The warriors’ offensive line leads the team in a win over rival
The Warrior’s offensive line of seniors Porter Hayes and Todd Johnson, junior Dakota Wilcox, and sophomores Ben McMurrin and Gibson Ferry led a dominating performance in the victory. The Weber coaches found a nice formula at quarterback with the combination of senior Aidan Carter and sophomore Tyce Abbott. The offensive line has adjusted well in the last few weeks of the quarterback rotation. This game saw the Warriors put up their biggest scoring game of the season with 31 points.
The Warrior’s offense showed out with 116 rushing yards and 257 passing yards on the night. “Driving the ball,” said McMurrin. “Winning every play was the key to the victory.” The Warrior’s record of 2-8 coming into this game had many people counting them out. “We are better than what people think we are,” said McMurrin. This Warrior team showed an attitude and confidence from the beginning that this is their game to win. Total team effort displayed by the Warriors led by the offensive line setting the tone for a Warrior victory.
First half Warriors and Royals play even
The Warriors opened the scoring with a pass from Carter to Crash Coggins for a 40-yard touchdown. This was the only score of the first quarter and the Warriors took a 7-0 lead. The Royals responded with sophomore Robert Young running in a 6-yard touchdown run. Young dominated the drive with rushes from the quarterback/wildcat position. With 4 minutes left until halftime, the Warriors scored again with a pass from Carter to Nakosi Swain to give the Warriors the lead of 14-7. The Royals used Young and his running ability to tie the score at 14 with 2:28 left in the quarter. The momentum shifted back to the Warriors as they ended the first half by scoring on a 37-yard field goal by Jace Jones.
Second-half Warriors pull away from Royals
The third quarter opened with Weber taking the opening drive 80 yards and ended with a Carter 11-yard touchdown pass to Salesi Moa. This drive took 8 minutes off the clock and made the score 24-14. Moa hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Tyce Abbott with 8:17 left in the game to end the scoring. The Royal’s offense had no answer as the Warrior’s defense made big plays to end drives. A game-clinching interception by safety Braylon Parker ended a fourth-quarter Royal drive. Parker’s pick sealed the victory for the Warriors over Roy 31-14.
This game saw the Warriors coaching staff take shots with long passes that opened up big running lanes. The Warriors were patient and never blinked when the game was close. The defense stepped up and the special teams played great in the victory.
No shield, but young stars shine
The winner of this game normally keeps or takes home the shield, but it was not on the line this game. Roy saw outstanding play in the game and the season from underclassmen, Young, and quarterbacks Dru Gardiner and Colby Frokjer, all sophomores. Leading rushers Daeqwan Snider and Logan Cella will also return for the Royals next season. Top receivers Cole West and Cove Rodriguez will be experienced receivers back next year. Jake Viers and Maxx Johnson will return to lead the defense for the Royals. This Royal team was young and will make more noise next year after ending the season 7-4.
The Warriors will return three offensive line starters in McMurrin, Wilcox, and Ferry. Leading receiver, freshman Moa is an established star for the Warriors. Quarterback Tyce Abbott has emerged as a sophomore. Receiver Parker and leading rusher Swain play key roles on this year’s team and will be a handful next year. The defense will have rising star linebacker Tyler Payne return.
Before these young stars shine next year, the Warriors seniors Carter, Hayes, Jones, Coggins, Konrad Kerr, and Teegan Humphreys have unfinished business at the Farmington Phoenix next Friday.
photo courtesy Kim McFadden @kmacphotographyy
more photos of game https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hafgtu62m42t3fb/AACQhIJ-PZz9sOyCyVHjwD7Ra?dl=0