The top-seeded Skyridge Falcons secured a 28-21 quarterfinal victory over the No. 8 American Fork Cavemen to book a ticket to the semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium. According to a November 9 report by the Lehi Free Press, the Falcons held off a late-game rally to defend their postseason title.
Junior quarterback Jagger Fountaine accounted for three of the team's four touchdowns, completing 12-of-19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. His decisive play came late in the fourth quarter when he delivered a 31-yard touchdown strike to senior receiver Dax Rehrer. Fountaine also recorded 26 rushing yards and an 11-yard touchdown draw.
Junior two-way player Eli Mortensen contributed an 18-yard rushing touchdown in the opening quarter and a 74-yard catch and run for a second score. Mortensen finished with three catches for 124 yards and two scores, and he also recovered a fumble forced by senior defensive lineman Sua Ripley.
The Skyridge defense shifted momentum in the second half by holding American Fork to one score. Senior linebacker Rex Caswell led all tacklers with 11, while Sa Tanuvasa added 10 tackles and two hurries. Other defensive contributors included Andrew Price and Drayson Afalava, who recorded nine tackles each. Senior defensive lineman Latu Moea’I and senior Jackson Horsley both recorded interceptions or forced fumbles, while Carter Seu and Sua Ripley provided pressure on the Cavemen offense.
Skyridge head coach Justin Hemm noted the team's ability to stay emotionally locked in and adapt to game situations. The victory marked the final home game for the Skyridge seniors.
The Skyridge Falcons are scheduled to play No. 4 Herriman in a 6A semifinal matchup at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
