Zach Wilson headlines Week 3 top football performances

By Kurt Johnson

Photos by Kevin McInnis & Jeff Porcaro

It’s only Week 3, but already we have in-league competition in Region 1. For everyone, else it was another chance for teams to measure themselves against teams from outside their regular league schedule. Week 2 in Utah high school football was filled with outstanding team and individual performances, and it included a few matchups, like Lehi vs. Lone Peak, between teams that are now separated by the new realignment.

The list of elite individual performances from all across the state this past weekend is long, so as we do each week, here is our best effort at recognizing the players and the numbers that jump out at us, at least from the stats for which we have access through the multiple sources we check….

The Lone Peak (2-1) defense was one of Friday night’s biggest stories as the Knights completely shut down the high-powered Lehi (1-2) offense in a 40-7 win. Nate Ritchie had a strong all-around game on special teams and as a defensive back, contributing a big first down on a fake punt and hitting on a pair of field goals, including a 47-yarder that had 10 or 15 yards to spare. Masen Wake ran it 15 times for 91 yards and a touchdown for Lone Peak, while Brock Jones connected on 16-for-30 for 281 yards and two TDs. Kaden Clemens caught eight passes for 115 yards and Cody Collins had four receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Daley was a big part of the defensive effort, with a critical sack and a pick-6.

Nate Ritchie was critical on special teams and on defense for Lone Peak (Photo by Kevin McInnis)

Another huge night from its quarterback lifted Corner Canyon (3-0) to a 58-14 win over Westlake (0-3). Zach Wilson completed 21-of-38 passes for 409 yards and five touchdowns as a trio of pass catchers turned in strong performances. Colton Lawson caught seven balls for 127 yards, while Noah Kjar pulled in six passes for 121 yards and a pair of scores, and Jakob Johnston picked up 96 yards on three grabs, going for 96 yards and two TDs.

The Dixie (3-0) offense continues to roll, this week dropping 69 points on Tooele (1-2) in a 69-35 win. Jacob Barben connected on 22-of-28 throws for 501 yards and five TDs, with Hobbs Nyberg on the receiving end of 10 passes for 240 yards and four scores. Nyberg also picked up 60 yards and two touchdowns on two running plays, with Ammon Ah Quin going for 142 yards and three more scores on 16 carries. Payden Harrah added to the offensive explosion with seven grabs for 175 yards and a TD.

For the Buffaloes, Jeno Bins ran it 22 yards for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

Playing in California, Cooper Legas was 13-for-18 for 390 yards and six touchdowns in leading Orem (2-1) to a 63-28 victory over Bakersfield. Legas also ran it seven times for 124 yards and another score, while Enoch Fiso (four receptions, 130 yards, two TDs) and Puka Nacua (six receptions, 104 yards, two TDs) had big nights in the passing game.

Defending a uniquely talented quarterback was key for Alta (2-1), and the Hawks had the answer paced by Mitch Medina, who had 11 tackles and a fumble return for a TD, as Alta beat Taylorsville (2-1) 62-25.Will Dana passed for 262 yards and four scores on an 18-for-30 night, connecting eight times for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns to London Rockwood. McCoy Didericksen scored three different ways for the Hawks, running for a TD, catching a pass for another and returning a kick 85 yards for a third score.

Sione Molisi ran for 213 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries to lead East (2-1) to an impressive 35-14 victory on the road at Saguaro (Arizona). Charlie Vincent added 127 yards and two scores on nine runs for the Leopards, while the defense was paced by nine tackles and a pair of sacks from Apu Ika.

Five long Parker Meldrum touchdown passes paced Cyprus (2-1) in its 48-26 victory over Copper Hills (1-2). The quarterback connected on scoring tosses of 30 and 42 yards to Josh Amasio, 56 yards to Jayden Christensen, 68 yards to Asher Pollock, and 92 yards to Soujah Gasu. Gasu also found the end zone twice in the ground game, including a 66-yard TD run.

Salem Hills (2-1) defeated Juab (1-2) 30-20 behind 15 carries for 202 yards and two scores from Garrett Lloyd and a strong defensive performance paced by two Taylor Berg interceptions and 12 Brook Vaitohi tackles.

