Skyline defeated defending Region 10 champion Highland 37-23 on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to an October 12 report by the Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune. The win handed the Rams their first loss in region play for the 2026 season and dropped them to 4-1 in region play.
Skyline, the preseason coaches' pick to win the region, secured the 14-point victory at Highland's stadium. Skyline running back Jonah Mailei, returning from a multi-week injury absence, scored two rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Tate Johnson added two more on the ground. Will Finau sealed the outcome with a pick-six with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
Highland entered the contest ranked No. 24 statewide with a 6-1 overall record and 4-0 in Region 10. Highland quarterback Will Bauman connected with Zamari Vaughn for two touchdown passes, including a 33-yard strike. Griffin Backman, the 2026 Utah state champion in the 400 meters and Highland school record holder at 47.54 seconds, returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 23-23 in the second half. Skyline responded with three unanswered scores to secure the win.
Skyline head coach Brandon Matich told the Deseret News that the team was able to overcome a historical difficulty against Highland. Matich stated that his staff doubled Highland receivers Adriean King Boyd and Vaughn downfield, which limited the Rams' passing attack following their early connections.
Skyline is scheduled to host Murray on Wednesday to conclude the Region 10 schedule. The outcome of that game could result in a three-way tie scenario if the Mustangs upset the Eagles, as Murray's only region loss this season was against Highland.
