Cavemen obliterate visiting Alaska

AMERICAN FORK — A battle for state pride ensued Friday night in American Fork, but only one team came to win.

In a game that had little suspense after the first quarter, the bigger, faster, stronger Cavemen scored early and often en route to a 42-7 thumping of the East Alaska Thunderbirds.

"It was just one of those nights where you're a better football team," said Cavemen head coach Davis Knight.

American Fork, coming off a tough loss last week to East High, came out of the gates firing with a pair of Chris Wernli touchdown runs, giving the Cavemen a quick 14-point lead midway through the opening period. BYU-bound receiver Jake Murphy added a spectacular leaping grab in the end zone at the end of the first to put A.F. up 21-0 lead and put the game away.

"After the first quarter then I wanted us to show some discipline and still treat the game with some dignity," Knight said.

Throughout the first half the Cavemen enjoyed the luxury of great field position as a result of long punt returns and Thunderbird turnovers. Near-perfect execution from the offense, mixed with an imposing defense, guaranteed the Cavemen a victory by halftime when they took a 42-0 advantage into the break.

The second half proved worthwhile for American Fork as their backups gained valuable real-game experience.

Junior backup quarterback Jordan Lusk moved the offense effectively late in the first half and all second half against the Thunderbird starters. Lusk found a big target in tight end Marcus Cramer as the pair connected for two touchdowns late in the first half.

"For them (JV players) to get a half of football and to do with a big crowd that will just help them a load," said Knight.

The Cavemen will face a much bigger challenge next week when they travel to California to take on national powerhouse Mater Dei. Mater Dei is currently ranked third nationally.

Knight said he knows his team is going to really have to play well if they are to go down and surprise Mater Dei.

"They're the real deal," he said, referring to Mater Dei. "They deserve all the accolades that they are getting. We are going into a situation where weill be seeing one of the best teams in the nation."

The game against Mater Dei will be the last preseason game before American Fork opens region play against Timpanogos.