Utah Utes football: Former Park City star Tew shines with Falcons

It was a bitter-sweet homecoming for Park City standout Jared Tew.

With about 70 friends and family cheering for him in Falcon blue, Tew first took to Rice-Eccles field as an Air Force team captain and then as one of the reasons Utah had to go to overtime to eke out a 23-16 win Saturday afternoon.

"I was really excited to come back here," said Tew, now a junior fullback with the Air Force Academy. "After growing up going to Utes' games, it was kind of weird being back here as an opponent."

It might have been weird for Tew, but it was definitely uncomfortable for Utah as the former all-stater helped the Falcons control the ground game in regulation. The Falcons rushed for 254 yards, and Tew accounted for 44 of those yards. Utah, in contrast, only managed 100 rushing yards.

Tew also scored the team's only touchdown — a 1-yard run that gave Air Force a 10-6 lead in the first half.

The game however turned in the Utes favor when running back Eddie Wide scored the game-winner on a 1-yard run. Wide also rescued the Utes on two of their six fumbles when he picked up the ball and ran once for a touchdown and once to put them in field goal range.

It was the kind of loss that will hurt for a while, especially when it comes in front of the people who matter most.

"It kind of sucks," Tew said of the loss. "We did some good things, but one or two things could change this whole game. We have to execute the little things."

Utah passed on Tew when he was dominating the high school stats in 2006. He's not bitter but it does provide him extra motivation at times.

"I'd like to say I'm done with that, but it's always in the back of my head," he said with a smile.

At the game was Tew's high school coach Brandon Matich and this year's leading rusher, senior Dylan Chynoweth. The Air Force Academy has offered Chynoweth a scholarship and he was dressed in Falcon colors, as well. When Tew returns to Utah, Matich said he uses his former player's success as an example for his current players.

"It's fun," said Matich. "I told Jared no matter what happens, I'm proud of him. He earned his way here."

Matich admires Tew's work ethic and his commitment to his education, as well as his football skills. It did not escape the coach that Tew was open on the final play when Utah tackled Air Force quarterback Connor Dietz just a few yards shy of a touchdown.

"Jared is a hero to our kids," Matich said. "So many people look up to him in our program."

Tew said he continues to follow the progress of the Miners and was very aware they are 9-1, region champs and could possibly play in Rice-Eccles during the upcoming 3A playoffs.

"It's pretty exciting," he said. "I'm excited to watch them."

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com