Northridge (1-0 Region 1, 1-2 overall) picked up a big win in its Region 1 opener as it knocked off Syracuse (0-1, 1-2) 21-10 behind Hunter Harris (29 carries, 162 yards), Jackson Murphy (270 passing yards, 2 TDs) and Lawrence Yarbrough (3 receptions, 112 yards, TD).

The Titans received a huge night from Cole Thompson, who hauled in nine passes for 137 yards and a score.

Elsewhere in Region 1 play, Weber (1-0 Region 1, 2-1) shut out Clearfield (0-1, 2-1) thanks in large part to a 90-yard kick-return touchdown from Ty Barnett.

Ryan Wood threw two touchdown passes, including a 70-yard hook-up with Brayden Cosper, and Cole Moody pitched in with a pick-6 to lead Bingham (3-0) to a shutout win over Herriman (0-3) 34-0.

Justen Smith drilled a 31-yard game-winning field goal to lift Brighton (3-0) to a 13-10 win over Olympus (2-1). Evona Hall rushed 22 times for 177 yards for the Bengals.

Jordan’s Crew Wakley keeps piling up yards through the air and on the ground. (Photo by Kevin McInnis)

The passing game was the big factor for Fremont (2-1) in its 35-13 victory over Bonneville (1-2) as Dawson Sanford completed 17-of-24 passes for 241 yards and three scores. Cade Hadley caught five balls for 126 and two touchdowns, while the Silver Wolves added balance with Jay Scott, who carried 17 times for 140 yards and two TDs.

On the night Hillcrest (0-3) honored Coach Cazzie Brown with help from their visitors from Highland (2-1), the Rams began with a bang as Trayton Keyes raced 97 yards for a TD with the opening kickoff to set the tone for a 31-6 Highland win.

Jordan (2-1) took care of Pleasant Grove (0-3) in another shootout for which that matchup has become well known. The Beetdiggers got five touchdown passes and two TD runs from Crew Wakley in a battle filled with big plays. Wakley had a 50-yard scoring run and threw touchdown passes  of 27 and 80 yards to Ethan Bolingbroke, and 27 and 44 yards to Ben Lisk in delivering the win.

Jake Jensen led the Vikings, completing 25-of-48 passes for 352 yards and four scores.

Viewmont (3-0) remained perfect on the season with a 24-13 win over Green Canyon (1-2) as Cameron Brown carried 26 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

Joe Dygert was 17-of-33 for 242 yards and two TDs to lead Green Canyon, connecting with Chad Yorgason seven times for 114 yards and two scores.

Kwaku Robinson needed just seven carries to pick up 127 yards and a TD as Woods Cross (2-1) beat West (2-1) 43-10.

It took six overtime periods, but Provo (3-0) finally got past Riverton (0-3) 36-33. Bryce Orton completed 19-of-37 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 57 yards and two additional scores for the Bulldogs. Terrence Ulibarri had six catches for 96 yards and a TD, while Garrett Lesa and Johnny Astle each had two sacks.

Unbeaten Mountain Crest (3-0) rolled over Box Elder (1-2) 42-18 powered by Brady Hall, who was 10-for-17 for 291 yards and four TDs through the air, while running for two additional touchdowns. Nick Nethercott caught four passes for 150 yards and two scores for the Mustangs, while Joshua Powell paced the defense with 14 tackles.

Sky View (3-0) defeated Springville (1-2) 33-14 as Jackson Siddoway connected on 13-of-21 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Siddoway also ran for a TD, while Brodie Martin caught six passes for 112 yards and three scores. Koebe Wilson had 10 tackles and two sacks for the Bobcats.

In a battle of neighboring schools, Spanish Fork (2-1) beat Maple Mountain (0-3) 24-21. Mateen Lomax carried 26 times for 139 yards and Wei Stanton caught three passes for 85 yards and two TDs.

Hanslee Peay led the Golden Eagles went for 138 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries.
Silas Young was a big-play guy for Stansbury (1-2) as the Stallions took care of Grantsville (1-2) 28-7. Young had scoring runs of 55 and 75 yards mixed into his 15 carry, 174 yard, four touchdown performance in the ground game.

Three rushing touchdowns by Brady Stuart along with 9-of-12 passing for 156 yards and two TDs from Breck Jackson led Ridgeline (1-2) to a 50-2 win over Raymond, from Canada. Jacob Mora had five receptions for 103 yards.

