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SALT LAKE CITY — Austin Kafentzis had 279 yards of total offense and six touchdowns leading Jordan to a 58-2 win over Syracuse to claim the 5A state championship.
This is Jordan's 12th state championship and their first since 1994.
"Words can't really describe it now," says Austin Kafentzis. "It's an amazing feeling right now holding this trophy right now. It's just crazy."
Jordan set a Utah state record for points in the first half of a state championship game with 51.
The Beetdiggers had 398 yards of total offense in the first half while holding Syracuse to just 22 yards.
"We just played an outstanding game today," says Tyler Swan who led the team in tackles with 10 and forced a fumble. "It's an incredible feeling."
Clay Moss rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns and Mason Krueger caught five passes for 133 yards and two scores.
Kafentzis completed a remarkable sophomore season with a state championship. He finished the season with 2,860 yards passing and 31 touchdowns along with 1,689 yards rushing and 23 scores on the ground.
"We came out and executed what our coaches taught us," he said about their dominant championship performance. "We listened to them and played 100 percent how we were taught."
The Syracuse defense came into this game giving up just nine points per game and only gave up more than two touchdowns in one game this season. But it was the Jordan defense that controlled this game forcing a fumble that set up a touchdown and a sack and forced fumble that caused a safety.
The Jordan defense didn't give up any points and allowed the Titans only 62 yards of total offense.
"Everybody underestimated our defense this year," Kafentzis said after the game. "We definitely came out and proved to them that our defense is No. 1 in the state."
That statement is hard to argue after their championship performance. After hoisting the championship trophy thoughts quickly turned to next season. The Beetdiggers return several starters including Kafentzis and Krueger and they believe they can repeat as champions next year.
"I really think we are," says Krueger. "If we just keep working hard all through the summer like we did last year I think we have a great shot."
