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Valley Top 5: Summer’s over, fall sports a full go this week

By Darnell Dickson and Brandon C. Gurney - Daily Herald | Aug 17, 2026

Brandon Gurney, Daily Herald

Noah Behm and Cash Taiese celebrate an early touchdown during American Fork's 36-16 win over Pleasant Grove on Aug. 14, 2026. (Brandon Gurney, Daily Herald)

Each week, Daily Herald sports writers Darnell Dickson and Brandon C. Gurney rank the top five teams in the Utah Valley in football, girls soccer and girls volleyball (records as of August 16):

FOOTBALL

1. Orem (1-0)

Tigers got a big win in Hawaii against Kamehameha.

2. Lone Peak (1-0)

Knights taking big step up in competition hosting IMG Academy, Fla.

3. Timpview (1-0)

Junior RB TJ Tuha with three touchdown runs in win vs. Layton.

4. Skyridge (0-1)

Falcons looking to rebound against Orem after opening loss to Mountain Ridge.

5. American Fork (1-0)

Senior Noah Behm with 51-yard TD reception, 64-yard interception return TD vs. PG.

–Darnell Dickson

GIRLS SOCCER

1. American Fork (4-1)

Led by standout senior Cambree Ballard, only hiccup has been a loss to 6A favorite Davis.

2. Pleasant Grove (5-0)

Deep and talented, the Vikings are off to an impressive start with five straight wins.

3. Lehi (4-1)

The Pioneers only blemish on the season has been a double overtime loss to Riverton.

4. Lone Peak (2-3)

The Knights have had some uncommon struggles out of the gate, but rallied to beat Maple Mountain 2-0

5. Salem Hills (4-0)

The Skyhawks are off to an impressive start and have outscored their opponents by a combined 12-2

— Brandon C. Gurney

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

1. Pleasant Grove (4-0)

Vikings have swept all four opponents so far.

2. Orem (0-0)

Tigers face 6A defending champs Corner Canyon on Tuesday.

3. Lone Peak (0-0)

Stanford commit Ava Burgess one of top returning players in the state.

4. Provo (0-0)

Senior pin hitter Navaeh Magalei No 2 in Utah in kills last season (578).

5. Skyridge (1-1)

6A runner-up Falcons rebuilding in 2026.

— Darnell Dickson

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