Hunter (1-2) dropped a close 38-34 decision to Mountain View of Idaho despite 334 yards and three TDs on 29-of-51 passing from Daisean Cash, and 20 carries for 161 yards and a TD along with six catches for 87 yards and two more scores by Pailate Makakona.

Dallin Brown housed the opening kickoff from 94 yards and then ran for 156 yards and two more scored on five carries as Pine View (2-1) took care of Manti (1-2) 56-14. Michael Moten caught four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers.

Led by 29 carries for 180 yards and four touchdowns  from Tyce Raddon and 19 carries for 165 yards and a score by Porter Hollingshead, Beaver (3-0) defeated Delta (2-1) 34-21. Raddon was also a force on defense with 16 tackles.

Quarterback Ryan Wood adds diversity to the Bingham offense. (Photo by Kevin McInnis)

The connection between Gabe Sweeten (12-for-17, 241 yards, 3 TDs) and Max McWhorter (four receptions, 96 yards, TD) led Timpanogos (3-0) to a 26-20 win over Canyon View (0-3). Matt Harris had 15 tackles and Hunter Greer had two sacks and 11 tackles.

Colten Shumway led Canyon View with 25 carries for 142 yards and a TD.

Summit Academy (3-0) defeated Judge Memorial (1-2) 49-21 as Talmage Brown ran for 109 yards and two scores on nine carries and Aaron Bailey had 14 tackles. Hayden Reynolds completed 15-of-25 for 242 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 57 more.

A matchup of two teams looking for their first win of the season went to Cedar (1-2), which knocked off North Sanpete (0-3) 17-13 behind 21 carries for 124 yards from Trenton Maurer.

Grand (3-0) stayed unbeaten with a 31-9 win over American Leadership Academy (1-2) as Dakota Johnson gained 133 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns on 14 rushes.

Jaxson Giddings recorded three sacks as Kanab (2-1) defeated Richfield (2-1) 21-14.

Sese Felila ran it 26 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns to lead Kearns (3-0) past Cottonwood (0-3) 49-32. Isaac Matua passed for 175 yards for the Cougars and also ran for 74 yards and three scores on 10 carries.

Quarterback Kade Thornley threw for 240 yards and a pair of scores, and picked up 121 yards on 24 carries to pace Logan (1-2) to a 34-20 victory over Ogden (0-3). Charlie Jensen hauled in five passes for 127 yards and Brandon Dodd caught four balls for 74 yards and two TDs.

Carson White scored a touchdown and ran for 133 yards on 11 rushes for the Tigers.

A four-sack night for Vincent Pierce helped Milford (3-0) shut down Layton Christian (1-2) 42-0 as Ty Netto ran it 13 times for 143 yards and four touchdowns, and Bryson Barnes passed for 229 yards and a pair of scores on 17-for-27 passing.

Brock Parry ran for 102 yards on 12 carries but Desert Hills (1-2) came up short against California power Mission Hills by a 42-7 count.

Hurricane (1-2) also dropped one to an out-of-state opponent, losing to Moapa Valley of Nevada 35-24. Tyler Moore picked up 124 yards and two scores on 13 rushes, while Jaron Cordova ran for 101 yards on 17 carries.

Snow Canyon (3-0) fared better in its out-of-state battle, with a 35-13 win over Las Vegas. Austin Staheli was 14-of-19 for 208 yards and two TDs, and also ran for 60 yards and a score. Zach Nowatzke caught five passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Dylan Ivins was strong on both sides of the ball, carrying 25 times for 131 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 15 tackles, as San Juan (1-2) beat Monticello (1-2) 20-7. Jens Jones had 14 tackles and Ethan Vess added 10 tackles and two sacks in the win.

Tyson Chisholm picked up 207 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, and also added 13 tackles in leading South Sevier (1-2) over Gunnison (0-3) 21-19.

South Summit (3-0) beat Park City (1-2) 33-15 behind Kael Atkinson, who connected on 20-of-26 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns. Jared Dansie had four receptions for 97 yards and a TD and Keegan Stracher caught six passes for 96 yards and a score.

Union (2-1) beat Uintah (1-2) 28-24 as Lincoln Labrum completed 18-of-27 passes for 261 yards and three scores.