Week 9 Recap: Big Wins and Eye-Opening Performances
Friday, October 10, infused high school football with all the fervor you'd expect as teams clashed in thrilling matchups across various regions. With playoff positions tightening, every game counted, and this week showcased that intensity. Let's break down the action from several regions, highlighting standout players and crucial plays that decided these nail-biters.
Region 2 Showdowns
Mountain Ridge 35, Bingham 6
In a historic first victory for Mountain Ridge over Bingham, the Sentinels displayed a combination of aerial and ground assaults that left no doubt of their superiority. Junior quarterback Jaxon Hunt was the key player, throwing three touchdowns, including a staggering 76-yard bomb to Tytan DeJong, setting the tone early. Hunt also connected with Kohen Cunningham for a jaw-dropping 98-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Bingham's lone score came from Cole McKinney's 2-yard run, but their late-game push couldn't shake the dominance displayed by Mountain Ridge's defense that stifled them for most of the match.
Westlake 56, Cedar Valley 41
Westlake's offensive juggernaut continued, seeing Bosten Fountaine throw four touchdowns, highlighted by a long connection to Malik Sika that showcased speed and precision, extending their lead. Despite Cedar Valley's energetic third quarter where they scored 20 points, the Thunder's formidable lead built in the first half proved to be insurmountable.
Herriman 42, Copper Hills 7
The Mustangs of Herriman showcased offensive prowess thanks to Filisi Filipe's versatility, scoring multiple touchdowns that paved the way for a comfortable win. Quarterback Bryson Sweeney was efficient, launching an 80-yard strike to Tate Love that swung the momentum decisively in their favor. Herriman's defense was impenetrable, holding Copper Hills to a single touch late in the game, which cements their status as strong contenders moving forward.
Region 4 Action
West 42, Granger 0
Dominating on both sides of the ball, West's defense completely shut down Granger. The Panthers' ability to control the game early allowed them to effectively manage their game plan, with standout performances from Louie Hamilton and Kamden Lopati who drove the scoreboard steadily up.
Top Matchups Across Regions
Hunter 18, Cyprus 14
Hunter secured a narrow victory over Cyprus, setting a tense tone with strong defensive efforts from both sides. Hunter's Connor Anderson put points on the board first, and despite pressure from Cyprus, they maintained a slim lead, highlighted by Sione 'Isi' Moungaafi's touchdown that proved pivotal in the dying moments of the first half.
Taylorsville 35, Hillcrest 28
A thrilling overtime matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats! Taylorsville emerged victorious thanks to Khi Spight's decisive 3-yard run in overtime. Strong performances from both teams kept the contest electrifying, with both sides displaying grit in a battle that tested their endurance.
The Road Ahead
As we delve deeper into the season, the stakes are only going to get higher. Teams now must fine-tune strategies and condition their players to survive the hard-fought playoff push. I'm eager to see which squads rise to the occasion and who falters under pressure as we head toward the state championships!
Conclusion
This week, we witnessed the power of determination in high school football as squads showcased tremendous talent and resilience. It's not just about the scores; it's about the stories, the comebacks, and the future stars of the game. Keep an eye on these players as the season unfolds!
Source reference: https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/10/10/high-school-football-week-9-roundup-friday/
