by Daniel Olsen
From the Friday Night Lights to the tailgates on Saturdays to watching favorite NFL players on Sundays, the state of Utah had plenty to offer for the avid football fans. It’s time to look at the best win at the high school and college levels as well as the best performance by a former Utah college player that is now in the NFL.
High School: Skyridge vs Timpview
It’s hard to get better than the #1 vs #2 ranked teams. One fan visiting for the Baylor vs BYU game even had to get in on the action. While 5A defending champion Lehi beat 6A powerhouse Corner Canyon on a thrilling blocked kick to seal the deal, this was the most anticipated game we will possibly see this year.
McCae Hillstead, future USU quarterback commit, was not available for the Falcons in this game. In his place, Trent Call was able to lead Skyridge to victory with a passing touchdown as well as the game winning rushing touchdown. Colin Sheffield also had a pivotal pick six to tie the game up in the third quarter.
College: BYU vs Baylor
It’s not very often that a highly anticipated AP Top 25 matchup results in an epic double overtime game that ends after midnight. However, that’s exactly what happened. BYU played a perfect game and the crowd was certainly a factor in the 26-20 win. It was a lower scoring game and the score was 20-20 at the end of regulation after BYU kicker Jake Oldroyd missed a field goal that would have won the game.
In overtime, Oldroyd missed another field goal that sent the game to a second overtime. In the second, BYU marched down and scored a touchdown. While they missed the extra point, they were able to keep Baylor out of the end zone and hold on for the victory. BYU quarterback Jaren Hall and Oldroyd embraced afterwards to display a beautiful sense of team unity.
Sometimes it’s not the success that makes a win satisfying, but the failures on the road to that success that make it a memorable experience.
NFL: Taysom Hill
While the Saints were happy to earn the narrow 27-26 victory over their NFC South Division rival Atlanta Falcons, BYU fans were equally as happy to see former quarterback Taysom Hill be a major contributor in the season opener. While hill wasn’t making throws, his Swiss Army Knife self was seen rushing for one touchdown and 81 yards for an average of 20.3 yards per carry. His touchdown run in the first quarter was the first score for the Saints in the 2022 season.
Up Next
In the high school ranks, the three hottest teams in the state will meet their challengers. San Juan, the 2021 2A Champions, will take their 17-game winning streak on the line when they head on the road to face South Sevier. 5A champion Lehi will host Fremont to also continue their winning streak dating back to last season. Grantsville will head to Ben Lomond to face the Scots as they look to continue their unbeaten season.
College has a BYE week for Utah State, while the Utes will host San Diego State. BYU will go on the road to play another Top 25 matchup with the Oregon Ducks.
Follow The Hive Sports for all updates on former players from Utah colleges in the NFL.
Featured image via Brigham Young University Athletics
The Hive Sports 
Leave a Reply