High school football: Both offenses struggle as Provo downs Westlake

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It took Provo and Westlake a quarter and a half before they decided it was a good time to open region play Friday night. Both offenses struggled, while the referees' yellow hankies were frequently strewn across the field as penalties plagued the two sides throughout the first half. Ultimately, Provo emerged with a 28-23 win over the Thunder to secure its first Region 7 victory of the season.

"It wasn't a pretty game, but the number one thing is that we got the victory," said Provo coach Saia Pope after the game. "Have to hand it to Westlake, they have a new school, a new coach and a good team."

After Provo (1-0, 3-1) marched down into the Westlake (0-1, 1-3) red zone early in the second quarter the flags began to fly. A holding call against the Bulldogs erased a touchdown, but a pass interference call on the Thunder later in the drive on a fourth-down play gave the Bulldogs a second chance to get on the board. Provo quarterback Matt Griner then took matters into his own hands, sprinting ahead for a 15-yard touchdown run to put his team up 7-0.

Midway through the second quarter the Bulldogs again found themselves in Thunder territory after a 37-yard punt return by Maka Unufe. Unfortunately for Provo the Thunder had other plans, as Griner was hit from behind, forcing him to cough up the football. Westlake recovered the fumble, taking over possession with just over three minutes to go in the half.

Thunder quarterback John Ursua led his team down the field, hitting receivers Brandon Aldstadt and Tre Ofahengaue to move the chains and set up a first-and-goal from the eight-yard line. Although unable to tie the score with a touchdown, the Thunder converted a 23-yard field goal by Trey Dougher to cut the lead to 7-3 at the half.

The second half was a completely different story as both teams came out firing. Provo struck first on a pass from Griner into the flat where Unufe caught the ball, shook a tackler, and went 85 yards for the score. Westlake returned the favor on its next possession with an 80-yard pass to Brock Hillstead for a touchdown.

Late in the fourth quarter after the Bulldogs clung to a 28-16 lead. Westlake proceeded to hit pay dirt when Ursua found Aldstadt again, this time in the end zone to pull within five, 28-23. Provo was able to run the clock, and the ball, down to the Thunder one-yard line with just eight seconds remaining in the game. However, rather than take a knee, Griner mishandled the snap and Westlake recovered the ball. Needing 99 yards to win the game, with just seconds remaining, Ursua rolled right and found a receiver on a short pass. The play quickly turned into a host of laterals with Provo finally making the tackle around midfield.