Dixie Dismantles Dons in 4th to Take Title

Spanish Fork faced-off with its third team from St. George in a four week span; Pine View and Desert Hills had been defeated by the Dons, but now they met the Dixie Flyers for all the marbles at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The third time proved to be the charm for the city of St. George against Spanish Fork as Dixie dominated the 4th quarter to bring the 3A title down south.

The game was actually very close most of the time. The teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter and looked to be doing the same in the second after Dixie scored a second time Spanish Fork drove down to the Flyer 8-yard line looking to tie the game up.

Two plays later the Flyers hit pay dirt on a 36-yard bomb to take a 21-7 lead which held for the rest of the half.

Spanish Fork had found themselves 21-7 for the second week in a row and knew what it needed to accomplish. The defense held up its end of the bargin as the Don offense struggled to get back on track. Finally part way through the 3rd they broke the drought and scored on a 32-yard touchdown run to cut the game to 21-14.

Dixie and Spanish Fork exchanged two drives each with the defenses keeping things in check. When the Flyers scored on another big play; a 78-yard pass to once again take a 14-point lead.


Spanish Fork responded quickly with a 60 plus yard touchdown pass of their own to close out the 3rd quarter 28-21.

The comeback was not to be however as the Flyers scored on two more big plays on their next two drives; running plays of 63 and 36 yards to go up by 21. A Spanish Fork interception returned for a score by Dixie with just over 4 minutes left in the game sealed the championship for the Dixie High School Flyers with a final score of 49-21.

Congratulations Dixie High School!

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Highlights from this game and others are available on our YouTube page.

Dons Hold Off Thunder To Reach First Championship Game

Rice-Eccles Stadium was the venue for the Utah High School Semi-Final game between Spanish Fork and Desert Hills. Both teams had reached this point a year ago but fell short of their championship aspirations. Looking to reach new heights both teams put out an excellent effort and what turned into a great football game.

 

After being stalemated on their first drive the Thunder went 98-yards in seven plays to take a 7-0 lead. The catalyst of the drive was this 47-yard run and was capped off on a 38-yard scoring pass.

                                    

Spanish Fork responded with a scoring drive of their. Aided by a personal foul on the Thunder defense the Dons drove 80-yards and scored on a 20-yard pass to tie the game at 7 on the first play of the second quarter.

Midway through the second quarter Desert Hills scored on a 10-yard touchdown scramble to break the tie.

The Thunder struck (sorry couldn't help it) again on their next series, a 42-yard bomb to go up 21-7.

Trailing by fourteen late in the second quarter Spanish Fork looked to be in dire straights. Spanish Fork's sophomore QB Jason Money played beyond his age orchestrating a perfect 2-minute drill with four completions on four attempts totaling 63-yards. His play set up 16-yard draw play to bring the game to 21-14 score.

 

Spanish Fork kicked off to start the second half. The kicked was short and high and landed amidst several players. I think what happened was the Thunder blockers treated it like a punt and stayed away from the ball until they realized a hair too late that the ball is live on a kickoff. Spanish Fork got to the ball first. The Dons scored on the first play from scrimmage in the second half tying the game at 21. In less the two minutes of play Desert Hills went from leading by 14 to being tied up.

The Thunder offense stalled out on its first possession of the second half. The Don offense was red hot and looking to gain its first lead of the game. The Desert Hills defense needed a big play and made it happen with this interception.

A short field couldn't fix the Thunder's offensive problems. They tried a field goal which was blocked but given another shot when the refs ruled a time-out had been taken. The second attempt sailed wide left leaving the Thunder empty handed once again.

Spanish Fork took advantage of the Thunder miscue driving down the field for another touchdown to take a 28-21 lead on the last play of the 3rd quarter.

It was do or die time for the Thunder. They needed to stem tide after giving up 21 unanswered points. They proved they didn't make the long drive from St. George to roll over when faced with adversity. They responded in a big way driving 67-yards and scoring on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to tie the ball game.

The Thunder defense came up with another huge stop. Giving the offense the ball with just over 5-minutes left in the game and a chance to take back the lead. Disaster struck the Thunder (sorry again) on their first play of the drive the Dons picked off the Desert Hills pass.

The Dons started with great field position and capitalized on the opportunity punching the ball in from 2-yards out.

The Thunder ended up turning the ball over on downs allowing Spanish Fork to advance to the State Championship Game for the first time in school history.

