Nov. 21 - Alta 21, Bingham 17
Story of the game - QB Ammon Olsen likely solidified his
candidacy as 5A's MVP, engineering a fourth-quarter comeback
from a 17-6 deficit to lift Alta to its second straight 5-A state
football championship.
Alta's best moment -Late in the third quarter, Olson gave his
offense a sideline speech, and suddenly it was him who
became the different player. He led an 80-yard drive, with a
two-point conversion to cut the lead to 17-14. Later, he hit Parker
Webster on a long pass and then scored the game-winner
himself with 34 seconds to play.
Bingham's best moment - The Miners had their chances. Their
defense, especially the line play, dominated Alta most of the
game and held the Hawks to their lowest output of the season.
Alta player said they knew they would rally to win, but few others
did.
What we learned from this game - Check out what Olsen told
his teammates late in the game. This will be how he will be
remembered: "Fourteen minutes and we're done forever. No
more high school football. Do we want to regret it or do we want to
win?"
Next: The championship game ends the season for high school
football in Utah.
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers covered the game, and it was
broadcast on live TV. To read the Deseret News story, click here.
To read the Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To view the
D-News photo gallery, click here. To see the Trib's photos, click
here. For championship game statistics, click here.
Nov. 13 - Alta 42, Syracuse 14
Story of the game - Ammon Olsen shook off last week's
problems, throwing for 263 yards and four TDs as the Hawks
built a 21-0 lead and ripped Syracuse in a 5-A semifinal game at
Rice-Eccles Stadium. Olsen was 8-of-8 for 197 yards and three
TDs in the second half.
Alta's best moment - While the offense shined, the defense (led
by A.I. Ho-Ching) bottled up the Titans, limiting them to just 48
first-half yards. An interception in the end zone by Brandon Weiss
broke the Titans' hearts just before halftime.
Syracuse's best moment - It had to be the second half. The
TItans might have been shell-shocked a little in the opening half,
and couldn't stop the 5-A that most local fans want (Alta vs.
Bingham). But Syracuse will be back.
What we learned from this game - Alta beat a Region 1
opponent for the third straight week and, combined with
Bingham, left no doubt who the top two teams are in 5-A.
Next: Alta advances to the 5-A title game against Bingham at
6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Syracuse finished
with a 10-3 record.
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers, and the Ogden
Standard-Examiner, had reporters and photographers at the
game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read the
Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To read the Standard's
article, click here. To view the D-News photo gallery, click here.
To see the Tribune's photos, click here. To see the Standard's
photos, click here.
Nov. 7 - Alta 21, Davis 20
Story of the game - For the second time this season (see Grant
game), Alta had too many turnovers, but this time the Hawks
managed to win. Alta shook off six turnovers, including four INTs
by QB Ammon Olsen, and rallied from a 20-7 halftime deficit to
edge Davis and reach the 5-A semifinals.
Alta's best moment - Olsen hit TE Drake Eckholdt on a 4-yard
scoring pass with 7:27 left in the game to give the Hawks the
lead. Davis got the ball back, but couldn't move it. The Hawks
then went on another long drive, and held the ball until the end.
Davis' best moment - The Darts defense was outstanding in the
first half. Davis took advantage of Alta's problems as QB threw
pair of touchdown passes to start the upset alert.
What we learned from this game - After such a good showing
last week, the Hawks had to rally to win.
Next: Alta advances to the semifinals and will face Syracuse, the
No. 2 seed from Region 1. Davis is done for the year.
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game. To
read the Deseret News story, click here. To read the Salt Lake
Tribune article, click here.
Oct. 31 - Alta 55, Viewmont 14
Story of the game - Hawks QB Ammon Olsen passed for 296
yards and four TDs (three to Parker Webster) as the team played
a virtually "perfect half" in beating Viewmont in a first-round 5-A
playoff game.
Alta's best moment - Alta led 48-7 at halftime. The offense was
clicking, and everything worked. The defense also got into the
scoring with a 14-yard interception return by Garrett Smart. If Alta
is peaking, that's bad news for everyone else.
