High school football: Trio of backs lifts Tigers over Snow Canyon

ST. GEORGE — Last year was a rough, disappointing season for the Hurricane High football team as it ended up 3-7 with too many close losses.

But coaches put the lessons of last year to good use during the offseason, and the 17 returning seniors are better players for their struggles.

"Taking their bumps and bruises turned them into pretty tough kids," said Hurricane coach Chris Homer after the Tigers defeated Snow Canyon 28-14 Friday night.

The team's toughness showed most in its very effective run game.

Quarterback Jace Langston, running back Gordie Dotson and running back Zach Sorenson took turns shredding the Snow Canyon defense and finished the game with 302 rushing yards. Dotson scored three of the team's touchdowns, including a 29-yard run for the final score.

"Those three kids can all run and even our back-ups are good," said Homer with a smile.

Coaches were worried that last week's double-overtime loss to Pine View would be difficult for the players to overcome this week, especially playing at Snow Canyon on the Warriors' homecoming night.

"That game beat us up mentally and physically," Homer said. "To be that close ... and lose the game, it hurts a little bit."

The players were aware of their coaches' concerns all week long.

"That was a tough loss," said Langston, who had the team's third touchdown, a 1-yard run. "But you can't sit around and mope. "

Dotson, who is Langston's first cousin, said the players tried harder in practice to rid themselves of any disappointment or regret.

"We went harder this week in practice," he said. "We were disappointed, but we worked through it."

Dotson said playing with his cousin not only pushes him harder in practice, but it gives him a valuable ally on the field.

"We're kind of on the same wave length," he said. And as for sharing the backfield with so many talented teammates, he said, "We have plenty of options."

That was not a luxury Snow Canyon had in the game. It relied heavily on senior quarterback, running back, kick returner and punter Adam Timo.

"He's so scary," said Homer.

Timo scored the game's first touchdown — a 72-yard run on third down just two minutes into the game. He also scored the second touchdown just before half time.

At the end of the game, he even lined up as a receiver.

"That was confusing," said defensive back Tyler Ewell, who grabbed two interceptions in the game.

Andrew Johnston played well for the Warriors' defense with an interception and two nice plays where he prevented receivers from catching passes.

Homer said the play of his defensive backs, including Gary Bracken, who intercepted a pass in the end zone, was characteristic of the way his players deliver when it matters most.

"That's how you win games, when your leaders step up," said Homer.

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