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Dons Overcome Slow Start to Advance

This game started with traded interceptions. Morgan tossed one on their opening series in their own territory, but escaped unscathed when Spanish Fork threw it right back on the next play. The Dons however gave up a field goal to fall behind 3-0
        

 On Spanish Fork's following drive a bad snap was recovered by Morgan. The Trojan offense was able to move the ball methodically down the field with a power running game, but sealed the drive with a touchdown pass to take 10-0.

At the end of the 1st quarter it looked as though the Dons were in trouble. Morgans power run game was ugly but affective keep the high powered Don offense off of the field. Mean while Spanish Fork's offense was suffering from a turnover bug. SF needed to get their act together in a hurry or they would be looking elimination in the face.

 

The 2nd quarter was a totally different story. Braxton Argyle finally cracked Morgans defense to make the game 10-7 affair.

                                  

This was the start of an onslaught. Spanish Fork went on to score 33 unanswered points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Including these scores. 

 Morgan did show life in the 4th quarter scoring twice to bring the final score to 33-23.

Random Thoughts: No player or play of the game this week due to the lateness of the post sorry... Spanish Fork needs to make their extra-points. The last two game have been within reach of their opposition because of missing multiple PATs... I am going to the semi-final game up at Rice-Eccles tomorrow night. I think its a pretty nice venue, but I think playing in an NFL stadium would be cooler. I got to play in the Metrodome my senior year and it is an experience I will never forget. Only if Utah had an NFL team... I will hopefully get a post up Friday from my game in the UTFL this past weekend.

Dons Hold Off Panthers To Advance

Spanish Fork hosted Pine View to start the playoffs and were given all they could handle as they had to stave off a comeback to advance to the second round.

Colton Olsen started the scoring off with a pick six, his second consecutive game with one, to give Spanish Fork an early lead.

At this point Pine View used their size advantage in the trenches to turn the tide. They pounded away at the Don defense and tied the game on a 9-yard touchdown pass.

They would go up 14-7 in the second quarter following another punishing drive down the field capped by a 4-yard Prentiss Miller run.

Both defense tightened down in the second quarter. Spanish Fork pinned Pine View deep in their own territory forcing them to punt out of their own end zone twice. The Panthers did not shrink from the challenge coming up with two interceptions to keep the Dons off the board.

Spanish Forks defense gave its offense a short field for a third time to close out the second quarter. Proving the third time is the charm the Dons completed a 34-yard touchdown play to tie the game up going into the half.

The Don offense woke up in the 3rd quarter scoring on two Braxton Argyle touchdown runs, giving Pine View a taste of its own ground and pound attack.

Colton Olsen came up with another big interception with Pine View Driving to help maintain the 26-14 lead.

Pine View managed to find pay dirt with 5 minutes to play in the 4th quarter and the missed PAT's by the Dons loomed large as the game was 25-21.

I promise this play was eventually ruled a touchdown.

Pine View decided to kick it deep with their defense playing so well in the final period. In hindsight this may have been a mistake as the Dons were able to pick up first downs when they needed to and killed the clock to advance to the second round.

Honorable Mention for Player of the Game: Braxton Argyle, RB, Spanish Fork 

Braxton had a slow start but his performance in the second half, the 3rd quarter in particular, proved to be the difference in the game. He scored two touchdowns and rushed for 98-yards on 20 carries.

Play of the Game: On a 4th down with about 7-yards to go and around a minute left Spanish Fork had three options; one punt the ball and hope to pin Pine View deep or at least get a touchback. This could lead to a bad snap or a big return costing them the game. Option two, run the ball. This would kill a little bit of time unless you manage to break a big play, highly unlikely, but risk a fumble. Option three, throw the ball for the first down yardage. Which could lead to a game ending first down or a lot of negative options. Giving the circumstances a sack or incomplete pass were not that big of a deal; even a pick, if tackled quickly is no different then a punt. Spanish rolled the dice a heaved the ball up. Jason Money had a good game heading up to this point. But he didn't go to his ever reliable cousin Cameron Money; who had over a hundred yards on the day, or even the hot hand Colten Olsen. He went to Cooper Beck who caught the 29-yard pass to seal the win. His only catch of the game came over the top of the defender at a crucial moment. That is what is to referred to as clutch. I really wish I had video or pictures of it to give Cooper some credit, I hope the win is enough for him.

Player of the Game: Colton Olsen, DB, Spanish Fork. 

