The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Viewmont Vikings and Bountiful Redhawks game held at Woods Cross High School was the home field for the Redhawks as renovation continues at their home stadium. A hard-fought game by both teams saw lead changes, big plays, and outstanding team effort on both sides. The Redhawks made a final stop on defense that closed the game. The Redhawks moved their record to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the region. The Vikings record now stands at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in region play.

The Vikings played outstanding on both sides of the ball and gave the defending region champions all they could handle until the last seconds of the game. The Redhawks have defeated the Vikings the last five times and are looking to three-peat as Region 5 champions.

First quarter

The Redhawks scored first on a 37-yard field goal from junior kicker Landon Zayas for a 3-0 lead. Siaki Fekitoa set up the score with a long run through the Vikings’ defense. On the Viking’s first possession, they were stopped on downs and forced to punt into a stiff wind. The punt traveled 10 yards and gave the Redhawks excellent field position to start their next offensive drive.

The next Redhawks series saw senior quarterback Emerson Geilman complete short passes on three receivers. Seniors Jacob Brooks, Creed Shirley, and Faletau Satuala made catches to move the ball deep into Viking territory. A holding penalty backed the Redhawks up, and the Viking’s defense forced another field goal. Zayas nailed a 43-yard field goal with the wind to his back, and the Redhawks were ahead 6-0 at 5:19 to go in the quarter.

Fekitoa dominated the first quarter with his inside running behind the blocking of Redhawks senior London Wood and junior linemen William Nixon, Bryan Socci, Brian Bushman, and Paxton Gibson. The Redhawks had a slim 6-0 lead heading into the second quarter.

Second quarter

With 11:19 in the second quarter, the Vikings forced another field goal attempt by the Redhawks, and this time, Zayas’ kick hit the crossbar and was no good. The Viking’s offense had a slow start to the game but found success with short passes early in the second quarter. Redhawks seniors Evan Dehart and Brigham Morrison, forced another Viking punt with 8:59 on the clock.

The game’s first touchdown came at 5:39, with a 23-yard pass from Satuala to junior Blake Moore. The extra point was no good, and the score stood at 12-0 in favor of the Redhawks.

The Vikings’ next drive started on their 19-yard yard after a short kickoff return by junior Jordan Jones. Senior quarterback Daren Tovey completed passes and made yards with his running to drive the Vikings down the field.

The Vikings offensive lineman, seniors Trey Price, Bridger Bishop, and junior Siona Faeamani led their best offensive drive before halftime. Senior Dax Nielsen scored on a three-yard touchdown run up the middle and the score was 12-7 at the half.

photo of Viewmont quarterback Daren Tovey

Third quarter

The Vikings carried the momentum from the end of the first half by scoring a touchdown and taking the lead on their first possession. The score came on a 16-yard pass from Tovey to Jones, putting the Vikings ahead 14-12 with 5:13 left in the quarter.

The momentum did not last long for the Vikings as Brooks took the ensuing kickoff inside Viking territory. With excellent field position, the Redhawk’s offense drive would stall because of a quarterback sack by senior Landon Sharp. Zayas would connect on his third field goal of the game, this one a 35-yarder. The Redhawks retook the lead 15-14 with 1:15 on the clock and ended the scoring in the quarter.

Fourth quarter

The Viking’s offense kept their hot play by driving the field and scoring a touchdown on a 5-yard run by Nielsen. Jensen set up the touchdown with an incredible catch on a third-down pass play from Tovey for 26 yards. The score now stood at 21-15 in favor of the Vikings.

Once again, the kickoff returned by Brooks set up the Redhawk’s offense in excellent field position. The Redhawks quickly moved into Viking territory, and Geilman capped the drive off with a 6-yard touchdown run up the middle. Geilman completed a screen pass to Morrison, putting the Redhawks in position for the score. Overwhelmed with the joy of scoring and putting the Redhawks within one score, Geilman was penalized for tossing the ball into the air. The penalty would be assessed on the kickoff, giving the Vikings a short field on their next possession.

After Geilman’s touchdown, the score stood at 22-21, with the Redhawks ahead and 7:52 left in the game. Viking’s quarterback Tovey found a connection with Jensen on their next drive and connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass and catch. Jensen ran a great out-and-up route to get behind the defense, and Tovey’s pass was on target for the score. With 5:33 remaining in the game, the Vikings had a 27-22 lead.

The kickoff once again proved to be critical in field position for the Redhawks as Brooks was able to return the kick near midfield. Geilman led the Redhawks downfield and connected with Satuala on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 4:06 left in the game. The touchdown put the Redhawks ahead and made the score 28-27.

The Viking’s final drive would get inside the Redhawk’s territory and try to set up a go-ahead field goal but stalled. Outside of field goal range and forced to go for it on a fourth down, the Vikings ended 1 yard short of a first down. The final score was 28-27 Redhawks.

Outstanding performers

Emerging star receiver Drez Jensen hauled in seven passes for 111 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings. Tovey was outstanding, completing 23 of 32 passes for a game-high 248 yards and two touchdowns. Nielsen was the rushing leader of the Vikings with 82 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Vikings linebacker Sharp led the way with eight tackles and a quarterback sack.

“We completed the sweep,” said Brooks. “We haven’t lost to Viewmont since my freshman year.”

Brooks’ kickoff returns were crucial in field position and setting up scores for the Redhawks. Zayas’ three field goals kept the pressure on the Vikings to score on every possession. Fekitoa rushed for a game high 107 yards, with most of those yards coming in the first half.

Satuala led the Redhawks with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.

photo courtesy of James Tate