Lone Peak and Corner Canyon are two of the most successful high school football programs in Utah, and their rivalry has become one of the most exciting matchups in the state in recent years.
Lone Peak Knights Football
Lone Peak High School, located in Highland, Utah, has developed a strong football program that consistently competes for state championships. The team plays in the 6A classification, which is the largest in Utah, and they have a reputation for producing powerful, disciplined teams.
Key Features:
- Strong Defense: Lone Peak is known for its aggressive, well-coached defense. They often have a defensive line that can pressure quarterbacks and disrupt the running game.
- Coaching: The Knights have been led by experienced coaching staff, with their former coach, Dale Sampson, building a strong foundation for the program.
- Recent Success: Lone Peak has won several region championships and appeared in multiple state title games, with their most notable success coming in 2015, when they won the state championship.
Notable Players:
Lone Peak has produced several Division I college athletes over the years, particularly at skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver. They also tend to develop strong offensive and defensive linemen who play at the next level.
Corner Canyon Chargers Football
Corner Canyon High School, located in Draper, Utah, has rapidly become a powerhouse in Utah high school football. They also play in the 6A classification, and their program has consistently been one of the best in the state in recent years.
Key Features:
- High-Powered Offense: Corner Canyon is known for its high-octane offense, often featuring a potent passing attack. Their spread offense has been highly effective, and they typically put up big numbers on the scoreboard.
- Quarterback Play: One of the hallmarks of Corner Canyon’s success has been their exceptional quarterbacks. Players like Jaxson Dart (who went on to play at USC) and Isaiah Garcia have made Corner Canyon one of the most exciting teams to watch in Utah high school football.
- Recent Dominance: Corner Canyon has been one of the dominant forces in 6A football in the last decade. They’ve won multiple state championships, with their most recent being in 2020 and 2021, and they often have a perfect regular-season record.
- Coaching: The Chargers are coached by Eric Kjar, who has led the program to incredible success since its inception in 2014. Kjar’s coaching philosophy emphasizes quick, high-scoring football with a focus on exploiting mismatches.
Notable Players:
Corner Canyon has produced several players who have gone on to play at major college programs. The team’s success has attracted attention from top college scouts, particularly because of their elite quarterbacks and skilled wide receivers.
Rivalry Between Lone Peak and Corner Canyon
The rivalry between Lone Peak and Corner Canyon is one of the most intense in Utah high school sports. The two teams have regularly competed for state championships, and their games are filled with high stakes, passionate fan bases, and exciting football.
Notable Games:
- 2019 6A State Championship: Corner Canyon defeated Lone Peak in a thrilling state championship game. The game was a clash of styles, with Corner Canyon’s high-powered offense going up against Lone Peak’s tough defense. This game solidified Corner Canyon as the dominant team in 6A football for the time being.
- Annual Showdowns: When these two teams meet in the regular season, it’s often a battle for region supremacy. Games between them are known for their intensity, with both teams bringing out their best football.
Key Differences in Playing Style:
- Lone Peak: The Knights are known for a balanced approach, mixing strong defense with a power running game and efficient passing. They tend to control the clock and rely on field position and a solid defense to win games.
- Corner Canyon: The Chargers are known for their spread offense, which often leads to high-scoring games. With a focus on passing, Corner Canyon frequently tries to outscore opponents rather than grind out victories with defense and ball control.
Outlook:
- Lone Peak: The Knights consistently remain competitive, and while they may not always have the same level of talent as Corner Canyon, they are a well-coached team capable of beating anyone on any given day. They are usually considered one of the top teams in the state.
- Corner Canyon: The Chargers are the team to beat in 6A football, with their explosive offense and depth of talent. They’re always a favorite to win the state title, and their game against Lone Peak is always a key matchup on their path to a potential championship.
Whether it’s the rivalry, the contrasting styles of play, or the history between these two programs, games between Lone Peak and Corner Canyon are always some of the most anticipated in Utah high school football.