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SALT LAKE CITY — Roy football returns to the 4A championship game for the first time since 1981 after giving Corner Canyon its first loss of the season, winning 39-0.
“We just found some ways to get points. Hopefully we can keep doing that,” Roy head coach Fred Fernandes said. “I thought the passing game was really good early and then the running game came around a little later.”
The Royals had 429 yards of total offense, with 308 yards coming in the passing game behind an impressive performance from senior Cody Hobbs. Hobbs finished the game with 181 yards and one touchdown on five catches.
Hobbs was also an integral part of a Roy defense that forced Corner Canyon to punt 10 times. Hobbs added six total tackles, one sack, two tackles for a loss of 7 yards and a fumble recovery in the second half.
“I’ve said this almost every game we’ve played, it doesn’t matter whether we’re on offense or defense he’s (Hobbs) the best player on the football field,” Fernandes said. “He was our all-region MVP, and he just showed why. He’s a force on both sides of the ball. He’s not getting a lot of attention, but the kid can flat out play football.”
We set this goal at the beginning of the year, but we knew we had to work hard towards this goal. I'm just really excited.
–Matty Matautia
Roy was able to effectively put points on the board behind their two running backs Baby Tee Eteuati and Matty Matautia, who combined for 134 rushing yards. Eteuati lead the team with 68 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, with Matautia not far behind with 66 yards and two touchdown on seven carries.
“We set this goal at the beginning of the year, but we knew we had to work hard towards this goal,” Matautia said. “I’m just really excited.”
Roy last made it to the 4A championship game in 1981, beating Bountiful 17-13 for its only title win in school history.
“Obviously we’re real happy about it, especially coming from where we came from,” Fernandes said. “I heard a chant behind me saying, ‘We want Timpview.’ I never thought I’d hear that.”
“It means a lot,” Eteuati said. “We haven’t been back. Our team worked very hard all season and we put in the work.”
The Royals will play the winner of the Timpview-Woods Cross game on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
