers 26-24, 25-18, 25-18.
Hampton paced the attack with 14 kills while Lemon had 10 kills and Melville made nine kills with 18 digs. Murray served five aces and made 34 assists. Fielding tallied 11 digs and 26 serve-receives. Brant provided five kills, three aces and four combined blocks.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The Cavemen competed well in the state’s toughest region, which has teams claiming three of the top four spots in the final rankings for the classification. This year only 16 teams make the field so the entire event takes place Tuesday and Wednesday at Utah Valley University’s UCCU Center.
Here’s how they are positioned going into the 6A state tournament.
American Fork
Season record: 4-4 Region 3 (T3rd), 15-11 overall
Final MaxPreps ranking: 6 in 6A, 11 statewide
Next contest: Oct. 27
Prospects: The Cavemen will take on #11 Farmington (16-12) at 10:30 a.m. on Court 4 in the first round of the playoffs. If they advance, they will face the winner of #3 Syracuse (21-6) and #14 Westlake (8-14) in the quarterfinals at 1:30 p.m. on Court 4. A loss in the first round would drop them to a consolation game at 1:30 p.m. on Court 3. American Fork has defeated all three of these teams this year, sweeping the Phoenix and Thunder and outlasting the Titans 3-2 just two weeks ago.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The No. 4 American Fork High School girls soccer team fell to top-ranked Lone Peak 3-0 in the semifinals of the 6A state tournament on Monday (Oct. 19) at the Zion’s Bank Stadium in Herriman. They finish the season with a 13-7 overall record.
The Knights got the advantage right out of the gate by scoring their first goal just 30 seconds into the contest. They added a second score with about 13 minutes remaining in the first half and held the 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Freshman goalkeeper Sofia Crowley made numerous saves in the contest and did a great job defending the net the entire match, but she was under constant pressure from Lone Peak’s speedy offense. The Knights got their final goal on a breakaway with 18 minutes left.
For their part, the Cavemen did not roll over and kept competing throughout the contest. Senior defender Jill Kesler plus junior defenders Lehua Fisher and Abby Slater worked especially hard clearing threats from the attacking third of the field.
American Fork had the best chance for a score on a counter following the third Lone Peak goal. Senior midfielder Cambree Ballard got off a rocket shot from the top of the box, but it hit the crossbar and bounced back out.
In the midfield, Ballard, senior Suri Parsia, junior Eva Gunn and junior Sophie Adams tried to keep the ball moving and kept switching it from sideline to sideline to try to find a path through the Knight defense. They took some shots but weren’t able to convert them.
Ballard finished the season as the leading offensive force for the team with 20 points from seven goals and six assists. Parsia was second with 13 points for five goals plus three assists and sophomore forward Ivy Jacobson was third with 11 points for three goals and five assists.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
Several products of our local high school teams had an impact in the first-ever meeting of two top-10 teams at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday (Oct. 17), when the No. 8 Cougars pulled off a thrilling 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame.
At the top of the list is the former Lehi star, true freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker. Glasker earned a starting role in spring and fall camp, and is BYU’s leading receiver six games into the season with 24 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns. That’s 200 yards more than the next man on the list.
He’s been averaging 18.5 yards per reception and 74 yards per game. Against the Fighting Irish, he was tied for receiving yards with 66 on five catches but added some rushing yards as well to finish with the highest all-purpose yards total of 75.
Glasker made key receptions on two critical Cougar drives. Trailing 7-10 in the second quarter, Glasker gathered a toss from sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier that he turned into a 19-yard gain, reaching the Notre Dame 28-yard line.
This drive eventually ended with a double-pass touchdown by Bachmeier which put BYU back in front 14-10.
Glasker was called on once more in the fourth quarter, after the Cougars had again fallen behind 21-24. On 2nd-and-10, Bachmeier connected with Glasker for a 26-yard pickup that brought the ball to the Irish 15-yard line and led to the game-winning score.
This is Glasker’s third game with 5+ receptions, tied for the fourth-most by an active FBS true freshman this season. He is the only Big 12 true freshman with even one game of 5+ catches this season.
Former Skyridge standout Tausili Akana starts on the BYU defensive line. The redshirt junior has also played in all six games and is 10th on the team in total tackles with 13, but he leads both in tackles-for-loss at 6.5 for 30 yards and sacks with 3.5 for 24 yards. In this game he had two tackles and a pass break-up.
