SALT LAKE CITY — Orem needed a spark Friday night, and senior quarterback Tayden Kaʻawa made sure they got it.
The Tigers handed Springville its first loss of the season in a 17-14 battle, thanks to Ka'awa's poise and timely playmaking.
After falling behind 7-0, the Alabama commit responded with a 51-yard strike to Baylor pledge Kai Wesley, swinging momentum back to the Tigers. Then midway through the third quarter, Kaʻawa found Kaue Akana to make the score 17-0 . That touchdown proved to be the difference.
Earlier this year, Ka'awa gave his verbal commitment to Alabama, making him one of the few Utah high school quarterbacks ever to pledge to the SEC powerhouse.
The Tide saw what Orem fans have been watching for years: a strong arm, accuracy in tight windows, and leadership that elevates the players around him. While Tuscaloosa is in his future, Kaʻawa's focus is firmly on helping the Tigers reach their goals this season.
Two touchdown passes. Clutch execution in crunch time. And the confidence to hand Springville its first loss. That's why Orem's Tayden Kaʻawa is KSL.com's high school football player of the week.
