Saturday Morning Quarterback

Over a million young athletes in the nation will throw on a jersey, pads, cleats and helmets this fall. It's the hopes, dreams, struggles and friendships that characterize everything that high school football represents.

Last night those elements fell into place once again here in Utah with the season's kickoff. One of those openers included was a dramatic win from the East Leopards over Snow Canyon. In the losing effort absolute everything (and future Cougar) Adam Timo who has switched to QB this year rushed for 3 TDs with 198 yards on 27 carries for the Warriors. Getting Timo into a blue jersey just can't seem to come quick enough.

In a tight contest and stunning upset Skyline upended Bingham 24-17. The Eagles came up strong with back to back QB sacks to seal the victory for Skyline. Bingham Miner and Cougar recruit tight end Remington Peck did not play in the matchup. Skyline's QB Kevin Wagstaff said "We definately felt like an underdog. We wanted to make a statement and we did that".

Nailbiters were definately abound friday. The defending state champions Timpview Thunderbirds traveled to the Pleasant Grove Vikings and experienced exactly that in a major defensive struggle. One could only hold their breath. Showcased in the Thunderbird secondary is future Cougar recruit Craig Bills. Timpview's defense came up huge with five sacks and were able to stop the Vikings four times inside the 10. The Thunderbird's came out victorious 10-6 and will play next Spanish Fork. Pleasant Grove will next matchup against Provo.

At the Jordan new turf there was a wild shootout with Northridge Knight's coming out on top 41-37. Over 780 yards of offense were presented to the avid spectators. Northridge safety/WR and possible cougar recruit Chris Washington provided much of the entertainment with numerous clutch plays as shown de-helmeting below. The beetdiggers loaded up the box holding BYU recruit Peni Maka'afi to 16 carries and 63 yards.

In a matchup of last years 4A state championship game the Pineview Panthers were able to return the favor in a 28-6 beating over Mountain View. Panther kick returner Tanner Wood began the payback taking a 95 yard return to the house. Late in the game both Bruins' powerbacks TJ Mounga and cougar commit Anthony Heimuli were out with injuries limiting Mountain Views options. The "A-Train" finished with 184 yards on 14 attempts (gotta absolutely love that carry average of over 13 per carry!). Next up for Mountain will be West Jordan.