Freshman Bott Mulitalo starts on the offensive line and could often be seen in the game making key blocks for the offense. A Lehi resident, he was a 4-star recruit out of Lone Peak.
Sophomore defensive end Hunter Clegg started this game and is a team co-captain and a member of the Leadership Council. The former Caveman star had two solo tackles and a hurry for this game. He has 10 tackles, four hurries, an interception and a pass break-up so far this season.
Redshirt senior defensive end Bodie Schoonover is also a co-captain and on the Leadership Council. Another American Fork alum, he had three tackles and hurry against the Irish and is tied for sixth on the team in tackles with 15, including three for a loss, and also has three hurries this year.
Other locals who participated in reserve roles against Notre Dame were former Cavemen tight ends Noah Moeaki and Will Zundell, both redshirt sophomores.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork boys golf team finished in a tie for sixth place at the soggy 6A State Tournament October 12 and 13 at Talons Cove Golf Club in Saratoga Springs.
The Cavemen earned fifth place in the qualifying first round with a combined team score of 289 (+1), ahead of Region 3 foes Lone Peak at 291 (+3) and Corner Canyon at 294 (+6).
Together, the Knights and the Chargers own 13 of the last 14 state championships and both finished ahead of American Fork in Region 3. However, this year Corner Canyon was the last team to make the cut at the state event.
Lehi won their first 6A title in boys golf by a landslide with a two-day total of 562 (-14). Skyridge earned a surprising second place with 569 (-7) after struggling against the league foes all season.
Lone Peak rallied behind their repeat state individual medalist, junior Blake Brown, to finish in third place. The Cavemen tied Bingham for sixth place with 584 (+8). They bested the Chargers, tied for eighth place, by four strokes.
Sophomore James Smith was the top placer for American Fork, carding a 143 (-1) over the two days to claim 14th place. Junior Landon Lieu was next in for the squad, ending in a tie for 20th place at 145 (+1).
The other counted scores came from junior Sam Fairbanks, tied for 28th place right behind his teammate at 146 (+2), and senior Wes Brown rounded out the tally with a 150 (+6) in a tie for 39th place.
Additional Cavemen who competed at the state event were junior Cade Henneman (152, +8) and senior Chad Douglass (156, +12).
Jennifer Thomas / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork football team put up a valiant effort on the road in the final game of the regular season, but the Skyridge Falcons secured the Region 3 title on their Senior Night with a thrilling 21-15 victory over the Cavemen.
The hard-fought battle captured the grueling nature of Utah high school football, showcasing standard-setting grit alongside a somber reminder of the game’s physical costs.
The intense, regular-season finale took an ominous turn during the first half that briefly silenced a roaring stadium. In a collision indicative of the Region 3 gauntlet, American Fork defensive leader Dalin Afu suffered a severe injury late in the second period.
Play halted for several minutes in a deeply emotional scene as the player was carefully stabilized and taken off the field on a stretcher, drawing a poignant mix of applause and supportive gestures from both sidelines.
The injury cast a heavy, physical toll over an already battered American Fork roster working to manage multiple depth adjustments that include the starting quarterback ahead of the playoffs.
Down 14-0 at the half, the Cavemen refused to fold and dialed up an aggressive aerial assault when senior quarterback Nate Childs connected with senior two-way player Noah Behm on a 15-yard strike in the corner of the endzone to narrow the gap to a single score in the third quarter.
The Falcons answered back before the end of the period to extend the advantage to 21-7. The energized American Fork defense relentlessly pressured the Skyridge quarterback and attacked with physicality and determination to effectively slow down the Falcons, holding them scoreless in the fourth quarter.
“We have been stressing the next play with the guys,” said Coach Aaron Behm. “We play good teams who will make plays and score some points. All we can do is bounce back and get to the next play. I think they did a really good job of doing that.
“I think they tackled really physically, when the contact was made that was the end of the play, which was a great sign. If we keep that up, we will be in great shape,” added Coach Behm.
It was the fourth quarter that nearly turned the game completely on its head. Facing an uphill battle, American Fork’s offense, led by Childs, suddenly went into hyper-drive.
The Caveman offense started slicing through the Skyridge secondary. Late in the final frame, Childs connected with senior tight end Zack Cowie on a clinical 4-yard touchdown pass.
