The American Fork Cavemen (2-0) head north to Salt Lake City for a marquee non-conference clash against the West Panthers (2-0) on Friday, August 29, 2025 @ 7:00 PM. This is a battle of two top-10 programs in Utah, both undefeated and ranked inside the top 150 nationally. With state playoff seeding implications and bragging rights on the line, this could be one of the most explosive games of Week 3.
Game Details
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Matchup: American Fork @ West
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Date & Time: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: West High School, Salt Lake City, UT
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).Watch here: Start your free trial today
American Fork Cavemen
The Cavemen are 2-0, ranked #116 nationally, #4 in Utah, and #4 in Class 6A. They’ve outscored opponents 83-28, with a balanced offensive attack that averages 165 rushing ypg and 203.5 passing ypg (368.5 total yards per game).
QB Nate Childs (132.5 passing ypg, 163 total ypg) leads a versatile offense, distributing to WR Cash Taiese (79.5 receiving ypg) while RB Prince Afu (87.5 rushing ypg) pounds between the tackles. Defensively, LB Corbin Bauerle (6.5 tackles per game) and DE Samuel Merten (1.8 sacks per game) set the tone up front.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #116
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Utah Rank: #4
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Key to Win: Protect Childs from West’s fierce pass rush and establish Afu early to balance the offense.
Main Squad:
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Nate Childs – QB (#17)
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Prince Afu – RB (#10)
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Cash Taiese – WR (#82)
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Corbin Bauerle – LB (#4)
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Samuel Merten – DE (#46)
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Jaxon Jensen – OL
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Ben Tupuola – DL
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Mason Hill – DB
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Ryder Nielson – WR
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Levi Edwards – LB
West Panthers
The Panthers are 2-0, ranked #133 nationally, #6 in Utah, and #1 in Class 5A. They’ve been dominant on both sides, averaging 49 points per game while holding opponents to just 23 total points in two games.
West’s offense is a juggernaut, fueled by RB Louie Hamilton (212 rushing ypg, 276 total ypg, 15 ppg), who is both a downhill runner and a dangerous receiving option. QB Kamden Lopati (212 passing ypg) adds balance through the air, while OL Kitione Vakalahi (7 pancake blocks) anchors a physical front. Defensively, Lester Falatea (6.5 tackles per game) and Aisa Lopati (1.8 sacks per game) make plays at every level.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #133
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Utah Rank: #6
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Key to Win: Keep Hamilton rolling while Lopati stretches the field—force AF’s defense to pick its poison.
Main Squad:
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Louie Hamilton – RB/WR (#5)
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Kamden Lopati – QB (#0)
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Lester Falatea – LB (#3)
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Aisa Lopati – DL (#42)
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Kitione Vakalahi – OL (#54)
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Josh Hamblin – WR (#12)
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Sione Fonua – DB
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Mata Tupou – LB
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James Tiatia – OL
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Elijah Levao – DB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | Utah Rank | Class Rank | Record | PF | PA |
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| American Fork | #116 | #4 | #4 (6A) | 2-0 | 83 | 28 |
| West | #133 | #6 | #1 (5A) | 2-0 | 98 | 23 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
