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SMITHFIELD — The Sky View Bobcats remain undefeated after beating the Ridgeline Riverhawks 23-22 at home Friday night.
The Bobcats held off a persistent Riverhawks offense late in the game, coming up with key defensive stops and giving their offense opportunities to make plays.
Easton Ballard, who played an important role on the Bobcats' defense, intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the third quarter to swing momentum in his team's favor.
"Once that ball came out of the quarterback's hand, I knew it was mine, and I saw the end zone and nothing was stopping me," Ballard said.
Sky View relied heavily on their defense, especially late in the game.
The Bobcats stopped a potential game-tying touchdown on fourth-and-goal, then were put back on the field after a short offensive possession. After Ridgeline's Nate Dahle scored a touchdown that brought the score to 23-22 with just one minute left to play, the defense prevented the offense from converting the go-ahead 2-point conversion.
After a successful onside kick, Ridgeline needed just a few yards to be within range of a potential game-winning field goal. But Sky View held strong, forced a turnover on downs, and won the game.
"We definitely have a lot to learn, but we're gritty," said Sky View's Brevin Egbert, who scored both offensive touchdowns and both 2-point conversions for his team.
JT White, Ridgeline's running back, had great success in past games but was held to relatively little success Friday. Most of the Riverhawks' offensive production came through the air.
Ballard explained that his team studied Ridgeline's film, recognized their sets, and were able to determine whether plays would be pass or run. He said that was key to stopping White and Ridgeline's rushing offense, while adding that "players make plays."
Both teams entered the region game with a perfect 4-0 record on the year, and the results of the game could have important implications in crowing a region champion at the end of the season.
Ridgeline returns home to face Green Canyon next week, and Sky View hosts Bear River in the second week of region play.
