High school football: Ram defense prevails over Bountiful

BOUNTIFUL — As Highland High prepared for its first-round state playoff game against Bountiful, it became apparent the Rams were facing a near mirror-image of themselves.

Ferocious defense with a strong interior line and attacking linebackers? Check. Grinding, conservative ground game? Check.

The two teams were evenly matched in most areas of their matchup, with one play quickly swinging the winning pendulum in favor of the Rams as they came away with a 12-10 win.

The Rams looked defeated, trailing 10-9 with just under four minutes remaining in the game. They had sabotaged themselves with 14 penalties for 135 yards, and it appeared they were going to lose their second straight first-round playoff game. They couldn't get anything going against Bountiful's defense and were forced to punt from deep in their own territory.

"We kept telling each other to believe," said Highland quarterback Nick Orchard.

And for good reason. The punt return was muffed and the Rams took possession on the Bountiful 15-yard line. That set up freshman Hayes Hicken's game-winning 32-yard field goal, his second field goal of the game.

Highland can thank its defense for the win. They lived in the Bountiful backfield, holding the Braves to a measly 107 total yards for the game, surrendering only 30 in the second half.

"Our defense stepped up and finished it. I don't know what happened, but our line came out and dominated," said Orchard.

The defensive line, anchored by Latu Heimuli, Ono Tafisi, Muli Kinikini and Toi Taufa, controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed linebackers Bridger Walzer, Sam Nielson and safety Zach Baucom to feed on Bountiful running backs.

Bountiful's defense was every bit as good, stuffing the run for a good part of the game. Highland made some halftime adjustments and started throwing the deep ball with effectiveness. Orchard connected with 6-foot-4 Nate Fakahafua for a 37-yard touchdown that should have tied the game at 10, but Bountiful's Helam Heimuli blocked the point-after try.

The Braves built a 10-0 lead in the first half on a touchdown pass from Drew Miner to Cullen Clark and a 34-yard field goal by Joe Lake. But for the most part of the evening, the offense was unable to muster any consistent drives.

"Our defense has been that way all year. They're just a bunch of tough, nasty kids," said Highland coach Brodie Benson.