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SALT LAKE CITY — Desert Hills used defense and special teams to knock off defending champion Dixie 21-14 to earn a spot in the 3AA championship.
The Thunder defense held Dixie to just 175 yards of total offense, sacking quarterback Ammon Takau six times and forcing two turnovers.
"We just have a lot of athletes on defense," said Desert Hills head coach Carl Franke. "They play well and they were able to lock it down when we needed it."
Desert Hills scored on a 48-yard punt return by Braden Reber with no time left on the clock in the second quarter to give the Thunder a 7-0 at the half.
"I just saw open grass," Reber said about his big play. "I just saw the team, saw my blockers and just read it."
The Dixie defense set up their first score in the third quarter when Shad Pulsipher sacked Desert Hills quarterback Nick Warmsley, forcing a fumble that Braxton Ipson recovered at the Desert Hills 6-yard line.
Dixie quarterback Ammon Takau scored moments later and the game was tied at 7.
Dixie scored on their next drive in the third quarter on a 12-yard run by Konner Aitken that gave the Flyers a 14-7 lead. Desert Hills evened the score on the ensuing kickoff when Zac Fuchs took the kickoff and returned it 92 yards for a touchdown.
A 1-yard run by Bridger Cowdin gave the Thunder a 21-14 lead and the defense made sure that lead would hold.
Dixie's final two possessions were ended by interceptions. Jacob Gabriel picked off a pass by Takau clinching victory for the Thunder.
"It's so good to finally be here," said defensive end Jake Wagner, who had two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. "All our hard work paid off and we couldn't have done it without our team. It's a team effort."
Desert Hills will face Pine View in an all St. George championship game Friday at 6:30 p.m.