Viewmont's best moment - Trailing 7-0, the Vikings put the
home crowd on its edge when QB Ryan Workman broke loose
on a 74-yard TD run. But the Vikings didn't score again until late,
when the game was well out of reach.
What we learned from this game - The result was no real
surprise, but the way Alta did it was impressive. Any scout
attending this game had to be impressed.
2008 results (13-1, 5-0)
Aug. 22 – SPANISH FORK (W 42-6)
Aug. 29 – BINGHAM (W 27-19)
Sept. 5 – at Kearns (W 28-0)
Sept. 12 – at Hunter (W 21-0)
Sept. 20 – at Grant, Calif. (L 28-35)
Sept. 26 – at Skyline* (W 45-21)
Oct. 3 - BRIGHTON* (W 45-0)
Oct. 10 – HILLCREST* (W 38-10)
Oct. 15 – TAYLORSVILLE* (W 45-0)
Oct. 24 – at Jordan* (W 38-36)
-----5-A playoffs-----
Oct. 31 - VIEWMONT (W 55-14)
Nov. 7 - DAVIS (W 21-20)
Nov. 13 - vs. Syracuse (W 42-14)
Nov. 21 - vs. Bingham (W 21-17)
2007 results (13-1, 5-0)
Aug. 17 - at Spanish Fork 44-7
Aug. 24 - at Bingham 20-23
Sept. 1 - vs. Clovis, Calif. 28-12
Sept. 7 - HUNTER 53-12
Sept. 14 - GRANT, Calif. 52-33
Sept. 21 - SKYLINE* 49-7
Sept. 28 - BRIGHTON* 24-7
Oct. 5 - at Hillcrest* 64-7
Oct. 12 - at Taylorsville* 55-7
Oct. 19 - JORDAN* 35-12
-----5-A playoffs-----
Oct. 26 - KEARNS 56-10
Nov. 2 - TIMPANOGOS 35-10
Nov. 9 - vs. Bingham 21-17
Nov. 16 - vs. Layton 19-7
* - Region 2 games
Home games in CAPS
Alta links
* - Alta home page
* - Alta boys basketball page
* - Alta girls basketball page
* - Alta football roster
* - Maxpreps.com team preview
* - Region 2 football preview
* - Alta football preview
* - Alta football history
* - Alta High School website
* - Alta's site on Wikipedia.com
* - Alta football site
Aug. 22 – SPANISH FORK (W 42-6)
Aug. 29 – BINGHAM (W 27-19)
Sept. 5 – at Kearns (W 28-0)
Sept. 12 – at Hunter (W 21-0)
Sept. 20 – at Grant, Calif. (L 28-35)
Sept. 26 – at Skyline* (W 45-21)
Oct. 3 - BRIGHTON* (W 45-0)
Oct. 10 – HILLCREST* (W 38-10)
Oct. 15 – TAYLORSVILLE* (W 45-0)
Oct. 24 – at Jordan* (W 38-36)
-----5-A playoffs-----
Oct. 31 - VIEWMONT (W 55-14)
Nov. 7 - DAVIS (W 21-20)
Nov. 13 - vs. Syracuse (W 42-14)
Nov. 21 - vs. Bingham (W 21-17)
2007 results (13-1, 5-0)
Aug. 17 - at Spanish Fork 44-7
Aug. 24 - at Bingham 20-23
Sept. 1 - vs. Clovis, Calif. 28-12
Sept. 7 - HUNTER 53-12
Sept. 14 - GRANT, Calif. 52-33
Sept. 21 - SKYLINE* 49-7
Sept. 28 - BRIGHTON* 24-7
Oct. 5 - at Hillcrest* 64-7
Oct. 12 - at Taylorsville* 55-7
Oct. 19 - JORDAN* 35-12
-----5-A playoffs-----
Oct. 26 - KEARNS 56-10
Nov. 2 - TIMPANOGOS 35-10
Nov. 9 - vs. Bingham 21-17
Nov. 16 - vs. Layton 19-7
* - Region 2 games
Home games in CAPS
Alta links
* - Alta home page
* - Alta boys basketball page
* - Alta girls basketball page
* - Alta football roster
* - Maxpreps.com team preview
* - Region 2 football preview
* - Alta football preview
* - Alta football history
* - Alta High School website
* - Alta's site on Wikipedia.com
* - Alta football site
MatchupUT.com Phone: (801) 520-4330 Email: Bruce@matchupUT.com
Deseret News photo
Region 2 standings
Alta 5 0 211 67 13 1 496 192
Jordan 4 1 210 95 8 4 380 328
Skyline 3 2 154 106 8 4 314 216
Brighton 2 3 96 117 2 9 160 284
Hillcrest 1 4 75 159 2 8 166 295
Taylorsville 0 5 13 213 1 8 45 330
5-A championship game
Alta 21, Bingham 17
* - To view 5-A playoff results, click here
Alta 5 0 211 67 13 1 496 192
Jordan 4 1 210 95 8 4 380 328
Skyline 3 2 154 106 8 4 314 216
Brighton 2 3 96 117 2 9 160 284
Hillcrest 1 4 75 159 2 8 166 295
Taylorsville 0 5 13 213 1 8 45 330
5-A championship game
