Cafe Rio Player of the Game Jack Thompson

OGDEN — The playoffs have begun for high school football; and with 4A, 5A and 6A regions all getting a bye week last week, the Ogden Tigers looked to make a statement in the 3A Region opening round against the Union Cougars.

Though this game had different stakes, these teams played a few weeks prior, with the Tigers being able to handle business with a convincing 48-6 victory over the Cougars.

Our Cafe Rio Player of the Game, Jack Thompson, not only had a great showing in their first matchup this season with 70 receiving yards and a touchdown, but continued that trend in the playoffs. Thompson finished the night with eight receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

One of those touchdowns was caught in the south end zone where his father, along with his family, were watching. Thompson's father, Erick, was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2021 but stepped down as head coach after the 2024 season as his condition became more aggressive.

When asked about being able to catch that touchdown in front of his father, Thompson said: "It means everything to me."

"He taught me everything (I know) about football," he said. "I love playing for him and performing well for him and that makes me the happiest."

With the 42-3 over Union, Ogden locked in their ticket to face Juab in the next round. When asked about his thoughts about the matchup, Thompson said, "They're a tough, physical team, but we feel like we have the dudes to go and beat them."

Ogden's matchup against Juab will be their second time in school history seeing each other. Last time was in the 2021 3A quarterfinals. where Juab got the narrow 31-24 win. Thompson and the Tigers are looking to even the score and avoid repeating history on Friday at 6 p.m.

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