Skyridge defense holds off American Fork 28-21, sends Falcons to 6A semifinals

For three quarters Friday night, American Fork refused to go away. Every time top-seeded Skyridge scored, the Cavemen answered. Then the Falcon defense locked the door — and quarterback Jagger Fountaine kicked it shut with a 31-yard strike to Dax Rehrer — sending Skyridge past No. 8 American Fork 28-21 in the 6A state quarterfinals.

The teams were knotted 14-14 at halftime, with American Fork's Latani Vaki accounting for both Cavemen scores in the second quarter on rushing touchdowns. The third quarter was scoreless for both sides. Then, with just over three minutes left and Skyridge clinging to a 21-14 lead, Fountaine found Rehrer sprinting down the middle for the score that put the game out of reach.

Fountaine finished with two touchdown passes and an 11-yard rushing score. Eli Mortensen added two touchdowns of his own — one on the ground, one receiving from Fountaine. But it was the defense that head coach Justin Hemm singled out afterward.

The defense was great all night. I thought, especially during the second half, we kind of buckled down and did some things that were huge, keeping us in it.— Justin Hemm, Skyridge head coach

That second-half defensive performance mattered because the offense stalled at the worst moments. Skyridge had chances to pull away in the third quarter but couldn't convert in the red zone, leaving the game tight deep into the fourth.

We had some opportunities there in the third quarter where we weren't able to score in the red zone. The defense kept battling and gave our offense opportunities.— Justin Hemm, Skyridge head coach

Hemm credited his team's composure — what he called a 'next play mentality' — for keeping the Falcons from unraveling during the stretches when American Fork was matching them score for score.

I think these guys have really adopted a next play mentality and not getting too caught up on anything that happens previously. They really learned to stay emotionally locked in and understand the longevity of a football game and that a lot of things can happen. If we can play sound football, things will take care of themselves.— Justin Hemm, Skyridge head coach

Hemm also acknowledged that earning the top seed didn't come easily — the season tested the program repeatedly — and said he's proud of how his players responded.

These boys have had a goal and a vision and have done a great job of being process oriented. It hasn't always been clean obviously, plans change and we gotta adapt and grow. For these guys to persevere through anything and everything that's taken place this year, I'm proud of these boys and the opportunity that they have.— Justin Hemm, Skyridge head coach

Skyridge now advances to the semifinals, where they will face No. 4 Herriman on November 12 at 11 a.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

Why it matters — Skyridge's semifinal berth sets up a high-stakes 6A showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 12, with a spot in the state championship on the line.

⚠ Based on a single source (deseret.com). Independently unverified — details may change.

Reported by deseret.com