The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The game was a battle of Region 1 teams and a rematch of a game won earlier in the season by the Darts. A blocked extra point was the difference in this victory for the Darts. The Darts’ defense held the Warriors out of the end zone on a final drive to seal the win.

Turnovers were significant in keeping the game close, as both teams combined for eight turnovers. A Warrior interception and fumble to start the second half led to the Darts’ two touchdowns that were the difference in the game.

Entering the game as the number six seed in the playoff, the Darts move on to the quarterfinal round and travel to the Lehi Pioneers on November 3, 2023. The Warriors’ season ended with a 6-5 record but did win four of their last five games. With a number of key returning players the Warriors will be a team to watch next season.

Darts’ first quarter turnover

The Warriors were in total control of the game in the first quarter as their defense came away with two crucial turnovers in the opening quarter. The first turnover was a Dart fumble near midfield on their opening drive. The Warriors’ first drive stalled after a third-down sack by Darts’ senior linebacker Carter Dorius.

Both defenses would force punts on the following possessions as the offenses looked out of sync starting the game. On the Darts’ third possession of the first quarter, sophomore quarterback Tradon Bessinger’s attempted pass over the middle was tipped and intercepted by Warriors’ sophomore linebacker Dyson Parker.

The Warriors capitalized on the interception by driving down the field and scoring a touchdown on junior quarterback Crew Cacciacarne’s screen pass to Parker. The touchdown covered 3 yards and gave the Warriors the lead 7-0. The score came on fourth down with 2:51 on the clock.

Warriors shut out Darts in the first half

The Warriors started their opening drive of the second quarter with a fake punt pass completed to junior Tyler Payne for a long completion. The completion resulted in a first down on the Darts’ 15-yard line. Two plays later, the Warriors had their first turnover, a fumble recovered by Darts’ senior Jordan Taula.

Warriors’ junior safety Ian Elmore would intercept Bessinger on the Darts’ next possession with 8:00 left before halftime. The Darts would get the ball back on a Warrior fumble on their next possession. Having their best offensive drive of the game, the Darts attempted a 33-yard field goal, and the Warriors would block it.

With 2:08 left on the clock, the Warriors would start their next drive at the 20-yard line. A deep pass completion from Cacciacarne to sophomore receiver Josh Hamblin set the Warriors up on the Darts’ 33-yard line. Penalties and loss yardage ended the Warriors’ drive, and the score would stand at 7-0 at halftime in favor of the Warriors.

Darts’ linebacker Crew Cunningham reacts to big play

Darts respond in the third quarter

The Darts would start the third quarter on defense, and senior defensive back Damon Brown would intercept a Warrior deep pass attempt. Immediately taking the momentum from the turnover, the Darts’ offense would score a touchdown on a 10-yard run by junior Owen Talbot. The key to the touchdown drive would be the Darts getting the ball to senior receiver Kash Gates and Talbot in the running game.

With 8:07 on the clock in the third quarter, a tie score at 7, and the Warriors were set to start their second drive of the third quarter. On the second play of the Warriors’ next possession, the Darts’ defense forced and recovered a Warrior fumble. The Darts’ offense started on the Warrior 27-yard line after the turnover with 7:06 on the clock.

With 5:11 left in the third quarter, Gates made a fantastic over-the-shoulder catch for a touchdown and gave the Darts their first lead. The score stood at 14-7 in favor of the Darts after the score. “At half we adjusted our game plan and came out playing at a pace only we can,” said Gates. “And that catch was crazy I thought it was overthrown but when I layed out I got my hands on it and reeled it in.”

The Warriors’ offense would respond on their next drive with a long pass completion from Cacciacarne to Elmore to the Darts’ 8-yard line. With the ball on the 4-yard line, the Warriors fumbled, and the Darts recovered with 3:17 left in the third quarter. The Warriors’ defense would stand strong and force a Dart punt on fourth down.

The Darts’ short punt gave the Warriors’ offense an excellent field position. With 1:44 on the clock, Cacciacarne found receiver sophomore Salesi Moa for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked by Darts’ senior Jordan Taula, and the score stood at 14-13.

“Honestly that extra point block just came down to effort,” said Taula. “I never take plays off on special teams. It’s so important and it can affect the game tremendously.”

Fourth quarter

After the Warriors third-quarter touchdown, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a false start on the kickoff gave the Darts an excellent field position. The Darts’ drive would end with a 25-yard field goal by junior kicker Finn Garff. The Darts’ lead stood at 17-13 with 8:47 left in the game.

The Dart’s defense would end the Warriors’ final drive on an incomplete pass from Cacciacarne to Moa. The Darts would run out the clock to end the game and win the game 17-13.

Dart’s quarterback Tradon Bessinger

Outstanding performers

The Darts’ defense lost starting senior linebackers Carter Dorius in the first quarter and Jacob Faerber earlier in the season to injuries. Seniors Crew Cunningham, George Drakos, Deuce Wright, Taula, and McCoy Frasure led the defensive effort to hold the Warriors’ explosive offense to 13 points.

“Our defense stayed supporting our offense in that first half when we couldn’t move that ball and had lots off key plays,” said Gates. “Juni Moala and Jordan Taula played like 5 stars it was awesome to be part of.”

Talbot was pivotal in rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown in the game. Darts’ offensive linemen who opened holes for Talbot were seniors Wyatt Rash, Sam Stewart, Ayden Vasquez, Dylan Child, Andrew Waters, and junior Zander Johnson.

Bessinger didn’t have his usual big passing day, but he kept drives going with his running and timely completions. “The defense played an amazing game last night,” said Bessinger. “They put us in great situations coming out of half. We got the energy from them.”

Warriors’ defensive standouts included junior linebacker Tyler Payne, who made tackles all over the field, Elmore and Parker with interceptions. The Warriors’ defensive backs, Elmore, senior Braylon Parker, and sophomores Josh Hamblin and Moa held the Darts’ passing offense to 177 yards in the game.

Moa and Dyson Parker were the standouts for the Warriors on offense by both scoring touchdowns on passes from Cacciacarne.

photos courtesy James Tate