High school football: Juan Diego intercepts any chance of Springville win

DRAPER — Juan Diego's best offense was its defense as the Soaring Eagle took three interceptions to the end zone en route to a 34-7 win over the Springville Red Devils Friday night.

The Soaring Eagle were led by Cayden Sanchez, who scored on both offense and defense.

"We didn't have many chances because we kept scoring on the defensive end," Juan Diego coach John Colosimo said after the game. "It was a great effort by our defensive backs, taking away (is) what they like to do."

Midway through the first quarter, Juan Diego turned two minutes of football into a 20-0 lead. Brock Garn punched in a touchdown from the one on a play that was set up by a 53-yard Sanchez dash to the goal line. On Springville's next offensive snap, a slant pass was tipped into Sanchez's waiting arms, which he carried 23 yards for a 14-0 lead.

Four plays later, yet another Payton Thorpe pass was tipped, this time to Juan Diego's Chandler Krachunm, who covered 53 yards for the third touchdown in just under two minutes and a 20-0 lead after a missed extra point.

Later in the third quarter, Soaring Eagle Sharrieff Shah would step in front of a pass for a pick and a 32-yard touchdown return. Juan Diego would finish with six interceptions on the night.

Springville finally broke through on offense halfway through the second quarter, thanks to the combination of quarterback Thorpe and receiver Jaylon Miyasaki. The two connected on a 65-yard pass that brought the Red Devils to the three, and again to finish the drive for a 20-7 deficit.

The Red Devils threatened again after forcing a Juan Diego three and out but were unable to convert despite a first-and-goal. Cayden Sanchez knocked down a pass intended for Miyasaki on third down and Ryan Murray's field goal attempt missed wide.

The Soaring Eagle managed to mount a drive to midfield as the half drew to a close, but it was there that Springville defensive tackle John Topou racked up his third and fourth sacks of the half to end the threat.

Kayden Sanchez would punch in a touchdown, this time from his running back spot, to open the third.

Nico Hardman would pick off Thorpe deep in his own territory in the fourth, effectively ending the Red Devils' last chance at bringing the score closer. Thorpe, filling in for Steve Bate, would lead the team to the red zone again, only to fall short on a fourth-and-goal.

The offensive miscues dampened what was a strong defensive night for Springville, led by John Topou's four sacks. The Red Devils forced a turnover late, separating Brock from the ball just as the third quarter was coming to a close.