High school football: 5A second-round previews

Bountiful’s Zeke Murdock, 10, screams after scoring against Roy at Roy High School on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

This report was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT.

No. 17 Granger at No. 1 Roy

Top-seeded Roy (9-1) begins its quest for its first state title since 1981 when it hosts No. 17 Granger (6-5) in Friday’s 5A second round.

Roy earned a first-round bye after claiming a share of the Region 5 title, while Granger advanced to the second round with a 26-23 first-round victory at Box Elder, snapping a 26-year playoff victory drought.

The Royals average 39.4 points and surrender 20.7 per contest. Roy features a dynamic backfield duo in Logan Cella (932 yards, nine TDs) and Robert Young (835 yards, 16 TDs). Quarterback Dru Gardner has completed 131 of 191 passes for 1,771 yards with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Granger averages 34.4 points while allowing 18.0 per game. The Lancers’ offense is powered by Sunia Fifita, who has rushed for 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns on 136 carries. Quarterback Aidan Royce Welchman has thrown for 1,231 yards and 14 touchdowns, with La’auli Figiel hauling in 25 catches for 587 yards and five scores.

Defensively, Roy is led by Logan Cella (93 tackles), Jaxton Scoffield (86 tackles) and Kahekili Eleneke (31 tackles, five interceptions). Granger’s defense features Mason Kasitati (86 tackles, 21 sacks), Maka Sonasi (74 tackles, nine sacks) and Lu Kinikini (41 tackles, 13 sacks).

Young doubles as Roy’s top receiver with 37 catches for 609 yards and nine touchdowns, while Zay Morris adds 33 receptions for 607 yards and eight scores. Granger’s ground game extends beyond Fifita with Tevita Kofe contributing 361 yards and five touchdowns.

These former region rivals last met in 2022, with Roy winning 35-6. The winner advances to face either No. 8…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/high-school-football-5a-second-190000175.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-10-30 19:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.