The Hive Sports

by James Tate

In a hard-fought clash between undefeated programs from neighboring states, the Rigby (ID) Trojans outlasted the Syracuse (UT) Titans 42–38 on Friday night in a game that lived up to its billing. The defending Idaho 6A champions leaned on a bruising ground attack led by senior Amani Morel and a timely, opportunistic defense to secure the win. Morel powered the Trojans with four rushing touchdowns, consistently churning out tough yards between the tackles.

Senior quarterback Jacob Flowers, a three-star recruit per 247 Sports, added balance to Rigby’s offense with a touchdown pass, a rushing score, and several clutch runs to extend drives. His poise under pressure helped the Trojans maintain momentum in critical moments, especially during a tense fourth quarter.

Syracuse, backed by a packed home crowd, suffered its first loss of the season and now sits at 3–1 in non-region play. Junior quarterback Ledger Wight turned in a standout performance, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more, keeping the Titans within striking distance until the final seconds.

Morel (l) and Flowers (r)

First half fireworks

The offenses wasted no time showcasing their firepower. Syracuse struck first, capitalizing on a deep connection from Wight to senior wideout Tanner Merrill that set up a 45-yard field goal by senior kicker Skylar Orton. The Titans took an early 3–0 lead, but Rigby answered with authority.

On the very next drive, Morel found daylight and barreled through the Titans’ defense for a 41-yard touchdown run, giving the Trojans a 7–3 edge and setting the tone for a back-and-forth first half.

The Titans responded with another promising drive, marching deep into Rigby territory behind a mix of quick passes and hard-nosed runs. But just as Syracuse threatened to retake the lead, the Trojans’ defense delivered a momentum-shifting blow. A well-timed hit jarred the ball loose near the red zone, and senior linebacker Tucker Clark pounced on the fumble at the 10-yard line, halting the Titans’ surge and giving the Trojans momentum.

Syracuse opened up its offense in the second quarter, starting with a 17-yard touchdown strike from Wight to Merrill at the 7:44 mark. The score was set up by a pair of bruising runs from senior running back Ryker Van Komen and Wight himself, who kept the Trojans’ defense guessing with his mobility. The Titans’ lead now stood at 10-7 after a successful 2-point conversion with 4:21 left in the second quarter.

Madden Nelson

The Trojans looked to respond, but momentum shifted sharply when Titans senior defensive back Madden Nelson read a deep ball from Jacob Flowers and came down with a crucial interception. The Titans wasted no time capitalizing.

On the very next possession, Wight broke loose for a 76-yard touchdown run, slicing through the Trojans’ defense and igniting the home crowd. But the Trojans refused to let the game slip away. They answered with a methodical drive capped by Morel’s one-yard plunge, his second score of the night, trimming the deficit to 18–14 with just 1:17 remaining in the half.

Syracuse wasn’t done. An electrifying kickoff return by Merrill, combined with a costly pass interference penalty against the Trojans, quickly put the Titans back in scoring position. With just 15 seconds left before halftime, Wight rolled left and found sophomore receiver Parker Moffat wide open in the end zone for another Titans touchdown, sending Syracuse into the break with a 25–14 lead and a surge of momentum.

Amani Morel

Third quarter, the Trojans’ defense takes control

The Titans opened the second half with possession, but Rigby’s defense came out firing. A quick three-and-out set the tone, and the Trojans wasted no time flipping the script.

On their first offensive series of the half, Flowers launched a 70-yard bomb to McKree Farnsworth, who outran the Titans’ secondary for a momentum-shifting touchdown. The score cut Syracuse’s lead to 25–21 with 7:34 remaining in the third quarter.

Rigby’s defense continued to assert itself. On the Titans’ next possession, senior linebacker Cannon Korth snagged an interception off a tipped pass deep in Syracuse territory, giving the Trojans prime field position. Just two plays later, Flowers found daylight up the middle and sprinted 13 yards into the end zone, giving Rigby the lead, 28–25 at the 6:20 mark.

The Titans answered quickly, with Wight connecting with Moffat for their second touchdown hookup of the night, a 30-yard strike that reclaimed the lead, 31–28, with 3:32 left in the third quarter. Moffat’s route precision and Wight’s timing continued to give Rigby’s secondary fits.

But the Trojans weren’t rattled. Flowers orchestrated an 80-yard touchdown drive on the ensuing possession, mixing short gains with a pair of chunk plays to move the chains. Morel capped the drive with his third touchdown of the night, a bruising four-yard run that pushed Rigby back in front, 35–31.

Before the third quarter came to a close, Wight once again showcased his breakaway speed, ripping through the Trojans’ defense for a 75-yard touchdown run, his second score of 70-plus yards on the night. The explosive play sent Titan Nation into a frenzy and gave Syracuse a 38–35 lead heading into the final period, with momentum firmly in their corner.

Ledger Wight

Fourth quarter: A final stand

The only scoring in the fourth quarter came courtesy of Morel, who broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run with 7:40 remaining, his fourth of the night. It proved to be the game-winner, as both defenses tightened up and penalties continued to stall drives on both sides.

Syracuse wasn’t done. With time winding down, the Titans mounted one final push, driving deep into Rigby territory and reaching the 5-yard line. But just as the upset seemed within reach, disaster struck, a fumble ended the drive and sealed the Trojans’ 42–38 victory.

Rigby’s goal-line stand preserved their undefeated record and reinforced their status as Idaho’s top-ranked team, while Syracuse walked away with hard-earned respect and a performance that showed they can hang with anyone.

photos courtesy of James Tate