 

He had a pick-six to start the scoring and a huge pick in the third to kill a Pine View drive. If he doesn't make one of these plays the panthers probably pull off the upset. He also added 40-yards on 4 catches. Great game Mr. Olsen. (Sorry I used the same pic twice but it's the best one of him in the game.)

Random Thoughts: Pine View has a sweet helmet logo.

 They also have two of the coolest names I have heard on a team all year; this team features a Thor and a Shaq. Simply awesome.... As close as this game was Spanish Fork should have won by a lot more. Kudos to the Panther defense coming up with turnovers to keep the Dons from scoring with short field position.... Pine View's black and white unis looked great with the Breast Cancer Awareness pink that doesn't work with most uniforms... Pine View's long snapper Justice Herschey (another really cool name) was impressive on all of his snaps. Especially the two shortened ones out of the end zone. I know this is a weird thing to notice but having been a long snapper, I backed up in high school, it isn't easy to adjust the length when you get into a rhythm at a particular distance. Justice if you read this I strongly recommend you send a compilation of your snaps to colleges. You have a particular skill set that could pay for your college... Sorry about the lateness of this post. I will be at the Spanish Fork game against Morgan this evening.


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Spanish Fork Takes Care of Business in Payson

The Payson Lions played host to the Spanish Fork Dons this past Thursday night. The Lions looked to keep it close and pull off an upset, but the Dons proved to much for Payson.

Spanish Fork Started the scoring in the first quarter with a Braxton Argyle run to take a 7-0 lead. Payson responded on the following drive with a Devon Judd touchdown pass that knotted the game at 7.

Spanish Fork's offense went on a 19-point scoring binge in the second quarter. Argyle added another score while the Dons quarterback, Jason Money, tossed in the other two touchdowns.

Trailing 26-7 at the half the Lions were kicking off to the red hot Dons and needed a break to keep things close. They got the break when the Spanish Fork return man bobbled and fumbled the kick and gave the ball deep in Don territory. Payson was able to capitalize on the short field and punched the ball in and made it a ball game at 26-14.

In the end though the Dons proved to be too much for the Lions as Money completed two more touchdown passes and Colton Olsen returned an interception for another score making the final score 45-14.

Honorable Mention for player(s) of the game: Braxton Argyle, RB, Spanish Fork

Argyle had a great game. He ran 24 times for 118 yards according to The Deseret News and ran for two scores. He kept the Lions off the field and his defense well rested. He made a strong case for player of the game, but that honor goes to another Don.

Spanish Fork's Defense

The Don defense was simply dominating. They stuffed the run all night and were in the quarterbacks face nearly every drop back. If it weren't for a fumble deep on their side on a kickoff this game would have been 45-7. They only gave up one big touchdown pass and just had their way in general.

Play of the Game: I have a hard time picking one play that had the greatest influence on the game in such a one sided affair. If I had to pick the most exciting play I would go with Olsen's pick six but the game was all but decided by that point. I will have to say the drive after Payson made the game 26-14. Spanish Fork showed it would not fall asleep and let the game go when they responded with a score of their own.

Player of the Game: Jason Money, QB, Spanish Fork

Money's passing was the Ying to Argyles running Yang. He was 11/22 for over 200 yards and 4 touchdowns. If BYU could get that kind of production out of its quarterbacks they would be unbeaten. He also had a long run for a score that was called back on a holding penalty. Really player of the game honors could have gone to any of the mentioned individuals but I will give it to the designated team leader in the QB. He played big in a big game that gets them two home games in the playoffs if they win the first game.


Highlights: So I can't get the video to load here but if you click the link you will see the video compilation I made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giZ-wY6vBx8&feature=g-all-u

Random Thoughts: I learned how to make a highlight video hopefully that makes it easier then watching a bunch of individual clips.... Payson has a fantastic special teams coach. They had two returns for touchdowns against JUAB a few weeks ago and they had a couple of long returns against the Dons as well showing me that it just wasn't bad play by JUAB.... It was interesting to watch Spanish Fork do with ease what Payson had a hard time doing a few weeks ago. Spanish Fork closed the game out and didn't let the Lions climb out of holes. Payson let JUAB back into the game three different times after being up 20 or more points a few weeks ago and barely survived the comeback attempt. That is one of the reasons Spanish Fork is a number one seed in the playoffs and Payson is not.... So I am going to follow Spanish Fork through the playoffs instead of bouncing around from week to week. This week they host the Pine View Panthers out of St. George.... Thanks for reading and please subscribe.

