4A high school football: Rams overcome turnovers, coast past Orem

Highland's defense took advantage of the woeful Orem offense as the Rams coasted to a 34-0 victory in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs at

Highland on Friday evening.

"Our defense held tough," said Rams head coach Brody Benson. "That really showed a lot of class."

Despite turning the ball over three times in the first half, the Rams managed to keep the Tigers well out of the end zone. Orem's only scoring opportunities came in the form of missed Curtis Killpack field goals. His attempts, which came at distances of 32 and 37 yards, both missed wide left.

"We hadn't had a problem with turnovers all year, so it was new for us," Benson said. He added the defense shut the Tigers down when it had to and he was proud of that. "Our defense has been doing that all year."

Highland was led by quarterback Mason Keller, who ran for 70 yards on 12 carries. His rushing totals complimented his eight-for-16 passing performance that accounted for 112 yards.

Toi Taufa added 64 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries for the Rams.

Orem's numbers weren't quite as impressive. The Tigers were held to just 30 passing yards as quarterback Harrison Gray threw six completions on 18 attempts. Keenan Karrati rushed for 34 yards on 11 carries.

Taufa opened the scoring for the night as his one-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 1 gave Highland a 7-0 lead. The run capped an 85-yard, 11-play drive with 5:41 to play in the first quarter.

The Rams made it 14-0 when Sione Fainu scampered 68 yards for a touchdown with 6:42 to play in the second. Highland needed only four plays to travel 80 yards in the scoring drive.

Christopher Lloyd made it 21-0 when he scored on a 38-yard run for Highland with 7:17 to play in the third, and Taufa's 10-yard touchdown run with 1:13 to play in the third made it 28-0.

Colby Earl found the end zone from eight yards out with five minutes to play to make it 34-0.

Benson said he felt the game was closer than it could have been for much of the first half. He gave credit to Orem for hanging around and forcing the three turnovers, which came in the form of two fumbles and an interception.

"Orem is a tough team," he said.

Benson said he is excited for the next round.

"We left some points on the field tonight," Benson said. "But our kids work hard. This gives us a chance to enjoy this one tonight and then get back to work tomorrow. We're going to work hard at practice."