Alta 21, Bingham 17
* - To view 5-A playoff results, click here
| ALTA FOOTBALL - 5A STATE CHAMPS |
Deseret News photo
Parker Webster
Region Overall
W L PF PA W L PF PA
W L PF PA W L PF PA
Salt Lake Tribune photo
Zach Liston, No. 20, Parker Webster and and Alex Rivas celebrate
an Alta touchdown against Syracuse.
an Alta touchdown against Syracuse.
Drake Eckholdt
OL Jake Allen leads the cheers following the Hawks early
season win over Bingham.
season win over Bingham.
Salt Lake Tribune photo
Deseret News photo
Deseret News photo
Alta players celebrate their 5-A championship trophy following their
21-17 victory over rival Bingham.
21-17 victory over rival Bingham.
Next: Alta advances in the 5-A playoffs and will play a home game against Davis next week. Viewmont is done for the year.
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune
article, click here.
Oct. 24 - Alta 38, Jordan 36
Story of the game - This may have been the best game in the area this season. Alta kicker Vance Bingham booted a 39-yard field goal as
time ran out as the Hawks won the Region 2 championship with a comeback win over Jordan.
Alta's best moment - What can you say? In a game like this, the last play is what is remembered most. Check out Bingham's quote: "From
the reaction of the crowd, you can always tell when it goes through. Jordan's side was quiet and Alta's side was going ecstatic. It was
amazing."
Jordan's best moment - The Beetdiggers trailed 21-0 at one time, but QB Alex Hart threw five TD passes, as well as a two-point
conversion pass to Braden Hammond with 38 seconds left for a one-point lead. Kudos to coach Alex Jacobson for going for the win.
What we learned from this game - I could write a book about this game. Alta says Brighton or Bingham may be their best rival. After this
game, I don't believe that's true anymore.
Next: Both teams advance to the 5-A playoffs. Alta will play host to Viewmont. Jordan will entertain Spanish Fork. (For 5-A playoff pairings,
click here).
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game, and the Deseret News sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News
story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To view the D-News photo gallery, click here.
Oct. 15 - Alta 45, Taylorsville 0
Story of the game - Alta's defense had a great night, holding Taylorsville to 38 yards total offense, and the Hawks got defensive
touchdowns from Skyler Mayne and Trey Phillips en route to the easy Region 2 victory.
Alta's best moment - This game was never in doubt. QB Ammon Olsen threw TD passes to Drake Eckholdt, Chase Herbert and Tyson
Knowles as Alta led 28-0 after one quarter and 45-0 at halftime. The Hawks emptied their bench after that.
Taylorsville's best moment - The "mercy rule" kept the clock running in the second half. This really wasn't a winnable game for the
Warriors, who have been shut out four times this season and will play Hillcrest next week in a battle of winless region teams.
What we learned from this game - Alta is on a roll and will play at Jordan next week for the region title. The Hawks have dominated their
Utah opposition and have their eyes set on post season.
Next: Alta takes on rival Jordan with the Region 2 title on the line. Taylorsville has a home game against Hillcrest.
Links: There was no local media coverage of the game. To read the Deseret News brief, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article,
click here. For video highlights, click here.