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Orem's no huddle takes toll on Maple Mountain

This post is long overdue and I apologize. This past Wednesday night I went to the Maple Mountain vs. Orem Tiger game at Orem High School. Maple Mountain rolled into the stadium with a one loss record and a heart bounding victory over Timpanogos the previous week. Orem had three losses coming in the contest but was looking to honor their senior class on their last home game of the regular season.

The Tigers did strike first on a 25-yard score to take an early 6-0 lead. The score was the beginning of a great night for Orem quarterback Taylor Camp; it was the first of three touchdowns through the air on the night.

Maple Mountain showed why they had such a great record coming into the ball game by responding on the ensuing drive and converting their PAT to take a 7-6 lead.

That's when the winds turned both figuratively and literally. As the winds began to bluster Orem's offense began to take control of the game using the no huddle to keep the Eagles off balance and giving their defense a plenty of rest. Part way through the quarter the Tigers pounded the ball in from a yard out to regain the lead 12-7.

This was the first of three straight scores for the Tigers to close out the first half with a 25-7 lead.

In the third quarter both defenses took care of business and shut there opponents out in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was another story as the offenses found there grooves with Maple Mountain striking first on a touchdown pass to make the score 25-13.

Orem responded quickly with a 35-yard touchdown pass to go up 32-13. K.J. Hall, the fearless quarterback of Maple Mountain, refused to roll over and broke a 45-yard touchdown run to make it a 32-19 game.

When Orem got the ball back they decided to slow things down a bit and chew clock. The strategy was working. The Eagle defesne had been worn down for three quarters with the relentless no-huddle offense of the Tigers. Orem was looking to put the game out of reach when this play happened.

 Maple Mountain had the ball and offense that had put two scores on the board during the quarter. However the comeback was not to be as the turnover bug that had hasseled them through out the game struck again in a very big way.

That pick six salted away the game for Orem and made the score 39-19 which held until the final gun sounded.


Honorable Mention for Player of the Game: Tyler Valdez, WR, Orem. Tyler lead the way for a great performance from the Tiger wide outs. He gets the nod for two long touchdown catches.

Play of the Game: Isaiah Fiso's interception return for a touchdown to me was the play of the game. Orem had managed to keep Maple Mountain down but had failed to put them out. This came at a key moment too. The Tigers had driven down the field and coughed up the ball to the Eagles in the end zone giving them a chance to really get back in the ball game. That is when Isaiah made the play of the game to seal the win for the home team.

Player of the Game: Taylor Camp, QB, Orem.

Taylor simply had a great game. Three scores through the air and added a fourth on the ground. He kept the Tigers high speed offense humming for most of the game; which kept the ever dangerous K.J. Hall on the sideline. I'm impressed by him in how well he ran the no huddle there are pro quarterbacks who struggle with it (Tony Romo). Great job by young Mr. Camp helping his team pick up a big win.

Random Thoughts: Why in the world did Orem's coach go for two on his first three touchdowns? I thought that maybe his kicker was horrible but he was good on the kick off and then he barely missed a long (by high school standards) field goal. I think the only reason he missed it was the strong winds that kicked up in the second pushed the kick wide. He than made all three PAT's after that.You may not think three points matters but coming back from 25-7 is easier than 28-7. Three TD's get you a lead instead of a tie. Lucky for Orem it did not matter in the end. Maybe the kid was being punished but it looked to me to be something that could cost them in the playoffs against a superior team.... I do think Orem is the better team, but I don't think they are 20 points better. Maple Mountain shot itself in the foot on more then one occasion with penalties and turnovers. You can't give this good of an offense more chances and shorter fields to work with.... Now that I picked on Orem's coach how about I dish on Maple Mountain's head man. Orem has been running the no huddle all year long. This wasn't an early season game, it was the ninth contest of the year. His defense looked unprepared and poorly conditioned. That is forgivable, to a degree, early in the year but this late you should be in shape and you know what your opponent is going to do. Get ready for it.... That being said I can't help but wonder if the Eagles were suffering a hangover of sorts after the nail biting win the previous week.... This week I will be watching the Spanish Fork Dons take on the Payson Lions to close out the regular season.

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Two Returns Too Much for JUAB

The Payson Lions came out with a roar on Friday night returning the opening kickoff for a score. They then intercepted JUAB and scored for the second time on a short field. It looked a route in the making when the Lions scored on this touchdown pass to go up 20-0 with less then ten minutes off the game clock.

This is when JUAB showed that it was a team of great character as it marched down the field and scored. They added a two point conversion to cut the lead to 20-8. The JUAB defense tightened up at this point but was still victimized by a long pass play that would set up the final scoring play of the first half.

