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OGDEN — For years, South Summit has had a reputation as a team that couldn’t find a way to win a championship game.
After Saturday, the Wildcats can put that title safely to bed, because this time, they truly saved their best for last.
A blowout performance saw South Summit score 35 points in the first half as the Wildcats flew by Grand County 42-8 at Stewart Stadium in Ogden on their way to their first football title since 1988.
“It’s been 25 years, and we have been close so many times,” South Summit coach Jerry Parker said. “We’ve had great community support this year, and we needed it (the championship). I’m so happy for everybody.”
The Wildcats scored two minutes into the game, with Carson Freestone scoring on an 18-yard run. Then, three minutes later, Colby Averett scored on a 12-yard run that put South Summit up 14-0. Freestone scored once more on a 5-yard run, giving the Wildcats a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Averett scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter, capping an 11-play, 55-yard drive that gave the Wildcats a 28-0 lead. Then, with 2:46 left in the first half, Ty Jones scored on a 2-yard run that gave South Summit a 35-0 lead at halftime.
South Summit beat Grand County, 42-8, to win its first state title since 1988.
South Summit scored one more touchdown in the second half — a 5-yard run in the third quarter. Grand County registered its only score in the final minute of the game on a 3-yard run by Koi Cook.
The Wildcats rushed for 353 yards in the game, with Averett rushing for 147 yards. Even more amazing was South Summit scoring touchdowns on its first five possessions.
Parker said the final result of the game happened because of the challenge he issued to the offensive line in preparation for the game.
“I challenged our offensive line, and I told them, ‘This one’s on you,’ ” he said. “And they took it to heart. We ran our base plays; the plays we practiced day one is what we ran, and those kids came out and fired out and took care of business.”
The Wildcats' defense also forced four turnovers, including three interceptions.
“I think our defense really held up when we had to play really good teams, like them (Grand)” senior Brad Richins said. “Our defense just really held up, and our offense kicked it in when we had to.”
Now the Wildcats are left to contemplate their first football state title since winning the 1A in 1988.
“This is the 100-year anniversary for our school, and we haven’t had this in 25 years, so it feels awesome just to hold that trophy in our hands,” Richins said.
Also, players like Freestone were left to contemplate what set South Summit apart from the rest of 2A this season.
“I think it was the teamwork and the way that we bonded all through the season (that made us different),” said Freestone, who scored three touchdowns in the game.
When asked how the Wildcats and the rest of Kamas would celebrate the win, Freestone said, “Not sure yet, but I’m sure it’ll be great.”
