Week 8 Preview: The Closest Games, and Why Box Elder-Fremont Could Be Tighter Than 12

This article recaps a segment from The Rush's Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 episode. Watch the full show.

Noland Parry's Power Guide for Week 8 in the Deseret News lists every game this week. Here are the ones within 10 points.

• Granger at Hunter: Granger by 0.7

• Emery at South Sevier: Emery by 1.1

• Timpview at Springville: Timpview by 1.2

• Skyridge at Lone Peak: Skyridge by 1.8

• Woods Cross at Brighton: Brighton by 2.9

• Copper Hills at Bingham: Bingham by 3.4

• Bountiful at Alta: Bountiful by 4.2

• Herriman at Mountain Ridge: Mountain Ridge by 7.2

• Pine View at Desert Hills: Pine View by 7.4

• Bonneville at Clearfield: Bonneville by 8.5

• Maple Mountain at Spanish Fork: Spanish Fork by 9.1

• American Fork vs. Lehi: American Fork by 9.4

• Westfield at Layton: Layton by 9.6

The biggest question is Mountain Ridge against Herriman. Can Herriman's defense, led by Aden Jensen, hold the Sentinels under 35 points? Can the Mustangs control the game on the ground?

Another game we've circled is Box Elder at Fremont. Fremont is favored by 12.8, but we think it will be closer to seven. Last year, Judd Howells ran for more than 200 yards against Fremont. This year Kadyn Reyes is a more efficient passer and is running for about 100 yards a game.

The two teams' records against common opponents look similar. They both beat Northridge by close to 30 points and same with Bonneville. Fremont's two losses came against Davis and Corner Canyon so you can’t take much from that, and Box Elder's only loss was by two points to Rigby, who is always good. Fremont's kicker has made nine field goals, so something to keep in mind if it comes down to a last drive.