Oct. 10 - Alta 38, Hillcrest 10
Story of the game - Ammon Olsen passed for two touchdowns and RB Alex Rivas ran for two as the Hawks jumped to a 31-0 halftime
lead and whipped Hillcrest in their homecoming game.
Alta's best moment - This game was never in doubt. The Hawks scored the first three times they had the ball, and Ryan Lee intercepted a
pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
Hillcrest's best moment - Information is limited about this game, and the Huskies' scoring was not available.
What we learned from this game - The Hawks are now 3-0 in Region 2 play, and seem headed for a showdown against Jordan for the
region title. There just seems to be a huge difference between the three good teams in the region, and the three others.
Next: Alta plays host to Taylorsville. Hillcrest returns home to take on Brighton.
Links: For the first time this season, there was no media coverage of an Alta game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read
the Salt Lake Tribune brief, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Oct. 3 - Alta 45, Brighton 0
Story of the game - One day after the Brighton sophomore football team won on Alta's home field and celebrated on its midfield logo, the
Hawks varsity "retaliated" by coming out and whipping the visitors 45-0 in a game that was never in doubt.
Alta's best moment - The Hawks scored TDs on their first four possessions. QB Ammon Olsen passed for 206 yards and a TD, and also
ran for two scores. The difference here was the defense, which limited Brighton to 24 total yards and four first downs. In the first half, the
Bengals ran 33 plays and only seven were for positive yardage.
Brighton's best moment - Not much to tell. The Bengals' offense has had trouble all year, and could not move the ball against Alta. Punter
Loi Masina was busy, with eight punts for a 37 yard average, including a 64-yarder.
What we learned from this game - This game is still a rivalry, even though the games are one-sided. Alta was not at its best, but didn't
need to be. The Hawks only had one turnover, and the defense gave the offense short fields.
Next: Alta takes on Hillcrest in its homecoming game. Brighton returns home to play Jordan.
Links: The Deseret News had a reporter at the game. To access the story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune's brief, click here. For
video highlights of the game, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 26 - Alta 45, Skyline 21
Story of the game - Chase Herbert and Drake Eckholdt caught two TD passes each and the Hawks turned away a Skyline comeback
when Garrett Smart returned a fumble 96 yards for a score in Alta's Region 2 win.
Alta's best moment - The Hawks bounced back from last week's loss and had just one turnover (compared to eight last week). Alta built a
21-0 lead and played inspired football.
Skyline's best moment - The Eagles scored consecutive touchdowns in the fourth quarter and seemed headed for another until the
fumble ruined their chances. Skyline also blocked an Alta punt in the game.
What we learned from this game - We figured Alta would get back on track, although the defense has been "bent" the last two games
now. Alta finished the most difficult part of its schedule that had four consecutive road games.
Next: Alta returns home to play Brighton. Skyline travels to play Hillcrest.
Links: The two Salt Lake newspapers both had reporters at the game and the Salt Lake Tribune sent a photographer. To read the Deseret
News story, click here. To read the Tribune article, click here. To view the Tribune's photo gallery, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 20 - Grant, Calif. 35, Alta 28
Story of the game - The long road trip, and playing a top opponent made a difference because the Hawks turned the ball over eight times
(four INTs, four fumbles) and lost for the first time this season to Grant Union High of Sacramento.
Alta's best moment - Trailing 35-21with 1:57 left, the Hawks went 83 yards in six plays, with QB Ammon Olsen passing nine yards for the
touchdown with 17 seconds to go. Alta then recovered the onside kick. Olsen's last gasp, however, was intercepted by Grant speedster
Howard Warren.
Grant's best moment - This was revenge from last year, when Alta claimed a 52-33 win. It was also Grant's second-straight win this year
over a top-ranked team from another state. There likely were college scouts attending this game that normally would not see Alta play.
What we learned from this game - It was a winnable game for Alta, and a good experience. Grant plays at a different speed than most
Utah schools. Skyline might be in trouble next week.
Next: Alta plays at Skyline to start Region 2 play. Grant has a home game against Oak Ridge (of Eldorado Hills, Calif.)
