by Daniel Olsen | A loss is never good, but when it’s to one of the top ranked high schools in the nation, it’s hard to complain too much.
Aside from their 38-7 loss last week to powerhouse Corner Canyon, the Pleasant Grove Vikings look strong as they won their first five games of the season before that. This week isn’t easy either as they face an undefeated Skyridge team.
Both teams are talented and evenly matched. Skyridge hasn’t played the undefeated Chargers yet, so their undefeated season should be taken with a grain of salt. Last week aside, this game will be a Battle of the Unbeatens.
Skyridge has won all six of their games by double digits. They have put up big numbers on offense with 42.33 points per game. They are no slouches on defense either as they allow just 8.33 points per game.
So far the only common team that both schools have played is the Jordan Beetdiggers. Pleasant Grove did shut them out 42-0 but Skyridge put up more points in a 68-7 BEET-down.
The Vikings have had some close calls but have found ways to beat solid teams in close games. They had one possession wins over Maple Mountain and Lehi respectively.
Some players to watch out for on the Pleasant Grove side are Safety Rex Connors, quarterback Sam Leavitt (brother of former Aggie and current NFL Player Dallin Leavitt), and receiver Darreus Clemons. Rex Connors is perhaps the most-highly scouted prospect in this game. He already has All-Region and All-State honors.
Connors’ coach told Deseret News that he’s the best player in the state.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t have (a scholarship) offer from every school in Utah because he’s just that good,” Coach Mark Wootton told Deseret News. “He came through when we needed to go.”
Skyridge is performing better than expected so far as they were picked to finish 5th in the coaches Region 4 preseason straw poll. There is still plenty of football to play, but it looks like the Falcons will continue to exceed expectations based on their performance so far.
The Falcons are a young team led by sophomore QB McCae Hillstead. He has already thrown for almost 1,500 yards this season. If he keeps this up college scouts will start turning heads towards his highlights soon.
Skyridge makes a quick drive across the valley to play at Pleasant Grove high school. The game will start at 7 PM Mountain Time. Make sure to follow The Hive Sports on Twitter for live coverage.
Featured image via Daily Herald.