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SALT LAKE CITY — The big story in high school football last week was the end of the longest winning streak in state history. The Duchesne Eagles saw their state record 48-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the North Summit Braves. A failed two-point conversion was the difference in the 14-12 score.
While it's certainly disappointing for the Eagles to experience defeat for the first time since 2010, it’s a time for that team, school and community to celebrate an incredible run.
At the time the streak ended it was the fourth-longest in the country. They didn't always just beat up on Class 1A teams either. They played Class 2A and Class 3A teams along the way and held their own against larger schools. They found a way to consistently win close games.
It will be very difficult for any program in this state to make that type of run again.
Top five performers of the week
Britain Covey, QB, Timpview
Covey led the Thunderbirds to an impressive win over Mission Hills, California, 42-28, and put on quite a show doing it. He rushed for 279 yards and six touchdowns on just 20 carries.
Jonathon Ficken, WR/DB, Tooele
Tooele won a big game over rival Grantsville Friday thanks in part to Ficken's effort. He intercepted two passes on defense and also got the job done offense catching two touchdown passes in the 21-0 victory.
Jaren Hall, QB, Maple Mountain
He’s just a junior and that should have Maple Mountain fans excited about the future. He threw for 374 yards and five touchdown passes in a 50-36 loss to Sky View.
Wyatt Barrus, LB, Grantsville
Barrus left it all on the field Friday making 18.5 tackles in a 21-0 loss to Tooele.
Kade Cloward, DB, Bingham
Cloward played with a heavy heart Thursday night after his grandfather passed away earlier in the week. Cloward, with the support of his teammates, dedicated the game to his grandfather and he went out and intercepted two passes in Bingham’s 31-7 win over Herriman.
Five games to watch
No. 21 Bingham vs. No. 1 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) Friday, 5:30 p.m.
The rankings above are not state rankings — they are national rankings. Bingham has an opportunity to play against the No. 1-ranked team in the country. The Miners are excited to represent Utah on a national stage and a win would say a lot about where Utah high school football stands nationally.
No. 3 Jordan at No. 4 Pleasant Grove, Friday, 7 p.m.
Austin Kafentzis and the Beetdiggers are coming off an impressive 42-26 win at East. Now they face a ranked 5A opponent on the road. Pleasant Grove just returned from California where it represented Utah well with a 49-36 win over Torrey Pines. This is a rematch of last year’s 5A quarterfinals, a game Jordan won, 62-42.
Davis at Taylorsville, Friday, 7 p.m. (KSL.com Game Night Live Game of the Week)
Taylorsville is no longer a 5A football format. Rod Wells and his staff have transformed that program into a winner. The Warriors can take another step with a win over a well-respected and well-coached program like Davis.
Logan at No. 5 Bountiful, Friday, 7 p.m. (KJZZ)
These two teams have a long history together and have had several great regular-season and playoff battles. They will battle again Friday night on KJZZ in a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff game won by the Grizzlies, 22-17.
Westlake at No. 2 Corner Canyon, Friday, 7 p.m.
These two new schools haven’t been playing football very long, but both have enjoyed a lot of success in their brief history. Corner Canyon has been dominant in two games and looks like a 4A contender. Westlake suffered through a losing season last year in its transition to 5A, and with super sophomore QB Chaz Ah-You the Thunder are looking to prove that they are ready to compete in 5A’s deep and talented Region 4.
