Top-seeded Skyridge leaned on its defense to beat No. 8 American Fork 28-21 in a 6A state playoff quarterfinal Friday, moving the Falcons one step from the title game.
Skyridge will face No. 4 Herriman in the semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.
Quarterback Jagger Fountaine had a hand in three Skyridge touchdowns, throwing for two and running for another from 11 yards out. Eli Mortsensen scored twice, once on the ground and once on a catch from Fountaine.
American Fork answered every early Skyridge score. Latani Vaki ran for both Cavemen touchdowns in the second quarter, and the game was tied 14-14 at halftime.
I think these guys have really adopted a next play mentality and not getting too caught up on anything that happens previously,
Justin Hemm, Skyridge head coach
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Falcons coach Justin Hemm said Skyridge wasted red-zone chances in that stretch, but his defense kept giving the offense more opportunities.
The decisive play came with Skyridge ahead 21-14 and just over three minutes left, when Fountaine hit receiver Dax Rehrer running down the middle of the field for a 31-yard touchdown that opened a two-score lead.
Hemm said the defense was the part of the night that pleased him most. He also praised his players for persevering through a season he described as not always clean, one in which plans changed and the team had to adapt on its way to the top seed.
