Brighton fall sport teams are making noise among the Region 6 teams as state competition looms. Most teams are expected to finish in the top 10 of the 30 schools in the 5A classification. 

The changes in the Region 6 configuration that went into effect for the 2025-26 school year drop Highland, East and West high schools — those three schools move the reconfigured Region 4 in central Salt Lake valley with Cottonwood, Murray and Taylorsville. The new Region 6 adds Woods Cross, Bountiful and Viewmont to the remaining schools of Skyline, Olympus, Alta and Brighton. 

Football

The new Region 6 brought the reigning 5A state champions Bountiful into region competition.  The Bountiful Red Hawks was the team that defeated Brighton in the semifinals at Rice Eccles stadium last November. The Red Hawks and the Bengals met again on the Brighton field in early October where Brighton received its first region loss in a defensive battle 13-3. Because Bountiful lost to Woods Cross and Brighton beat Woods Cross it is likely that the Region 6 title will be shared among multiple schools. 

Girls Tennis

The new region configuration brought Woods Cross into the mix. Woods Cross girls tennis team took state in 2024 and the strong team continues its dominance this year at state. Brighton finishes the fall season in the top 10 of 5A. 

Girls Soccer

Brighton girls soccer teams earned second in state last year in a thrilling penalty kick finish to region rival Olympus. This season Olympus retains its region dominance and the addition of Bountiful bumped Brighton to third in the most competitive soccer region in the state. Brighton girls soccer enters the state tournament ranked eighth. 

Boys Golf

Region 6 has traditionally been the most competitive region for golf in the state with Skyline and Olympus consistently producing the No. 1 and No. 2 teams at state. Coach Ron Meyer kept his team sharp finishing sixth in state this year behind inspired play from senior Cole Murray and sophomore Alex Rogers. Murray finished the state tournament at TalonsCove golf course in Saratoga Springs in the top 10. At No. 9 for all 180 varsity golfers in 5A, Murray is Brighton's odds-on favorite to be named to the all-state first team. 

Cross Country

A highlight of the fall sports season for Brighton is cross country. The sophomore sensation Bridget Smit became the Region 6 champion running the 5K in 17 minutes and 13 seconds. This is a new Brighton cross country school record. 

“Bridget is extremely dedicated — she works hard every day, but what really sets her apart is her attention to detail. She’s very conscientious about finding small ways to improve, whether that’s in her form, recovery or training habits. At the top level, most runners are working hard, but Bridget’s ability to notice and refine the little things has really given her an edge,” said Smit’s track coach Taralyn Summers. 

Her freshman spring track personal records speak to her dedication:

-2:19 in the 800m

-4:59 in the 1600m

-10:49 in the 3200m. She placed All-State, placing third in state in the 1600m and fifth in the 3200m. 

Of her record setting region 5K race, Smit said, “This race I really wanted to stay positive, controlled and focused on being in the moment. I knew I could finish strong in the last 800, so staying competitive through the second mile was really important for my race strategy. While I was running, I wanted to try and smile and repeat positive mantras to myself that would help me through the finish line. I am so grateful for everyone that was there to support me, and I can’t wait to finish this season strong!”

The state cross country race is in late October. 

Senior Cole Heemeyer for the sack. (Photo David Mayfield)