Refusing to back down, the Cavemen went for a high-risk two-point conversion, with Childs successfully rushing it across the goal line to cut the deficit to 21-15 with just over eight minutes remaining in the game.
“Nate did a really nice job in this game,” Coach Behm said. “He had a full week of practice and came ready to play. It helped to be able to run the ball tonight as that took some of the pressure off.
“I am super proud of him. He did really well when he got flushed from the pocket keeping his eyes up and converting on some crucial downs,” the coach said. Childs finished the game completing 19-of 37 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Behm tallied seven catches for 87 yards while junior wide receiver Cash Taiese made four receptions for 77 yards. American Fork’s leading rusher for the contest was senior running back Tani Vaki with eight carries for 39 yards.
The defensive effort was led by senior linebacker Luke Vernon with 13 combined tackles and senior linebacker Mason Peterson with 10 tackles including a sack.
Despite the frantic, physical push from the Caveman offense, the Skyridge defense dug deep in the final minutes, forcing a decisive stand to run out the clock and secure the victory.
“I really love these guys. We’ve been on the short end of the stick the last couple of weeks, but they have continued to get better, they have continued to work. These guys continue to have great energy when they come to practice. That is all a coach can ask for,” concluded Coach Behm.
American Fork finished 1-3 in Region 3 play and 6- 4 overall. The Cavemen head into postseason play carrying plenty of momentum from a late-game offense that proved it can threaten anyone in the state.
Photos by Sam Penrod.
American Fork earned home field in the first round of the playoffs. Here’s how the Cavemen are positioned going into the 6A state tournament.
American Fork
Season record: 1-3 Region 3 (T3rd), 6-4 overall
Final RPI ranking: 8 in 6A
MaxPreps ranking: 6 in 6A, 10 statewide
Next contest: Oct. 30
Prospects: The Cavemen will welcome #9 Copper Hills (7-3) in the new initial round of the playoffs after the field was narrowed to 16 teams, resulting in an automatic bye for all 6A teams in the playoffs. If American Fork wins, the team will advance to play either #1 Skyridge (8-1) or #16 Riverton (2-8) on Nov. 6 at the home of the higher seed in the quarterfinals. The default start time for these games is 6 p.m. unless the teams agree to change it. The Cavemen did not see the Grizzlies this year and suffered a narrow loss to the Falcons in the final game of the regular season.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork High School girls soccer team moved confidently through the first two rounds of the 6A state tournament this week, defeating a pair of opponents with home-field shutouts to earn a berth in the semifinals on Monday (Oct. 19).
The No. 4 Cavemen (13-6) will take on No. 1 Lone Peak (16-3) at noon in Herriman at the Zion’s Bank Stadium. The Cavemen lost both Region 3 matches to the Knights this year, but the second one was only by a single goal.
Lone Peak had to secure their first-round match victory against No. 16 Skyridge in a shootout on Tuesday.
The team prevailing this Monday will play the winner of No. 2 Davis (14-4) against No. 3 Farmington (13-5) for the championship on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. in the same location. American Fork fell to the Darts in the second game of the year but didn’t lose again for a month.
Oct. 13: American Fork 1, #13 Riverton 0
The Cavemen played a tight defensive match with the Silverwolves to open the playoffs. Neither team was able to find the net in the initial period, but junior midfielder Eva Gunn managed to hit the target in the second half to lift her team to victory.
Freshman goalkeeper Sofia Crowley earned the shutout between the pipes.
Oct. 15: American Fork 2, #5 Corner Canyon 0
The Cavemen split their league contests with the Chargers during the regular season, with Corner Canyon coming out on top in the second-round game on Oct. 1.
However, the rubber match went to American Fork at the time when it most mattered as the Cavemen eliminated the Chargers with a pair of second-period scores while Crowley earned another clean sheet.
Senior midfielder Cambree Ballard provided the offensive firepower for the home squad, as she has all season. She got an assist from senior defender Sienna Bushman on one of her two goals.
Photos by Sam Penrod.
Megan Wallgren / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork High School Boys Cross Country team captured the Region 3 Championship on Tuesday (Oct. 13) at Mary and Art Dye Park. The Caveman girls were runners-up in a tight battle with nationally-ranked Lone Peak.
American Fork continued to demonstrate why it is among the nation’s top cross country programs, with both its boys and girls teams ranked nationally going into post-season racing.
