Junior quarterback Jagger Fountaine orchestrated a second-half comeback to lead top-seeded Skyridge High School past Herriman High School 35-34 in the Utah 6A state semifinal on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Despite missing seven starters due to injury, the Falcons overcame a halftime deficit and multiple turnovers to secure a spot in the state championship game.
A Narrow Margin of Victory
The victory was decided by a single point, as a Herriman field goal attempt with 1:19 remaining in the game sailed inches wide of the uprights. The missed attempt, which occurred after the Mustangs had driven deep into Skyridge territory, allowed the Falcons to run out the remaining clock and clinch the win.
Fountaine Leads Late Charge
Skyridge faced significant adversity throughout the contest, including two turnovers that left them trailing 34-28 with 6:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. Fountaine responded by leading a 12-play scoring drive that included a critical 4th-down conversion, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run with 2:19 left on the clock. Kicker Evan Kopp completed his fifth extra point to provide the decisive 35-34 lead.
Herriman Dominates Second Quarter
The Falcons' offense struggled in the second quarter, allowing Herriman to score consecutive touchdowns to take a 21-14 halftime lead. The Mustangs' momentum was bolstered by a 19-yard field goal from Brody Crayk and a 13-play drive. Skyridge's offense also suffered a setback when a mishandled handoff in the backfield resulted in a turnover inside the 10-yard line, allowing Herriman to extend their lead.
Defense Holds the Line
Skyridge's defense, hampered by injuries to several key starters, managed to stall Herriman's final scoring threat. After the Mustangs returned a kickoff to the Skyridge 20-yard line, the Falcon defense, led by senior linebacker Rex Caswell, held Herriman running back Filisi Filipe to just five yards on three attempts. This defensive stand prevented the Mustangs from reaching the end zone and forced the field goal attempt that ultimately missed.
Offensive Key Contributors
Jagger Fountaine finished the game with 366 passing yards on 19-of-33 completions and two touchdown passes, including a 57-yard strike to junior wide receiver Koa Wallwork. He also contributed 29 yards on nine carries and two rushing touchdowns. The Skyridge offense also saw contributions from senior Dax Rehrer, who recorded 102 yards on seven catches, and sophomore Malosi Shepard, who had 88 yards on four receptions. Beckham Bennett was the team's leading ground-gainer with 42 yards on seven carries and 66 yards on three receptions.
Defensive Stat Leaders
The Skyridge defense saw standout performances from several players. Junior safety Ethan Schriever recorded 10 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. Senior linebacker Rex Caswell and Sa Tanuvasa each recorded 11 combined tackles. Other defensive contributors included sophomore safety Jaden Tahi with seven tackles, and Latu Moeai, Eli Mortensen, Andrew Price, and Drayson Afalava, who each recorded six tackles.
Championship Matchup Set
Skyridge heads into the 6A state championship game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, to face No. 3 Corner Canyon. The game is set to take place at Rice-Eccles Stadium with a kickoff time of 2:30 p.m.
