The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Farmington Phoenix kicked off the David Fiefia era in emphatic fashion Friday night, storming past the Roy Royals 37-7 in a season-opening road triumph. Fueled by explosive offensive plays and a ferocious defensive effort, the Phoenix showcased a balanced, efficient attack and a stout, suffocating defense. It was a statement win that signaled Farmington’s intent to rise in the ranks this season.

Senior quarterback Will Peterson led the charge with three touchdown passes, while senior running back Drew Love powered the ground game, helping the Phoenix score early and often to bury the Royals in a deep hole. Roy’s lone highlight came in the third quarter, when junior quarterback Rock Speredon connected with junior wide receiver Luke Pebley on a 42-yard touchdown strike.

Will Peterson

Phoenix Strike Fast, Control First Half

The Farmington Phoenix wasted no time asserting its dominance, opening the game with a statement play. On their first offensive series, senior running back Drew Love burst up the middle for a 76-yard touchdown run—his longest career score—which electrified the crowd and set the tone for the night. The touchdown came moments after a tense sequence on special teams: following a defensive stop that forced Roy to punt, the Phoenix returner fumbled the ball, but teammate Ty Runyan was quick to recover, averting a potential momentum shift.

The Phoenix missed the extra point attempt, leaving the score at 6–0 with 7:00 remaining in the first quarter. Roy’s next possession stalled again, ending in another punt that Nielsen fair caught near midfield. From there, Farmington’s offensive line—anchored by McKay Glassey, Brandon Olson, Maxwell Racker, Liam Nilson, and Easton Hunt—took control of the trenches, paving the way for a methodical drive capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Peterson to senior wide receiver Chase Hamblin.

Senior kicker Jaxon Beynon nailed the extra point, extending the Phoenix lead to 13–0 as the first quarter came to a close.

Midway through the second quarter, Farmington delivered another jolt of electricity—this time from deep in their territory. On a crucial down, Peterson connected with junior wide receiver Kava Fiefia on a slant route that turned into a stunning 92-yard touchdown. The play was a dagger to Roy’s hopes of a defensive stop and widened the Phoenix lead to 20–0, sending a wave of momentum through the visiting sideline.

As the half wound down, the Phoenix weren’t finished. Peterson capped off his dominant first-half performance with his third touchdown pass, once again finding Fiefia—this time on a 12-yard strike. With Beynon’s extra point, Farmington entered the locker room firmly in control, leading 27–0 and leaving little doubt about the direction of the game.

Tanner Nielsen

Royals strike, but Phoenix finish

Roy’s lone score came with 3:54 left in the third quarter, when Speredon connected with Pebley on a touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 27–7. But Farmington quickly seized back momentum. Quarterback Will Peterson led a swift response drive, capped by Love’s second touchdown run of the night—a nine-yard burst that extended the lead to 34–7 before the quarter ended.

Beynon added a 23-yard field goal in the fourth to close out the scoring, securing a dominant 37–7 victory for the Phoenix. From start to finish, Farmington controlled the tempo and showcased its depth, talent, and discipline. With this convincing non-region win, the Phoenix sent a clear message: they’re not just contenders—they’re one of the teams to beat in Region 1.

“Coming into the game, the plan was simple: play fast, play physical, and trust each other,” Nielsen said. “We’ve been grinding all summer, and we wanted to set the tone right from the start. I thought the team executed well, everybody did their job, and we fed off each other’s energy all night. Getting this win over Roy feels amazing after last year, and to start 1-0 with Coach Fiefia’s first win makes it even more special. The vibe in the locker room was unreal, we’re hungry, and this is just the beginning. We’re going to keep building, keep working, and keep proving what we can do.”

Outstanding performers

Phoenix

Love powered the Phoenix offense with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, setting the tone for Farmington’s dominant 37–7 win over Roy. Peterson threw three touchdown passes—two to Feifia and one to Hamblin—while Nielsen led the team with five receptions.

On defense, senior linebacker Kash Taylor led the charge with 10 tackles, followed closely by junior defensive lineman Easton Hunt with nine. Sophomore defensive back Luke McGiven capped the night with the game’s only interception, snagging a pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Ange Ahui

Royals

Despite the lopsided score, the Roy Royals had several standout performances in their season opener. The ground game was a group effort, paced by senior Mason Welch’s 32 rushing yards. Through the air, tight end Ange Ahui led all receivers with five catches for 73 yards, while Luke Pebley matched that yardage and added the team’s lone touchdown on a third-quarter grab. Senior quarterback Collin Chapman led the offense with 114 total yards, showing poise under pressure.

Defensively, Pebley was a force on both sides of the ball, racking up a team-high nine tackles. Seniors Drayden Esplin and Carter Riley each contributed six stops, anchoring a Royals defense that battled throughout the night.

photos courtesy of James Tate

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