Bountiful’s boys soccer team captured a dramatic state championship, edging Maple Mountain 1‑0 in double overtime on a night that will be remembered for its tension and triumph.
The match unfolded in Herriman, Utah, where the final whistle echoed after a grueling two‑period extra‑time battle.
The Decisive Penalty
The decisive moment arrived in the final minute of the second extra‑time session when Cameron Martin stepped up to take a penalty kick that sealed the victory.
Martin’s strike not only delivered the winning goal but also tied the program with Alta for the most state titles since 1983, marking the team’s tenth championship.
A Legacy of Excellence
Coach Gabe Johnson, who has served the Redhawks in both football and soccer for four years, emphasized the significance of the victory, highlighting the team’s rich history and the unwavering support they received.
The match featured several near‑misses, including a 21‑yard free kick by Martin that clipped the post in the 71st minute and a tipped‑over effort by Ezra Christiansen in the 80th, before Ethan Antonino’s two saves kept Maple Mountain alive.
Christiansen, a recent commit to San Diego State, expressed pride in the team’s effort, while Martin, who will join a consortium of schools that includes Division II Fort Lewis and Westminster, looks ahead to the next chapter.
The victory underscores the program’s resilience and sets a benchmark for future generations, as the team now aims to add a tenth star to its storied banner.