Links: The Salt Lake media did not cover the game. However, the Sacramento Bee was there. To read the Bee's article, click here. To read
the Bee writer's post-game blog, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 12 - Alta 21, Hunter 0
Story of the game - You can talk about Ammon Olsen and Alta's offense all you want, but the Hawks' success is due to their defense. Alta
recorded its second straight shutout and Olsen put together enough offense to give the Hawks a comfortable road victory.
Alta's best moment - After throwing an interception on the opening drive, the Hawks settled down and Olsen led them on two
time-consuming TD drives. Hunter's offense wasn't going anywhere, so Alta's 14-0 halftime lead seemed insurmountable. Zack Bigelow's
97-yard INT return in the third quarter was the dagger.
Hunter's best moment - The Wolverines' defense limited Alta to just 11 snaps in the second half. That's amazing. Hunter put a scare into
the Hawks, intercepting a pass on Alta's third snap (in the first quarter) and then driving the field in the third quarter (before Bigelow's INT
ruined it).
What we learned from this game - Alta's about defense, and defense wins championships. That's why Alta is ranked No. 1. The Hawks
will get a great test next week at Grant, Calif. For Hunter, its problem is offense and its tough schedule. But, hey, that got them ready for a
playoff berth last year.
Next: Alta gets on the bus and goes to Sacramento, Calif., to play Grant. Hunter plays Spanish Fork.
Links: The Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune had reporters at the game. To read the D-News story, click here. To see the Tribune's
article, click here.
Sept. 5 - Alta 28, Kearns 0
Story of the game - Alta QB Ammon Olsen passed for 191 yards and three TDs but, once again, it was the defense that received the
highest praise following a shutout win over previously unbeaten Kearns. Alta improved to 3-0.
Alta's best moment - WR Parker Webster is Olsen's favorite target and these guys are playing themselves toward Div. I football
scholarships. Webster caught two TD passes in the first half and the Hawks cruised.
Kearns' best moment - Once again, the Cougars played 5-A's best team well, keeping the game scoreless through the first quarter.
Cougars' RB Alamoti Vaenuku was suspended and that didn't help.
What was learned from the game - Alta is a juggernaut. It has the offense and defense. Coach Les Hamilton again praised Olsen: "He's
one of the best (quarterbacks) in the state. He stood up the way he knows how to. He had a phenomenal game."
Next week - Alta plays at Hunter, which got its first win Friday night. Kearns will travel to play Lehi.
Links - Both Salt Lake newspapers covered the game, and the Tribune sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News article, click here.
To read the Salt Lake Tribune's story, click here. To view the Tribune's photos of the game, click here.
Aug. 29 - Alta 27, Bingham 19
Story of the game - Alta secured its status as 5-A's top team with this win in front of a huge crowd at its home field. The Hawks' offense
was consistent, and its defense dominated. The only letdown was the special teams, which gave up one TD and allowed another runback
to set up another score.
Alta's best moment - QB Ammon Olsen passed for 309 yards and three TDs. Despite the early deficit, the Hawks didn't get nervous. Their
defense kept Bingham in check, so the offense had plenty of time to get its act together in front a full house at its home field.
Bingham's best moment - The Miners' special teams was just that - special. Dane Lobdell returned a kickoff for a touchdown and Colton
Yack had a long punt return that set up another score. Bingham led 17-3 at the end of the first quarter.
What was learned from the game - This was Alta's first matchup of the season on the "big stage." The Hawks will be marked for the rest
of their schedule, though.
Next week - Alta has the first of four straight road games, playing at Kearns. Bingham will play at Fremont.
Links - The local media was there. Besides newspaper reporters, it was broadcast live on the radio. To read the Deseret News story, click
here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune's article, click here. For detailed game statistics, click here.
Aug. 22 - Alta 42, Spanish Fork 6
Story of the game - We figured Alta had a quarterback, but Ammon Olsen may be just what the Hawks need to repeat as 5-A champs. Alta
may not have Sausan Shakerin, but Alex Rivas had 103 yards on just seven carries, and had a 57-yard punt return. Oh, and don't forget
receiver Parker Webster, who scored two TDs.
Alta's best moment - In the second quarter, Olsen showed mobility by rolling right and then threw the ball across his body to Webster over
the middle. Webster juked a defender and ran for a score.