The Caveman boys are ranked No. 6 nationally by DyeStat, while the girls team holds the No. 13 spot. Lone Peak’s girls team is ranked No. 5 nationally.
The American Fork boys scored 31 points to top the podium in the five-team region competition, placing five runners in the top 12, including the top two finishers, with a spread of 1:52. All seven varsity runners placed in the top 15, showing the strength and depth of the Caveman roster.
Caveman junior David Webb took the individual title, crossing the 3-mile finish line in a personal-best time of 14:58.22. Junior Chase Hejny followed closely behind, finishing second in 15:09.86.
Sophomore Bennett Jensen placed seventh, crossing in 15:39.47, followed by senior Roy Jones in ninth place at 15:52.19. Senior Trey Nielsen rounded out the scoring five with a 12th-place finish in 15: 59.74.
Junior Will Thresher and sophomore Michael Jones finished off the varsity effort, placing 14th in 16:02.05 and 15th in 16:14.42, respectively.
In the girls competition, American Fork scored 43 points to finish second in their race. The Cavemen were led by senior Skye Jensen, who finished third with a time of 17:53.06. She was followed closely by junior Sarah Watson, coming in fourth in 17:53.17.
Senior Shay Smith placed ninth in 18:38.34, followed by freshman Quincy Skousen in 13th at 18:56.19 and sophomore Cali Dooley in 14th at 19:02.98. The five scoring runners finished with a close spread of 1:09.92.
Junior Rebekah Jacob finished 15th in 19:04.61, and senior Mara Jensen placed 18th in 19:24.60, rounding out the girls varsity squad.
With strong showings at the competitive Region 3 meet, both the boys and girls teams are poised for state championship runs at the 2026 UHSAA Cross Country State Championships on Oct. 27 at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City.
Photos by Matt Paepke.
Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen
The American Fork High School girls tennis team finished in fifth place at the 6A state tournament, played at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City on October 8 and 10. The Cavemen reached the semifinals in the First Singles and No. 2 Doubles brackets.
Three of the other four Region 3 teams earned spots in the top four. Lone Peak claimed the championship with 53 points, Skyridge was second with 46, Corner Canyon came in fourth with 27, and American Fork tallied 21 points.
On Thursday in No. 1 Singles, Caveman senior Sophia Leavitt entered as the No. 3 seed and swept plus shut out No. 14 Briahna Sayer of Riverton 6-0, 6-0. Later that day in her quarterfinal match, Leavitt easily bested No. 11 Macie Peterson of Farmington 6-1, 6-0.
She played hard in the Saturday semifinal against No. 2 Ava Jensen of Lone Peak. Jensen won the first set 6-3, but Leavitt responded to take the next set 6-4, necessitating a third round to settle the outcome. Jensen eventually prevailed after a lengthy battle 7-5.
In Second Singles, No. 10 senior Bella Harris upset No. 7 Kinley Olson of Lehi 6-3, 6-4 in the first round. However, her season ended with a loss to No. 2 Elizabeth Ludlow of Skyridge 6-4, 6-1 in the quarterfinal.
In No. 3 Singles, No. 7 senior Claire Corbridge had to come from behind to eliminate No. 10 Jane Blackburn of Herriman 2-6, 6-4, 7(7)-6(2). She fell to No. 2 Maezie Oswald of Skyridge 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinal.
In No. 1 Doubles, No. 4 American Fork seniors Rylee Egbert and Demi Dalton ousted No. 13 Brooklyn Jeppesen and Paityn King of Syracuse 6-1, 6-2. In a hard-fought quarterfinal, they bowed out to No. 5 Ruchi Pawar and Anna Dorny of Corner Canyon 7-5, 7(7)-6(4).
In the Second Doubles bracket, No. 4 Caveman seniors Bentley Christensen and Halie Andrews comfortably advanced after defeating the No. 13 Herriman duo of Violet Freeman and Eleanor Elshaug 6-0, 6-1.
The pair earned a semifinal berth with a little more work by topping No. 5 Kate Anderson and Savannah White of Corner Canyon 6-4, 6-4. Their run ended with a loss to No. 1 Anabelle Rowley and Chloe Barker of Skyridge 6-3, 6-4. The Falcons went on to claim the bracket title.
Photos by Sam Penrod.
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