Easton Gustafson Shines for Brighton Through a Season of Change

This article recaps a segment from The Rush's Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 episode. Watch the full show.

Brighton receiver Easton Gustafson had another huge night against Woods Cross, finishing with more than 200 yards and three touchdowns in a 60-52 shootout loss. His 977 receiving yards in eight games rank second in the state, and he has 11 touchdowns and more than 1,000 all-purpose yards.

Gustafson said a sharp week of practice set the tone, and both the passing and running games worked. His favorite play was an 88-yard touchdown early in the game. "The first big play," he said, "and really got the momentum going."

This season has been an adjustment for Brighton. After a coaching change, a lot of players transferred out of the program. Gustafson stayed. He said it has given young players and new faces a chance to step up, and he loves the new coaching staff. "I couldn't ask for anyone else," he said.

He credited junior quarterback Griffin Matsumori, a dual threat with a good deep ball who gets right back up after taking a hit. Dax Matheson has played both ways through an injury, and lineman Zion Hunkin is the high-energy leader who picks the team up when momentum slips.

Gustafson is proud of how much faster he has gotten and how many yards he gains after the catch, and he works hardest on route running and attacking the ball. His junior season was cut short when he hyperextended his knee and then broke his collarbone, and he put in the work every day to come back.

Brighton plays at Bountiful this week and finishes the regular season against Alta on Oct. 14.