Spanish Fork's best moment - On the Dons' second series, QB Breck Lewis hit on two straight long completions. Spanish Fork took it
deep into Hawk territory and decided to go for it on fourth and long. Lewis found Jordunn Mattinson for 20 yards; it was short of the first
down, but the Dons showed they were ready to test the Alta defense.
What was learned from the game - Alta coach Les Hamilton is a believer in Olsen. He said, "(Olsen) was fantastic. His first varsity start, he
ran and threw the ball well. Anyone who saw him tonight knows he's one of the elite quarterbacks in the state."
Next week - Alta plays at home against rival Bingham. Spanish Fork has another road game at Timpview.
Links - To read the Deseret News game story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune game story, click here. To see the Spanish Fork
team roster, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune
article, click here.
Oct. 24 - Alta 38, Jordan 36
Story of the game - This may have been the best game in the area this season. Alta kicker Vance Bingham booted a 39-yard field goal as
time ran out as the Hawks won the Region 2 championship with a comeback win over Jordan.
Alta's best moment - What can you say? In a game like this, the last play is what is remembered most. Check out Bingham's quote: "From
the reaction of the crowd, you can always tell when it goes through. Jordan's side was quiet and Alta's side was going ecstatic. It was
amazing."
Jordan's best moment - The Beetdiggers trailed 21-0 at one time, but QB Alex Hart threw five TD passes, as well as a two-point
conversion pass to Braden Hammond with 38 seconds left for a one-point lead. Kudos to coach Alex Jacobson for going for the win.
What we learned from this game - I could write a book about this game. Alta says Brighton or Bingham may be their best rival. After this
game, I don't believe that's true anymore.
Next: Both teams advance to the 5-A playoffs. Alta will play host to Viewmont. Jordan will entertain Spanish Fork. (For 5-A playoff pairings,
click here).
Links: Both Salt Lake newspapers had reporters at the game, and the Deseret News sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News
story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article, click here. To view the D-News photo gallery, click here.
Oct. 15 - Alta 45, Taylorsville 0
Story of the game - Alta's defense had a great night, holding Taylorsville to 38 yards total offense, and the Hawks got defensive
touchdowns from Skyler Mayne and Trey Phillips en route to the easy Region 2 victory.
Alta's best moment - This game was never in doubt. QB Ammon Olsen threw TD passes to Drake Eckholdt, Chase Herbert and Tyson
Knowles as Alta led 28-0 after one quarter and 45-0 at halftime. The Hawks emptied their bench after that.
Taylorsville's best moment - The "mercy rule" kept the clock running in the second half. This really wasn't a winnable game for the
Warriors, who have been shut out four times this season and will play Hillcrest next week in a battle of winless region teams.
What we learned from this game - Alta is on a roll and will play at Jordan next week for the region title. The Hawks have dominated their
Utah opposition and have their eyes set on post season.
Next: Alta takes on rival Jordan with the Region 2 title on the line. Taylorsville has a home game against Hillcrest.
Links: There was no local media coverage of the game. To read the Deseret News brief, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune article,
click here. For video highlights, click here.
Oct. 10 - Alta 38, Hillcrest 10
Story of the game - Ammon Olsen passed for two touchdowns and RB Alex Rivas ran for two as the Hawks jumped to a 31-0 halftime
lead and whipped Hillcrest in their homecoming game.
Alta's best moment - This game was never in doubt. The Hawks scored the first three times they had the ball, and Ryan Lee intercepted a
pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown.
Hillcrest's best moment - Information is limited about this game, and the Huskies' scoring was not available.
What we learned from this game - The Hawks are now 3-0 in Region 2 play, and seem headed for a showdown against Jordan for the
region title. There just seems to be a huge difference between the three good teams in the region, and the three others.
Next: Alta plays host to Taylorsville. Hillcrest returns home to take on Brighton.
Links: For the first time this season, there was no media coverage of an Alta game. To read the Deseret News story, click here. To read
the Salt Lake Tribune brief, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Oct. 3 - Alta 45, Brighton 0
Story of the game - One day after the Brighton sophomore football team won on Alta's home field and celebrated on its midfield logo, the
Hawks varsity "retaliated" by coming out and whipping the visitors 45-0 in a game that was never in doubt.