Payson looked to add more points before the half but JUAB came up with an interception to keep the score 27-8 at the half.

A 19 point deficit is what faced the Wasps as they took the field in the second half. They continued to grind out tough yards on the ground when they hit pay dirt from 6 yards out.

They failed on their two point attempt, leaving the score at 27-14. That score didn't last long though because the Lions returned the ensuing Kickoff for another touchdown, recapturing a 20 point lead after the PAT.

When the 4th quarter rolled around it seemed as though Payson had the game put away 34-14 but the fireworks were just beginning.

Showing a great amount of guts and determination the Wasps drove down the field and scored on a long pass, making the score 34-20.

Payson responded with a score of its own to make it 41-20 ball game. So for the third time JUAB trailed by 20 points. There was not an ounce of quit in the Wasps though as they bullied down the field and punched it in from a yard out.

Trailing 41-27 the Wasps then recovered the onside kick and scored another touchdown and added a 2 point conversion.

Payson found itself in a dog fight, three times up by 20 points now only up 41-36. The Lions pulled it together and managed to score once again jumping ahead 47-36. The only problem is the left too much time on the clock for the never say die Wasps. (Sadly at this point the batteries in my camera had died.) JUAB pulled out all the stops and tried some trickeration. A double pass worked for another 4th quarter touchdown. They again succeeded on the two point attempt and the game was 47-44. With a little under 3 minutes remaining and all 3 timeouts JUAB kicked it deep depending on their defense to hold. It did. The Wasps got the ball with about 2 minutes left and drove into Lion territory. This is were the improbable come back was stopped when a Lions safety intercepted a pass allowing Payson to finally run out the clock. (I feel the corner back on the play got away with some serious holding, but alas my camera was dead no video proof.) Final score Payson 47, JUAB 44

Honorable mention for player of the game: The referees. I'm not saying they gave this game to one team or took from another but there were way too many flags in this game when there shouldn't have been and not enough when there should. I can recall at least 5 personal fouls called. 3 against JUAB in one drive that aided the Lions to a touchdown. And 2 against the Lions in one drive which helped the Wasps to a score. Defensive holding and illegal contact were never called against Payson and they took advantage of this through out roughing up JUAB receivers. Meanwhile JUAB offensive lineman were pretty grabby but few calls were made. This game was incredible to watch but would have been even better with a better set of refs.

Play of the Game: Either Payson kick return for a touchdown. Given how well the Wasps defense played when Payson was forced to travel the entire distance of the field and that the game was decided by 3 points; it had to be these plays. You take one of them away you could safely assume JUAB would have been able to complete the comeback when they scored 30 fourth quarter points. I would lean toward the first as I feel the Lions rode that momentum to the quick 20 point lead which they barely held on to.

Player of the game: Devan Judd, QB, Payson Lions.

The kid threw 4 touchdown passes. I don't know what else to say really. He made plays when they really needed them allowing his team to hold on for a much needed win.

Random thoughts: I know most of the kids wearing pink gear are doing it because there favorite pro does, but at least we know some of that money is going to a great cause.... I liked how much music Payson played over the loud speakers at the game, but they need a greater variety. One can only listen to Gangnam Style so many times.... Speaking of Gangnam Syle if I were Payson's coach I would ban it from games from now on. Several times his players broke out into the signature dance. I feel it lead to a loss of focus which may, or may not, have lead to a massive let down that almost cost them the game. If I were in his shoes no more dancing on the sideline no matter how many points we are winning by.... With that being said I am not the coach and it was freaking hilarious to watch these kids dance on the sideline so here are some videos for your viewing enjoyment.

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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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Spanish Fork Dominates

The lights shined bright this past Friday night as Spanish Fork hosted Carbon for their homecoming contest. I use the term contest loosely because the game did not stay competitive for very long. Spanish Fork jumped out to quick 12-0 lead and never looked back.

I don't know how Utah decides what schools are what class but it was very clear to me that Carbon was in over there head. They have a couple of solid athletes, number 13 and 7 had some solid plays, but those two were running for the life all night long.

The game was out of hand by half time with the score 33-0.

 Shortly into the second half the back-ups entered the game for the duration but they were still able to run all over the field and dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

 

This dominance was displayed throughout the second half concluding the game with this scoring drive and a 56-0 victory.

