The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Bonneville Lakers and Northridge Knights entered the game looking to rebound from region losses the previous week. Both teams knew a victory would put them back into the region title race in Region 5. The Knights were also looking to avenge last season’s 42-7 loss at home to the Lakers. On homecoming night for the Lakers, the defense would have six interceptions, dominate the game, and pull out a 34-16 victory.

The Lakers knew they needed to stop the prolific passing attack of senior quarterback Porter Olsen and wide receiver Jaxon Fresques. The Bonneville defense was ready for the challenge as Maximus Davis led the way with three interceptions.

First quarter

The Lakers started the scoring in the game with a double reverse touchdown pass from senior Bryson Howell to senior quarterback Jaxon Johnson. The scoring drive started at their own 6-yard line, and two long pass completions from Johnson to senior Mason Tanner set up the score. With 5:54 remaining in the first quarter, the Lakers led 7-0.

The Knights moved the ball on their next possession, with senior quarterback Porter Olsen connecting with senior receiver Jaxson Fresques on three pass completions. The drive ended with an Olsen to Fresques 16-yard touchdown play. A third-down holding penalty against the Lakers helped the Knights keep their drive going and was vital in the scoring drive. With 3:24 in the first quarter, the score stood at 7-7.

Second quarter

Penalties and excellent defense held both offenses back starting the second quarter until Johnson found a wide-open Tanner for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The scoring was set up by the senior Lakers running back, Tifaga Havili, gaining yards with two consecutive running plays. The extra-point attempt failed as the Lakers tried to run a fake kick attempt and fell short of the end zone. With 7:29 on the clock, the score stood at 13-7 with the Lakers in the lead.

The Laker’s defense would step up from this point by keeping the Knights’ big-play offense from gaining momentum. Olsen would get pressure from the Lakers’ defensive front of seniors Case Wayman, Kaleb Cook, Joey Budge, and Tyrone Bizzard Jr.

Both teams would trade interceptions that would change momentum for each side, starting with Lakers safety Diaz’s first interception at 5:00 in the second quarter. On the Laker’s next drive, Knights senior cornerback Jaxyn Hale intercepted a Johnson pass attempt.

Laker’s senior cornerback Levi Olsen intercepted a pass attempt by Olsen with 2:09 on the clock. The Lakers’ offense could not move the ball after the turnover, and the Knights forced a punt.

With the ball deep inside their end of the field, the Knights’ offense would try to drive down the field and score before halftime. The biggest play of the game occurred with four seconds on the clock, with Diaz intercepting a deep pass by Olsen and returning it 30 yards for a touchdown to give the Lakers a 20-7 lead.

Lakers defender Kaleb Cooks knocks down pass

Third quarter

The second half started with the Knights having the ball, and on the first drive, Diaz made his second interception of the game and set up the Lakers inside the Knight’s 20-yard line. Tanner scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard run with 7:10 on the clock. The score now stood at 27-7 in favor of the Lakers.

Laker’s linebackers, Vainga Havili, senior Tifaga Havili and junior Keaton Fuit, kept the Knight’s offense sputtering with tackles for loss and being at the spot to prevent game-changing plays. With 3:30 into the third quarter, Tifaga Havili stepped in front of an Olsen pass over the middle for a Laker interception. His interception return placed the ball inside the Knights’ five-yard line. Tanner scored the next Laker touchdown on a 4-yard run with 3:00 on the clock. The scored now had the Lakers comfortably ahead 34-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Fourth quarter

Scoring in the final quarter included a safety for the Knights after the Laker’s offensive snap went out of the end zone. After the safety, the score now stood at 34-9 in favor of the Lakers with 6:10 remaining in the game. The Knights would add a final touchdown on a 1-yard screen pass from Olsen to senior running back Braxton Barber. This score would make the final 34-16 and Lakers victory.

Outstanding performances

The Laker defense would shine on this night with Diaz’s three interceptions, two by Levi Olsen and one by Tifaga Havili. Laker quarterback Johnson would pass for 103 yards, rush for 46 yards, and have one catch of 20 yards. He accounted for two touchdowns during the game. Tanner scored three touchdowns to lead the Lakers.

Wide receiver Fresques would be the leading receiver for the Knights and would find openings in the defense throughout the game.

photos courtesy James Tate