The first full slate of Utah high school football games delivered a mix of domination and surprise, with several teams posting lopsided scores that triggered the state's newly implemented mercy rule.
Box Elder High School opened its campaign with a 49‑0 victory over Deseret Peak, a performance that saw the Bees explode for 49 points before the break and then end the contest early under the rule that halts play when a 44‑point margin is reached after the third quarter.
Quarterback Kadyn Reyes was the engine of that effort, accounting for four touchdowns — two through the air and two on the ground — while a 23‑yard field goal added to the tally.
Not far behind, Layton Christian Academy rolled past Hunter 48‑0, with quarterback Colton Johns distributing the wealth by connecting with four different receivers for scores.
The offensive onslaught continued as Tillman Thomas threw three touchdowns for Timpview, only to see his team fall 40‑21 to Layton, a result that highlighted the competitive balance early in the season.
Syracuse University experienced a heart‑stopping finish, dropping a 27‑26 decision to Woods Cross after a failed two‑point conversion on the final drive, while defending 4A state champion Ridgeline succumbed 42‑28 to Morgan, where Krew Asay’s pick‑six interceptions turned the tide.
The newly minted mercy rule proved pivotal in several contests, cutting short games that would have otherwise stretched into the fourth quarter and allowing teams to preserve momentum for the next week.
Key Performances
Among the standout performers, Reyes’ dual‑threat ability and Johns’ precision passing set early expectations for their respective programs, while Asay’s defensive heroics underscored the impact of playmakers on both sides of the ball.