High school football: Finai leads Kearns over Granger

KEARNS — J.R. Finai ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more as he led Kearns to a 53-13 thumping of Granger for the Cougars' first victory in three tries this year.

"He's a smart kid. A tough kid," said Kearns head coach Bill Cosper, referring to Finai, his junior quarterback. "He's a talented individual. He's done a good job."

Finai threw for 92 yards on 6-of-12 passing with one interception. He also rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries.

Jonathan Bolden added 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 rushes for the Cougars.

"We challenged the kids to keep them from scoring in the second half," Cosper said. "We told them the only way they can beat us is if they score. If they don't score, they can't beat us."

The Cougars met Cosper's challenge and then some. Kearns forced the Lancers into three turnovers in the second quarter and early in the third. Granger quarterback Nico Meza, who completed six passes on 22 attempts for 133 yards, was picked off twice and Ian Mallory fumbled away the second half's opening kickoff.

"You hope to make plays in all areas," Cosper said, adding he was pleased to see scores offensively, defensively and on special teams.

Finai's one-yard touchdown run capitalized on Mallory's fumble to give Kearns a 21-13 lead with 10:27 to play in the third quarter. Not 45 seconds later, Finai scored on a five-yard run to take advantage of Meza's second pick.

Meza's numbers were skewed slightly by two long pass plays. He hit Maiko Giles for a 72-yard touchdown strike with 3:28 in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7, and he hit Jordan Ujehly with a 36-yard pass on the next Lancers possession to help set up Kaimana Wright's six-yard touchdown run that gave Granger a 13-7 lead with 11:02 to play in the second.

Bolden's score came on a 14-yard run for the Cougars with 12 seconds to play in the third. His touchdown gave Kearns a 34-13 lead. After the Kearns defense forced Granger to a three-and-out, Keanu Solovi returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown and a 41-13 Kearns lead.

Finai hit Sammy Sweat from 18 yards out for another Cougars' touchdown. The pass gave Kearns a 47-13 lead with 9:02 to play. The final score came on Brady Sawsak's 55-yard return of a Jordan Hernandez interception with 8:23 to play. The score was enough to trigger the mercy rule and the clock ran the rest of the way.

"I think (the Lancers) have talent," Cosper said. "I think they're going to surprise some people this year."

He said he was impressed with Granger's ability to take advantage of the two big pass plays for scores.

Kearns will host Riverton on Friday while Granger returns home to face Skyline.