Both coaches and players with the Higginson name have contributed big, sure, but it’s not just the specific name. Past Salem Hills stars like Porter Gustin, who went on to play for USC, Lauren Gustin (BYU) and John Nelson (BYU), among others, are related directly to the Higginsons, providing quite the athletic pipeline for the Skyhawks over the past decade or so.

Top billing for this coming season, as far as the Higginsons are concerned, undoubtedly belongs with Salem Hills senior receiver and safety Peyton Higginson.

Like most of the Higginson clan, Peyton presents a superior size and athletic combination that recently earned him a a scholarship to play football for BYU. Standing in at 6-foot-3, he presents quite the problem for both opposing offensive and defensive units and hopes to lead the Skyhawks to new heights during the 2026 football season.

But it’s not just Peyton’s length that sets him apart.

“What sets him apart on the football field is he really has a great ability to make big plays,” said Salem Hills coach Jeff Higginson, who also happens to be Peyton’s uncle. “It’s a unique ability where he can make catches on passes that simply shouldn’t be caught. He just finds a way and uses his wingspan to his advantage. He’s just a playmaker through-and-through and probably the best I’ve ever coached in that regard.”

Over the past two seasons Peyton has filled up the stat sheet, catching 85 passes for 1,191 yards and 16 touchdowns while contributing 105 total tackles and three interceptions. He’s done as much by showcasing his superior athleticism, but also a mindset that works to his advantage.

“When that ball is in the air, it’s mine,” Peyton said of his mentality. “It’s not even a choice to not go and get it. I’m getting that ball no matter what. I think it’s something I’ve been blessed with and that’s been my mindset every since I can remember.”

As one could well imagine given his athletic pedigree, competition was constant and relatively competitive ever since he can remember.

“I always competed against cousins older than me, and now I have younger cousins competing against me in everything from whiffle ball, golf or whatever, and it’s great,” Peyton said. “I love being a part of the Higginson family and it’s been a huge blessing for me.”

Peyton has the type of athleticism that could have translated to competing at a top level in several sports, although football is what seems to run in the family most prominently.

“I always kind of knew from my freshman year that football is the sport where I was going to have a future,” Peyton said. “So I decided to quit baseball and focus entirely on football. I already had scholarship offers, but what I wanted was to be at my best so we could win a championship here at Salem Hills.”

Peyton ultimately accepted an offer to play for BYU, and he’ll do as much after completing his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“The feeling I got when I was around BYU just couldn’t be matched,” Peyton said of his decision. “I love the coaches so much and then the network of support BYU provides after football is something I couldn’t refuse. BYU fits who I am with their culture and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to be part of the football program there. It was the best choice.”

According to Coach Higginson, BYU should benefit from Peyton’s presence, much like Salem Hills has over the past two seasons.

“I know I’m his uncle, and so I may be a bit biased, but he’s seriously just a great, great kid in every way,” Coach Higginson said. “First and foremost he’s a terrific person. He’s a great teammate to be around and he leads by example. He doesn’t talk much, but he never misses things, he’s always respectful to his coaches, and he’s just a special player that way. Sure, he’s a great athlete, but what truly separates him, I feel, is that he’s just a great, great leader and example to others.”

As mentioned, the entire goal and focus for Peyton, at least for the next four months or so, will be to help secure a state championship for the Skyhawks.

“I believe we have the team to do it,” he concluded. “I love my teammates and we have some really talented players who are great to play with. I feel we have the most talented receivers in the state with guys like Gordon Wilson, Joe Hughes and Ty McBride and then some really good new guys. Cash Hollingshead is the best quarterback in the state, and I could go on forever. Our offensive line is great and then all of our defense … It’s all come together well and we can’t wait to get out there and do something special here at Salem Hills. We’re going to win a lot of games.”