High school football: Friday’s 6A/5A/4A first round recaps

6A Playoffs

Corner Canyon 35, Bingham 7

Corner Canyon (9-2) kicked off its defense of the 6A championship with a commanding 35-7 victory over Bingham (3-8) in the first round. The Chargers, ranked third and aiming for a fourth consecutive title, asserted their dominance early, scoring four first-half touchdowns, including a 10-yard pass from Jaxon Pehrson to Beckham Coon and another to Kelen Gold. Pehrson, who has 23 touchdown passes this season, added two more, bringing his total to 25. Braxton Sneddon contributed with both a rushing and receiving touchdown. Despite Cooper Johnson’s 4-yard fumble recovery touchdown for Bingham, the Miners were unable to stage a comeback. Corner Canyon’s defense stifled Bingham throughout, aiding the Chargers in securing a spot in the next round against either Westlake or Syracuse.

Syracuse 35, Westlake 19

Syracuse (6-4) rallied past Westlake (7-4) with a standout performance from Parker Moffat in a 35-19 victory in the 6A first round. Moffat’s contributions were pivotal, featuring a 55-yard touchdown reception and a 98-yard kickoff return for a score. The Titans secured the win at Westlake with a balanced offensive attack, as quarterback Ledger Wight showcased his dual-threat capability. Wight passed for a touchdown and added a 28-yard scoring run, continuing his season prowess with 20 touchdown passes. Syracuse’s defense complemented the offense, delivering key stops against a potent Westlake rushing attack.

Davis 37, Farmington 18

Bode Sparrow’s explosive performance propelled No. 5 Davis (8-3) to a commanding 37-18 victory over No. 12 Farmington (4-7) in the first round of the 6A playoffs. Sparrow scored four of Davis’ five touchdowns, including an impressive 99-yard kick return early in the third quarter. Davis took control with an early lead, up 8-0 after Sparrow’s 4-yard touchdown run with 41.5 seconds left in the first quarter. Quarterback Paden Toula added to the offense with a 24-yard touchdown run. Farmington struggled to close the gap, finding the end zone only in the second and fourth quarters.

Lone Peak 20, Lehi 8

No. 7 seed Lone Peak (6-5) topped No. 10 Lehi (5-6) in a defensive struggle, 20-8, in the first round of the 6A playoffs. Lone Peak’s kicker, Zachary Zolman, was pivotal, making a 48-yard field goal just before halftime, extending the Knights’ lead to 10-0. Zolman added another field goal of 38 yards in the third quarter. The game turned decisively in the fourth quarter when Silivenusi Schaumkel returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown with 3:35 left. Lehi’s late rally was capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass from Briggs Jensen to Zeke Clements with 1:21 remaining, but it was too late to overcome the Knights’ lead.

American Fork 32, Copper Hills 21

In a key 6A first-round playoff matchup, American Fork (7-4) edged out Copper Hills (7-4) with a 32-21 victory, buoyed by DC Fonua’s electrifying performance. Fonua set the tone early with a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown with 10:40 left in the first quarter and later added an 18-yard rushing touchdown in the third. Nate Childs connected on two touchdown passes, a 2-yarder to Christian Hanshaw before halftime and another to Ty Holmstead late in the fourth quarter. Copper Hills struggled to break through American Fork’s defense until the second half, with Ethan Hill leading a brief rally capped by a late touchdown pass. American Fork’s defense was relentless, maintaining focus to secure the win and advance in the playoffs.

Mountain Ridge 50, Cedar Valley 6

Mountain Ridge (11-0) demonstrated why they’re the top team in 6A with a commanding 50-6 victory over Cedar Valley (1-10) in the first round of the playoffs. The Sentinels, who remain unbeaten, overwhelmed Cedar Valley with a swift offensive onslaught. Tyson Dunn set the pace early with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, followed by a receiving touchdown from quarterback Jaxon Hunt, who spread the wealth with three touchdown passes by halftime, putting Mountain Ridge up 40-6. Receiver Tytan DeJong highlighted with a 44-yard touchdown reception. Hunt now boasts 47 touchdown passes on the season. The stifling Sentinels defense kept the Aviators scoreless in the second half, highlighting why they top the 6A in scoring defense as well.

