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NORTH LOGAN — In a defensive battle that featured just one offensive touchdown, Green Canyon outlasted Salem Hills 12-3 in the second round of the 4A state playoffs.
After trailing 0-3 at the half, Green Canyon's Dewey Egan opened the second half with a 95-yard touchdown return. He later scored again on a long touchdown reception, accounting for all of the Wolves' 12 points — both extra-point attempts were blocked. The senior also tallied an interception as a cornerback in the second half.
"I'm excited, glad we could get some touchdowns," Egan said.
Egan credited his coaches and teammates for the two scores, especially on the kick return where his teammates kept him "untouched" all the way to the end zone.
Green Canyon's defense, led by defensive coordinator Cam Johnson, was integral in the win. Prior to Friday, the Skyhawks averaged 26.5 points per game and had been held to less than 14 points only once this season.
"Our defense has some dogs on it," said senior defensive lineman Will Wheatley, who had more than a few tackles and an interception on the evening. "We're led by the best defensive coach in the state, Cam Johnson. No one runs it like him. He can make stuff up on the fly, he changes stuff, does anything according to their offense, and he's a great man."
The home win meant a lot to the Wolves, who, according to Wheatley, have never advanced to the quarterfinals in the state playoffs before. It meant even more considering that their rival just up the street, the undefeated and top-seeded Sky View Bobcats, will be their next opponent.
The quarterfinal matchup will be the second time the two teams will see each other this season; Sky View conquered Green Canyon in the last contest 21-7.
"That's our rival, that's who I want to play, those kids," Wheatley said. "That's who we want to get back at this year, and I feel great about it. I want to play 'em. There's no one else I'd rather play. I want to go out there and show dominance."
Egan agreed with his teammate: "Feelings are strong there," he said.
The Wolves' quarterfinal matchup will take place at Sky View High next Friday.
