Red Devils Pick Up First Win. Spoiling Homecoming Festivities.

Finally got to see a good game again after a few stinkers in a row. We traveled down the road to see Salem Hills host its homecoming game against the Springville Red Devils. I was shocked to learn that Springville had yet to win a game going into this contest. I had seen them play twice before, against Spanish Fork and Maple Mountain, in which they lost in close fashion. Payton Thorpe, the Springville QB, had really impressed me in those games and I thought they would have captured a victory by this point in the season. Salem Hills, on the other hand, had managed to secure a couple of victories. So this game looked to be a pretty good match up. I was not disappointed.

I don't know if Salem Hills were rocking alternate jerseys or if those are there normal digs but I loved the powder blue look they sported.

The reason why I ask if they are alternate is that they look nothing like the ones featured in the team photos in the program.

Back on track here the Sky Hawks would strike first part way through the first quarter on this pass play.

Nice little plays but guys if your gonna chest bump make sure you land on you feet afterward.

It looked like it might be another rough night for the Red Devil faithful but the offense responed in the second quarter with a bruising run play into the end zone to tie the game up.

After that score the defenses would tighten up for the rest of the first half and much of the third quarter.

 

Late in the third quarter the Red Devils finally broke through on this amazing pass and catch in the corner of the end zone to take a lead they would never relinquish.

The Red Devils defense pinned its ears back at this point and did not let the Sky Hawks score again and the offense added an insurance touchdown in the 4th to bring the final score to 21-7. Allowing Springville to get its first win of the season and put a damper on the Salem Hills homecoming celebration.

Honorable Mention for Player(s) of the Game: The Springville defense was lights out in this ball game. They allowed the one touchdown in the first quarter and then shut out the Sky Hawks the rest of the way. They provided constant pressure and stuffed the run consistently. Turning this game into a field position battle and then and outright up hill climb for the Sky Hawks.

Play of the Game: Is the above touchdown catch. The game had become a defensive slug fest at this point with plenty of 3 and outs and punts galore. When Springville finally broke through on this play they forced Salem Hills to have to do more than play field position ball and they were not up to the task. The type of catch made also woke up the entire Red Devil squad and put momentum squarely on their side.

Player of the Game: Payton Thorpe, QB, Springville.

 This young man has impressed me with his play and leadership in all three games I have seen him play in. He kept his team executing even when down and carried the load in the air and on the ground. I respect him and his coaches for not having folded after falling behind especially with a win less record going in. He had two touchdown passes on the game as well witch accounted for two thirds of the scoring.

Random Thoughts: Is homecoming not that big of a deal out here in Utah? Back home their are not just royalty chosen but each class makes a float and the town has a parade. Does anyone out here do that?... Still no play clock at a field I have been to.... We now have a Facebook page come check it out. It is where I will post all of the pictures I take at the games. All of the videos will be posted on YouTube as well.

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Twitter: @bigward77