Herriman 55, Weber 6

Third-seeded Herriman (9-2) dominated Weber (5-6) with a commanding 55-6 victory in the first round of the 6A playoffs. Filisi Filipe led the Mustangs with a remarkable performance, rushing for 134 yards and four touchdowns, including a dazzling 75-yard run early in the second quarter to extend the lead. Herriman’s defense and special teams also made significant contributions, highlighted by Ashton Hebert’s 39-yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Mustangs scored 34 points in the second quarter alone, securing a 48-0 lead by halftime.

Skyridge 45, Riverton 0

Top-seeded Skyridge (9-1) dominated No. 16 Riverton (2-9) with a decisive 45-0 shutout in the first round of the 6A playoffs. Taking control from the start, Skyridge scored 28 points in the first quarter alone, highlighted by Beckham Bennett’s 3-yard touchdown run and Jagger Fountaine’s multifaceted contributions, including a rushing touchdown and two passing strikes to Omarian Sanders, who added two touchdown receptions. The Falcons’ defense held Riverton scoreless, continually stifling any offensive advances by the Silverwolves. Skyridge’s Evan Kopp sealed the win with a late 18-yard field goal with 9:13 left in the fourth quarter.

5A Playoffs

West 63, Roy 0

In a dominant display in the first round of the 5A playoffs, No. 1 seed West (11-0) overwhelmed No. 16 Roy (4-7) with a commanding 63-0 victory. The Panthers showcased their prowess by scoring all 63 points in the first three quarters, led by quarterback Kamden Lopati, who scored three rushing touchdowns. Lester Falatea was a standout, contributing significantly with two punt return touchdowns, including a 60-yard return that bolstered West’s advantage early. West’s defense smothered Roy, keeping them scoreless throughout and underscoring their top-ranked status in both scoring and defense in 5A this season.

Bountiful 47, Granger 0

Bountiful (8-2), the No. 4 seed, dominated Granger (5-6) in a 5A first-round playoff game, winning 47-0. Quarterback Hudson Malmrose led the Redhawks with a stellar performance, throwing for four touchdowns, including two to Corbin White and a 48-yard strike to Mason Tidwell, highlighting Bountiful’s offensive prowess. Malmrose also added a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility. The Redhawks’ defense stifled Granger, recording their third consecutive shutout and allowing no points. Carter Brooks contributed a 59-yard touchdown run, anchoring Bountiful’s ground attack.

Alta 37, Hillcrest 7

In a striking display of prowess, No. 6 Alta (8-3) dismantled No. 11 Hillcrest (8-3) with a commanding 37-7 victory in the 5A first-round playoffs. After a scoreless first quarter, Alta erupted in the second with 30 unanswered points, thanks in part to Lucas Pagel’s dual rushing touchdowns and a pivotal 12-yard touchdown pass from Xavier Cocci to Ryland Clayton just before halftime. Cocci contributed significantly, also securing an 8-yard rushing touchdown. Hillcrest’s lone score came early in the second quarter with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Ashby to K’Von Houston. Alta’s defensive unit, allowing just seven points, continued to suffocate Hillcrest in the second half, shutting out the Huskies. This victory highlights Alta’s ascension, potentially setting a tone for deeper playoff success.

Woods Cross 29, Box Elder 26

Woods Cross (5-6) pulled off an upset over No. 3 seed Box Elder (9-2) with a 29-26 overtime victory in the 5A first round. The Wildcats took an early lead with two rushing touchdowns by Sam Bahr, holding Box Elder scoreless through three quarters. Box Elder made a late comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit with Judd Howells’ 3-yard touchdown run and Josh Pugsley’s electrifying 94-yard kick return. Kadyn Reyes’ 1-yard score in the final second forced overtime, where Tytan Hupp’s 32-yard field goal briefly put Box Elder ahead. Bahr sealed Woods Cross’s victory with a decisive 2-yard touchdown run in overtime.

