The second week of Utah high school football lived up to its reputation for drama, as five teams erased deficits or sealed tight victories in the fourth quarter, turning what began as ordinary contests into memorable sagas of resilience and execution.
Box Elder’s Halftime Reversal
Box Elder entered the break trailing 34‑30 against Bear River but seized control with a decisive touchdown run by Kadyn Reyes. The offense surged, and the defense tightened, holding Bear River scoreless for the remainder of the game to secure a 50‑34 victory.
Grantsville, after a slow start that left them down 24‑10, answered with three fourth‑quarter scores. A 45‑yard pass from Crew Allred sparked the comeback, and the defense prevented Richfield from adding any points in the third quarter, culminating in a 31‑24 win.
Weber’s quarterback Carter Payne orchestrated a late surge, delivering three long touchdown passes, highlighted by a 99‑yard kickoff return that swung momentum. The defense limited Brighton to zero points in the second half, allowing Weber to pull away for a 38‑31 triumph.
Skyline’s Tate Johnson was instrumental, scoring two third‑quarter touchdowns, including a 32‑yard strike to Tu’i Will. Defensive back Sam Ngata added a pick‑six earlier, and Johnson’s final touchdown pass sealed a 32‑26 victory over Olympus.
Union relied on Dylan Watahomigie’s three rushing touchdowns, featuring two 30‑yard bursts, to edge Uintah 22‑21. Coach Jordan Gurr praised the senior’s leadership under pressure, noting that a missed extra point kept the game from going into overtime.
Coaches Reflect on Key Moments
Carson Mund, head coach of Box Elder, highlighted the offensive line’s cohesion and the team’s ability to respond to adversity, emphasizing unity as the foundation of their comeback. David Millward of Grantsville credited Richfield’s halftime adjustments and collective effort for the turnaround, while Mo Cannon of Weber pointed to improved execution and physicality in the fourth quarter.
Brandon Matich, Skyline’s coach, underscored Tate Johnson’s dual impact on offense and defense, calling his leadership in a rivalry setting a catalyst for the team’s resilience. Jordan Gurr, leading Union, reiterated the importance of clutch performances from players like Watahomigie, whose late drives preserved the narrow win.