Lehi isn't exactly a small town anymore. It’s the heart of Silicon Slopes, a blur of glass tech buildings and suburban sprawl. But if you head over to Skyridge High School on a Friday night in October, the tech talk stops. It’s all about the pads popping. Since opening its doors in 2016, Skyridge high school football has done something that usually takes decades: they’ve turned a brand-new program into a perennial 6A state title contender. It's wild. Most schools spend ten years just trying to find a rhythm, but the Falcons decided they didn’t want to wait.
They win. A lot.
But winning in Utah’s highest classification isn't just about having athletes. It’s about the culture that was baked into the turf from day one. When the school split off from Lehi High, there was plenty of tension. You had neighbors suddenly becoming rivals. That friction sparked a fire. Honestly, the program’s trajectory looks more like a tech startup than a traditional sports team—rapid growth, high investment, and a "disruptor" mentality that caught the old guard of Utah football off guard.
The 6A gauntlet and the Rise of the Falcons
Utah high school football is top-heavy. For years, names like Corner Canyon, Lone Peak, and American Fork dominated the conversation in the 6A ranks. Skyridge didn't just join that conversation; they started shouting. Under the initial leadership of coach Jon Lehman and later Justin Hemm, the Falcons established a style of play that is suffocatingly fast.
They don't just beat you; they outpace you.
The 2022 season stands as the crown jewel of this short history. Winning the 6A State Championship wasn't a fluke. It was the result of a roster stacked with guys like Smith Snowden—a literal track star who chose to stay local and build something. When you have a four-star cornerback who can shut down an entire side of the field, your defensive coordinator sleeps a lot better at night. That 17-7 victory over Corner Canyon in the title game proved that Skyridge high school football wasn't just a "flash in the pan" program. They played disciplined, physical football that frustrated one of the most high-powered offenses in the country.
It's about the trenches, too. You see these massive offensive lines coming out of Lehi nowadays. It’s a byproduct of a community that has fully bought into the strength and conditioning programs. If you walk into their weight room in February, it’s packed. No one is taking seasons off.
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Recruiting and the "Transfer" Controversy
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Whenever a school gets good this fast, people start whispering about transfers. It’s the nature of modern high school sports. Skyridge has definitely benefited from being in a high-growth area where families are moving in for tech jobs every single day.
Is it fair? Some rival fans don't think so. But the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) has strict rules, and Skyridge plays by them. The reality is that winning attracts talent. When a kid sees the flashy uniforms, the elite coaching staff, and the path to D1 scholarships, they want in. You’ve got players like Tausili Akana or Leonard Ah You who brought massive physicality to the roster. These aren't just "good high school players." These are Sunday-potential athletes.
Why the coaching staff is actually the "Secret Sauce"
Justin Hemm took over a Ferrari and managed not to wreck it; in fact, he might have tuned the engine. Coaching at a school like Skyridge is high pressure. The parents are successful, the expectations are "state title or bust," and every game is televised or streamed to thousands.
Hemm’s approach is a bit more nuanced than just "run the ball." They utilize a spread offense that puts defenders in impossible conflicts. If you cheat toward the box to stop the run, their quarterbacks—who are consistently some of the most accurate in the state—will carve you up on quick slants and deep posts.
The Quarterback Factory
It feels like Skyridge always has "the guy" under center. Whether it’s McCae Hillstead or Jackson Stevens, the production remains elite. This isn't an accident. The feeder programs in Lehi have aligned themselves with the high school’s playbook. By the time a kid hits ninth grade, he already knows the terminology. He knows the checks. He knows exactly where his hot read is when a linebacker flashes through the A-gap.
- Consistency: The system doesn't change even when the players do.
- Adaptability: If they have a power runner, they go heavy. If they have speedsters, they go wide.
- Pressure: They play one of the hardest schedules in the West, often traveling out of state to face national powerhouses.
That last point is huge. Skyridge doesn't hide. They’ve scheduled games against teams from California and Nevada just to see where they stack up. Sometimes they lose those games. But by the time the Utah playoffs roll around in November, they’ve seen everything. Nothing rattles them.
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The atmosphere at Falcon Stadium
If you've never been to a home game, it’s an experience. The "Blue Crew" student section is loud—borderline obnoxious, which is exactly what you want. There’s a specific energy in Lehi. It’s a mix of "new money" confidence and blue-collar work ethic.
The rivalry with Lehi High School—the "Battle of the Bridge"—is arguably the best game in the state now. It divided the city. Literally. Families have one kid at Lehi and one at Skyridge. The tension is palpable, but it’s elevated the level of play for both schools. You can’t slack off in this town because someone is always working to take your spot.
What's next for Skyridge high school football?
Sustainability is the hardest thing in sports. Can they keep this up for twenty years?
The infrastructure is there. The youth leagues are overflowing. The coaching is stable. The biggest challenge is the rising level of competition in the 6A South Region. Schools like Lone Peak and Corner Canyon aren't going anywhere. Every year is a dogfight.
But Skyridge has established a brand. When you put on that bird-head helmet, you’re expected to win. That psychological edge matters. Teams walk onto the field against Skyridge and they're already a little bit intimidated. They expect the Falcons to be faster, stronger, and better coached. Usually, they are.
For those looking to follow the program, keep an eye on the trenches. While the wide receivers get the highlights on Instagram, the reason Skyridge high school football stays at the top is their ability to produce elite linemen who dominate the line of scrimmage. That's the boring truth of football. You win in the dirt.
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Actionable Steps for Players and Fans
If you're a parent or a student-athlete looking to engage with this level of competition, or even just a fan trying to keep up, here is the "pro" way to do it:
1. Focus on the Off-Season Program
Skyridge's success is built in the winter. If you're an aspiring player, the school’s lifting program is non-negotiable. They prioritize explosive power over bulk. You need to be able to move.
2. Master the Film
The Falcons win because they are smarter. If you want to understand their success, watch the HUDL replays of their defensive rotations. They disguise blitzes better than almost anyone in the state.
3. Show Up Early for the "Battle of the Bridge"
If you're planning to attend the Lehi vs. Skyridge game, don't show up at kickoff. The stadium is usually at capacity 45 minutes before the national anthem. Park in the overflow lots and prepare for a hike.
4. Follow the Recruiting Trail
To see where the program is headed, watch the junior varsity (JV) scores. Skyridge’s depth is their greatest weapon. Their "B" team would likely win many other regions' varsity divisions. This pipeline is what ensures they don't have "rebuilding" years—only "reloading" years.
5. Support the Academic Standards
One thing people miss is that the coaching staff pushes high academic standards. To play at this level, and to get the scouts to notice you, the GPA has to match the 40-yard dash time.
The Falcons aren't going anywhere. They’ve built a machine in the desert, and as long as Lehi keeps growing, Skyridge high school football will be the team to beat.