Fremont 43, West Field 23

No. 8 Fremont (7-4) secured a 43-23 victory over No. 9 West Field (7-4) in the 5A first-round playoffs, highlighted by Calvin Cooper’s impressive performance with four touchdowns. Cooper’s evening started with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ky Majors with 1:04 left in the first quarter. He added a 42-yard strike to Wyatt Bennet and a 14-yard pass to Breckon Phillips in the second quarter, giving Fremont a commanding lead. West Field responded with a late second-quarter touchdown, but Cooper’s 38-yard touchdown pass to Bennet in the fourth and a 14-yard rushing touchdown ensured the Silverwolves’ advancement. West Field’s Kolt Abbott provided a spark with two touchdown catches, yet it wasn’t enough as Fremont’s defensive effort sealed their place in the next round, where they will face the undefeated No. 1 seed, West.

Springville 27, Olympus 10

Springville (8-2) secured a spot in the second round of the 5A playoffs with a convincing 27-10 victory over Olympus (5-6). The Red Devils showcased a potent mix of special teams and aerial attack, highlighted by Sam Nadauld’s game-changing 97-yard kick return just after halftime, igniting the crowd and pushing Springville in front for good. Siaosi “Leka” Toki continued the surge with a 12-yard touchdown catch near the end of the third quarter, and Wesley Yearsley sealed the win with a 60-yard touchdown reception from Beckett Burton with 11:46 left in the fourth quarter. On the defensive front, Springville held Olympus scoreless in the second half, leveraging a stout performance that restricted the Titans’ offense. Treyton Harris also contributed significantly, scoring a 28-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

Pleasant Grove 34, Spanish Fork 10

Pleasant Grove (7-4) advanced in the 5A playoffs with a commanding 34-10 victory over Spanish Fork (6-5) on the road. The Vikings took control in the second quarter with 17 unanswered points, including a pair of touchdowns by versatile playmaker Corbin Robbins. Robbins scored on a 5-yard run and caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cannon Jacobson, who threw for two touchdowns in total. Pleasant Grove’s defense sealed the win in the fourth quarter with a 55-yard interception return by Davian Akwenye . Nixon Warren’s performance for Spanish Fork was highlighted by a 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Vikings’ balanced attack.

Orem 55, Timpview 7

Tanner Lewis and Brooks Ross led No. 2 seed Orem (8-2) to a dominant 55-7 victory over Timpview (4-7) in the 5A first round on Friday. Lewis threw five touchdown passes, four of them to Ross, who finished with 105 receiving yards. Orem, the defending 5A champions, built a 35-7 halftime lead and never looked back. Po Faumui added two touchdowns, highlighting his season total of 12 across multiple categories. Timpview’s lone score came in the first quarter via Lolua Moungaloa’s 12-yard reception from Marley Fakatoumafi. Orem’s overpowering defense, allowing just 14 points per game, stifled the Thunderbirds after their early score.

4A Playoffs

Skyline 49, Pine View 19

Skyline (8-3) surged past Pine View (5-5) with a dominant 49-19 victory in the 4A First Round matchup. The Eagles, who won the Region 10 title this season, displayed a powerful ground game led by Jonah Mailei, who amassed five rushing touchdowns, including a 24-yard burst with 8:47 in the first quarter. Skyline’s defense, allowing just 17.8 points per game, stifled Pine View’s high-powered attack after an early spark. Pine View’s Max Yocham returned a 93-yard kickoff for a score in the first quarter, and added a 25-yard touchdown reception from Coy Doman in the third. However, Skyline’s balance and defensive prowess proved too much, as they secured the win by holding Pine View scoreless in the final quarter.

Provo 26, Stansbury 23

In a thrilling 4A first-round playoff matchup, No. 14 Provo (7-4) upset No. 3 seed Stansbury (8-3) with a last-minute victory, 26-23. Provo, coming off a resurgence after a slow start to the season, relied heavily on quarterback Drevin Christensen, who threw for three touchdowns, including two to Liam Schoenrock in the second quarter. The Bulldogs clinched the game with a dramatic 71-yard touchdown pass to Brexton Hunter with just 43 seconds left. Stansbury’s offense, led by Brighton Reutzel, struggled to maintain a second-half lead despite a late touchdown to Kegan Morris. This marks Provo’s continuation of a late-season surge, averaging 44 points per game in their last seven outings.

