Linebacker Christian Blanch leads Silverwolves to victory
Christian Blanch, the state’s leading tackler, made two interceptions that led to touchdowns for the Silverwolves. This Weber County rivalry game saw both defenses shine in the first half, but the Silverwolves made the defensive plays when it counted. Blanch’s first interception came in the third quarter on the Warriors opening drive. The interception set up the Silverwolves in excellent field position inside the Warrior’s 30-yard line. The drive ended with the first score of the game on a 15-yard touchdown run by Fremont running back Brigg Grange making the score 7-0.
Silverwolves quarterback Slade Parker scrambling was key
Starting quarterback freshman Slade Parker came into the game with a region high 16 interceptions. The game plan looked to use Parker’s quickness on designed runs to open up the passing game. Parker’s scrambling kept drives alive and the Warrior’s defense off balance all game. With 35 seconds left in the third quarter, Fremont kicker Dax Iverson made good on a 35-yard field goal to make the score 10-0. This seemed like a comfortable lead since the Warrior’s offense was shut out for the first three quarters.
Fourth-quarter Warriors come alive
The Warriors used the momentum from rotating quarterbacks Aidan Carter and Tyce Abbott and started having success moving the ball. With 10 minutes left in the game, the Warriors scored on an exciting 29-yard Nakosi Swain touchdown run. This narrowed the Fremont lead down to 10-7. Momentum stayed with the Warriors when kicker Jace Jones nailed a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 a piece. The Warrior held strong on defense and forced a Silverwolf punt with about two minutes left in the game. Starting deep in their territory, Weber quarterback Carter threw a costly interception to Christian Blanch that set up up the Silverwolves in a great position to score.
Game-winning touchdown run
With one minute left in the game, Grange ran for his second touchdown of the night, this time from 3 yards out. The touchdown was also the second one that was set up by a Blanch interception. With a minute left in the game, the score stood at 17-10. After another touchback, the Warriors began possession on their 20-yard line. Carter’s pass attempt over the middle was tipped and intercepted by Ridge Whitney. This interception sealed a 17-10 Fremont victory.
The rivalry game lived up to the hype
Despite the record of both teams, the intensity and atmosphere at Fremont lived up to what these teams represent. Toughness throughout the game was shown as both teams made scoring difficult. Big plays in the second half made for an exciting finish that saw the Silverwolves come out on top.
Top performers
The Warriors saw great play from wide receiver Salesi Moa, with excellent catches throughout the game. Defensive back Michal Gussie came up with an interception and the entire defense kept the game close. Jace Jones ended the game with a field goal and great punts for the special teams.
Parker ran for 61 yards on designed runs and scrambled to keep drives going for Fremont. Grange led the rushing attack with 62 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to his two interceptions, Blanch led the team with ten tackles. Dax Iverson netted two punts inside the Warrior’s 20-yard line, converted a field goal, two extra points, and had four touchbacks. Blanch and Iverson are front runners for all-region and all-state honors on defense and special teams respectively.
photo courtesy James Tate of Fremont quarterback Slade Parker