 

 

Player of the game: In games like this there isn't really a play that swings the momentum and no one players contribution is irreplaceable. That being said I give the player of the game award to Spanish Fork's athletic director for scheduling Carbon for homecoming.

Random Thoughts: The common practice of scheduling "cupcakes" for homecoming is interesting to me. I get that you want to have a win before the big dance and making sure returning alumni go home happy, but 56-0 game is boring. I am not saying to schedule the state powerhouse and hope for a huge upset or even your schools arch rival, losing to them would be a huge downer for all of the home crowd, but why not schedule somebody who will at least make you keep your starters in the game. Coaches know the games on there schedule that are games they "should" win pick one of those and have a way more interesting game.... Speaking of blow out wins. I feel for Carbon. 56-0 is disheartening and the players are kids for crying out loud. On the other hand I don't know what else Spanish Fork could have done. They put in the back ups and they still scored.... I really hope the game I go to this week is more competitive. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks for reading.

Maple Mountain mounts comback against Springville

This was the sight of the high school game I attended this week. The Maple Mountain Golden Eagles played host to Springville High School Red Devils.

For the second week in a row I was treated to a thriller of a football game. This game featured big plays, defensive stops, sustained drives, and clutch performances.

The Golden Eagles took a one score lead late in the first quarter when QB KJ Hall scampered in on a two yard score. Springville did not wait long into the second quarter to reply with a long pass play from Payton Thorpe to Rhett Clarke.

I swear I took this on the scoring play

It looked as though the game was destined to go to the half at a tie after Maple Mountain intercepted a Springville pass on there own two. With just over a minute left KJ Hall broke loose and broke school history with a 98-yard touchdown run. Putting the Eagles up 14-7 at the half.

After the break the Red Devils looked to dominate as Peyton Thorpe looked like Peyton Manning finding open receivers everywhere and leading two third quarter touchdown drives. Including this incredible play after a bad snap.

Trailing by 7 heading into the final quarter Maple Mountain needed to regain the momentum. It seemed it was not to be as Thorpe continued his excellent play. Part way through the 4th quarter they finally struck pay dirt on this play.

That is when the drama really ramped up. On the extra point the ball hit the post hard and was no good. With the Eagle defense struggling for most of the second half things weren't looking so good. Lady Luck however decided to smile on Maple Mountain when the Devils fumbled on their first play from scrimmage following the kick off giving the Eagles the ball at the Springville 9 yard line. The Devils held there ground and forced MM to attempt a field goal.

As you can see the refs say it was no good. I watched this video several times and it seems to be good to me. It crosses in front of the right post and behind the left post and crossbar. Never the less it was no good.

Springville took possession and looked to kill the clock and seal their first win of the season. Misfortune struck them again when they were called for a false start on a 4th and 1 forcing them to punt.

KJ Hall turned into Houdini Hall when he broke off this touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.

The Eagles failed on their two point attempt but held on after the kick off seal the win.

Honorable Mention for Player of the Week:

Payton Thorpe, QB, Springville. This young man played a wonderful ball game. He played smart and found open receivers, as well as made some athletic plays with his feet. Watching him dual with KJ Hall was truly awesome. It made me think of what it might have been like if RGIII and Andrew Luck had crossed paths in college or high school.

Player of the game/Play of the game:

KJ Hall, QB, Maple Mountain. Simply incredibly performance. I can't say this for certain not knowing the quality of his back up but I feel comfortable in saying that if he had not played this game Springville would have won this game. His fakes were sound and his speed was blazing. Very few players have the speed and stamina to out run everyone else on a 98-yard run  and his clutch run in the 4th quarter, willing his way in the final two yards is very inspiring play from a position you expect to inspire his teammates. That 4th quarter run was the play of the game.

Random Thoughts:

I did take all the pictures and videos in this blog. Forgive the shaky camera at times. I was using a FujiFilm finepix 5. Which is not a video camera and trying to stay steady in the bleachers isn't very easy.... Another ball field with no play clock. What the heck? Help the kids out a get some play clocks out there so we don't have to kill the pace of the game with delay of game penalties.... So I am going to expand the blog beyond high school football to include all amateur football. I will still do a high school game of the week, but I will also be letting you into my season. That is right I am playing in a full contact 9-man league in Utah County called the UTFL check out their website www.hitsomeone.com. I will recap games and maybe practice and talk about why I play. I may or may not also talk college ball..... Please follow my twitter @bigward77 or find me on facebook. Michael Ward. If you try to add me there tell me it is because of the blog so I know who you are. Thanks.