Salem Hills 29, Mountain Crest 27

In a thrilling 4A first-round playoff clash, No. 7 Salem Hills (9-2) edged out No. 10 Mountain Crest (7-4) by converting a decisive two-point conversion in double overtime to secure a 29-27 victory. With the game tied at 21 in regulation, both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime, with Reggie Smith and Gordon Wilson making critical plays for the SkyHawks. Salem Hills locked in their triumph when Cash Hollingshead connected with Wilson for an 11-yard touchdown pass, followed by Smith’s successful two-point conversion pass to Wilson with 2:15 left in the second overtime. Despite Tayton Page’s dynamic performance — he scored all three touchdowns for Mountain Crest, including a crucial 5-yard rush in the second overtime.

Hurricane 45, Park City 7

Hurricane (10-1) showcased their potent rushing attack and stout defense to dominate Park City (5-6) in a 45-7 victory during the 4A first round. Titan Borchardt was the standout performer, racking up 154 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 74-yard sprint just minutes into the game. Hurricane’s defense, a force all season, held Park City scoreless after the first quarter and added points directly with Kannon Cowan recovering a fumble in the end zone in the third quarter. Cowan also contributed offensively with two touchdown passes, maintaining control throughout as Hurricane advanced with ease.

Crimson Cliffs 17, Murray 10

In the 4A first-round playoff game, No. 5 Crimson Cliffs (8-2) relied on a second-quarter scoring surge to outlast No. 12 Murray (7-4) by a score of 17-10. Despite Murray’s early 3-0 lead thanks to a 20-yard field goal by Anthony Guerra with 1:59 left in the first quarter, Crimson Cliffs responded with 17 unanswered points in the second quarter. Ryder Tebbs scored on a 1-yard run, followed by a 70-yard touchdown pass from Toa Andresen to Noah Whitmore. Jacob Sparks capped the potent quarter with a 30-yard field goal with only two seconds remaining. Murray’s Jagger Karr found the end zone on a 10-yard pass from Dru Reuss midway through the fourth quarter, but the Mustangs’ defense held strong to secure the win.

Ridgeline 45, Mountain View 0

No. 1 Ridgeline (11-0) cruised to a dominant 45-0 victory over No. 16 Mountain View (6-5) in the first round of the 4A playoffs. Ridgeline’s star running back, Noah Fiefia, continued his remarkable season by adding four more touchdowns to his total, bringing him to 41 rushing touchdowns this season. Fiefia broke open the game with an 80-yard touchdown run just 1 minute into the first quarter. He followed with three more scores, including a 70-yard and a 16-yard run, showcasing his explosive speed. Hudson Parry also contributed with two touchdowns, sealing Ridgeline’s impressive performance.

Snow Canyon 16, Sky View 13

Brody Lounsbury’s 7-yard touchdown reception from Parker Olson early in the fourth quarter secured a comeback for Snow Canyon (6-3) in a 16-13 victory over Sky View (5-5) in the 4A playoffs. Sky View initially led with a 13-yard touchdown pass and a 2-yard run from Adam Semanoff, going up 13-2 by halftime. Parker Olson sparked Snow Canyon’s rally with a 2-yard rushing touchdown followed by a successful pass conversion in the third quarter. Snow Canyon’s defense shut out Sky View in the second half to secure the win.

Highland 70, Bear River 42

In a record-breaking performance, Highland (8-2) routed Bear River (6-5) 70-42 in the 4A first-round playoffs, surpassing their previous single-game scoring record of 67 points set in 1997. The Rams’ victory was highlighted by a stunning display from Viliamu Ripley, who scored five touchdowns, including four rushing scores, and a 76-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Will Bauman. Bauman also contributed with his legs, adding a 39-yard rushing touchdown. Despite Bear River quarterback Preston Wilkinson’s four touchdown passes, including two to Eli Braegger, the Bears couldn’t overcome Highland’s explosive offense. Highland established control with a 28-point second quarter and never relinquished their lead, advancing in the playoffs with assured dominance.

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