In an exciting development for high school football enthusiasts, two of the nation's premier programs, the Corner Canyon Chargers of Utah and the Eastwood Troopers of Texas, have revealed plans for a significant home-and-home series. This matchup will unfold over the upcoming seasons, promising high-stakes competition and a spotlight on elite prep talent. The series underscores a growing trend of top high school teams seeking out challenging non-conference opponents to test their mettle and elevate their programs on a national stage.
This arrangement signifies both schools' dedication to fostering competitive excellence and providing their athletes with unparalleled opportunities. For Corner Canyon, it represents a continued pursuit of dominance, building on recent state championship success despite a change in coaching leadership. For Eastwood, it's a strategic move to measure their program against the best, following a similar high-profile contest in the previous season. The upcoming games are anticipated to draw considerable attention, offering a glimpse into the future stars of collegiate and professional football.
Anticipated High School Football Showdowns
The Corner Canyon Chargers, a powerhouse in Utah high school football, and the Eastwood Troopers from Texas, have officially scheduled a two-game series, creating much anticipation in the high school sports community. The first contest will see Eastwood traveling to Draper, Utah, to face Corner Canyon during the 2026 season. The following year, in 2027, the Chargers will make the journey to the Lone Star State to play in Trooper Stadium. This cross-state rivalry is expected to be a highlight of both teams' schedules, as it brings together programs known for their strong performance and dedicated fan bases. The announcement, made by Eastwood's head football coach Julio Lopez, emphasizes the mutual desire to compete at the highest level and offers invaluable exposure and experience for the student-athletes involved in these nationally relevant matchups.
This upcoming series is a testament to both teams' ambitions. Corner Canyon recently celebrated its fifth state championship, reaffirming its status as one of the country's elite programs. Despite a recent coaching change, with Casey Sutera taking the helm after Eric Kjar's departure for Weber State, the Chargers are poised to maintain their winning tradition. Kjar's remarkable tenure included 112 victories and seven state titles, setting a high bar for his successor. Eastwood, on the other hand, consistently seeks out formidable opponents, demonstrated by their 2025 season opener against nationally ranked St. John Bosco. This strategic scheduling allows the Troopers to continuously push their boundaries and develop their players against top-tier competition, further solidifying their reputation for competitive spirit and development.
Leadership Transitions and Sustained Excellence
Corner Canyon High School is undergoing a significant leadership transition, with Casey Sutera stepping in as the new head football coach. Sutera, who previously coached at Brighton (UT), takes over from the highly successful Eric Kjar. Kjar's tenure was marked by an impressive record of 112 wins and seven state championships, culminating in a dominant performance that led the Chargers to their fifth state title. His departure to a collegiate head coaching position at Weber State leaves big shoes to fill, but the program is confident in Sutera's ability to maintain the high standards of excellence. This change comes as the Chargers prepare to host the Eastwood Troopers in 2026, showcasing their continued commitment to national-level competition even with new leadership at the helm.
The Chargers' recent success, including clinching the UHSAA Class 6A state championship in 2025 and finishing as the state's top-ranked team according to the Utah High School Football Massey Rankings, highlights the program's robust foundation. This sustained success is a testament to the talent development and strategic planning embedded within Corner Canyon's football program. The upcoming home-and-home series against Eastwood provides an early opportunity for Coach Sutera to lead the team against a challenging opponent, demonstrating the team's resilience and adaptability. Meanwhile, Eastwood's proactive approach to scheduling nationally recognized teams, such as their 2025 game against St. John Bosco, reinforces their program's ethos of continuous improvement and striving for competitive greatness. Both teams are committed to creating an environment that fosters growth, challenges players, and provides an exciting spectacle for high school football fans.