High school football: Win has Rams in Region 6 driver's seat

BOUNTIFUL — A rough start is fast becoming a distant memory for Highland as the Rams have rediscovered the lockdown defensive identity that has been a staple of their football program in past seasons.

Outstanding defensive play helped Highland take control of the Region 6 title chase on Friday night. The Rams held Bountiful to 137 yards of total offense — including just 40 yards in the second half — to grind out a 9-7 victory over the previously unbeaten Braves.

Bountiful's usually reliable ground game completely disappeared as the Braves racked up just 56 rushing yards. And aside from a 59-yard touchdown pass from Ty Talbot to Ryen Pope in the second quarter, Bountiful could not do much against the Rams secondary either.

There's no coincidence that this game felt eerily similar to the 12-10 defeat Highland handed to the Braves in the 4A Tournament a year ago. Rams coach Brody Benson felt like facing them last season helped in preparing for the rematch.

"Our game plan was very similar because their offense — like ours — doesn't change that much," Benson said.

Familiarity certainly didn't help Bountiful in its efforts to contain the Rams' option attack. Toi Taufa racked up 156 yards and Highland's only touchdown on 20 carries.

Mason Keller gained 46 yards on a quarterback keeper at midfield to get the ball down to the Braves' 4-yard line to set up Taufa's score. Taufa punched it in from 3 yards out on fourth down to put Highland up 7-0 with 6:15 left before halftime.

Bountiful had a tough time corralling Taufa on nearly every drive and Keller credited his effort with being a difference maker.

"What can you say about him?" Keller said. "He doesn't stop running. I'm just glad to have him as my teammate and my brother."

Despite gaining 321 yards of total offense, Highland had a tough time finishing drives. Progress down the field ended up being halted by repeated penalties. Those kind of mistakes also helped set up the Braves' lone touchdown.

The Rams had actually forced a three-and-out on the next series after their touchdown drive when they were called for a roughing the punter penalty. It gave Bountiful a critical first down at its own 36-yard line and the Braves cashed in a few plays later on Talbot's touchdown pass to Pope to tie the score at 7-7 with 4:04 to go before halftime.

A game changing play came on Bountiful's opening drive of the third quarter. The Rams had forced another quick Bountiful punt when a bad snap sent the ball over Talbot's head. He sprinted after it and kicked the ball out the back of the end zone to make it 9-7.