From Deseret News archives:
High school football: Bengals sack Huskies to claim playoff spot
On the heels of an energetic offense and some key defensive plays, it was the Bengals who got the best of the Huskies on senior night defeating them 31-14 and earning a spot in the upcoming state-tournament.
"We're going to the playoffs and it feels great," said senior running back A.J. Allen following the victory.
Brighton was able to get the game going in the first quarter with a 6-play drive spanning 48 yards. With favorable field position, junior quarterback Jace Felix was able to connect with junior wide receiver Tyler Zaelit for a 21-yard gain that was finally brought down at the 2-yard line. Two plays later, Felix ran a 1-yard keeper to put the Bengals up 7-0.
Brighton scored on its next two drives, led by Allen who finished the night with eight carries for 62 yards and three touchdowns.
Hillcrest did manage to run across some good fortune and get on the board just before the half.
Taking advantage of a Bengal fumble, Hillcrest began its drive just 28 yards from the goal-line and just under 1:00 to play. On third down and five, senior running back Anthony Biven was able to break loose for an 18-yard gain leaving the Huskies inside the 2-yard line. Two plays later, senior quarterback Kolby Koplin was able sneak in a one yard carry for the touchdown putting Brighton ahead 21-7 at the half.
The halftime speech must have been inspirational because the Huskies came out with a whole new energy. On the first drive to open the third quarter, Hillcrest put together nine plays and 73 yards that was ultimately capped off by 6-yard strike from Koplin to senior wide receiver Colby Brklacich. With almost a full half to play, the Huskies found themselves only down by 7.
After a three-and-out stance, the Huskies' next drive picked up right where their last one left off. Thirteen plays later, Hillcrest had driven the full length of the field and found itself in a position to tie the game. It was first and goal from the six-yard line and momentum was displaying itself.
But the Bengal defense put an immediate stop to that momentum. After two huge stops the Huskies were now staring at a third and goal situation from the 4-yard line. Say hello to Brighton junior lineman Ricky Heimuli. Koplin tried to roll out to his right side but Heimuli was right there to bring him down 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage forcing the Huskies to settle for a field goal that ended up missing wide.
Heimuli's sack was the turning point in the game that gave Brighton all the boost it needed. The Bengals scored two more times and kept the Huskies in check to claim the victory.
