The rivalry between Alta and Bingham lived up to its reputation on Thursday night, as the Hawks edged out a 13‑12 victory that marked their second consecutive triumph in the series. The low‑scoring affair was decided in the final minutes, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Bingham’s defense opened the game with a series of three‑and‑out drives, forcing Alta to rely on its special teams and opportunistic offense. Early momentum swung when a blocked punt set the stage for a tightly contested battle, with both units trading possession and points.
Quarterback Xavier Cocci, a transfer from Skyline who had amassed over 4,700 total yards as a junior, directed the Hawks’ attack with poise. Cocci, who has spoken openly about his dislike for Bingham, seized the moment, throwing a decisive touchdown with just over two minutes remaining to put Alta ahead 13‑12.
The winning score came after a critical interception by safety Lucas Pagel, which gave the Hawks favorable field position. Although running back Treven Cooke had earlier put Alta on the board, a missed extra‑point kept the game tied at 12‑6 before the final drive. Cocci’s subsequent rush into the end zone sealed the narrow lead.
A Coach’s Perspective
Alta head coach Blake Burdette praised his team’s resilience, noting that the rivalry’s intensity demands continual improvement from both programs. He expressed hope that the matchup will remain a staple of the schedule, underscoring its significance for players, coaches, and the broader community.
The Hawks’ defense, described as a ‘bend‑but‑not‑break’ unit, limited Bingham’s scoring chances throughout, while the special teams’ miscues kept the contest within reach. With the victory, Alta looks to build on the momentum as the season progresses, while Bingham will seek to rebound in upcoming contests.