1A high school football championship: Rich defense rises to occasion

SANDY — Although quarterback Bradley Holmes racked up 399 all-purpose yards for the Rich Rebels in the 25-0 win over Duchesne in the 1A championship game, it was the Rebel defense that stole the show.

It was a snowy battle at Alta Saturday afternoon, and the Randolph-based team took advantage of having a home field in the coldest town in Utah on the way to holding the Eagles to just 100 yards of total offense.

"Our defense has played great all year," said Rich head coach Ashley Brown. "We've got 11 guys all over the ball."

The defensive squad allowed just 16 yards of total offense in the first half, as it forced three fumbles and three interceptions while posting a shutout.

The Rebels pinned Duchesne against their own goal line much of the game, twice tackling the Eagles for safeties.

Senior defensive back Clint Cornelison grabbed two of the picks, both in the second half.

"I was just hoping I'd catch it," said Cornelison. "It was pretty icy."

The snow did affect the game, as the teams combined for 12 fumbles and had one sequence in which possession changed on three consecutive plays.

A solid defensive effort wasn't a new addition for the Rebels, though. The Rich squad has allowed an average of eight points per game and did not give up more than 14 points in any single game.

After six straight seasons without a title, the Rebels were happy to be back on top.

"We were just glad to finally get the job done," Cornelison said. "We've been dreaming of this since we were in elementary school."

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