The Hive Sports

by AJ Conlin

Going into the final week of Utah high school football, people are gearing up for the playoffs. However, before those games happen, the previous week in Region 8 must be discussed.

Mountain View vs. Jordan (55-30)

The Mountain View Bruins traveled to play the Jordan Beetdiggers of Region 10 in the non-region match-up of the week. Mountain View would end up winning due to Jordan’s ineffective run defense.

The Beetdiggers racked up 299 yards and four touchdowns through the air, along with 186 and another touchdown on the ground.

Sophomore RB Dexton Havea of Mountain View was a work horse all game, racking up 267 yards and four touchdowns on the ground alone. 46 more rushing yards were added by teammates to that total, along another touchdown. Don’t forget about the pass, because the Bruins threw for 168 yards and two more touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bruins won the turnover battle 1-0, grabbing one interception and returning it to the end zone for a touchdown.

The Bruins are coming off of this win with some steam, but will have a tough time keeping it against a tough Provo team, who they’ll play for their last game of the season on Friday at 7 PM.

Payson vs. Spanish Fork (24-21)

The Payson Lions hosted the Spanish Fork Dons in their critical region game last Friday. The Lions sent the Dons home with a loss, and took the #4 spot in the region. Both teams were able to work on offense, but it was ultimately the extra field goal that won the game for Payson.

Offensively, the Dons had 261 total yards and two touchdowns. The Lions had 344 yards, 310 being through the air, and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Dons won the turnover battle 2-1. All three turnovers were interceptions, and one of the two by Spanish Fork was returned for a touchdown,

Ultimately, this game was down to the wire, with Payson scoring their final touchdown off of a 65-yard passing play with under two minutes left.

The Lions worked very hard to get back in the saddle and take control of their season, and they are being rewarded with wins. Their final game will be all the way in Vernal against Uintah on Friday at 7 PM.

The Dons have been struggling to close out games this season, and this one was no different. They’ll have to have their A-game on when they play Timpanogos on Friday at 7 PM.

Provo vs. Uintah (42-8)

The game between the Provo Bulldogs and the Uintah Utes just wasn’t a good game. There won’t be much said about this game, because it was typical for both teams.

The Bulldogs doubled the yardage gained by the Utes offensively. They won the turnover battle 2-1, while also blocking both a punt and a field goal on the defensive side.

Overall, this game just wasn’t anything special. Provo did exactly what they were expected to do, and Uintah showed once again that they just can’t keep up.

Provo will travel to play Mountain View on Friday at 7 PM for their final game to close out their region championship run.

Uintah will host Payson for their final game, and will have to try and figure out a way to put a drive together if they want to have a chance at winning that game. They will play on Friday at 7 PM.

Timpanogos vs. Salem Hills (35-14)

The Timpanogos Timberwolves showed off their fearsome air-raid offense when they played the Salem Hills Skyhawks last week. The win cemented Timpanogos as #2 in the region, leaving Salem Hills at #3. The game wasn’t half-bad either.

Offensively, Timpanogos amassed 468 yards and five touchdowns. The Skyhawks only gained 291 yards and just two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Timberwolves won the turnover battle 1-0, snagging an interception odd of Skyhawk Quarterback Jedi Nelson.

Overall, this game was decided comfortably by the superior Timpanogos secondary, and their air-raid offensive counterparts.

Up next, the Timberwolves will travel to play Spanish Fork. Despite their 3-5 record, it will be a tough match-up and should be a close game. They will play on Friday at 7 PM.

The Skyhawks will play the final non-region match-up for their game. They’ll play the 3-6 Bear River Bears on Friday at 7 PM.