Wootton scores 5 touchdowns

HYRUM — Mountain Crest's 55-28 victory over Sky View on Wednesday was special for several reasons. In the final home game for 24 seniors, the Mustangs (8-1, 6-0) earned their first undefeated region championship in 10 years in convincing fashion. Mountain Crest will host a playoff game next Friday against Murray, Cyprus or Granger.

For coach Mark Wootton, the night was a little extra special because his son, Brady, the starting running back, had the game of his life. Wootton carried the ball 11 times for 169 yards, rushing for three touchdowns and catching three passes for 103 yards and two more touchdowns.

"It was an emotional night," coach Wootton said. "(Five touchdowns) is a great game. It gets a little embarrassing because he gets quite a bit of credit, but (Brady) Zimmerman and our offensive line did a great job. Brady has great speed so it looks really neat. But kids are making plays and putting him in a position to be successful."

Wootton, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior, electrified fans with an 80-yard hook-and-ladder play in the first quarter and an 89-yard screen pass from Zimmerman in the second quarter. He also scored on a 4-yard run, a 6-yard pass from Zimmerman and another 23-yard run.

Wootton said his team was successful because of preparation and hard work in the offseason. He said Wednesday's game was his best ever. He had scored four touchdowns on two occasions this season. On the big plays, he credited his teammates for making things happen.

"It was fun but tiring," Wootton said. "It seemed like my blockers were beating me down the field."

Thanks to Wootton and company, the Mustangs jumped up 21-0 right away and led 42-14 at the half. Sky View helped dig a hole for itself as Jace Hill was picked off twice and both interceptions were returned for touchdowns in the first half. The first was a 34-yard return by Brad Bybee and the second was a 59-yard return by Phil Rutledge. By the end of the game, the Bobcats posted five turnovers. Things were going so well for the Mustangs that execution seemed like second nature.

"It's real big. Our kids came out and executed. We seemed to have the right calls at the right time. The kids just played well," coach Wootton said.

Despite the turnovers, the Bobcats (6-3, 4-2) got a big performance from Hill, who finished the night with 247 yards passing, three touchdowns and another TD rushing. Receiver Kevin Smith also caught seven passes for 103 yards and one touchdown.

With a lopsided score in the fourth quarter, the game turned a little stale as several personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conducts were called on both teams.