Alta's best moment - The Hawks scored TDs on their first four possessions. QB Ammon Olsen passed for 206 yards and a TD, and also
ran for two scores. The difference here was the defense, which limited Brighton to 24 total yards and four first downs. In the first half, the
Bengals ran 33 plays and only seven were for positive yardage.
Brighton's best moment - Not much to tell. The Bengals' offense has had trouble all year, and could not move the ball against Alta. Punter
Loi Masina was busy, with eight punts for a 37 yard average, including a 64-yarder.
What we learned from this game - This game is still a rivalry, even though the games are one-sided. Alta was not at its best, but didn't
need to be. The Hawks only had one turnover, and the defense gave the offense short fields.
Next: Alta takes on Hillcrest in its homecoming game. Brighton returns home to play Jordan.
Links: The Deseret News had a reporter at the game. To access the story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune's brief, click here. For
video highlights of the game, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 26 - Alta 45, Skyline 21
Story of the game - Chase Herbert and Drake Eckholdt caught two TD passes each and the Hawks turned away a Skyline comeback
when Garrett Smart returned a fumble 96 yards for a score in Alta's Region 2 win.
Alta's best moment - The Hawks bounced back from last week's loss and had just one turnover (compared to eight last week). Alta built a
21-0 lead and played inspired football.
Skyline's best moment - The Eagles scored consecutive touchdowns in the fourth quarter and seemed headed for another until the
fumble ruined their chances. Skyline also blocked an Alta punt in the game.
What we learned from this game - We figured Alta would get back on track, although the defense has been "bent" the last two games
now. Alta finished the most difficult part of its schedule that had four consecutive road games.
Next: Alta returns home to play Brighton. Skyline travels to play Hillcrest.
Links: The two Salt Lake newspapers both had reporters at the game and the Salt Lake Tribune sent a photographer. To read the Deseret
News story, click here. To read the Tribune article, click here. To view the Tribune's photo gallery, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 20 - Grant, Calif. 35, Alta 28
Story of the game - The long road trip, and playing a top opponent made a difference because the Hawks turned the ball over eight times
(four INTs, four fumbles) and lost for the first time this season to Grant Union High of Sacramento.
Alta's best moment - Trailing 35-21with 1:57 left, the Hawks went 83 yards in six plays, with QB Ammon Olsen passing nine yards for the
touchdown with 17 seconds to go. Alta then recovered the onside kick. Olsen's last gasp, however, was intercepted by Grant speedster
Howard Warren.
Grant's best moment - This was revenge from last year, when Alta claimed a 52-33 win. It was also Grant's second-straight win this year
over a top-ranked team from another state. There likely were college scouts attending this game that normally would not see Alta play.
What we learned from this game - It was a winnable game for Alta, and a good experience. Grant plays at a different speed than most
Utah schools. Skyline might be in trouble next week.
Next: Alta plays at Skyline to start Region 2 play. Grant has a home game against Oak Ridge (of Eldorado Hills, Calif.)
Links: The Salt Lake media did not cover the game. However, the Sacramento Bee was there. To read the Bee's article, click here. To read
the Bee writer's post-game blog, click here. For video highlights, click here.
Sept. 12 - Alta 21, Hunter 0
Story of the game - You can talk about Ammon Olsen and Alta's offense all you want, but the Hawks' success is due to their defense. Alta
recorded its second straight shutout and Olsen put together enough offense to give the Hawks a comfortable road victory.
Alta's best moment - After throwing an interception on the opening drive, the Hawks settled down and Olsen led them on two
time-consuming TD drives. Hunter's offense wasn't going anywhere, so Alta's 14-0 halftime lead seemed insurmountable. Zack Bigelow's
97-yard INT return in the third quarter was the dagger.
Hunter's best moment - The Wolverines' defense limited Alta to just 11 snaps in the second half. That's amazing. Hunter put a scare into
the Hawks, intercepting a pass on Alta's third snap (in the first quarter) and then driving the field in the third quarter (before Bigelow's INT
ruined it).
