The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Royals displayed dominance as they secured a 38-14 victory over the Farmington Phoenix. From the outset, the Royals were in control, showcasing a suffocating defense, exceptional special teams, and an explosive offense. Jaxton Scoffield’s blocked punt on the opening drive set the tone for the game, and the Royals never relinquished their lead.

The Royals’ defensive unit, led by Scoffield and Kili Eleneke, played a pivotal role in the victory. Eleneke’s two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, were a testament to their defensive prowess. The entire Royals defense put up an impressive performance, holding the Phoenix offense without a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.

First half

Eleneke interception for touchdown

After Scoffield’s impressive punt block, Ryker Cordero swiftly scooped up the ball and returned it deep into Phoenix territory. The blocked punt set the stage for running back Logan Cella’s touchdown run, giving the Royals an early 7-0 lead. The Phoenix next possession saw a short pass by quarterback Will Peterson intercepted by Eleneke, who returned it for a touchdown. Before the Phoenix could find their footing, the Royals were already leading 14-0 with 8:53 left in the first quarter.

On the Phoenix third offensive possession, a bad snap resulted in a fumble, which the Royals recovered in Phoenix territory. Three possessions and three miscues by the Phoenix put them in a hole, but their defense forced the Royals to punt after the fumble. The Phoenix would drive down to the Royals’ 2-yard line behind the running of Travis Hoopes. The momentum was with the Phoenix until the Royals’ defense stiffened and forced a turnover on downs.

The Royals next possession saw quarterback Dru Gardner find receiver Robert Young deep down the left sideline for a 90-yard touchdown. The touchdown gave the Royals a commanding 21-0 lead and took the air out of the Phoenix crowd. The Royals would add the fourth score of the first half with Eleneke taking a jet sweep and outrunning the Phoenix defenders for a 60-yard touchdown.

Cade Draper (l) Kasch Casero (r)

Second half

The Phoenix started the second half down 28-0 and kicked off to the Royals. Showing energy out to start the third quarter, the Phoenix forced the Royals to punt on their opening possession, and Travis Hoopes returned the punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Hoopes, one of the state’s top kick return players, broke multiple tackles and used his speed to make the score 28-7 and give the Phoenix momentum.

The momentum was short-lived, and on the following kickoff, Young raced into Phoenix territory to give the Royals excellent field position. To cap off the drive, Gardner found Colby Frokjer in the corner of the end zone for a Royals touchdown, and the score stood at 35-7. Frokjer made an incredible catch on the touchdown, getting a foot down while securing the catch with 5:24 on the clock in the third quarter.

Both teams struggled to move the ball and exchanged punts until 5:48 in the fourth quarter when Frokjer converted a 20-yard field goal. The scoring would end with Peterson scoring on a 3-yard run for the Phoenix with 3:17 left in the game. The final score of the season opener for both schools saw the Royals on top 38-14.

Outstanding performers – Royals

Frokjer, a key player in all aspects of the game, was instrumental in the victory. His offensive contributions, including a highlight receiving touchdown, and his defensive prowess at safety with five tackles, and preventing the Phoenix from completing long passes, were significant. Additionally, his special teams performance, which included punts that limited the Phoenix field position and a perfect record on extra points and field goals, further solidified his impact on the game.

Eleneke displayed his all-around game with two interceptions, one for a score and a 60-yard touchdown run.

“On my pick six they came out in bunches and we had seen there bunches on film and had been practicing how we would stop it all week,” Eleneke said. “They threw the ball, and I jumped, and I knew it would help set the tone of the game, especially after Jaxton’s blocked punt. After that I felt like our whole defense was in a rhythm and in sync and really set me up to make more plays.”

Gardner was efficient with his passing, able to escape the pocket when needed, and consistently deliver the ball to his playmakers, finishing with two touchdown passes.

“Our coaches had a great game plan all week, and we were just executing it,” Gardner said. “We played with confidence all night, and I think it showed, especially in the first half. The pass to Robert Young, I saw man coverage and knew Robert one-on-one can beat anyone, so I just threw it and gave Robert a chance to come down with it.”

Phoenix

Phoenix running back Travis Hoopes

Hoopes was the Phoenix standout player, both as a running back and kick returner. His tough running and speed excited the Phoenix, and he turned the team’s early miscues into positive plays later in the game. Offensively the Phoenix got better each quarter, and the offensive line started to open holes in the running game, led by Ethan Roghaar and Blake Rawson.

On the defensive side for the Phoenix, Gavin Burton, Jett Salmon, Afu Fiefia, and Tanner Nielsen played outstanding.

photos courtesy James Tate