What we learned from this game - Alta's about defense, and defense wins championships. That's why Alta is ranked No. 1. The Hawks
will get a great test next week at Grant, Calif. For Hunter, its problem is offense and its tough schedule. But, hey, that got them ready for a
playoff berth last year.
Next: Alta gets on the bus and goes to Sacramento, Calif., to play Grant. Hunter plays Spanish Fork.
Links: The Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune had reporters at the game. To read the D-News story, click here. To see the Tribune's
article, click here.
Sept. 5 - Alta 28, Kearns 0
Story of the game - Alta QB Ammon Olsen passed for 191 yards and three TDs but, once again, it was the defense that received the
highest praise following a shutout win over previously unbeaten Kearns. Alta improved to 3-0.
Alta's best moment - WR Parker Webster is Olsen's favorite target and these guys are playing themselves toward Div. I football
scholarships. Webster caught two TD passes in the first half and the Hawks cruised.
Kearns' best moment - Once again, the Cougars played 5-A's best team well, keeping the game scoreless through the first quarter.
Cougars' RB Alamoti Vaenuku was suspended and that didn't help.
What was learned from the game - Alta is a juggernaut. It has the offense and defense. Coach Les Hamilton again praised Olsen: "He's
one of the best (quarterbacks) in the state. He stood up the way he knows how to. He had a phenomenal game."
Next week - Alta plays at Hunter, which got its first win Friday night. Kearns will travel to play Lehi.
Links - Both Salt Lake newspapers covered the game, and the Tribune sent a photographer. To read the Deseret News article, click here.
To read the Salt Lake Tribune's story, click here. To view the Tribune's photos of the game, click here.
Aug. 29 - Alta 27, Bingham 19
Story of the game - Alta secured its status as 5-A's top team with this win in front of a huge crowd at its home field. The Hawks' offense
was consistent, and its defense dominated. The only letdown was the special teams, which gave up one TD and allowed another runback
to set up another score.
Alta's best moment - QB Ammon Olsen passed for 309 yards and three TDs. Despite the early deficit, the Hawks didn't get nervous. Their
defense kept Bingham in check, so the offense had plenty of time to get its act together in front a full house at its home field.
Bingham's best moment - The Miners' special teams was just that - special. Dane Lobdell returned a kickoff for a touchdown and Colton
Yack had a long punt return that set up another score. Bingham led 17-3 at the end of the first quarter.
What was learned from the game - This was Alta's first matchup of the season on the "big stage." The Hawks will be marked for the rest
of their schedule, though.
Next week - Alta has the first of four straight road games, playing at Kearns. Bingham will play at Fremont.
Links - The local media was there. Besides newspaper reporters, it was broadcast live on the radio. To read the Deseret News story, click
here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune's article, click here. For detailed game statistics, click here.
Aug. 22 - Alta 42, Spanish Fork 6
Story of the game - We figured Alta had a quarterback, but Ammon Olsen may be just what the Hawks need to repeat as 5-A champs. Alta
may not have Sausan Shakerin, but Alex Rivas had 103 yards on just seven carries, and had a 57-yard punt return. Oh, and don't forget
receiver Parker Webster, who scored two TDs.
Alta's best moment - In the second quarter, Olsen showed mobility by rolling right and then threw the ball across his body to Webster over
the middle. Webster juked a defender and ran for a score.
Spanish Fork's best moment - On the Dons' second series, QB Breck Lewis hit on two straight long completions. Spanish Fork took it
deep into Hawk territory and decided to go for it on fourth and long. Lewis found Jordunn Mattinson for 20 yards; it was short of the first
down, but the Dons showed they were ready to test the Alta defense.
What was learned from the game - Alta coach Les Hamilton is a believer in Olsen. He said, "(Olsen) was fantastic. His first varsity start, he
ran and threw the ball well. Anyone who saw him tonight knows he's one of the elite quarterbacks in the state."
Next week - Alta plays at home against rival Bingham. Spanish Fork has another road game at Timpview.
Links - To read the Deseret News game story, click here. To read the Salt Lake Tribune game story, click here. To see the Spanish Fork
team roster, click here. For video highlights, click here.
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